Responsible dog walkers are out in all weathers, rain or shine. Most of us will notch up more miles every week than a hobby hiker. So we asked members of the Explore by Paw club to share their favourite summer dog-walking outfits.

Key to a good walk is comfortable footwear. Everyone agreed that you get what you pay for, and cheap shoes fell apart within weeks. Top brands in the group are walking shoes from either Meindl or Merrell. It seems that walkers find one shoe brand or the other a really comfortable fit, but never both. Discounter Go Outdoors stocks both and you can get big savings with one of their member cards. 

Trousers, jeans or shorts? Jeans were right out for summer walks. Too hot, too heavy and too boring to wash. Shorts then? This got complicated. Overall the men were keener on shorts, but stinging nettles, biting insects and brambles made everyone think twice. Everyone agreed that hairy legs were an advantage if you're wearing shorts. Key thing was that in summer you needed pockets for car keys, poo bags, phone and dog lead. Top brand for the group is Craghoppers, way out in front and for men and women. The best selection of Craghoppers shorts and trousers is at Outdoor Gear and they're good for walking socks too.

Tops got way too complicated. I like the Berghaus technical T-shirts because they don't need washing very often, and when you're building up light layers the Jack Wolfskin and Helly Hansen sleeveless Tee's are popular. For everyday walkies the group agreed that anything comfortable would do because it's out of range of muddy or wet dogs.

Shop direct for walking gear and accessories:   Outdoor Gear, and Go Outdoors.