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.
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
LeMieux Arika Ripstop 50g Turnout Rug
Fill: 50g
Style: Detachable neck
Outer: 600D
Sizes: 4ft9in – 7ft3in
Reasons to buy
- Offers good coverage
- Liner compatible
Reasons to avoid
- If you are looking for a combo neck
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.
Also available with the same features with 100g and 200g fill.
Hy StormX Empra 50 Turnout
Fill: 50g, 100g
Style: Standard or combo neck
Outer: 600D
Sizes: 4ft6in – 7ft3in
Reasons to buy
- Available in a range of sizes
- Adjustable features to get a good fit
Reasons to avoid
- If you are looking for a high denier outer
Available in teal (50g) or navy (100g), this turnout has a 600D waterproof ripstop outer and features twin adjustable buckle chest fastenings, adjustable cross surcingles, adjustable leg straps and a generous tail flap. The combo version comes with an integrated contour neck cover with double touch-tape fastenings. Finished with reflective StormX logo for added visibility.
Also available with the same features with 100g fill.
Masta Ventomasta Standard Neck Turnout Rug
Fill: 50g
Style: Standard neck
Outer: 600D
Sizes: 4ft6in – 7ft6ins
Reasons to buy
- If you are looking for a rug with a small amount of fill
- Anti-rub lining
- If you’re looking for a standard neck
Reasons to avoid
- Standard neck design might not suit everyone
Available in dark purple this rug is made from a 600D ripstop, waterproof and breathable fabric. Featuring an anti-rub polyester lining, shoulder gusset, front twin T-bar fastenings, adjustable surcingles, fillet sting and a tail flap. A matching neck cover is available to purchase separately.
Also available with the same features with 100g and 200g fill.
Swish 50g Detachable Neck Turnout
Fill: 50g
Style: Detachable neck
Outer: 1200D
Sizes: 3ft3in – 7ft6in
H&H review: 8/10
Reasons to buy
- Added visibility with reflective strips
- Higher denier perfect for rug wreckers
- Liner compatible
Reasons to avoid
- If you are looking for a combo neck
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.
This rug was tested and put through its paces by international para dressage rider and trainer Tamsin Addison and her team. They found the fastenings were robust and stood up well to regular use. The reflective strips were very helpful when locating horses out in the fields. She said “Overall we found it a robust and useful turnout rug.”
Read H&H’s independent Swish Equestrian 50g turnout review
WeatherBeeta ComFiTec Essential Lite Plus
Fill: 50g
Style: Standard, detachable or combo neck
Outer: 1200D
Sizes: 4ft – 7ft3in
Reasons to buy
- If you are looking for a rug with a strong denier outer
- Comes with a three-year warranty
Reasons to avoid
- If you need a rug with more than 50g fill
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.
Also available with the same features with 220g fill.
Ruggles V2 1200D 50g Turnout Rug
Fill: 50g
Style: Standard neck
Outer: 1200D
Sizes: 2ft9in – 7ft6in
Reasons to buy
- A wide range of sizes available
- Good value for features offered
Reasons to avoid
- If you’re looking for a neck included
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.
Also available with the same features with 100g fill.
Epic Classic 50g Turnout Rug
Fill: 50g
Style: Standard or combo neck
Outer: 1200D
Sizes: 5ft9in – 7ft6ins
Reasons to buy
- Broad fit for heavier breeds
- Liner compatible
Reasons to avoid
- If you have a finer breed, in which case check out the Epic Equestrian regular fit range
With a durable 1200D ripstop outer fabric and added Teflon coating to repel dirt and water, with a soft polyester lining. Featuring twin adjustable clip front fastenings, low cross surcingles and adjustable detachable leg straps. A neck cover is available separately and the standard neck rug has attachments for Epic Equestrian’s compatible liners giving the rug more versatility.
This rug is available in a broad or regular fit. The broad fit is designed to accommodate horses with a broader chest, neck, shoulders and apple-bottom. If you have a light/medium-weight horse look at the regular fit range.
Also available with the same features with 100g fill.
JHL Essential Lightweight Plus Turnout Rug
Fill: 80g
Style: Detachable neck
Outer: 600D
Sizes: 5ft6in – 7ft
H&H review: 8/10
Reasons to buy
- True to size fit
- Anti-rubbing features
- You want a bit more fill
Reasons to avoid
- Buckle fittings were a bit fiddly
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.
Our showing editor Alex Robinson had this rug on test and found the sizing was true to size and it offered good anti rubbing features for a reasonable price. Making it a great turnout option for horses with a thicker coat in warmer conditions.
Read Alex’s full JHL Essential Lightweight Plus review.
Best 100g turnout rugs
Ruggles 100g V2 Turnout Rug
Fill: 100g
Style: Standard neck
Outer: 1200D
Sizes: 2ft9in – 7ft6in
Reasons to buy
- Good value
- Neck cover available separately
Reasons to avoid
- You want a neck included
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.
Also available with the same features with 50g, 200g, 280g and 400g fill.
Shires Highlander Original 100 Turnout Rug
Fill: 100g
Style: Standard, combo or detachable neck
Outer: 600D
Sizes: 5ft – 7ft3in
Reasons to buy
- Durable waterproof repellent prevents saturation
- Liner compatible
Reasons to avoid
- If you want a stronger outer, try the Highlander Plus range
Available in plum, this turnout has a 600D ripstop outer and 100g fill ideal for those cooler days. It features twin quick clip chest fastenings, shoulder gussets, adjustable cross surcingles, an adjustable fillet string, tail flap and reflective detailing. You can upgrade this rug’s warmth rating by using compatible Shires rug liners which are available separately in 100g or 200g fill.
Also available with the same features as a standard or detachable neck with 50g, 200g and 300g fill.
Rhinegold Elite Montpellier Rug
Fill: 100g
Style: Standard or combo neck
Outer: 600D
Sizes: 4ft6in – 7ft3in
Reasons to buy
- Stretch neckline and chest panel
- Extra large tail coverage
Reasons to avoid
- If your horse is a rug wrecker
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.
Swish 100g Detachable Neck Turnout
Fill: 100g
Style: Detachable neck
Outer: 1200D
Sizes: 3ft3in – 7ft6in
H&H review: 8/10
Reasons to buy
- Provides good coverage
- Detachable neck
Reasons to avoid
- If you don’t need 100g fill
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.
This rug with the same features but with a 50g fill was tested by international para dressage rider and trainer Tamsin Addison and her team. They didn’t see any evidence of the rug slipping back on the horse who wore it and were very impressed with the reflective detailing.
Read H&H’s independent Swish Equestrian 50g turnout review.
LeMieux Arika Storm-Tek Rug
Fill: 100g
Style: Detachable neck
Outer: 1200D
Sizes: 5ft3in – 7ft
Reasons to buy
- Strong outer denier
- Liner compatible
Reasons to avoid
- Higher price range
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.
Also available with the same features with 200g or 350g fill. It is compatible with LeMieux Arika liners.
Mackey Keadeen 100g Turnout
Fill: 100g
Style: Standard or combo neck
Outer: 600D
Sizes: 5ft6in – 7ft
Reasons to buy
- You’re looking for a no-frills rug
Reasons to avoid
- If you’re looking for a higher denier outer
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 or 250g combo neck.
Gallop Trojan 100g Turnout
Fill: 100g
Style: Standard, combo or detachable neck
Outer: 600D
Sizes: 5ft6in – 7ft
Reasons to buy
- Cheaper option
Reasons to avoid
- If you don’t need a rug with a fill
Featuring a 600D waterproof ripstop outer, nylon lining and 100g fill. The rug is fastened with double adjustable front buckles, cross surcingles and features elasticated breakaway detachable leg straps and a tail flap. Perfect for those horses who need a little insulation to keep them warm.
Also available with the same features with 200g.
Horseware Amigo Bravo 12 Turnout
Fill: 100g
Style: Standard or detachable neck
Outer: 1200D
Sizes: 4ft – 7ft3in
Reasons to buy
- Liner compatible
- Wide size range
Reasons to avoid
- Higher price range
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.
Best 150g turnout rugs
Bucas Irish Turnout
Fill: 150g
Style: Standard neck
Outer: 1200D
Sizes: 5ft–7ft
Reasons to buy
- Wide variety of weights available
- Liner compatible
- Neck cover available separately
Reasons to avoid
- Fittings can be a bit fiddly to start with
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. Compatible with Bucas liners and neck covers, which are available separately.
Also available with the same features with 0g, 50g, 100g, 250g or 300g fill.
Premier Equine Buster Turnout With Classic Neck Cover
Fill: 150g
Style: Detachable neck
Outer: 840D
Sizes: 5ft–7ft3in
Reasons to buy
- Provides good coverage
- Detachable neck
- Liner compatible
Reasons to avoid
- Higher price tag but worth the investment
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.
Also available with the same features with 0g, 40g, 70g, 250g, 400g or 420g fill.
What to look out for in a turnout rug
Regardless of the season, your horse’s turnout rug needs to be durable and breathable. While lightweights are a particularly great option in the milder spring and autumn months, layering rugs throughout the year and making use of liners 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 and how to work out which rug is best for your horse
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 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
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.
How heavy is a lightweight rug?
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.
You may also be interested in…
12 rain sheets/no-fill turnouts to protect your horse from showers
Turnout and stable rug options if you’re shopping on a budget
Does your horse really need to wear a rug?
From racoons to tractors and Thelwell ponies – here’s 33 patterned rugs you’ll want to kit your horse out in
Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round
