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Please suggest some good walking tops?

10 replies

Thistle72 · 26/02/2020 15:28

I’m late 40’s and I suffer from anxiety so thinking walking would help I have joined the ramblers and must say I think it’s definitely helping.
The only thing is I’m just wearing my usual long sleeved t shirt, jumper then waterproof coat with my scarf but I’m noticing I’m sweating like a bitch and stink Hmm Can’t just wear my T-shirt under my coat so has any walkers out there got any suggestions please?
TIA Flowers

OP posts:
MrsHa · 26/02/2020 15:56

Layers are great when walking but you need the right ones. Sports Direct and Go Outdoors are good bets for a range of prices. You want to avoid cotton as it holds the sweat (and the smell).

Thistle72 · 26/02/2020 17:03

Think that’s where I’m going wrong then because most of my tops are cotton. I’ll go and have a look at Go outdoors tomorrow. Thanks

OP posts:
lekkerkroketje · 26/02/2020 17:15

I've got merino wool t-shirts from Decathlon (these) for hiking. They're warm/cool as needed, survived the tumble drier and a hot wash by mistake and don't smell quickly. They're nice and soft as pyjamas too!

Eyeskydry · 26/02/2020 17:17

Merino wool base layers are warm, don’t get smelly and you can get some nice styles. Icebreaker have a good range.

GreyishDays · 26/02/2020 17:19

Is it your coat that’s the problem maybe? Do you need a lighter, breathable but waterproof one. Then you could have a T-shirt and a fleece underneath.

Weltans · 26/02/2020 17:27

My sporty daughter gave me a merino top from Findra. TBH I thought it might be itchy, have used cheaper Aldi merino layers in the past. But it’s really comfy, and amazingly, doesn’t smell sweaty and doesn’t need washing that often: an airing on the washing line is enough to freshen it up most of the time. Label says machine washable, (but I wouldn’t risk it). Hand wash and quick spin.

BearimyJeremy · 26/02/2020 17:30

I wear a khaki mossie repellent button up shirt, man's size, over a vest top (loose-ish, light spaghetti straps) over a soft sports bra. Trousers I can zip off the bottom part if it gets warm. If I'm taking a jumper or fleece, zip up is best. Like a button up shirt you can open it a bit or all the way to get the draft/through breeze you need. Shirts you can roll sleeves loosely up or down too. One one super hot walk I took everything off bra included and just wore the khaki shirt on top, with just one button fastened. I got the sun protection and whatever breeze was going. I'd have melted in an all in one t shirt or something you can't open up. Might have flashed the odd cow but I was comfortable.

When it's cooler I wear an (Aldi) ski jacket on top and shove a duvet coat into the bag. Duvet coats are good for throwing on top when you stop walking and get a chill, but they're shite for keeping rain out.

I also carry waterproof overtrousers and jacket in bag. Seems a lot but it isn't really, I do spend an entire day on the hills and weather can change in minutes. Be prepared to stop and layer up or later down as you go along. I might do that five or six times but it's important to feel comfortable and if you've got lots of layers you can get it just right.

If it's snowy there will be merino leggings in the mix too and don't underestimate the value of crampons or spikes you can pull into your walking boots. They make icy snowy walks a dream and not a nightmare!

Rambling great for mental health so keep at it! Top tips defo button up shirt and zip fleece. Treat yoursel to bits of equipment and clothing as you progress. It can be quite personal what works!

Thistle72 · 26/02/2020 17:37

Wow thanks for all your advice!!!! My coat is only a light Didrikson for walking my dog, I absolutely love it.
I have been taking a rucksack so I’ll put some bits in. Those zip off trousers sound good when it’s gets warmer. I’m off to investigate x

OP posts:
Sallygoround631 · 28/02/2020 12:50

Sorry I’m late to this but here are my tips!

I’m in the Lakes so learned pretty quickly how to do it - and it is almost backwards thinking to how we usually dress for more urban pursuits, etc.

Avoid cotton like the plague.
Depending on budget - and you can go in at cheaper end mountain warehouse all the way up to Rab/Patagonia, etc for brands.

I’d recommend a merino baselayer for winter and a sweat wicking base tee or top for summer.

Ideally a mid layer - thin fleece or breathable zip up/hoodie.

On top, for winter, a lightweight synthetic food away puffer. This can be taken on and off during walk and weighs no more than a sock!

This is a superb blog post with recommendations. She is a hill walker but explains the technicals very well, including accessories.

You can get all of these at low prices and do not need to commit to the pricier brands.

Most of the advice on MN regarding quality clothing works oddly in reverse here, so wool and cotton would trap sweat, synthetics are your friend in this dept.

Here’s the link - wildandwords.com/blogpost/what-i-wear-for-hillwalking

Sallygoround631 · 28/02/2020 12:54

Fold away puffer, not food!

Also, each layer is very light, so you can swap and change as you walk. Stuff the one you don’t need in backpack, etc.
Walking up hill you initially feel very warm, then close to top may get suddenly chillier.

Also recommend a beanie, or one of those merino neck tubes (called a ‘buff’) which is a non flappy neck warmer that can pull up over head and lower face for quick warmth.

Decent boots that don’t slip or let in water.
Again you can get most of this stuff cheap, but my advice is put most money on boots and puffer (or any other, super lightweight but very warm jacket).

Big coats like didricksons really don’t work for long walking.

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