Suggestions for a half decent jacket and walking boots?

Pollycat

If you're buying proper walking boots (mine are Brasher Air 8, I've had them for years and they're really good), do take care when trying pairs on.

Most walking boots have rivets and hooks that the laces go through - bend your foot at the toe and see where the rivets are - if they are right where your toe bends they won't be comfy.

There seems to be a few 'outdoor' shops in outlet centres, I've not found these pushy at all.

floss2

Don't forget that you don't have to buy your boots in the shop where you do your trying on......work out what brand / style suits your feet using their expertise & range, then either hunt on the internet or look in places like TK Maxx or outlets.

aliasojo

Lydia82 wrote: »

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

Not in the harsh winter, spring/summer/autumn probably I think. No budget as such, probably couldn't justify £150+ for what I'd be using it for. Maybe up to £100 ish? Really depends on item and quality, I'll shell out if it's really worth it. I just don't want to waste money more than anything else I think.

missprice

i cant advise on jackets cos i just wear the fleece and waterproof from a 3 in one and a gilet in summer, from some cheap shop years ago

but my boots are karrimor
and i love them
paid $15.99 for a lightweight pair at sports world/direct 4 months ago
and paid $50 for a heavyweight pair (for cananda) they were half price at the time from millets.around 5 years ago, they still look fab and fit me perfectly

but i have had loads of different walking boots and its a personal thing, so try lots on

Sunshine12

This might help you.

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/2406147

fluffbrain

As someone has already suggested you dont HAVE to buy from the shops where you try on stuff. Shop around.

I would suggest visiting a couple of outdoor specific shops to see who has staff you feel comfortable talking to and ask their advice. If they are a decent retailer then the staff will be into the outdoors anyway & more than willing to share info & to help.

Once you have got a good idea of what all the terms mean and what sort if boot & coat (or combination of layers) you are after then have a hunt around - As suggested TK Maxx are good if they have it in.

Also, maybe see what "Trail" (an outdoor specific magazine) have in their gear guides. The generally test different types of gear & do reviews - a bit like "which".

freebiequennie

Best walking boots I have had are a pair I brought from aldi for £14.99 2 yrs ago never had any problems with them not even a blister (i do wear walking boot socks). They have them again at the moment both ladies and mens and also other walking equipment like jackets, fleeces etc.

Katie-Kat-Kins

Hi there, buying walking kit can be confusing! I'd recommend the "trail" magazine gear guides though, they are excellent. I'd also recommend Cotswold as a good shop/online retailer for buying decent outdoor kit, though if you live in a walking area you might have good local independants.

I'm on the edge of the peak district and The Outside Shop, and Joe Royale are good locally. There are similar independants in the lakes and snowdonia that give a great and knowledgeable service.

Do buy boots in person and go to specialist shops, The Outside Shop have a great boot fitting service complete with ramps to walk up and things. Fitting boots really needs experienced help, and it is worth its weight in gold if it avoids you getting blisters.

Decent Hiking socks are essential too, they make your boots so much more comfortable and support your feet. I like Smart Wool ones personally, but bridgedales are very good too. With my proper hiking boots I wear a lining sock too which is thin and smooth and helps prevent rubbing, with my walking trainers I just wear trekking socks.

If you only walk on trails rather than proper hill walking then walking trainers might be a good option for you. I have a pair of North Face goretex lined trainers that are brilliant and have gone miles. I use them for summer walking, road walking (I've done a power walking marathon) and for taking abroad. I use my serious leather boots for winter, and proper walking in the peak where I need the additional support.

For jackets you ideally want a lightweight packable waterproof to put on when it rains, don't try to wear your waterproof for warmth as they will be sweaty. Even then most modern goretex (waterproof and breathable) will be more sweaty than a non-waterproof. I have a berghaus jacket that has lasted me years and never let me down, I got it in a half price sale. Look for a good mid-range brand like berghaus, mountain equipment, helly hansen etc Then get a couple of midlayer garments, fleeces or similar to wear for warmth and a good wicking baselayer, you then layer these for the right level of warmth and add the waterproof only when it rains. If you walk in really cold weather you may need an insulated jacket to add to the fleece jumpers but to be honest if you are walking briskly in the uk you will rarely need more than a mid weight fleece and baselayer. I wouldn't spend too much on mid-layers, this is where you don't get much more for your money with the big names. Mine are all bought on sale and I have berghaus, northface and mountain equipment. Mountain Hardware midlayers are gorgeous though and so are icebreaker ones, but a bit more pricey.

For baselayers, on a budget Helly Hansen are the absolute best, can't beat them. If you have a bit more to spend or can find them on sale smart wool or icebreaker are excellent. A good baselayer will keep you warn when it is cold and cool when it is hot and wick the sweat away from your body. For all year round get one long sleeved one, depending upon whether you run hot or cold you may want to look for one with a zip up turtle neck or a normal round neck. Do make sure that they are long enough though. Helly hansen ones are mega long but I have a berghaus one that constantly comes un-tucked - so I never wear it! I'd buy a summer one that can be worn alone as a t-shirt too, you will be more comfortable in one of these than a cotton t-shirt. Although if you have fair skin you may wish to get a top that has spf built in and longer sleeves, there are some good ones in the travel section of the cotswold catalogue.

Then all you have to think about is trousers! Again this is an area where the cheaper brands are ok, craghoppers are good for your money. The main advice is to get a synthetic fabric that is quick drying. Get a roomy or stretch waistband. You might want a lightweight pair for summer and a windproof fleece lined pair for winter.

Hope all that helps. If you are on a budget get your feet and your waterproof sorted first, they are crucial, after that everything else is secondary.

Happy walking!

jany22

These all tips are very nice.... Thanks for sharing it..:j

Savvy_Sue

floss2 wrote: »

Consider double layer if you have a tendency to blisters or rubbing.

So you wear these double layered ones on their own, right? Only I ask, because I used to wear a thin pair plus a thick pair, but I bought a pair of these double layer ones in the sale the other day (they were a lovely pink colour which I just couldn't resist) and I wasn't sure if I was supposed to wear a thin pair inside them or not. I didn't, and I was fine but it took a bit of fiddling to get them comfy, the layers were sliding around, and I did have to fiddle my boot laces after a bit because one of my ankle bones was getting very sore.

aliasojo, I'm a fair weather walker, and I take a cagoule out with me 'just in case' and waterproof trousers, but usually rely on my fleece, which is breathable and showerproof. Under that I'm well layered up in winter: silk vest, silk mix long sleeved top, silk shirt or cotton jumper over that, sweatshirt if it's VERY cold, with silk scarf round my neck, fleece jacket on top, and woolly fleece hat and two pairs of gloves (silk and thin grippy ones).

The items in bold are the only ones I've spent real money on, the rest comes from charity shops. The gloves are the serious expense because I keep losing one. :mad: