Walkers/hikers/outdoor types

[lastqueenofscotland]

I love hiking and have for years but haven’t replaced any of my gear since I was in my late teens and I’m finally having to concede it’s pretty knackered.
Going to treat myself to some good stuff and happy to invest if I’m going to get over a decade out of it like I did my last stuff. All my old gear is berghaus, is their quality still as good?
Any other brands worth looking into?

For stuff like trousers I get Craghoppers. Good value but mostly because they fo a short fitting for titches like me

I’ve got craghoppers trousers. I like that they do a long length!

I’ve loved my Scarpa boots.

Merrell boots, they are the most comfortable thing I've ever had on my feet. I'm a Rab fan for fleece and jackets. Craghopper for trousers. Rab for softshell trousers for real winter conditions. My Icebreaker merino wool baselayer has been going strong for years

Lindt I don’t know your budget but I have some pretty much made to measure Alt-Berg boots. They were eye wateringly expensive but have taken an absolute battering in the last few years and clean up new, whereas my friends find they are replacing theirs every 3 years or so I think mine will outlive me.

I'm working outside every day with dogs. Go Outdoors cheap and cheerful own brand base layers, I have five t shirts and 3 long sleeve t shirts. My favourite thermal long johns are really ancient Peter Storm - I think that was an 'own brand' at somewhere like Milletts. Next best are a pair of thermal leggings I found in the middle of Lidl a couple of years ago. Mid layers, again for the price and durability I've found nothing to beat Go Outdoors own brand fleece hooded tops with a kangaroo pocket. I have three. I have a branch of Trespass not too far away, and have picked up a few bits in their sales when that sort of shop is open. Trousers excellent, wind and shower resistant. I prefer mid calf length as I normally wear wellies and it avoids the wet flappy ankle problem. Their mid layer tops didn't fit very well in the end and I reserve them for emergencies. Boots, I currently live in Kanyon leather wellies from a local agricultural supplier. In warm weather I use Trespass walking sandals (and avoid anywhere with nettles!) Coat - actually a fantastic find in a charity shop, it is a size too big so loads of room for an extra fleece. Regatta. It has a reinforced brim on the hood so it doesn't flap in your face and obscure your vision. I've also got a large waterproof hat with a big brim, as a spectacle wearer it means I can still see, and it's got a very comfy chin strap so it can't blow away. Re Middle of Lidl, they normally do some ski wear this time of year, I found the fit on both the under layers and the upper layers was really odd and returned the lot for a refund.

I’ve not seen much in the middle at Aldi recently but I will keep an eye out! I don’t have a Lidl anywhere near me sadly

I have a range. Boots , coat and rucksack (Osprey for the women's back shape) are quite pricey but rest are decathlon, M&S and Uniqlo do good thermal leggings and tops pretty cheaply.

@78percentLindt

I only started regular walking last year and often wear my M&S jeggings as it is very muddy round here and I find walking trousers just get soggy. I need to replace my walking boots but have fairly narrow feet. Any suggestions welcome.

Mammut are good for narrow feet.

I’ve got craghoppers trousers and fleece, merrell boots and Jack wolfskin coat - all of them are fine quality and not too expensive (other than Jack Wolfskin but I bought that abroad so not sure how pricing varies between countries).
Zip off trousers are so convenient, I really rate them. Also sealskinz waterproof socks!

Yes to Osprey bags - much narrower back and the straps are lower so they're not chopping you in the neck. Lowe Alpine also decent for that.
I feel like I'm commenting too much on this now - I honestly don't have billions of hiking kit kicking about but it's nice to to see a thread which isn't doom-laden!

@Icenii

I have Berghaus, I really like them. Fleeces, waterproof jacket, padded jacket.

I bought Acai walking trousers but not sure how long they will last. I found thick leggings the best thing for hiking in, with waterproof trousers in my bag. Or running leggings in the summer.

How do you find the Acai trousers? Which ones did you get?

And if you don't mind me asking, what size did you get and what size are you normally? I've got some Christmas money and I'm thinking about splashing out as I've currently got a pair of Mamut walking trousers, but I get sooo much mud up my legs and I'm thinking I might not with skinny-fit trousers iyswim!

And another vote for Osprey rucksacks. Also, try the mens sizes; the Osprey Talon (officially 'mens') fits me so much better than the Osprey Tempest which is the 'ladies' version.

@78percentLindt I've got really narrow feet and had such trouble finding hiking boots. Mine are Asolo and still going strong after several years, would definitely recommend them.

Osprey bags are the best I've found. Smartwool for socks. Jackets, I have a Patagonia Goretex pro shell which is really good. I had an active shell marmot before that leaked, so would definitely recommend Goretex pro shell. My favourite thermals are Rab and Icebreaker. I also have a load of M&S ones that are fine. I get a lot from sites like sport pursuit, tkmaxx, ekosport and alpine trek. Also stores like cotswold outdoors, wiggle, blacks etc have some great stuff in the sales. Boots you really need to try on as foot shape makes a big difference. Mammut or meindl I can recommend on longevity. I'd avoid berghaus for shoes, my dads didn't last long at all. No idea on clothes. For cheap but actually pretty good, also look at regatta ( they also have an outlet store so good for fleeces etc), trespass waterproofing is terrible, I had some trousers that were really bad, regatta for the same price was much better.

@PurpleDaisies

I’ve got craghoppers trousers. I like that they do a long length!

I’ve loved my Scarpa boots.

YYY to Craghoppers for long trousers - I now have three pairs. My first pair I bought in 2012 and they are showing their age slightly now but still very comfortable and wearable.

My previous boots were Scarpa but I found the soles wore down quickly. Now got Brashers and they've been going well since 2014. I also have a pair of Columbia walking shoes for the summer, bought for cheaps in the Cotswold Outdoors sale.

My coat is Jack Wolfskin because they seemed to do a longer length and colours other than the usual pink, purple or baby blue. Agree with previous suggestions for Decathlon though - all my running kit is from there and it's excellent quality. I also have bits from Rab, Berghaus, bag from Osprey, a Buff etc plus some odds and sods of Mountain Warehouse. For me as a tall, somewhat busty woman with long, narrow feet, it's about fit rather than brand.

Salomon boots are really good for narrow feet. Rab have a factory shop in Somercotes in Derbyshire, but I guess it'll be closed temporarily. Never pay full price for Rab!

I like Rab for tops especially. I have one I bought for skiing years ago and it's still in good condition, fits well, and is very warm. I struggle to find trousers that fit well because I'm short, but have bought acai leggings this year and they fit very well

@78percentLindt I have narrow feet and struggled for years to find walking boots to fit. I bought some Altbergs a few years ago and they are the comfiest shoes I own! They are definitely worth the investment.

Alpkit, Rab, Patagonia, Mountain Equipment. Meindl do great boots.

They are all quite pricy brands, so shop around for sales, but the quality is fantastic. Berghaus etc. is ok, but not top-of-the line in quality, design or technicality.

I've got an ancient Berghaus coat I've had since I was in school and none of the waterproof coats I've bought since can hold a candle to it. I did have to replace my paclite waterproof trousers from few years ago as the bum ripped when I fell and the repair wouldn't hold. The new ones are as good as they were before so I'm impressed.

Sorry, left out a word. Trousers from Berghaus

Don’t mean to hijack but we watched Julia Bradbury’s Devon and Cornwall walks last night, and my god that woman looks so glamorous and put together.

Can’t really aspire to her level but does anyone happen to recognise the brand of boots, leggings and jackets she wears? I know it’s tricky as she never wears the same thing twice. When I go out I look like a scarecrow, any ideas welcome!

I have Patagonia stuff that is more than 20 years old and still going strong. It’s pricey, but bombproof, and I like their ethical stance.

I’ve got a lot of Alpkit too. The build quality @/durability isn’t so good, but they’re customer service is superb. And if you break down on one of their bikes in the Peak District, they’ll come and pick you up !! (My bike cane from the Hathersage store, presumably they’ll rescue you in the Lakes too).

I have narrow feet with a high instep and Berghaus boots are the best I have ever worn. Berghaus Gortex jacket is brilliant, Craghopper walking trousers, 1000 mile double-layer socks for blister-free walking. Mountain Warehouse microfleece for mid-layer and wicking tee shirt from Millets I think (Peter Storm?)
I also have a Paramao (?) windproof top that I won in. trail magazine competition years ago.
Fleece gloves and beanie if really cold and I am ready!

@AnotherDelphinium I got an XL(16) in the full length thermal legging. They look absolutely tiny when they come out of the packet but they fit me fine. They are very tight, but they have a lovely deep waistband. They are also very cosy. I am a 16 (18 on a bad day) so they are true to size for me. I have a 10% off referral code I can send you if you like.

Yes also to Osprey bags, very comfy.