Walking/Hiking clothes/boots

[whatever1980]

Doing some camping/hiking this year.

I'm vain and not athletic but not too overweight. I'll be out of my comfort zone so want some good quality kit that is also flattering is that possible?? Prepared to spend money on boots and coat (longline).

What should I get?

Boots? I saw Meghan's kamik boots but don't think they're hiking boots?

Trousers? Leggings (showerproof/fellow lined) seem to be in?

Coat? Want longline waterproof to cover bum and thighs

Please help!

Basically it's worth spending on boots and a waterproof shell jacket, they both need to really fit you and be waterproof.

More or less everything else can be as cheap or expensive as you like. If you do a lot of walking you'll get the benefit of better quality but Regatta/mountain warehouse/Decathlon do all the basics. Look for items that pack small so you can carry them.

I never get on with flappy man style walking trousers, I'm just the wrong shape, and usually wear thick running leggings or slim trousers like these. Wash-in Nikwax keeps off the worst of the rain and carry some waterproof overtrousers in case of a downpour.

Also look out for a neat small rucksack about 25 litres.

I've got a nice Ilse Jacobsen showerproof coat. It's very light, not a warm one at all, very handy for warm but rainy weather and can be layered with warmer clothes underneath. It's longline, so keeps a good portion of your legs dry (I've got long legs and it's great for me). It comes in lovely colourways and is slim-fitting and flattering.
I'd recommend Scandi labels in general for style and function together.

I also love Merrell for walking trainers, although haven't tried their hiking boots.

Ooh following! My boots fell apart on my last hike so I need to start again but I have plans to get out so much more this year

Definitely get a separate waterproof coat/cagoule and a fleece or one of those thin padded jackets for warmth. You are more likely to overheat than get cold. I don't usually start a walk with my waterproof jacket on unless it's really windy or already raining. But a long thick commuter anorak gives you no options.

Watching with interest!

Boots I like Berghaus and Merrel. I have a normal pair and fleece lined winter ones with snow grips

Second those saying layers, thin gym type tshirt, fleece, waterproof

Also different walking trousers - even in summer I wear trousers (nettles/brambles!) but very thin
In winter I have some fleece lined ones from Regatta

Go to somewhere like Go Outdoors if you can, for a good look round

Light rucksack for the layers and a folding foam mat for sitting down have been great. Also folding coffee cups!

Some great advice on here. I usually wear leggings, thermal or not depending on season. I'm interested in waterproof trouser recommendations though - please tell me more!! I hadn't heard of the ACAI ones but they look comfy. Pricey though!

In winter I usually wear a long Didriksons coat, which goes against the grain on this thread, but I like a warm bottom in winter! And I'm using to walking in a long coat - wouldn't climb in it though.

My favourite walking boots are Merrell Goretex ones - I really rate their footwear.

The only other thing I'd recommend is a lightweight hiking sit mat - I bloody love mine. Either cheap foam ones from eBay or the padded concertina ones - v light and take up no room in a bag.

Uniqlo is good for a cheap down layer that you can pack away

Thanks everyone really great tips here as wouldn't have a clue. Would have to travel about an hour and a half to a good outdoor store unfortunately so it'll be trial abs error online 😶. Long coat out then!

I’m going to buck the trend a bit, and recommend that you don’t buy too much stuff at first until you decide to really get into hiking- but that’s really down to my personal disgust that something so simple as walking has become an excuse to buy so much stuff! (see also wild swimming - you really really don’t NEED a dryrobe 🙄)

I spend weekends doing 12-14 mile hikes on Dartmoor (although not this time of year- yesterday was a 9 mile walk on the moors of W. Cornwall) and I still wear jeans, and have- amazingly- never had cause to regret it. I do have good boots- Asolo, which I got from eBay for about £30, a winter outdoor jacket that I got from Lidl for about £15, and a summer waterproof jacket that was about £30 from Trespass. Am considering looking at perhaps some gaiters to wear with leggings, as I am often shin deep in bogs.

I'm an awkward shape so definitely prefer leggings (of the tech variety not cotton) to craghopper type trousers. I find the trousers restrict movement by slipping slightly down and it's much more comfortable to add the separate waterproof trousers on top of the inner layer is skin tight. Used to wear craghoppers until I got into running and got some modern leggings.

Have a look at this stuff www.rohan.co.uk

and www.sportsshoes.com/products/z/womens/outdoors/shoes/

Glad you've decided against the longline coat, OP. Would prove a major hindrance the minute you get near anything even slightly scrambly.
Even "easy" hills like Catbells often have a bit of scrambling involved, and you don't want a coat over your bum stopping you from moving.
If I were you I'd stock up from Decathlon, as the stuff is just as good quality as most of the more expensive brands, and much cheaper. I usually wear running leggings, big socks, a wicking t shirt and a lightweight fleece to go walking in. Plus waterproof jacket. A buff is useful as an all-round scarf/hat.
If you're going up high or will be out for a long time, you'll need extra layers. Thin, wicking, base layers are best. Avoid anything made of cotton at it'll get wet and stay cold...

For something quite stylish but also very functional, I'm a big fan of Revolution Race: www.revolutionrace.co.uk

Acai trousers also good.

Comfortable boots and good socks are essential, followed by a waterproof that keeps the water out.
My current boots are from Keen but see someone else has recommended Scarpa. Different brands suit different shaped feet so do try a few. With walking boots try them on a slope too - you don't want your feet to slip forward as you walk as you will end up with sore toes.
Light layers, hat, buff, gloves.
Personally I would boil in thermal or fleece lined trousers - I like leggings or close fitting trousers. My favourite are from Decathlon and were not expensive.
Avoid jersey or denim - they can get heavy and cold in the wet. Wool or man made fibres are comfy and keep you dry and warm.

I love my Sweaty Betty power leggings - they have a brilliant pocket for a phone that stops it rattling around snd holds it tight. Important if you use it for navigation and photos! I even did a grade 1 scramble in mine although I was a bit nervous about trashing them

Anyone recommend

Keen Womens Targhee III Waterproof Mid Walking Boots Brown

And Berghaus hinderwick?

I keep my kit simple; most people walking, and are not taking ice picks and ropes out or bivvying, so there's no need for huge amounts of fancy stuff.
Keen or Merrell boots - last years, good sizing, decent guarantee on them.
A vest or t-shirt, a button up shirt, a thin fleece, a waterproof coat. I wear Nike leggings usually, or Rab trousers. I have got a puffy coat from Uniqlo which squishes into a bag for an extra layer. Think my waterproof pants are Regatta, also squishable. Berghaus day sack. Those neck tube things are great because they don't flap like a scarf. I take a woolly hat but waterproof gloves - Sealskinz are the best.
Most of this is from Go Outdoors, TKs or Cotswold (because they have a discount for National Trust members).

My best recommendation is to try different boots on. There are loads of quality brands and I would say go as expensive as you can afford if you are taking this up as a serious hobby.
Most outdoor places will do boot fittings and ask what type of walking you are going to do and will help you decide whats right for you. Buy decentvsocks as well.

I agree that a long line coat ( past hips) isnt ideal for hiking. Its great for lakeside walks but not so much on the falls and above!

@whatever1980 It could be worth a 90 minute trip to an outdoor shop to find boots that fit well, as pps said the fit varies. Sales assistants often really know their stuff and can be a great help.

A lot depends on what kind of walking you plan. If you're going up proper mountains in Scotland (Munros) you would need more gear that's better quality - full waterproofs, layers for cold weather / high winds at the top, proper boots, consider walking poles. Weather can change from sunny to treacherous in minutes and it is not unusual for people from outwith the Highlands and who don't know the hills to end up having accidents.

However, if you're doing low level 2 hour walks on forestry roads I completely agree with @crackofdoom that you don't need fancy kit ... I do walks like that in Havaianas. Going up a motorway like Ben Lomond, a lot of people just have a waterproof jacket + trainers (except the Glasgow lads whose main outdoor gear is Nikes and a bottle of buckfast).

@whatever1980 I've found that Keen are quite a wide fit. What fit do you need?

Has anyone mentioned Rohan?

I just go to one of the chain shops and buy whatever’s in the sale, looks OK and fits. Technical specifications of budget ranges nowadays are higher than those of expensive brands a few years ago. If I buy trousers I buy men’s as I find women’s walking trousers horribly uncomfortable, cut far too tight and low (and expensive brands as bad as cheap, or worse).

Also agree that thick leggings are preferable to trousers.