APRIL is notorious for being a wet month, and while it’s getting warmer, the weather is such a mix that it’s hard to know how to dress for the best.
That’s where TOG24 comes in.
The brand is based in Yorkshire, so it knows a lot about rain, and it specialises in outdoor clothing to cover all eventualities.
As an enthusiastic walker with two dogs, I frequently end up too hot, too cold or soaked on my daily trips out into the countryside, so I was more than ready to test out a few of the company’s bestsellers.
On cooler days, I need the warmth of an insulated jacket; other days, something light to shield me from the wind is enough.
I tend to wear jeans and jumpers, but when it rains jeans soak up the water and become uncomfortable to wear, while jumpers can be too stifling when the sun shines.
It’s a minefield.
So for that reason, I reviewed three different clothing items that I thought would be suitable for all weather conditions: The Ranskill Long Insulated Gilet, Burradon Waterproof Jacket and Denver Walking Trousers.
How I tested
I wore these items over several weeks in March and April during my daily dog walks.
The weather was a mixture: cold and bright some days, windy others, very warm and sunny at times, and there was a little rain too.
I didn’t put the clothes through any special tests or use special equipment — I simply wore them as anyone would, on spring days that were as predictable as they always are in England.
The weather at this time of year is on the cusp, slowly transforming from winter to spring, and it doesn’t know if it wants to be cold or warm – you get all four seasons in one day!
I rated the trousers and jackets on feel, fit, how they looked and how they performed.
Tog 24 Ranskill Women's Long Insulated Gilet
Ranskill Women's Long Insulated Gilet, £120 £79
Pros: Super lightweight, warm, showerproof, hooded, deep zipped pockets, full-length zip
Cons: Fixed hood, but other than that, none
Rating: 9.5/10
The Ranskill Gilet from Tog 24 has become my go-to in-betweenie for when I don’t know what the weather is going to throw at me.
It’s long and padded, so it’s warm when the sun disappears behind the clouds, but it’s also sleeveless so I don’t overheat when the temperatures rise again.
Even better, it keeps me dry in the showers, and it has a hood – so I’m covered come wind or rain!
It’s easy to wear, and it covers my legs as well as my body, which not only keeps me warm but stops my jeans from getting soaked when the showers start.
The zip is full-length, two-way and feels sturdy, like it’s going to last, which is what you need in a garment that’s going to get a lot of use.
The hood is a good size but not so huge that it comes out past your face, making it difficult to look left and right when crossing roads (which is the problem I have with my favourite winter coat).
It has two draw cords to tighten it closer to your head if the wind picks up or to prevent the rain from getting in.
There’s also two very deep pockets on the front – and they’re zipped! These are essential when you’re dog walking and need somewhere to keep your phone, keys, dog treats and poo bags.
Ranskill Women's Long Insulated Gilet, £120 £79
Though it keeps me warm, this gilet is also very light to wear.
The insulation is polyester from recycled plastic bottles, and it can’t weigh very much, but it’s super effective. The outer material is polyamide, and the lining is polyester.
It’s not billed as showerproof, but I find it keeps the rain off me (though I would wear a coat in very wet weather).
I have the Ranskill in black, but it’s also available in khaki. It comes in sizes 8 to 24 – I have size 16, and I would say it’s true to size.
I haven’t had my gilet long, but it has fast become one of my favourite clothing items this spring. I don’t just save it for dog walking but wear it regularly, even to the supermarket.
Tog 24 Denver Women’s Walking Trousers
Denver Women’s Walking Trousers, £50 £35
Pros: Comfortable to wear, strong fabric, pockets (two with zips), quick-drying, allows for a good range of movement
Cons: Too thin for cold weather, fabric rustles when you walk
Rating: 7/10
When I first received these trousers I wasn’t sure I was going to like them.
The nylon fabric is thin and makes that rustly noise as you move around; they also didn’t look like they were going to be comfortable to wear.
However, I was wrong. They are very comfy on, and if you can get over the rustle, they’re pretty good.
They’re 92% polyamide and 8% elastane, and it’s the elastane that makes all the difference, providing give so you can move more freely.
They have two open pockets at the waist and a generous zipped pocket on the left leg. All of these are large enough to hold my phone or wallet.
There’s also a smaller zipped pocket on the back, which is ideal for keeping keys and smaller items secure.
For me, the pockets will come in handy during the summer for storing all the bits and pieces I carry when the weather’s too warm for a jacket.
Denver Women’s Walking Trousers, £50 £35
The lightweight fabric dries quickly, which is a big bonus if you’re caught in the rain or are going to be wearing these on longer walks and won’t have the opportunity to go home and change.
However, I don’t find them warm enough on colder days.
The fit is true to size, and I love the indigo colour. They’re about ankle-length on me.
Pleats above and below the knees mean movement is not restricted – say if you’re walking up a hill — and the cut is flattering: straight leg, tapering in a little at the ankles.
For walking, they’re fab, but I wouldn’t wear these as everyday trousers.
Tog 24 Burradon Women’s Waterproof Jacket
Burradon Women’s Waterproof Jacket, £100 £70
Pros: Waterproof, windproof, lightweight, lots of pockets, has a hood, zip and Velcro fastening, adjustable cuffs, good length
Cons: Didn’t keep me warm enough on cold days without a jumper underneath
Rating: 8/10
I found this lightweight jacket ideal for the warm weather we’ve been having these past few weeks.
It’s waterproof and has a hood, so it keeps me dry in the rain, but importantly, it’s also windproof with taped seams, which helps keep me warm when it’s blowing a gale.
The jacket is easy to wear, practical, and it looks good.
There’s an elastic drawcord you can pull at the waist for a more fitted look, and it seems slightly longer at the back, which I like.
The sleeves are a touch too long for me, but there are two press stud fasteners at each cuff, which narrow them a little, stopping them from falling over my hands.
Burradon Women’s Waterproof Jacket, £100 £70
While the front pockets aren’t zipped, they have deep flaps that fasten with press studs, protecting the contents from the weather and from falling out.
These are also open at the sides, creating another two pockets to keep your hands warm on chilly days.
Inside, there’s a zipped pocket, which is large enough for my phone and keys.
If you do get caught in the rain, the hood has adjustable elastic drawcords to tighten it closer to your head, and it has a stiff peak at the front in the middle, which prevents it from collapsing onto your forehead (so the water doesn’t roll onto your face).
When the weather’s cold, I find I need to wear a fleece or jumper underneath, but that’s not a problem.
So far, on warmer days, simply undoing the zip is enough, but when it gets too warm, I won’t mind carrying this as it’s so light and it won’t weigh me down.
I received the Burradon in a 16, and I would say it’s true to size – comfortable both fastened and unfastened.
It’s available in five colours, and again, I have the indigo.
