6 Best Turnout Blankets For Wet Weather Old Farmers Swear By
Seasoned farmers trust these 6 turnout blankets for ultimate wet weather protection. Discover durable, waterproof options that stand the test of time.
There’s nothing quite like the sound of a steady downpour on a metal barn roof. It’s a comforting sound, until you remember your horses are out in it. A good turnout blanket isn’t a luxury; it’s a critical piece of equipment for keeping your animals healthy and comfortable through the soggiest seasons.
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Why a Good Turnout is Key for Wet Weather
A wet horse in a cold wind is a recipe for trouble. A quality waterproof turnout blanket acts as a barrier, keeping the horse’s coat dry and allowing its natural insulating properties to work. This simple layer can prevent chills, which can lead to more serious health issues, especially in older horses or those with compromised immune systems.
More than just warmth, a good turnout is your first line of defense against skin problems like rain rot. This nasty bacterial infection thrives in damp conditions, causing painful sores and hair loss. By keeping the skin dry, you’re creating an environment where it simply can’t take hold.
And let’s be practical: a dry horse is a cleaner horse. A turnout sheet keeps the worst of the mud off, saving you hours of grooming time. When you only have a small window to get chores done, that time saved is invaluable. It’s the difference between a quick check-in and a long, muddy currying session in the cold.
WeatherBeeta ComFiTec: The All-Around Workhorse
If you need one blanket that does its job without fuss, the WeatherBeeta ComFiTec line is a solid bet. They offer a huge range of options, from lightweight rain sheets to heavyweight turnouts, but they all share a reputation for reliability. The fit is generally very accommodating for a variety of horse builds, from stocky quarter horses to lankier thoroughbreds.
What makes the ComFiTec a workhorse is its balance of features and price. You get durable outer shells, good waterproofing, and thoughtful details like generous tail flaps and adjustable leg straps without paying a premium price. They hold up well to a season of rolling, rubbing, and general pasture antics.
This is the blanket you buy when you need something you can trust without overthinking it. It’s not the fanciest or the most indestructible, but it consistently delivers solid performance. For the average hobby farm with a few horses, it’s often the smartest choice for the main blanket in their wardrobe.
Rambo Original Turnout: Unbeatable Durability
There are tough blankets, and then there is the Rambo. Made with ballistic nylon—the same stuff used in bulletproof vests—these turnouts are legendary for their ability to withstand just about anything a horse can throw at them. If you have a known blanket-destroyer or a herd that loves to play rough, the Rambo is an investment that pays for itself.
The initial cost is high, no question about it. But when you’re replacing cheaper blankets every other season, the math starts to change. Rambos are known to last for years, sometimes even a decade, with proper care. They also feature a unique cut that eliminates the need for leg straps, which many find safer and more comfortable for the horse.
Think of the Rambo as a long-term tool. It’s the blanket you buy for the horse you plan to have for a long time. The peace of mind knowing your horse is protected by the toughest material on the market during a winter storm is worth a lot.
Tough-1 1200D Snuggit: Affordable & Reliable
Not every horse needs a fortress-like blanket, and not every budget can handle one. That’s where the Tough-1 Snuggit comes in. It offers dependable 1200D waterproofing and a decent fill at a price point that’s hard to beat. It’s a fantastic option for a horse that is generally easy on its clothes or for a backup blanket.
The "Snuggit" feature, an adjustable neck, is a real standout in this price range. It allows you to get a more custom fit, which helps prevent rain from seeping down the shoulders and reduces wither rubs. This small detail makes a big difference in the blanket’s overall performance and the horse’s comfort.
Let’s be realistic: it’s not a Rambo. It may not last ten years with a destructive horse. But for its cost, the Tough-1 provides excellent value and reliable protection for a season or three, making it a smart, practical choice for many small farm owners.
Shires Highlander Original: Built to Last
Shires has been making quality horse gear for a long time, and the Highlander turnout is a testament to that experience. It’s a no-nonsense, durable blanket that focuses on getting the fundamentals right. The deep shoulder gussets provide excellent freedom of movement, which is crucial for preventing rubs on active horses.
The Highlander is known for its robust construction. The outer fabric holds up well to daily wear and tear, and the waterproofing is reliable season after season. It strikes a great balance, offering durability that approaches the premium brands but at a more accessible, mid-range price.
This is a great middle-ground option. If you want something a step up in toughness from the budget brands but aren’t ready to commit to the price of a Rambo, the Shires Highlander is a fantastic and time-tested choice. It’s a blanket you can put on and not worry about.
Bucas Power Turnout: Smart Temperature Control
The Bucas Power Turnout is for the farmer who values efficiency. Its standout feature is a heat-reflective aluminum coating and a stay-dry lining. This technology helps regulate the horse’s temperature across a much wider range than a traditional blanket, meaning you can often leave one blanket on through fluctuating fall or spring weather.
This isn’t just a gimmick. The lining wicks moisture away so effectively that you can put the blanket on a damp horse after a workout, and it will help dry them while keeping them warm. This can be a huge time-saver and a great feature for managing a horse’s comfort without constant blanket changes.
The convenience comes at a price, as Bucas blankets are in the premium category. However, if the cost of one Bucas replaces the need for two or three different weight blankets, it can be a sound investment. It simplifies your routine and reduces the daily "should I change the blanket?" debate.
Amigo Bravo 12 Plus: Versatility and Value
The Amigo Bravo 12 line, made by the same company as Rambo, offers incredible versatility through its liner system. You buy one waterproof outer shell and then add or remove insulated liners of different weights (100g, 200g, 300g, etc.) as the weather changes. This modular approach is both cost-effective and space-saving.
This system is perfect for regions with unpredictable weather. You can go from a lightweight rain sheet to a heavyweight turnout in minutes, without needing a closet full of separate blankets. The Bravo 12 also comes with a detachable hood, adding another layer of adaptability for wind, rain, or snow.
While the shell itself is a durable 1200D fabric—not quite the ballistic nylon of a Rambo—it’s more than tough enough for most horses. The Amigo Bravo 12 Plus package delivers a huge amount of flexibility and quality for the price, making it one of the smartest systems for a hobby farmer looking to cover all their bases.
Denier and Fill: What Those Numbers Mean
When you’re shopping for blankets, you’ll see numbers like "1200D" and "250g". These aren’t just random specs; they are the two most important factors in a blanket’s performance. Understanding them is key to making the right choice.
Denier (D) is a measure of fabric toughness. It refers to the thickness of the individual threads used to weave the outer shell. A higher denier number means a stronger, more tear-resistant fabric.
- 600D: Standard, good for horses that are easy on their clothes.
- 1200D: The most common and a great all-around choice. It offers a solid balance of durability and price.
- 1680D or Ballistic Nylon: The toughest you can get. Reserved for premium blankets designed for rough use.
Fill is the amount of insulation, measured in grams per square meter (g). This tells you how warm the blanket is. More fill means more warmth.
- 0g (or No Fill): A simple rain sheet. It provides waterproofing but no insulation. Perfect for mild, rainy days.
- 100g – 150g: Light fill. Takes the edge off a cool, windy day without causing overheating.
- 200g – 250g: Medium fill. The standard workhorse for most winter weather.
- 300g – 450g: Heavy fill. For clipped horses or for surviving deep freezes and bitter cold.
Choosing the right combination of denier and fill depends entirely on your horse and your climate. A thick-coated pony in a temperate climate might only need a 1200D/0g rain sheet, while a clipped thoroughbred in a cold region will need a tough 1680D shell with 400g of fill to stay comfortable.
Ultimately, the best turnout blanket is the one that fits your horse, your weather, and your budget. Don’t get caught up in brand names; focus on the denier, the fill, and the fit. A well-chosen blanket is a tool that keeps your horse safe and saves you work, and that’s a win-win on any farm.
