A good look for hiking?

[JulietAconite]

I'm going to climb a mountain with a man I secretly fancy madly. What on earth can I wear to look like a genuine proficient walker, yet still look hot?

You know that's impossible don't you? And if he's a serious climber and he gets the slightest inkling that you are making any kind of sartorial effort, he will despise you. The bastard. You're too good for him.

You need to avoid the @all the heat but no idea” scenario. This would put you so low in his opinions that he is unlikely to ever Duran to you again

Assuming you are going to the Lake District or somewhere rather than Mont Blanc:

Walking trousers or running tights
Long johns if you get cold legs (I don’t)
Baselayer, fleece, waterproof jacket
Woolly hat
Walking socks, walking boots

My first sentence above is meant to say “all the gear but no idea”.

If you fancy him ask him out on a date to somewhere that gives you a reason to dress hot. I don't think this is it

Arcteryx, Rab, The North Face, Mountain Equipment. Nothing from Mountain Warehouse!

Assuming hiking not actual climbing with ropes

Running tights (way sexier than Hiking trousers), merino under tights if freezing
Proper walking boots and socks
A thin merino long sleeve baselayer
Then a nice jumper - slim fitting merino knit in a flattering colour not an ugly fleece.because hopefully the date then ends with a nice pub drink or dinner and then that's what he sees over the table
Down filled gilet if very cold
Proper waterproof jacket
Woolly hat
Proper gloves
Day pack rucksack
Water bottle
Thermos of tea/coffee
Blister plasters...

....and huge warm knickers underneath!

Nothing pink, girly or cutesy.

Great advice. and DontCallMeCharlotte you've given me a great laugh.
So, it's looking like running tights, merino that looks alright in the pub later, proper footwear and an expensive jacket that's not a hideous waterproof hiking anorak.
Wish I could just do an ordinary date. Wish I could look hot in ordinary date clothes. But this actually plays to my strengths and an openly acknowledged date is out of the question.
Is a sporty backpack my only option for a bag?

I think the best way to impress is to wear quality, practical clothing! (If you’re comfy, your best personality will shine, and that’s the best thing! - especially as, realistically, no one is ever going to look sexy in outdoor gear!). 2 things I’d seriously consider- 1. Mountain equipment walking trousers - they’re really high quality (as in they’re soft shell so are water resistant) & they’re beautifully fitted - don’t get minging cheap cotton walking trousers! I think these are normally about £80. And 2. A lovely fitted fleece - eg. I love the new Rab nexus fleece

Borrow or buy second hand, that way you'll look like and old hand and hopefully get decent brands that are worn in for less (don't show up in squeaky new stuff). Wear neutral colors and add in a decent lipstick (friend of mine always skis in black and white with red lipstick, looks amazing).

I would start from the feet up, and don't be buying lots of new things:

• footwear suitable to the walk you will be doing - properly worn-in as well (and big enough for your two pairs of socks, see below ...);

• decent socks (I usually go for two pairs, thin knee-length inner socks or sometimes tights, and thicker colourful outer socks);
• I always think leggings look better than trousers and are comfier and more "mobile" imo, I fold my outer socks over so they sit on my ankles, over my leggings and above my boots;
• layering on top so you can peel off as you get too hot - I would go for a decent sports bra, a thin scoopneck or crew neck longsleeved inner top (merino or thermal at this time of year), woollen jumper on top, not too thick;
• scarf/buff/"neck gaiter", understated woolly hat, decent gloves;
• day rucksack for water, snacks, and to keep all those layers in as you heat up and peel them off;
• jacket should be properly waterproof; if I am going for a "serious" walk I usually take waterproof trousers as well although you have to weigh up the overheating aspect of those too. I do have a pair of softshell trousers as recommended above but I tend to overheat in those.

My top tip for looking not-a-mess in all that gear (I think "hot" is too much to hope for, lol) would be to keep the number of colours you wear to a minimum. For example most of my walking clothes are black but I have a bright jacket and a patterned hat. Or you might have a dark jacket and a zingy rucksack ...

And yes to blister plasters, especially if you are not used to walking long distances.

I do think a backpack is your best bet for a bag, you will be carrying it a long distance and it is the most practical: hands free, adjustable straps for comfort, weight properly distributed. A shoulder bag just gets in the way. It doesn't have to be boring, as long as it has enough padding on the straps to be comfy.

Have a lovely time!

Unless your planning an expedition, really normal clothes are fine. Just wear decent shoes for walking and no jeans. If walking now in January, then obviously layer up for the cold and wet.

(I live in the Alps, no one wears all this gear for a regular few hour hike unless a tourist)

I climbed a mountain for the first time with a new boyfriend in trainers, jeans, pink stuff and an IKEA crap rucksack. We are still together 18 months on and now, a dozen Wainwright's on I have all the legit stuff right down to the crampons

Don't spend a bomb on kit til you're sure you love the mountains/him enough to do it again!

If he's into hiking/climbing then he's probably quite capable of fancying women with hair scraped back in ponytails, no makeup, wearing anorak etc etc

Strongly suggest you focus on waterproof / breathable / warm. Happy people are sexier than whingers, so whatever you wear needs to keep you comfortable. I think natural colours look waaay better when worn on a mountain than the lurid or fluorescent that so many brands seem to want to sell us for outdoor kit.

Love this thread. OP you legend!

Place marking as I might be in a similar situation soon...

Oh and sweaty betty do ski thermals and stylish outerwear.

It's stylish and functional but expensive. They have a sale on now though.

And don't wear too much make up. Looks utterly ridiculous on the fell (ex mountain rescuer - judgments were certainly made about full faces of slap 😁) If it's a proper good walk you'll probably sweat off foundation, so a tiny bit of eye enhancement (mascara, bit of liner) and perhaps tinted lip balm is enough

PP seem to have most things covered, I just dropped in to suggest Acai skinny walking trousers, thermal, showerproof, incredibly comfortable and really flattering. My new favourites.

I walk/hike a fair bit in the peak District: I wear black leggings, thick socks, walking boots, then depending on weather either a vest, or vest and thin jumper, fitted black puffa jacket, or fitted grey waterproof jacket. Wooly hat and or gloves if cold. Looks reasonably smart, but comfy and practical. Nothing baggy or flappy. And yes - mascara and lips.

Such excellent advice mumsnetters...
No random assemblage of (day glo) colours then, just a restrained palette with perhaps one brighter item. Definitely, definitely no pink.
Make up probably a waste of time- i'll sweat it off/ he might well like the outdoorsy natural look/ mountain rescue will judge me. Though lippy in the rucksack pocket ready for a quick post-descent application. I'd like to think my skin will be glowing with natural beauty by that time, and my hair gently tousled by the breeze.

Already got some Merrell walking shoes- comfortable and worn in- good start.
Jury is still out on knee socks, big knickers and waterproof over trousers.

Now got 2 weeks to build up thighs of steel and pray for a fine forecast. In Derbyshire. In January....

And Margot you're living my dream!!!!!

Yep. Gently tousled. Right.

(Hides current NYD photo of self looking like Marge Simpson in gently tousling breeze.)

Also sexy sunglasses

Don’t forget to pack food, snacks and drink (water whilst walking and flask of hot chocolate or coffee for lunch - tea is not so good in a flask as it stews)