Walking clothes

[TwoBreakingIntoOne]

I occasionally walk with friends 7-10 miles or so. Once restrictions are lifted I want to join a walking group and get out more regularly
I have boots but no decent clothes. I hate being bulky and don't really like the kind of rigid waterproof coat my friend wears
Can anyone recommend some reasonable priced gear?

I prefer more thin layers to anything chunky. I like decathlon stuff and craighopper fleeces

I use a lot of Alpkit stuff. Not as expensive as the top named things but with the similar features.

Layers are your friend - I have a mix of base, mid and to layers. Some windproof and some waterproof.

I do a lot of walking and tend to layer up - thin base layer (like a sports T-shirt) to keep the sweat off, then a thin or thick fleece depending on the weather, then a down jacket in winter, and then a waterproof but not lined coat. I take a small rucksack and keep stuff in there eg if I’m warm but it’s raining I’ll wear the T-shirt and waterproof coat. I don’t just use them for walking - get more wear out of them if I use them for everyday use too, so it justifies the cost of something more expensive which will last. I go for Rab, Montane, Berghaus, and Alpkit mainly, and Cotswolds Outdoor have some great bargains on last seasons kit. They also offer discounts for certain employer or governing body members, or scout leaders or NHS - loads, just have a look.

My favourite waterproof is an unlined Marmot one that I bought on ebay - great hood, zipped underarms for ventilation, but really waterproof and not bulky at all.

I just walk in running leggings, but just got a pair of Alpkit oudoor jeans yesterday which are water resistant, stretchy, and wicking

I think you'll need trousers or leggings that are not cotton, a wicking t shirt/long sleeve top, a couple of different weight fleece tops and a decent waterproof/windproof jacket.

I'd concentrate your budget on your jacket, Google something like "best women's lightweight waterproof" and you'll probably find reviews that have been done by walking magazines etc. The rest can be picked up pretty cheaply.

DH is a walker and done serious stuff but his bottoms of choice are still a pair of Ron Hill tracksters.

With the kit above, that will equip you for most walks in most weathers. If you live somewhere particularly dry or predictable, a very lightweight wind shirt might be handy for hilltops in otherwise nice weather and you could probably fit that in a pocket.

Decathlon, Trespass and Mountain Warehouse are all perfectly fine if you're not going on high peaks in the depths of winter. The technical fabrics are best as they dry quickly and you're best with layers so you can add or remove as necessary. I mostly hike in my running kit with additional layers these days.

No cotton yoga style pants or they'll be dragged down if you get wet. You don't want to be walking miles in flappy too long wet leggings.,

Ronhill tracksters aren't stylish athleisure but they wash and dry very quickly, don't chafe, and aren't heavy or constricting. If you get ones that fit, they are a bit like ski pants. They do the job.

You need a waterproof fairly light coat that you can wear over a midlayer.

You will pay a premium for some brands because they are trendy.

I agree about layers and wicking fabrics. I walk in running leggings or craghopper walking trousers (or both if cold). Decathlon is really good I think and I have worn their trail running waterproof trousers loads this year - fold up teeny and not sweaty or rustly like some. Top half - sports T shirt, thermal or long sleeved top, fleece, waterpoof.

Craghoppers trousers are very good, they have a short fitting which I love - keep an eye open for special offers, they have really good ones from time to time. Otherwise it depends on where and what type of group. A leisurely 5 mile walk in Northamptonshire can be fine with ordinary comfy tops. A strenuous walk in Fells etc will likely be more comfortable with non wicking fabrics. Mountain Warehouse/Regatta are good value but keep an eye on TK Maxx. They sometimes have brands like Sprayway/Craghoppers etc at bargain prices. I prefer to buy in person rather than online as things like pockets and arm length can make a huge difference to comfort levels.

Wicking clothes don't do anything superior for me. I still wear cotton as much as possible.
Jeans are bad if wet or hot, often fine otherwise.

The merino wool midlayers are nice. Not to techy. Natural fibres.

I dog walk for a living usually in deep countryside and woodland. I use fast drying techno fabric teeshirts, mostly short sleeved but I have a couple of long sleeve ones for very cold weather. Fleece hoodies for mid layer, a waterproof breatheable jacket with a good peaked hood. For legs, thermal quick drying leggings as longjohns when it's very cold, otherwise just good quality techno fabric walking trousers. My favourite boots are leather wellies so I prefer capri length thus avoiding flappy wet ankles, and in lovely summer weather if I know my route will be nettle and bramble free I have walking sandals instead of boots.

Stretchy leggings, fleece lined for winter. Layer tops with a fleece and good quality waterproof jacket . Try Decathlon, craghoppers, Trespass, Columbia, Berghaus. TKmaxx have some Columbia walking cargo trousers at the moment.

Blacks and Cotswold outdoor often have discounts, Snow and Rock sale for end of season bargains.

Plus Craghoppers and Rohan do fits for big bums like mine :-)

Craghoppers are great! I especially like the Kiwi Pro walking trousers and shorts