Even if your horse is clipped or hairy, in work or enjoying some time out in the field, you need one of these best rain sheets for horses or no-fill turnout rugs in his rug collection. 0g fill, rain sheets are ideal for protecting your horse from the wind and rain, also perfect for having to hand at a show for those unexpected showers.
With so much choice it can be hard to narrow down your search based on your circumstances. I’ve put a selection of turnout rugs with no fill together and highlighted the outer denier, liner attachments, fixings and if the rug is designed for a specific type of horse so you don’t end up with a mini skirt on your horse.
Best 0g rain sheets for horses: H&H’s quick guide
Best rain sheet for a rug-wrecker: Bucas Smartex Rain 0g
Best value rain sheet: WeatherBeeta ComFiTec Essential Lite
Best rain sheet for a broad fit: Premier Equine Buster Zero Turnout Rug
Best rain sheet for tiny ponies: Ruggles V2 Standard Turnout
Bucas Smartex Rain 0g
Fill: 0g
Style: Standard neck
Outer: 1680D
Sizes: 5ft6in–7ft2in
Reasons to buy
- Really strong outer denier
- Liner compatible
- Can be used on a wet horse
Reasons to avoid
- If you have a heavier breed horse you need to look for the Bucas big neck version
This no-fill turnout rug has a ripstop outer that is waterproof and breathable. Featuring a stay-dry fleece lining enabling you to put the rug on your horse after exercise or bathing. The lining is designed to wick away moisture, drying your horse, while the lining remains dry next to your horse’s skin. With Click n go magnetic snap closure, shoulder darts, adjustable cross surcingles, and leg straps. It has attachments for a neck cover which can be purchased separately and is compatible with Bucas liners.
If you have a heavier breed this rug is also available with a big neck version to accommodate those breeds which are wider across the chest.
WeatherBeeta ComFiTec Essential Lite
Fill: 0g
Style: Standard or combo neck
Outer: 1200D
Sizes: 4ft – 7ft3in
Reasons to buy
- Available in a range of sizes
- Durable outer denier
Reasons to avoid
- Front buckle fastenings might not suit everyone
This no-fill rug has a strong 1200D ripstop outer shell. Features include a smooth lining and traditional shoulder gussets, twin chest buckles, low cross surcingles, adjustable leg straps and a standard tail flap. It also has fleece at the wither and D rings to attach a neck (purchased separately) on the standard neck version. WeatherBeeta offers a three-year warranty on hardware, waterproofness and breathability on turnouts.
Premier Equine Buster Zero Turnout Rug
Fill: 0g
Style: Standard, high standard or detachable neck
Outer: 840D
Sizes: 5ft – 7ft3in
Reasons to buy
- Liner compatible
- Detachable neck cover
- Deep fit
Reasons to avoid
- Quick release clips might not suit everyone
This is the no-fill version of Premier Equine’s best-selling turnout. Made with a breathable 840D ballistic nylon, this rug is compatible with Premier Equine liners. As part of the evolution of the ‘Buster’, an extra-high shoulder gusset has been added to allow for a greater range of movement in the field. It features a classic neck cover (without elastic), fleece-lined with pad, quick-release chest clips, an antibacterial and anti-static lining, and PVC-coated tail strap.
Ruggles V2 Standard Turnout
Fill: 0g
Style: Standard neck
Outer: 1200D
Sizes: 2ft9in – 7ft6in
Reasons to buy
- Teflon coated
- Strong outer denier perfect for rug wreckers
- Large size range
Reasons to avoid
- Not available as a combo with a fixed neck
This rug from Ruggles is made from 1200D fabric with a Teflon coating that offers extra protection and more resistance to moisture and staining. The underside has soft nylon lining to prevent rubbing and keep the coat smooth. It also features removable leg straps, a wither protector and has double buckle and clip chest fastenings. It is available in a range of weights and has attachments for a neck that is available separately.
Hy StormX Empra 0 Turnout Rug
Fill: 0g
Style: Standard neck
Outer: 600D
Sizes: 4ft6in – 7ft3in
Reasons to buy
- Poly-tec lining for comfort
- Adjustable fastenings
Reasons to avoid
- Only available in standard neck
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. Lined with a smooth breathable poly-tec lining to offer optimum comfort and finished with reflective StormX logo for added visibility.
Rhinegold Torrent No Fill Turnout Rug
Fill: 0g
Style: Standard or combo neck
Outer: 600D
Sizes: 3ft6in – 7ft
Reasons to buy
- Breathable lining
- Wide range of sizes
Reasons to avoid
- Clip chest fastenings might not suit everyone
Made with a 600D ripstop, breathable outer, this Rhinegold rain sheet has a breathable cotton lining and taped seams. It features twin clip and buckle chest fastening for adjustability and ease of use, front shoulder gusset, cross surcingles, leg straps, tail guard and strengthened surcingle guides.
Shires Highlander Original Lite Turnout Rug
Fill: 0g
Style: Standard, combo or detachable neck
Outer: 600D
Sizes: 5ft – 7ft3in
Reasons to buy
- Available in a range of styles
- Liner compatible
Reasons to avoid
- If you need a stronger denier
This rug has a waterproof outer and is fully lined with taped seams, and fastens with twin clip chest fastenings, adjustable cross surcingles, fillet strap and tail flap. It is compatible with Shires WarmaRug liners to create a warmer rug.
LeMieux Arika Featherweight Rug
Fill: 0g
Style: Detachable neck
Outer: 900D
Sizes: 5ft3in – 7ft
Reasons to buy
- Liner compatible
- Strong outer denier
- Good coverage
Reasons to avoid
- Detachable neck might not suit your requirements
This rain sheet from LeMieux has been developed using the same technology as their Storm-Tek range. It has a detachable neck and additional liner attachments, while the angled front closure system helps to evenly balance and distribute pressure, which prevents rubbing on the shoulders and across the chest. It has an antibacterial and anti-static lining, waterproof skirt panels, and is fastened with three belly surcingles, the middle of which is detachable. It also has a silicone-covered fillet strap. Compatible with the full range of LeMieux liners, giving you more flexibility across the seasons.
Mackey Equi-Sential Light
Fill: 0g
Style: Standard neck
Outer: 600D
Sizes: 4ft – 7ft
Reasons to buy
- Good size range
- Fleece wither protection
Reasons to avoid
- Standard neck might not suit everyone’s needs
This no-fill turnout rug has a 600D waterproof and breathable outer. Featuring a double T-bar front closure, two cross surcingles and has an adjustable cord at the tail. It also has fleece wither protection and a generous tail flap.
Gallop Trojan Lightweight Turnout
Fill: 0g
Style: Standard, combo or detachable neck
Outer: 600D
Sizes: 5ft6in – 7ft
Reasons to buy
- Adjustable fastenings
- Available as standard or combo neck
- Cheaper option
Reasons to avoid
- Better suited for light rain showers
This rug is described as having a showerproof, breathable outer and comfortable nylon lining. It had a generous shoulder pleat, adjustable cross surcingles, double buckle chest fastenings and elasticated leg straps. The tail flap also provides good coverage, too.
Masta Fieldmasta 0g Lightweight Turnout
Fill: 0g
Style: Combo neck
Outer: 1200D
Sizes: 5ft3in – 7ft6in
Reasons to buy
- Anti-rub lining
- Strong outer denier
- Wide range of sizes
Reasons to avoid
- Combo style might not be for everyone
This Masta rug has an anti-rub polyester lining, twin front surcingle fastenings, adjustable belly straps and a fillet string that allow a quick and secure fit. There are spare D rings if you would like to add your own leg straps. The latest design has a neck insert at the wither, which allows freedom of movement while grazing and helps to relieve pressure.
Horseware Rambo Optimo Plus 0g Turnout
Fill: 0g
Style: Detachable neck
Outer: 1000D
Sizes: 5ft6in – 7ft3in
Reasons to buy
- Strong outer denier
- Liner compatible
- Ten-year guarantee
Reasons to avoid
- This rug is built for larger horses
This rain sheet has been designed to offer freedom of movement for a bigger-built horse with unique innovative design features. Featuring a pivotal dart placed above and behind the horse’s shoulder for natural movement while keeping the rug in position. Surefit neck design with V-Front Closure to eliminate pressure on the shoulder, dual leg arches and a wipe clean tail cord. The rug has reflective strips for increased visibility, three cross surcingles, detachable neck cover and liner loops to attach Horseware liners. As this rug is built for larger horses, Horseware recommends sizing down.
Horseware Rambo offers a ten-year guarantee on waterproofness, breathability and hardware.
How to choose the best no-fill rain sheet
Ideal for the changeable British summer weather, no-fill turnouts are often worn by unclipped horses in the spring and autumn as well as being popular for good-doers and hardier types that only require lightweight rugs in the colder months. They’re not usually designed to hold off really heavy rain in the same way that the best lightweight turnout rugs would do, but are perfect for showers and providing extra protection from the wind without adding any warmth. If you’re looking to protect your horse from flies, it might be worth considering one of the best waterproof fly rugs, too.
Many of the best rain sheets for horses come with more simple fastenings, which make them quick and easy to put on and take off but in turn offer less adjustability, so this is something to consider. Some only have a fillet string rather than leg straps. Rain sheets are increasingly becoming liner compatible, which means you can buy them as an outer shell, mixing and matching liners to create a warmer rug. This saves you having to buy a different rug for every temperature.
How do I measure my horse for a rug?
To measure your horse for good rug fit, use a soft tape measure to measure your horse from the centre of their chest to the furthest point of their hindquarters – follow these instructions on how to fit a horse rug. In the UK rugs are measured in feet and inches.
You may also be interested in…
A pick of the best lightweight turnouts for changeable weather
From racoons to tractors and Thelwell ponies – here’s 33 patterned rugs you’ll want to kit your horse out in
10 waterproof fly rugs – perfect for summer showers and sunshine
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