Which jacket do you wear when hiking in changeable weather?

Walking through all weather conditions

Walking might just be the most enjoyable way to get outdoors.
Clear your head, get some fresh air, and enjoy the season.

But let's be honest: in the Netherlands, the weather is rarely stable.

You start in the sun, feel a fresh breeze, and before you know it, you're in a shower.
The right jacket truly makes the difference between enjoying it… or regretting it.

🌦️ Why spring is such a tricky period

Spring may seem mild, but it's often deceptive.

Cold mornings
Warmer afternoons
Regular wind
And always a chance of rain

That means your jacket needs to do more than just keep you warm.

👉 You need a jacket that:

protects against rain and wind
isn't too warm during activity
is comfortable during longer walks

🧥 What makes a good walking jacket?

If you walk regularly, you probably recognize this:

You get warm while walking, but as soon as you stop, it's chilly again.

That's why a good walking jacket is:

✔️ Breathable

So you don't feel clammy while walking.

✔️ Waterproof or water-repellent

For those typical Dutch rain showers.

✔️ Lightweight

So you can easily wear it all the time.

✔️ Freedom of movement

Not a stiff jacket, but one that moves with you.

Which jacket do you choose for your walk?

1. Softshell jacket – the all-round favorite

A softshell jacket is ideal when you're active.

Perfect for:

daily walks
rain
chilly temperatures

Why?

breathable → no sweaty feeling
flexible → comfortable during movement
light → pleasant to wear for a long time

👉 This is often the jacket you wear the most, check out our softshell jackets here.

2. Waterproof rain jacket with high water column – for certainty

Are you going for a longer walk or are you unsure about the weather?

Then a real rain jacket is a safe choice.

Perfect for:

longer walks
changeable weather
chance of heavy showers

Note:
Choose a model that isn't too heavy and offers enough freedom of movement.

👉 Also consider a slightly longer jacket for extra protection, check our spring jackets here.

3. Mid-season jacket – for dry days

Is it dry, but still chilly?

Then a light mid-season jacket might be sufficient.

However:
In the Netherlands, it's smart to always be prepared for a shower, which is precisely why we sell lovely jackets that are also waterproof!

💡 Smart combining: layering

A tip that is often underestimated:

Work with layers.

thin shirt
cardigan or sweater
jacket

This way, you can easily adjust on the go.

👢 Don't forget the rest of your outfit

Your jacket is important, but not everything.

Also consider:

comfortable (waterproof) boots, check out our lovely collection here
taking lunch or other important items with you? How wonderful is a waterproof (backpack) bag, which we also have! View our (backpack) bags here.

🤍 Conclusion

The perfect walking jacket doesn't exist —
but the right choice for your situation does.

For the Dutch spring, this applies:

👉 Are you actively walking? → choose a softshell
👉 Is a lot of rain predicted? → choose a rain jacket with a high water column.

This way, you'll stay comfortable and dry.

👉 View our jackets for walking

Softshell jackets → Click here
Waterproof rain jackets → Click here
Extra long rain jackets → Click here