Potentially boring thread alert....Walking attire

[ImFree2doasiwant]

Hoping that o continue to get a child free day per week, I am going to start walking sone of the circular routes nearby.

I think I should probably invest in some proper footwear, and possibly trousers. Any recommendations? On a budget.

There is a local Nordic walking group, I do think they look a bit mad. 😂

So. Not bother with trousers, just get some trainer style walking shoes maybe.

That said, I still don't know what to wear on my legs! My running leggings are no good, just tried on, and find although they are big enough width wise, they no longer seem to cover my backside. So I need to buy something new.

@lljkk any walks to recommend?

Thankyou, lots of bits in the sale on craghopper site.
Hope it goes well op and you get sorted

Gym leggings, if you get soaked they dry quickly. I went up Snowdon in wellies comfortably (a few years ago, not during covid!!)

Went up Ben Nevis in normal trainers and i was crippled by the end

As for your top half, layers always good. A jacket that can be removed and tied around the waist if you get too hot. And it is amazing how hot you get walking!

Lastly, appropriate hat and potentially gloves. Because you can always remove them & pop them in your rucksack, but if you havent brought them and want them, it will feel like a long old walk!

Craghoppers kiwis and mountain wategouse walking trainers for me.

I'd go with a pair of gym leggings (that fit) - stick to black as it's just more hard wearing than anything that stains. I also invested in some Merrill walking trainers as they are so much more supportive than any of my other trainers and I sustained some foot injuries before I got these. Also, really important, decent trainer sport socks that work away any sweat. You don't want your feet to twist in your footwear.

My favourite and most comfortable (and not hideous) trousers are from Decathlon.
Excellent shop for well priced gear.
Gym style leggings or walking trousers are most comfortable and dry fast. I sometimes wear Ron Hill tracksters.
Get decent, comfortable boots/shoes. Brand will depend on your feet. I'm currently using Keen boots and still grieving for my lovely Scarpa trainers.
Waterproof trousers might be worth getting if you stick with it. Cheapo rustly ones to pop over or a much better quality that you wear instead of normal trousers. DH has a nice pair from Sprayway.
Light layers are always a good idea. Buff/gloves etc in your rucksack.

I don't go full on Nordic style, but do like a walking pole. If you have even slightly dodgy knees/back they are surprisingly helpful..

I do a lot of walking long eg coast path, moorland etc in all weathers. Over the years my top tips have become -
Boots do not buy boots where the soles are glued in two parts. Ie the threads are glued. I’ve had them sheer off climbing down cliffs. They are common. Always moulded vibram soles.
I won’t buy any boot other than grisport - for me hurricanes. Comfy from the off, light, waterproof, good grip, look ok on. For me always a size up for socks and feet swelling on long walks.

Top layers full zip not half zips. So you can open them without taking any pack off and without over head.

Controversial but I don’t wear any specifically ‘walking trousers. Wear ‘runners’ something like Ron hills old style trackies (so many horse riders wear them!) or jeans partic where gorse/rock/rough ground.

Haven’t worn over trousers for a very long time. Better to get waterproof trousers (breathable not cheap plastic ones) for any time you are determined to go out and know it’s gonna be hell.

In really rough circs you can wear waterproof jacket with arms as leggings and then tied round waist. Know it sounds mad but I’ve encountered otherwise impassable gorse etc and walked without too much problem like this. Good when no one sees this ! Hate gaiters.

Yes - always a buff and a bandana in bag - that bandana has been bandage, bag, face. cloth, etc etc etc

To be honest trouser wise you can do worse than a pair of polyester ponte jeggings from Sainsburys. They are really warm, comfortable and don't get especialy wet, you could always Nikwax wash them for a bit of proofing. Only problem is the fake pockets.

But if you have horses you must have jodhpur type stretchy trousers already.

@NotMeNoNo I do, but as I said above, the jods I have that fit me are winter weight, really thick, and i get really hot in them. They're not really good for walking. I've list weight recently so need to but quite a few new things. The bottoms I have, of any description, are either too big, or worn out.

I walk in jeans unless its wet, then polyester tracksuit trousers and (if pouring) waterproof trousers (the cheap crackly sort).

I try to wear a fleece jumper (don’t always remember) over a t-shirt, as it’s light to carry and dries fast.

I have approach shoes and walking boots depending on how wet it is.

A small backpack (to avoid the temptation to over fill it) is my absolute must have. Water, mini first aid kit, phone, money, emergency energy bar, spare layer.

Oh I see, sorry was careless reading back! Definitely treat yourself then .

Here's a specific suggestion if that helps:leggings
I recently bought a similar Regatta version and they seem pretty all purpose.

I usually wear açai trousers and meindl walking shoes. Teva sandals and shorts on summer days. Meindl boots for more challenging terrain.

It really does depend on the sort of terrain you will be walking in AND your budget.

When I need new footwear I go to Cotswold Outdoor - they give great technical advice.

Also layers!

Another vote for Craghoppers trousers, especially if you're tall. Bought my first pair in 2012, still going strong.

I walk in leggings in winter, though if it’s very cold then jodhpurs also work well (you said you were horsey). I’d def recommend a good pair of leather walking boots-mine are scarpa, I’ve had for years and are super comfy and totally waterproof. I’d also invest in a good walking waterproof jacket and trousers-mine are Rab, not cheap at around 200 all in but they’ve lasted me a good 8-9 years. They aren’t warm at all-but very breathable-a world away from cheaper plasticky waterproofs-I can wear them when it’s warm and wet over shorts and don’t get sticky/hot. I layer up with fleece and warmer top when it’s cold. Much better to have thinner layers you can take on/off-plus a cheap ish rucksack to put them in. And some decent snacks

I just bought some really light walking boots feom mountain warehouse (their brand) seriously light, waterproof and cost about £49 ... Check also if eligible
For a discount!

Waterproofs aren't needed if you walk in dry weather. Boots can't be avoided. Get some comfy ones with nice hard soles that you can't feel stones through. Cheap ones won't last as long as more expensive ones, but ultimately, go for comfort.

Secondly, a backpack. I love my Osprey rucksack. I can hardly feel I'm wearing it. One that doesn't do the job well will drive you mad 2 hours into a walk.

Thirdly, base layers. Merino wool t-shirts. Heavenly. Fancy hi-tec man made fibres just don't cut it. They never smell either. I wore on 3 days in a row camping in Scotland and it smelt better than a man made one did after a single day. I have lost a couple to moths though.

Ahh sorry I cross posted about wearing your jods (I type sloooowly ) might be a good reason to justify new light weight ones or as others say craghoppers are great or any stretchy type trousers.

I honestly think this is a moment for just do it though! Whatever you own that is comfortable will do until you get something else.

I second Mountain Warehouse. I have a three in one coat (inner separate fleece and outer water proofing coat), which I rewater proof every year, waterproof over trousers and either trainers or leather walking boots.

I also have a Didrikson parka, but is the warmest coat I’ve ever had and waterproof. However it’s not budget; but then DH bought for me as we go out bird watching all day in Norfolk and Suffolk in the winter - which can be like an Arctic expedition!

I’m a fan of some mountain warehouse stuff too. Just as good as some very much more expensive alternatives. Bought most comfy ever wellies from there recently.