Best lightweight turnout rugs with 50–150g fill

Horses in field wearing lightweight turnout rugs — (Image credit: Alamy Stock Photo)

A versatile rug that’s an essential part of 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.

Lightweights typically have 50–150g of insulation, but you can also get no-fill (0g) rain sheets, which we’ve rounded up separately. When selecting a new rug you need to keep in mind your horse’s size and form, as well as their individual needs.

Available in mixy-matchy seasonal colours with reflective detailing. The rug has a 600D ripstop outer with a seamless spine to eliminate leaks. A two-part skirt system, patented angled T-bar front closure system and anti-static shoulder lining to balance and distribute any pressure, to help prevent rubbing. Featuring cross surcingles, elasticated leg straps, PVC coated fillet strap and detachable neck cover. Compatible with LeMieux liners sold separately to layer up the rug to the desired weight for your horse.

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.

Currently available in a limited edition Dachshund print or navy, this durable rug has a Guard-Tec coating and 1200D strong outer with a smooth lining, which helps to prevent rubbing while enhancing coat shine. 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. Fleece wither and three D-rings to attach a neck cover, which is available separately. WeatherBeeta offers a three-year warranty on hardware, waterproofness and breathability on all turnouts.

This turnout is made from 1200D fabric with a Teflon coating for extra protection and more resistance to moisture and staining. The underside has a soft nylon lining to prevent rubbing and help keep the coat smooth. It also features removable leg straps, a wither protector, shoulder gussets and has double buckle and clip chest fastenings. An attachable neck is available separately and fastens to the rug with Velcro. It is available 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.

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 for 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.

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.

This lightweight turnout 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 shoulder and across the chest.

Made from a strong, durable and waterproof 1200D outer and the choice of standard neck (Original) or detachable contoured neck cover (Plus). With a 100g fill it helps to keep your horse warm when the temperatures start to drop. Featuring a surefit neck design, v-front closure system and leg arches to allow for freedom of movement. With three cross surcingles and a wipe clean tail cord provide a secure fit. The anti-static, anti-bacterial, shine enhancing lining improves your horse’s comfort. Plus, it is compatible with Horseware’s extensive range of liners enabling you to upgrade on warmth as and when needed.

Crafted from breathable and lightweight 840D ballistic nylon with teflon coating for added stain resistance and moisture protection. A dual-membrane design enhances the rug’s waterproof capabilities and protects the 150g fill. The neckline falls in front of the shoulder for a comfortable fit. Features an extra-high elasticated shoulder gusset, double quick release chest clip closures, low cross surcingles, PVC coated tail strap, detachable leg straps and a large tail flap. Detachable neck cover included and it’s compatible with Premier equine liners allowing you to quickly adapt the rug according to your horses needs.

I use Premier Equine rugs on my Irish Draught and found they come up big in size so I always buy a size down in this brand for him. Georgia has found the same when shopping for her 13.3hh Fjord. I love the fit and coverage their rugs offer him. I really like the full length velcro at the front to keep the rug from turning back on itself on his chest. The neck covers attach with strong velcro and I have never had a problem with them rubbing his mane. The self-righting technology is ideal for when he is turned out for longer periods. I have also added liners to my rugs during the winter and found it easy to attach them to get the right weight when needed.

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 and how to work out which rug is best for your horse

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 than 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

Lightweights typically have 50–150g of insulation, but you can also get 0g/no-fill rain sheets, which we’ve rounded up separately in our guide to the best rain sheets. 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.

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Franchesca is Horse & Hound’s Products Editor. She produces all of our buying guides and gift guides, as well as organising product testing and bringing you news about the latest products to hit the market. If there’s a new launch, Franchesca is the first person to hear about it. She brings you the best deals and is passionate about arming Horse & Hound’s readers with honest, unbiased product reviews. Franchesca loves letting riders and horse owners know what products are coming out, how to make their lives easier and how to spend their money wisely.

A pick of the best lightweight turnouts for changeable weather

Best lightweight turnout rugs

Best 50g turnout rugs

LeMieux Arika Ripstop 50g Turnout Rug

Hy StormX Empra 50 Turnout

Masta Ventomasta Standard Neck Turnout Rug

Swish 50g Detachable Neck Turnout

WeatherBeeta ComFiTec Essential Lite Plus

Ruggles V2 1200D 50g Turnout Rug

Epic Classic 50g Turnout Rug

JHL Essential Lightweight Plus Turnout Rug

Best 100g turnout rugs

Ruggles 100g V2 Turnout Rug

Shires Highlander Original 100 Turnout Rug

Rhinegold Elite Montpellier Rug

Swish 100g Detachable Neck Turnout

LeMieux Arika Storm-Tek Rug

Mackey Keadeen 100g Turnout

Gallop Trojan 100g Turnout

Horseware Amigo Bravo 12 Turnout

Best 150g turnout rugs

Bucas Irish Turnout

Premier Equine Buster Turnout With Classic Neck Cover

What to look out for in a turnout rug

How to choose the best lightweight turnout rug

How heavy is a lightweight rug?

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