What to wear, what not to wear (when out walking)

The clothes you wear for shopping or an hour’s ramble along the gravel pathways of a country park are unsuitable for, say, a seven mile hike up into the fells, where you might encounter extreme weather, where your body will be working harder, producing heat and perspiration. For this kind of walking activity, you need specialist clothing and equipment to keep you dry, warm and cool.

It is worth investing in the right kit

Let’s start with what not to wear

Avoid anything with cotton, especially tee-shirts and jeans. A small percentage of cotton mixed with man-made fibres may be acceptable. Man-made fibres are the ideal. Cotton will not keep you warm, and if it gets wet, either through rain or sweat, it acts like a sponge and retains moisture. This will feel very uncomfortable and will spoil your walking experience. For this reason, never wear jeans, which also have the wrong cut, and are for day to day wear, not serious walking! Specialised walking trousers are made from a quick drying material to protect you in a shower. For summer I wear trousers with zip-off legs, that quickly convert to shorts and vice versa in changing temperatures.

Don’t wear trainers. They’re not up to the job. There’s no ankle support, and you will feel rough stony ground through the soles. Don’t make the mistake I made on my first walk, when I wore a pair of industrial boots. They looked like leather walking boots, but had steel toe caps that dug into my toes on a steep descent.

Don’t wear a padded coat. They are a fashion statement and might be okay for a stroll along the canal, but restrict movement, and if you get hot on a fell walk, you can’t remove it because you will then be cold! They are also bulky and difficult to stow away.

Padded coats lack versatility

You need to ‘Layer-Up’

The idea is to wear several thin layers of clothing (depending on the time of year) capped with a waterproof shell. As you warm up or cool down, you can remove or add a layer to keep the ideal temperature. In winter I wear a thin base layer, a shirt, fleece and cagoule. I might also don lined trousers and a waterproof fleece-lined hat. In sunny weather I wear a hat with a broad rim to protect my head, face and neck. You could be exposed to the sun for several hours.

All the clothing you wear should be breathable. Look at the label. This is so when you perspire, the moisture can make its way through the layering and out into the air ('wicking'), keeping you dry. Nothing is 100% breathable, but it will make a big difference.

These boots are made for walking

Boots must be waterproof and breathable. Inevitably you will have to wade through water on some walks. You don’t want cold wet feet either through water ingress or a build-up of sweat. You can get leather or fabric boots. I prefer leather because they are easier to clean. Don’t purchase online, you really do need to try them on! I’ve found that if they don’t feel right in the shop, don’t buy. You might be told ‘they will wear in’, or ‘the leather will soften’. Maybe, but why take the risk? I’ve never had blisters, and neither should you.

Boots are unlike any other footwear. You should wear two pairs of walking socks, a thin base layer and a thicker pair. Marino wool will keep your feet warm in winter, and cool in summer. This adds to comfort on long strenuous treks. Bring socks with you to the store. Ask the assistant to measure your feet. Most outdoor retailers offer this service. When I finally had this done, I discovered I had been wearing boots that were too small! As you walk your feet heat-up and swell.

Cagoules, Waterproof Over-Trousers, Gaiters & Fleeces

Cagoules must be waterproof, breathable and wind proof. So should over-trousers. Don’t buy cheap - they will make your legs sweat. Most have zips up the legs to make it easier to put on quickly when the heavens open.

I often wear them in cooler weather with standard walking trousers because they stop the wind and take the mud. Otherwise gaiters should be worn which protects the lower part of your legs from mud splatters.

Fleeces come as thin micro-fleeces, and thicker winter weight ones. They are breathable and some are water-repellent and windproof for wearing without a cagoule in mildly bad weather.

Rucksacks & Walking Poles

Note the netting that gives airflow 

Your rucksack should have a waterproof cover. It should also have an air gap so you don’t get a sweaty back. Size is measured in litres. For day walking you need between 25 - 35 litre volume. There should also be side pockets for drinking bottles and straps to hold walking poles. If you’re drinking from a bladder, there needs to be a pocket inside to hold it in position. Your rucksack should have waist straps and chest straps to take some of the weight off your shoulders.

You need collapsible walking poles so they can be strapped to your rucksack when not in use. Make sure they are spring loaded which cushions the effect on your wrists. You can use two or just one. I use my pole all the time. It helps your balance on uneven ground, and acts as a brake when doing a steep descent. The main benefit though is that poles reduce the stress on your knee joints.

You don’t have to pay the earth, although boots with vibram soles and clothing incorporating Gore-Tex, or similar waterproof membranes, are a definite advantage. There’s nothing wrong with budget brands like Peter Storm, and Mountain Warehouse - read the reviews of any item you’re interested in.

One last bit of advice - buy a foam sit mat. They cost very little, weigh nothing, and will keep your bum warm and dry on damp ground, while eating your sandwiches!

Happy (and comfortable) walking…

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