To ask for hiking help

[polkadotpj]

My DS12 is doing s hikf with scouts. I did D if E bronze and stopped. We had no cash for the boots/ coats/ gear and I had no clue of the outdoors and maps etc. Blagged it but felt horribly out of my depth. I've walked very little since. The odd 6/8 miles while camping (following friends and with kids so nothing too crazy terrain wise). But now my son needs kit for this walk. I've found boots online and a waterproof but what trousers should i get? Will he need over trousers or a waterproof pair ? Walking wicking t shirts like I run in? Thin fleece? What else? All the help from you lovely lot please. Oh and what sleeping bag that won't break the bank? Ours are very much "comfy camping" cotton padded ones! Thank you!!

Try décathlon too for good cheap sports stuff. Make sure he packs everything in plastic bags so that when it rains his stuff doesn't get soaked through. And lots and lots of layers!

Would it be wrong to make a trial batch of trail mix to eat on the sofa?! Asking for a friend who also likes the sound of it

Put a post on the outdoor gear buy and sell FB group, guarantee people will fall over themselves to help.

No need to buy expensive new kit for bronze d of e, basic but serviceable stuff is fine.

Oh and my DC's school recommends using a rubble sack (not a normal black bag) as a rucksack liner at a much lower cost, it keeps everything dry in a downpour.

This I'd great ta. I'm hoping to borrow a rucksack. Not sure if they have to carry tents but assuming so! We had to! I became trapped on my back like a beetle as my rucksack was so heavy! I got the poles...a long time ago...they were heavy

I like my twin skin running socks and guess the same applies? Boots today don't need as much wearing in - they're more supple and they fit your feet better, and, most of all, socks are better. I use a thin pair of sock liners under thick woollen socks because I feel that the abrasion happens between the inner and outer socks, but they've more or less been superseded by socks two-layered socks which is I think what you're talking about.

Apart from that he'll need a waterproof jacket, waterproof trousers (because otherwise the jacket will simply pour all the water on to his thighs as if from a drainpipe), but you can go for cheap waterproof trousers. He'll also need a beanie and some gloves.

Avoid denim jeans - they absorb the water, get cold, and don't dry. In general, he'll be warmer in synthetics or wool than he will in cotton. I wouldn't buy specially, but bear in mind when selecting which of his existing clothes to take.

When DD did bronze DofE, she got a card which gave us 10% off outdoor shops - Cotswolds, Blacks etc. Have you got one of those? Especially useful for boots. Other stuff I would beg and borrow, boots I would buy.