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!

Make the trip to buy your boots because it doesn't matter how good the quality is or how someone else rates them if they don't suit your foot shape. Next important buy is a decent waterproof and socks. Most other stuff you can get by with unless you are hitting the peaks in bad weather.
Lots of top brand trousers are way too long if you are short like me, I stick with craghoppers as they do a short fit and I live in them.

Spending time and money on getting good boots and socks would be a good place to start. I have Berghaus boots which are brilliant, super comfy and very hard wearing. Brasher walking socks are also essential for me.
Layer up and as a pp said, be prepared for it being a bit chilly on the tops. I walked on Kinder Scout in September and sunshine at the bottom of it but pulled my hat on at the top.

I also have Berghaus walking pants, comfortable, enough stretch in them for scrambling and useful pockets.
Finally, also try a few backpacks on - they vary a lot. A ventilated back section so your back doesn't get sweaty, plenty of pockets and adjustable straps for a good fit. I personally like straps that go across chest and the waist as it seems to distribute the pack evenly.

I find Keen a good fit for my wide feet..

I really like Açai fleece lined trousers for flat winter walks but for more energetic hiking, normal workout tights (Sweaty Betty etc) with packable waterproof overtrousers are more practical.

I usually wear a vest top, thin long sleeve top (merino Icebreaker), fleece jacket and a waterproof on top. The only hiking specific bits I own are boots/socks, waterproof overtrousers & my waterproof jacket.

A good rucksack helps but I use an old Salomon running backpack which hasn’t let me down.

@whatever1980

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!

Even Blacks will have a selection of some Good boots and most High Streets will have one. I’d pay them a visit.

Look!

It depends when and where you hike. I’ve worn less than that on some of my walks.

Thanks everyone I think a trip to a good outdoor store is probably best way forward for me

Thermal acai trousers - game changers!

Definitely @whatever1980. A good boot fitter will show you how to lace your boots to suit your feet. There are lacing patterns to help with high insteps, narrow heels etc.

If you tell us generally where you are maybe someone could suggest a good shop with knowledgable staff? Rather than a shop of sales people.

Hi @IbizaToTheNorfolkBroads thanks I'm about an hour or so from Belfast

I think there is a Cotswold Outdoor near or in Belfast and a Go Outdoors which is where I got my boots, the guy working there was great. Decathlon is worth a visit as they are good value but I don't know how knowledgeable their staff are.

Be aware that a lot of leggings and similar don't keep midges out.
I second the Decathlon recommendation. Some of their jackets offer good bum coverage too.
Definitely go for layers rather than anything overly warm as one layer.

@whatever1980, as well as Go Outdoors and Cotswold, there is an independent shop on Belfast, I seem to remember pretty central, called Jackson Sport.

I'd second an earlier comment about choosing your backpack well. I had no end of trouble with my shoulders with a Karrimor day pack but not had any bother at all since switching to Osprey.

Brilliant thanks everyone

Hope you have a great trip @whatever1980 and if you need help when you’re looking at specific items I’m sure we’ll be able to help again!

I have Acai casual stroll pants and also the thermal leggings. V comfy. My boots are 20 odd year old Meindl ones which I'm wondering whether to end away for repair or replace as they're great. Socks are just cushioned knee length Falke hiking ones. I tend to run a bit hot so just wear a long sleeved gym/yoga top with a sweatshirt and a breathable waterproof Berghaus shell jacket with.a hood.

I hike in Ireland- South East mainly so nothing too extreme. I really rate Acai thermal leggings and go with layers plus a windbreaker on top. I have boots I bought from Wanderfox in West Cork - think they have a sale online now. Also good socks are important. Not too thick for me because it's not terribly cold, but I have a selection.

Do you all find your boots are waterproof? I don’t hike miles but I dog walk in woods which can be very wet and boggy and I’ve found my “waterproof” boots from mountain warehouse never last a winter.

I'm a fan of Paramo stuff . For boots Mendl .

catswhisky yes, but mine are leather, and only if I give them regular applications of G Wax. I don’t know what waterproofing people use for fabric/ mixed boots- maybe a spray? 🤔

Not all boots are waterproof and even those that are need regular attention/re-proofing. Leather Mendl would last a long time looked after.

@Catswhisky are they Mountain Warehouse brand boots? Mine never lasted although they were meant to be Waterproof. I have a pair of leather Regatta brand boots and they're still going strong after 6 years. I walk in the Lakes most weekends so they are a lot of wet ground.

My Mountain Warehouse boots are still waterproof after three years of very wet and boggy walking.

Probably not what OP needs….but if anyone has bunions I can highly recommend Hanwag Hallux boots. I forget the bunions even exist 😊