Suggestions for a half decent jacket and walking boots?

aliasojo

I don't need anything that would be suitable for climbing Mount Everest, I just need something suitable for a bit of local hill walking.

The jacket I wear just now is one of those 3 in one things with a removeable fleece but it's awful and either makes me too hot or too wet! The fabric doesn't breathe and I end up dry on the outside but wet on the inside iyswim.

As for boots, I've been wearing my Timberlands as they have a thick sole with good grip, but the style of them isn't really suitable for walking and they're a bit heavy and unsupportive.

I'm loath to go into the nearest outdoor type of store because I've no idea what kind of thing I should be looking at and they tend to be a bit pushy. So, any suggestions for things I could consider please?

geri1965_2

I wear approach shoes for walking, much lighter and comfortable - Merrell do some nice ones.

Jacket wise I saw a nice one in Millets but I didn't buy it as I have too many already - I'll try and find a link.

(can't find link but I recommend going into Millets, they are usually v helpful and will have everything you need).

Bufger

http://www.google.co.uk/products?hl=en&q=walking+boots&um=1&ie=UTF-8&ei=qErRS4_tJZT40wSNjfzZDQ&sa=X&oi=product_result_group&ct=title&resnum=3&ved=0CCoQrQQwAg

Thats where i would start for the boots. Have a loot at which ones you like and think will be comfy and then search around for a best price. Dont go for the ones that look like trainers, they basically are with just a higher back for more ankle support, the boots are firmer when fastening and keep your foot held tight without allowing your foot to slide within the boot on the soul (which can happen if the side wall of trainers has too much flex).

Not sure on Jackets but i definately suggest going for the seperate layers rather than all 3 in one item.

aliasojo

Bufger wrote: »

.................. keep your foot held tight without allowing your foot to slide within the boot on the soul (which can happen if the side wall of trainers has too much flex).

That's exactly what happened the other day, I nearly went over on my ankle just because my foot was sliding inside my boot.

Thanks.

floss2

Re footwear, I would suggest going into a large branch of Blacks, mid-week, and engaging the assistance of a trained boot-fitter.

First start with socks - try boots on with decent walking socks (the shop will have trying-on socks). Consider double layer if you have a tendency to blisters or rubbing. Also bear in mind whether you are summer or winter walking (long winter socks are a "look" when folded down for summer walking that you may not like!).

Then try different brands of boots - the fit will vary according to each brand. I have wide-ish feet and narrow heels and I wear Scarpa boots for winter and Merrel lower cut shoes for spring/summer/autumn. However, my OH has an average to slim foot & wears Salomon for winter & GriSport for the rest of the year.

Don't be bound by price - at the end of the day, you want boots that fit, give support & are comfortable which are not necessarily the cheapest.

Mme.Hibou

I've always got on really well with Brasher walking boots with Gore-Tex, like others have said you need to be trying the boots on and going into an outdoors shop you'll get their knowledge (which can sometimes come across as pushy)

As for jackets you need to be layering. A base layer, long sleeved tee, light fleece/heavy fleece and a Gore-Tex jacket would give you all the protection you need (obviously judge by how warm/cold it is)

I suggest you look at Gore-Tex jackets, how often will you be using the jacket? Will you be carrying a rucksack? and will it be heavy? Will you be using the same jacket all year round?

Miró

For me it's just got to be Goretex for jackets, (for breathability and waterproofing) and for boots Goretex with Vibram soles, (for breathability, grip and wear), (Brashers are good)!

Worth having a look in TKMaxx of all places.....I got a nice Goretex Sprayway jacket the other week for about £65 there and I have seen walking boots there too!

aliasojo

Thanks everyone, you've given me some good starting points. I'll bite the bullet and go to our local outdoors place next week.

Indie_Kid

Sports World / Direct do hiking boots. My Karimoor ones cost me £14.

As for jackets - are you just looking at a waterproof one? I have a Berghaus one - cost me £70; but so worth it.

Ski socks are also an alternative to walking socks - walking socks, I think are made of wool - they made my feet go bright red. (I have eczema and wool isn't recommended)

aliasojo

sh1305 wrote: »

As for jackets - are you just looking at a waterproof one? I have a Berghaus one - cost me £70; but so worth it.

I don't really know what I'm after tbh, I need it to be waterproof but able to breathe.

I like the layering idea and it sounds like Goretex is well regarded so might look at those.

OH has a North Face thing but I don't think it's 'all that' tbh. It seems to retain moisture as well and doesn't breathe much.

Mme.Hibou

Are you going to use it all year round? Or mostly in the spring/summer? Do you have a budget?