Lightweight turnout rugs are an essential item in any horse’s rug wardrobe. The best lightweight turnout rugs are designed to give your horse an extra layer to help protect him from the elements, while preventing him from overheating in warmer temperatures – they are great to have on hand when the seasons are changing.
Lightweights typically have 50–150g of insulation, but you can also get no-fill (0g) rain sheets, which we’ve rounded up separately. While lightweights are a particularly great option in the milder spring and autumn months, layering rugs throughout the year and making use of liners has become much more popular as it allows you to be flexible in a cost-effective way.
Rugs that are both highly waterproof and breathable are what everyone is looking for, although different types of horses will suit particular cuts, designs and neck configurations. It’s important that these rugs can withstand a heavy and prolonged rain shower, don’t slip or rub, and can survive the wear and tear that comes with turning your horse out. There’s a lot to consider when choosing a rug – jump to this section for more info on how to work out which rug is best for your horse.
Best lightweight turnout rugs
We’ve rounded up a selection of the best lightweight turnout rugs for every budget, some of which have been reviewed by our independent testers. And we’ve grouped them by weight to help you find the perfect option for your horse. Jump down to the…
Best 50g turnout rugs
Hy StormX Original 50 Turnout
Fill: 50g
Style: Standard or combo neck
Outer: 600D
Sizes: 4ft6in – 7ft
RRP: From £55.99
H&H review: 8/10
Available in purple or a selection of limited edition prints, this turnout has a 600D waterproof rip-stop outer and features twin adjustable buckle chest fastenings, adjustable cross surcingles, adjustable leg straps and a generous tail flap. If you opt for the combo version it comes with an integrated contour neck cover with double touch-tape fastenings.
Also available with the same features with 0g fill, 100g fill or 200g fill.
We tested the combo/fixed neck version of this rug – read the full StormX Original 50 Turnout review.
In the UK? View the standard neck now at viovet.co.uk or gsequestrian.co.uk
In the US? View the combo neck now at viovet.co.uk or gsequestrian.co.uk
Swish 50g Detachable Neck Turnout
Fill: 50g
Style: Detachable neck
Outer: 1200D
Sizes: 4ft3in – 7ft6in
RRP: £91.99
H&H review: 8/10
Available in a wide selection of colours, this rug gives you the flexibility of a neck cover that attaches with two double-locking Velcro pieces. It is designed to sit higher on the neck and shoulder to prevent it slipping back and rubbing. It has a 1200D ripstop outer with reflective strips on the front, rear and tail flap. It also features large shoulder gussets, cross surcingles, a tail flap and removable, elasticated leg straps.
Also available with the same features with 0g, 100g, 200g, 300g, 360g or 450g fill. Compatible liners in a range of weights available on Amazon – 50g, 100g, 200g or 300g.
Read H&H’s independent Swish Equestrian 50g turnout review.
In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk
Hy DefenceX System 50 Turnout Rug
Fill: 50g
Style: Detachable neck
Outer: 1200D
Sizes: 5ft6in – 7ft3in
RRP: £89.99
This rug features adjustable cross surcingles, twin clip chest fastenings and leg straps to keep this rug securely in place. It has reflective detailing to aid with visibility in poorer light levels, as well as deep shoulder gussets to allow for a good range of movement and a specially shaped tail flap for optimum coverage.
Also available at with the same features with 0g fill, 100g fill or 200g fill.
In the UK? View now at viovet.co.uk or ebay.co.uk
WeatherBeeta ComFiTec Tyro
Fill: 50g
Style: Standard or combo neck
Outer: 600D ripstop
Sizes: 4ft – 7ft3in
RRP: From £64.99
This new style from WeatherBeeta has a Guard-Tec coating and 210D strong but smooth lining, which helps to prevent rubbing while enhancing shine. It also has antibacterial properties that help to ensure it doesn’t absorb sweat and moisture. It fastens with a twin adjustable buckle front closure (no clips), has an adjustable tail cord with quick clips, twin low cross surcingles and standard tail flap. WeatherBeeta offer a three-year warranty on hardware, waterproofness and breathability on all turnouts.
Also available with the same features with 200g fill.
In the UK? View the standard neck now at gsequestrian.co.uk
In the UK? View the combo now at gsequestrian.co.uk
LeMieux Kudos Turnout Rug
Fill: 50g
Style: Detachable neck
Outer: 1680D
Sizes: 5ft6in – 7ft
RRP: £189.95
This rug has been designed to offer ultimate comfort and protection. It features an advanced front cut and front neck pads for greater comfort, and has a two-part patented skirt system and new angled shoulder gusset to help relieve tension and allow a greater range of movement. The central panel helps to self-right the rug if it slips, while the angled front closure system is designed to evenly balance and distribute any pressure, which helps to prevent rubbing on shoulder and across the chest.
Also available with the same features with 100g fill, 200g fill or 350g fill, and is compatible with LeMieux Arika rug liners.
In the UK? View now at oakfield-direct.co.uk
Ruggles V2 Turnout Rug
Fill: 50g or 70g
Style: Standard neck
Outer: 1200D
Sizes: 2ft9in – 7ft6in
RRP: From £54 (mini sizes)
This turnout has a Teflon coating for extra protection and more resistance to moisture and staining. It is available in three lightweight fill options and in a really wide range of sizes – about the widest you’ll find, so is a great option if you have a mini or heavy horse.
It has a soft lining to prevent rubbing and keep the coat smooth, while the shoulder gussets allow easier movement. The rug is fastened with double adjustable chest straps and trigger clips, and has detachable leg straps. It features reflective strips, wither protection and taped seams. An attachable neck is available separately (on Ebay) and fastens to the rug with Velcro.
Also available with the same features with 100g fill.
In the UK? View mini sizes now at ebay.co.uk
In the UK? View standard horse sizes now at ebay.co.uk
In the UK? View heavy horse sizes now at ebay.co.uk
JHL Essential Lightweight Plus Turnout Rug
Fill: 80g
Style: Detachable neck
Outer: 600D
Sizes: 5ft6in – 7ft
RRP: £59.99
H&H review: 8/10
OK, this JHL rug is 80g rather than 50g, but if you’re looking for a light fill that’s less than 100g it could still do the trick. This rug has a nylon lining, with reinforced anti-rub shoulders and fully taped seams. It features adjustable and removable legs straps, a gusseted tail flap, adjustable double front buckles and cross adjustable surcingles.
Also available with the same features with 0g fill, 200g fill or 350g fill.
Read H&H’s independent JHL Essential Lightweight Plus review.
In the UK? View now at viovet.co.uk
Best 100g turnout rugs
WeatherBeeta ComFiTec Plus Dynamic II Medium/Lite
Fill: 100g
Style: Standard, combo or detachable neck
Outer: 1200D triple weave
Sizes: 4ft – 7ft3in
RRP: £134.99 (standard), £144.99 (combo), £154.99 (detachable)
H&H review: 10/10, H&H Approved
This rug is packed with great features, including a super-strong, waterproof and breathable outer shell with a repellent coating. It has a memory foam wither relief pad that contours to your horse’s shape and lifts the rug off the wither to reduce rubbing and provide added comfort. The rug fastens with a quick-clip adjustable front closure and is compatible with the ComFiTec liner system. It has a new extra-large tail flap for maximum protection, reflective strips on front each side and tail flap for extra visibility, traditional side gussets for natural movement, twin low cross surcingles and elasticated, adjustable and removable leg straps for a secure and comfortable fit.
Also available with the same features with 0g, 220g or 360g fill, and is compatible with WeatherBeeta rug liners (available at Viovet).
We tested the medium weight (220g) version of this rug, but apart from the fill weight all other features are the same. Read H&H’s independent ComFiTec Plus Dynamic II review.
In the UK? View the standard neck version at viovet.co.uk, gsequestrian.co.uk or ebay.co.uk
In the UK? View the combo neck version at viovet.co.uk, gsequestrian.co.uk or ebay.co.uk
In the UK? View the detachable neck version at amazon.co.uk, viovet.co.uk, gsequestrian.co.uk or ebay.co.uk
Rhinegold Elite Montpellier Rug
Fill: 100g
Style: Standard or fixed neck
Outer: 600D ripstop
Sizes: 4ft6in – 7ft3in
RRP: £68.90 (standard neck), £79.80 (combo)
This turnout has a multi-adjustable chest with twin buckles to create the perfect fit, as well as trigger hooks for everyday ease. The neckline and chest panel benefit from an added waterproof stretch material, which offers extra freedom of movement and comfort. The rug also features a front shoulder movement pleat with stretch fabric inserts, surcingle guides and an extra- large umbrella style tail guard with reflective tape.
In the UK? View the standard neck now at amazon.co.uk
In the UK? View the combo neck now at amazon.co.uk
Shires Tempest Original 100 Turnout
Fill: 100g (compatible liners available)
Style: Standard, combo or detachable neck
Outer: 600D ripstop
Sizes: 4ft – 7ft3in
RRP: £69.99 (standard neck), £83.99 (combo), £91.99 (detachable)
This fully lined Shires rug features adjustable buckle chest straps, adjustable cross surcingles and a fillet strap. It has taped seams and the PFC-free durable water-repellent finish outer offers sustainable weather protection.
Also available with 0g, 200g or 300g fill, and is compatible with Shires WarmaRug liners (available on Amazon).
In the UK? View the standard neck version now at amazon.co.uk, viovet.co.uk, gsequestrian.co.uk or ebay.co.uk
In the UK? View the combo neck version now at viovet.co.uk, gsequestrian.co.uk or sportsdirect.com
In the UK? View the detachable neck version now at viovet.co.uk, gsequestrian.co.uk or ebay.co.uk
Swish 100g Detachable Neck Turnout
Fill: 100g
Style: Detachable neck
Outer: 1200D
Sizes: 4ft3in – 7ft6in
RRP: £92.99
H&H review: 8/10
Available in a wide selection of colours, this rug gives you the flexibility of a neck cover that attaches with two double-locking Velcro pieces. It is designed to sit higher on the neck and shoulder to prevent it slipping back and rubbing. It has a 1200D ripstop outer with reflective strips on the front, rear and tail flap. It also features large shoulder gussets, cross surcingles, a tail flap and removable, elasticated leg straps.
Also available with the same features with 0g, 50g, 200g, 300g, 360g or 450g fill. Compatible liners in a range of weights available on Amazon – 50g, 100g, 200g or 300g.
Read H&H’s independent Swish Equestrian 50g turnout review.
In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk
Hy DefenceX System 100 Turnout Rug
Fill: 100g
Style: Detachable neck
Outer: 1200D
Sizes: 5ft6in – 7ft3in
RRP: £94.99
This rug features adjustable cross surcingles, twin clip chest fastenings and leg straps to keep this rug securely in place. It has reflective detailing to aid with visibility in poorer light levels, as well as deep shoulder gussets to allow for a good range of movement and a specially shaped tail flap for optimum coverage.
Also available at Viovet with the same features with 0g fill, 50g fill or 200g fill.
In the UK? View now at viovet.co.uk or ebay.co.uk
LeMieux Arika Storm-Tek Rug
Fill: 100g
Style: Detachable neck
Outer: 1200D
Sizes: 5ft3in – 7ft
RRP: £149.95
This lightweight from LeMieux has been developed using a two-part patented system – the independent lower skirt delivers a break in the hemline, which relieves tension and allows for a greater range of movement, while the central panel helps to self-right the rug and provides added protection. The angled front closure system evenly balances and distributes pressure, helping to prevent rubbing on the point of shoulder and across the chest.
Also available with the same features with 200g or 350g fill. It is compatible with LeMieux Arika liners.
In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk or ebay.co.uk
Hy StormX Original 100 Turnout
Fill: 100g
Style: Standard or combo neck
Outer: 600D
Sizes: 4ft6in – 7ft
RRP: From £55.99
H&H review: 8/10
Available in blue or a selection of limited edition prints, this turnout has a 600D waterproof rip-stop outer and features twin adjustable buckle chest fastenings, adjustable cross surcingles, adjustable leg straps and a generous tail flap. If you opt for the combo version it comes with an integrated contour neck cover with double touch-tape fastenings.
Also available with the same features with 0g fill, 50g fill or 200g fill.
We tested the combo/fixed neck version of this rug with 50g (all features are the same bar weight) – read the full StormX Original 50 Turnout review.
In the UK? View the standard neck now at viovet.co.uk or gsequestrian.co.uk
In the US? View the combo neck now at viovet.co.uk or gsequestrian.co.uk
Masta Fieldmasta Lightweight Combo Turnout Rug
Fill: 100g
Style: Combo neck
Outer: 600D with 1200D ripstop sections
Sizes: 4ft6in – 7ft6in
RRP: £159
This rug has reinforced 1200D sections where you need it, rather than being one denier throughout the shell. Fully waterproof and breathable. It is fully adjustable at the chest with quick clip and buckle fastenings. The large tri-vent shoulder gusset offers freedom of movement and prevents rubbing along with the anti-rub lining and memory foam sections at the wither. The pass-through surcingles help to prevent the rug from slipping and being pulled tight behind the elbow.
Also available with the same features and 220g fill on Amazon.
In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk
Mackey Keadeen Lightweight Turnout
Fill: 100g
Style: Standard or combo neck
Outer: 600D
Sizes: 5ft6in – 7ft
RRP: £84.95 (standard) or £107.95 (combo)
This rug has an anti-rub 210D polyester lining, fleece wither protection and twin strap breast buckles, as well as a tail flap, detachable leg straps and cross surcingles. It also features reflective strips on the front, back and tail flap.
Also available with the same features with 250g standard neck (on Viovet) or 250g combo neck (on Viovet).
In the UK? View the standard neck now at viovet.co.uk or gsequestrian.co.uk
In the UK? View the combo neck now at viovet.co.uk or gsequestrian.co.uk
Ruggles V2 Turnout Rug
Fill: 100g
Style: Standard neck
Outer: 1200D
Sizes: 2ft9in – 7ft6in
RRP: From £55 (mini sizes)
This turnout has a Teflon coating for extra protection and more resistance to moisture and staining. It is available in three lightweight fill options and in a really wide range of sizes. It has a soft lining to prevent rubbing and keep the coat smooth, while the shoulder gussets allow easier movement. The rug is fastened with double adjustable chest straps and trigger clips, and has detachable leg straps. It features reflective strips, wither protection and taped seams. An attachable neck is available separately and fastens to the rug with Velcro.
Also available with the same features with 50g or 70g fill.
In the UK? View mini sizes now at ebay.co.uk
In the UK? View standard horse sizes now at ebay.co.uk
In the UK? View heavy horse sizes now at ebay.co.uk
Best 150g lightweight turnout rugs
Bucas Irish Turnout
Fill: 150g
Style: Standard neck
Sizes: 5–7ft
RRP: £135
The Irish turnout has a durable rip-stop outer and a silk-feel lining to help keep the coat in good condition and prevents rubbing on your horse’s shoulders.
It fastens at the chest with a magnetic snap-lock T-bar closure, has cross surcingles and attachments for leg straps allow for an easy fastening and secure fit. Other features include shoulder darts and tail flap.
Also available with the same features with 0g, 50g, 100g, 250g or 300g fill.
In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk
Mark Todd Autumner
Fill: 150g
Style: Standard neck
Outer: 600D
Sizes: 5ft6in – 7ft
RRP: £100
H&H review: 7/10
This rug is one of the warmer lightweights in this guide at 150g polyfill. Its features include reinforced nylon anti-rub shoulders, adjustable double front buckles with quick-release clips, reflective strips and adjustable and removable leg straps. A compatible neck cover is available to purchase separately.
Read H&H’s independent Mark Todd Autumner review.
In the UK? View now at viovet.co.uk or gsequestrian.co.uk
How to choose the best lightweight turnout rug
There are a few things to consider when buying a new turnout rug, including…
- Weight – how much filling do you need? Do you need any at all?
- Outer shell – how tough does the rug need to be? Is your horse a known rug wrecker?
- Cut – do you need a neck? Are you after a particular shape?
- Extras – do you have a preferred type of fastening? Or would you benefit from reflective strips?
Manufacturers are constantly innovating and introducing new features to their lightweight turnout rugs, such as shaped padding to protect the withers and new designs of shoulder gusset to allow additional freedom of movement. Choosing between neck styles – standard with no neck, detachable or integrated – is mostly down to what suits your horse best, but detachable is certainly the most versatile, allowing you to remove the neck when the weather’s a little warmer or if your horse is prone to rubbing. Many of the best lightweight turnout rugs, however, feature special anti-rub linings that should go some way to help prevent this.
Fastenings are important because there’s nothing more annoying that having to find a spare buckle or replace your leg straps with a fillet string made of baler twine. Good quality, easy to fasten and comfortable for your horse are what you’re looking for here. Some rugs will have elasticated leg straps, while others will have clips rather than buckles at the front – have a good think about what you prefer and what will work for your horse because you’ll be using them every day.
For an in-depth guide to choosing the best lightweight option for your horse, check out our expert guide to buying a new turnout rug.
You might also like:
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