I have a pretty firm belief that the best exercise is the one you really enjoy and crave doing; otherwise, you simply won’t stick to it. That doesn’t stop me from trying new workouts (and then committing to them only to quit after 6 months). Walking will always be top of my list of what I actually enjoy doing because it’s moving my body in nature while listening to a great podcast with my pups. It checks so many of my boxes (along with yoga + road cycling). Sure, I lift weights and do Peloton because I know that I have to (and I’ll probably share in the new year the program that I do that I like). But anyway, today is about walking because I probably log 10-15 miles a week, and living in Oregon, I need a lot of different jackets for different weather and lengths of time. Here are the requirements for the best walking jackets:

1. Pockets. Big enough for a phone, a doggy bag, a headphone case, and sunglasses. Extra credit for a zipper (but deep is fine if not).
2. Big enough to cover my weighted vest or thin enough for my weighted vest to go over.
3. Not bulky or heavy.

I didn’t have what I needed for this fall, so I went shopping. I want to publicly say there is a hole in the market for cool outdoor active jackets by the major brands, but Free People’s active line is filling that hole for me pretty great these days. These aren’t performance jackets, BTW, like nothing you would run 10 miles in. But not all of us want to wear super tight body-con jackets (I’m talking to you, Lululemon). I tried looking at Nike but couldn’t find anything that checked my boxes this time (outside of shoes). We want layers that add warmth and make us look cool. Utilitarian in vibe, not trying to be sexy (IMHO).

Dew Point Rain Jacket | Aerie Leggings | Hat (similar) | Sneakers

Look at those pockets!!!!! So big, deep, and with a zipper? Plus, I love the thumb holes (we don’t need gloves here til Jan/Feb usually). And while I wouldn’t wear this if it were raining (I have a different one below), this is technically a rain jacket and has a hood. Also shout out to those leggings which are so comfortable I bought 5 pairs (different colors) because I wear leggings most days and I love how non-compression-y they are (I buy small for walking then mediums for all day lounging – literally feels like I’m not wearing anything). Now these aren’t warm at all, nor are they performance (no 10-mile runs). And while I wouldn’t buy white shoes again in Oregon, I love those Nikes for how unbelievably comfortable they are for walking. I love all the Airmax Motos, BTW. I have two pairs, and they are my preferred sneaker for all-around-the-house stuff, too (not just long walks). Just really cushy and comfortable.

Misty Mountain Waterproof Pullover | Leggings | Baseball Hat | Shoes

This is the rain pullover that I would use for rain if it’s not cold. And yes, I walk the dogs in light showers, just not downpours. I can fit my weighted vest underneath it. It has 4 pockets, all with zippers – two up high, which is nice so it doesn’t bang against my thighs. It just feels cool. Those are my rain walking shoes (technically hiking shoes) from Columbia that I’ve had for four years (and love because they come up high enough that I can walk through wet grass without getting my socks wet). They have this shiny silver fabric on the inside that keeps my feet so warm (these are what I wear most winter walks unless it’s snowing). I should probably replace them, but they are still going strong after so many years!

Happy Trails Poncho | Quick Step Bubble Pants | Tennis Shoes | Shirt (old Aerie) | Chunky Beanie

This vest is so stinking cute. It’s a puffer without being huge. It has two really deep pockets and is lined in fleece on the inside. I’m wearing the small, and it’s still big enough to hide my weighted vest. BIG FAN. Oh, and I love those cute yoga pants – such a cute little bubble shape.

Weighted Vest

BTW, I have a pretty strong weighted vest game (not to brag, but I’ve been doing it WAY before it became such a thing). I just gave away my 12lb because I rarely grabbed it and now just have a 16lb and 25lb. The 25lb is CRAZY HEAVY, so this is the one that I use on my Monday morning walks that are around 3 miles with a HUGE hill, but I can’t do 5 miles in it (hurts my shoulders). If you want to just do stairs, you won’t be able to walk the next day (which I like because I’m crazy). So if you are new to the weighted vest but are used to walking, I would get the 16lb. Much more is just too heavy. I don’t love the adjustable ones, FWIW.

Pom Beanie | Sherpa Vest | Shirt (old Nike) | Pants | Sneakers

This vest I got to layer underneath my jackets because I thought the camel color would be cool. I don’t think I’m really selling it here, but it’s pretty great. Not bulky, with zipper pockets, and easy to layer under jackets.

Jacket | Top | Aerie Leggings | Hat (similar)

This new light puffer has such a good cut. Two zipper pockets. Super flattering IMHO, although you can’t tell with the weighted vest on. I’m wearing a Quince long-sleeve workout shirt underneath, which I really like (soft, not too fitted, doesn’t hug or cling in the wrong places).

The jacket is light, so it’s not going to be your winter walking jacket, but for a brisk morning in the fall it’s actually perfect.

Weighted Vest | Headlamp | Headphones

I don’t stray from this weighted vest (there are a ton of brands, but don’t let them fool you – you don’t need more bells and whistles or to spend a lot of money). This one comes with a cell phone attachment, which I used to use, but I took it off and can’t find it. I don’t love the adjustable ones because I don’t like to lose parts, so it’s almost easier to just have two different weights if you think you are going to use it enough. The headphones are the all-time favorites that I’ve been using for 8 years because they stay in my ear and last for 80 hours and charge in the case. There might be better/newer things on the market, but I keep rebuying these (just to have more in case I can’t find mine) because I’ve been so happy with them (they are dorky though when I’m grocery shopping with them, which I do). BTW, I only use one ear while walking/shopping so I can hear around me.

But Wait, How Do You Make Walking Not Boring???

Podcast. Gripping, entertaining, educational podcasts. I don’t love scary true crime, but I LOVE all the heist/scammy ones – just all the series where you HAVE to listen to the end. Not to brag, but my “Gripping Podcast” blog post is epic and has gone really viral. I add to it every few months as I listen to more, so if you haven’t checked on it in a while, head over there.

But outside of gripping series, I listen to a ton of weekly podcasts. I love Armchair Expert twice a week. Off the top of my head, I’ve loved (lately) these guests a LOT: Eric Goode, Guillermo Del Toro, the most recent Malcolm Gladwell, Ray Madoff (SO GOOD!!!!!), Oliva Fox Cabane (on the science of Charisma), Chris Young (incredible story), Alan Ritchson (def didn’t predict I’d love that one), Lukas Gage (woah)… And that’s just the last few months. I’ve always wanted to do a list of my absolute favorites from the last 8 years – let me know in the comments if you want it (you HAVE to listen to the one on Sociopathy and OCD, so freaking good). I also listen to Pivot twice a week (Kara Swisher and Scott Galloway have the best chemistry) and Smartless. I like Amy Poehler’s if I like the guest. And I tend not to listen to audiobooks when walking, just while cleaning, unless I’m so gripped by it that I can’t not listen to it. I also love Malcolm Gladwell, Adam Grant, and anything by Brené Brown. I’ll listen to Diary of a CEO and Call Her Daddy if the guests are good. If/when I need a dose of spirituality, I’ll listen to Gabby Bernstein or Dr. Joe Dispenza or anything with Laura Lynne Jackson. OMG, I could write a whole post about the non-gripping podcasts I listen to (and yes, the audiobook blog post is still in the works!!!). There are so many more (Huberman, Dr. Becky, Emma Grede…). Let me know if you want a full post on podcasts. Ok have a great Saturday!!

*Photos by Kaitlin Green