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?

I love this thread.

What is your weeing strategy? Hold it all in or brazen it out and nip to bushes?

How much do you feel the cold? If, like me, you get chilled easily then leggings might not be enough, especially if it's a bit cold and windy.

I went walking yesterday and wore leggings under my walking trousers, thick socks, merino base layer, filet, fleece, jacket, buff around my neck or on head and wooly gloves.

Red runny noses do not look sexy.

This is really tricky. You have to look well equipped and your gear is good quality, shows signs of serious use but not worn out. Not brand new and matchy like it all came from Cotswold outdoor last week. Nothing could be further from your mind than how you look.

Suggest- reasonably colour co ordinated, get hat/neck tube in cheery colour that suits you, bit of mascara and sheer lipstick/tinted salve. Good jacket and trousers like these acaiactivewear.com/products/max-stretch-skinny-outdoor-trousers-black. Don't buy any trousers from an outdoor shop, they are invariably baggy passion killers. Also get your boots slightly muddy first.

I'd find some nice moss and a boulder for a wee if needed! A days climbing up an English mountain and back can be 6 hours plus so not always really an option to hold it in! If it's something shorter maybe you can hold it in.

Haha read back now!
Decathlon is cheap for gear but not looked down on because it's pretty decent and all the French "randonnneurs" use it.
Also if you are anywhere near Derbyshire there's the Rab factory shop in Somercoates.

If we are fantasy shopping, one of these backpacks wuld be awesome!! www.homeofmillican.com/products/the-mavericks-fraser-the-rucksack-32l-moss#product

and merino layers next to your skin, they don't get sweaty and smelly when you are hiking.

Definitely 2 messy French braids, smell fresh and clean, and take a cheeky hip flask to share. Tinted lip balm, a little mascara that might accidentally smudge to become smoky. Let nature provide the blusher and highlighter, and hope it doesn't rain.

What about your hair?

Fingers crossed it doesn't lash it down.

Pounce on him in the pub, it'll be fine.

I really like the look of those Acai Trousers.

But are they flattering on the big of bum & ample of thigh?

Does the cellulite show through?

Lots of good ideas here. Definitely pack some snacks and drinks. That way if you are out for longer than you expect or get a bit lost you won’t be hungry, shakey and weepy. Chocolate, cereal bars, carton of juice, hot drink. If you bake how about wowing him with homemade flapjack or brownies?

You will need a proper waterproof. A thin one is best as it can stay in the backpack if it’s a fine day but even on a fine day it can be great on top of the hill for keeping the wind out.

If you get ear ache make sure you have hat or something else to cover up your ears. It will be much colder high up in the winter than it is in the valley.

Definitely lip balm. Chapped lips not a good look.

I have been struggling with cold buttocks. Apparently it is a thing. Will have a look at the trousers recommended here and get some thermal tights/knickers/shorts.

www.shape.com/fitness/cardio/why-does-my-butt-stay-cold-during-run

I love this thread although now lusting after those thermal hiking trousers - have been stuck with baggy (and now seemingly v uncool) Mountain Warehouse ones for ages. If I manage to do one of the hiking challenges I've set this year then they will be my treat.
Back to the OP - good luck! And if it works out you have the bonus of being with a man who actually likes being outdoors

I just want to point out how going WITHOUT the good gear could be a strategy. Most outdoorsy men that I know love giving advice on what gear you should have. So that could be an excuse for lots of texts etc, moving forward. You know, "asking his expert advice". So long as you dont wear something silly.....

Fair point @Ohms11 and if you see my earlier posts I started out in any old thing but with a smile and enthusiasm. A good few of my nice pro bits have subsequently been gifts right up to and including a new sensible rucksack this Christmas *Preens

If you can find it, and pay for it...all the hottie hikers here wear Mammut.

And then your base layers from Odlo.

Stay away from Jack Wolfskin it's the territory of the Swiss middle aged mum.

Here is Switzerland btw. I have a JW jacket.

I always get so hot on a walk - just me ? Or maybe peri menopause and I’m not dating anyway so should just go out fat and sweaty
Good luck OP. I’d love to have French plaits and a glowing face

I second a hip flask. I've started to go on walks with a flask of g&t. It definitely improves my walks... but maybe HotwalkingMan is a whisky drinker?

Aghhhhh FrauBlucher I have a Jack Wolfskin anorak. I'll have to ditch it. I don't want to look middle aged, even Swiss middle aged. Though in fact I AM middle aged.

I'm thinking I now have a decent idea of what to wear... but I'm obviously an amateur in this matter and have completely overlooked strategy...

Wee strategy!!! What's the consensus? Cross legs for 6 hours or pee behind a boulder? Talk about being caught between a rock and a hard place... I don't think I can contemplate an undignified squat in the open air...

Any tips on seduction strategy? I acknowledge the usefulness of flattering by seeking equipment advice from the 'expert'. Should I perhaps feign a twisted ankle and insist on taking his arm???? Or just say Fancy a quick one behind that cairn??? Have to confess, am super excited by the thought of kendal mint cake and condoms. I am SO looking forward to this outing now.

It’s impossible to look that good hiking, my husband just loves hill walking and bagging munros and sometimes I just can’t get out of it I end up going with him!! He could not care less how a look as long as I don’t moan is all he is worried about so comfortable walking boots or trail shoes!! And warm water proof cloths. By the end of that day I always look like I been pull throw a hedge backwards but it’s a really good Way to get to know someone as you talk a lot!! Forget about makeup sun screen and lip balm is all that’s required. Don’t forget sunglasses. And pray for a dry day!!

So, what type of mountain are we talking here, OP? A three peaks type mountain or something that's only just crept out of being a hill by virtue of a cm or 2?
I like to tell people I've spent the afternoon mountaineering when I've actually only just had an amble up a very local, slightly oversized hill with the dog 😂. Sadly no hotty in tow, just the dog.

@AlannahOfTrebond - I’ve been looking at those trousers for a while! How is the sizing? Which ones do you have?

Pee behind a boulder/bush.

If he's into hiking he won't find precious princesses sexy, he'll like a woman who can brave the elements

Feigning a twisted ankle is unlikely to impress. A worn in Jack Wolfskin is better than a brand new fashion jacket.

If he's is taking you hiking for a 'date' then he is probably trying to find out if you are a practical outdoorsy type of woman or the type to be more interested in whether they look good.....

@Shockers, I'd say the sizing is pretty standard, I'm a 14 in most places on the high street and a 14 fits perfectly. As I mentioned before, they do come up long, I'm 5'10 and a regular leg is perfectly long enough on me.

I've got both the thermal and the lighter weight ones. The thermal are my favourite pair as they are a bit thicker and the fleecey lining is really soft and breathes well. The standard ones are very light weight and I do find the knees end up bagging a bit and they can get a little clammy at times if I get too hot, would still recommend them though.

Great tip Alanna

just don't buy this

acaiactivewear.com/products/grangers-wash-repel

Hmmm... liking the look of those trousers, as I need to replace my Kuhl jeans which I adore because of the pockets -- sadly I can't find like-for-like replacements at a sensible price in the UK.