What do yo wear for walking/hiking when over 50?

[RosesandMoonshine]

I know it's a somewhat silly question and there are no rules. But I do a fair bit of outdoorsy stuff throughout the year and like to wear good quality, robust stuff that lasts. I tend to use Fjallraven for leggings/trousers and have done for years - they're comfy and really a good fit for me. These are my favourite trekking tights.

I was thinking about the future though. I don't see a lot of older women wearing the tights out hiking and wondered why? They certainly aren't shown much in the advertising of brand products either :(
I maybe I don't notice people enough! If you are over 50 (I am approaching it) what would you wear on bottom half for hiking?
I would be loathe to give up my Abisko's and perhaps would prefer to use a longer jacket or top?

It is a bit of a daft question and I would personally advise someone to 'wear what you like!', but I am interested in what other women do regardless.

I wear either running leggings and loose top (no need to look like I am actually going for a run) or zip off action slacks (that's what I call them!).

I think I go more for the action slacks in good weather and leggings in poor weather, the latter because they won't get plastered onto my legs and I'll be wearing my long rain coat which has pockets, whereas if it's fine I'll not have a jacket so will need the pockets in my action slacks.
I'll also consider if a longer top will be useful to aid discrete wild weeing if it's a popular route.

I'm 51 BTW. My rain coat has lasted longer than my marriage did.

Oh I think walking skirts are more popular with older women. Perhaps this is the secret to the wild wee!

Love a browse in an outdoor shop now and would definitely always spend on boots and waterproof, but I think special trousers are optional
I sort of disagree about the special trouser comment. I'm not keen on seeing people on the fells and mountain ranges with jeans, only because they become so heavy in rain. The seams chafe at the inner thigh ( a group of young offenders that I used to work with thought they knew better than the advice I a gave them on a weekend course once. It didn't end well. )

Trousers with stretch in are ideal for climbing over stiles, jumping on stepping stones or jumping over brooks, scrambling etc and a lot more comfortable than non stretch.
Fabric that are good at wicking are more comfortable in hot weather. So while I don't think you have to pay £££'s if you don't want to, I do think a bit of thought should go in to what trousers you buy if you are going to be a keen hiker/fell/ mountain walker.

I’m quite a bit younger but Rohan stretch bags. I hate leggings and I hate flappy trousers and waterproof trousers. They are comfortable, dry quick and hard wearing. In winter I wear the lined version

Walking leggings and hip length tops.

notacooldad, I'd agree that stretch is more comfy and I'd quite like something more wicking than my current jeggings. Shocked at the price of some of the options though - have you any experience of the Decathlon ones, which look more affordable, or any other cheaper suggestions?

I’m 52 and wear sports leggings (usually just from M&S). I’ve just walked the Camino and found that most women wore similar. The majority of people I met were 60+ and either wore sports leggings or, occasionally, zip off hiking trousers. I used to have a few pairs of Craghoppers but much prefer an elasticated waist now. 😂

I did see a few women in hiking skirts which I’m tempted by.

50's here and usually wear leggings. Just back from a trip and wore Craghopper capris I bought on sale last year. They were stretchy and comfortable and did 't flap. I know exactly what you mean OP, I have other walking trousers, they aren't particularly comfortable or flattering.

What I would really like is a walking skirt.
They exist I know but are not that easy to find.

Craghopper Kiwi Pro or similar, jeans or stretchy trousers if it’s not a serious walk. Wicking top or tee shirt, fleece and my lovely Berghaus waterproof.
I have Jack Wolfskin boots and Salomon walking shoes.
It really all depends on being appropriately dressed for the terrain/weather/length of walk etc. Hat, gloves etc too.
i’m 68, I wouldn’t wear leggings simply because my bum’s too big 😊

There’s a world of difference with wearing the right gear for a trek in the Dolomites or the Mont Blanc circuit and a stroll around a lake or along a canal.
The important thing is to be comfortable and have good footwear,

I have Primark leggings 6 years old, good as the first day I put them on (20,000 exercise steps daily average).

Also, most of the best walkers I know have worn fairly battered gear. Yes, there comes a time when you have to break in, say, new boots - but everything else would probably be tried and tested.

I tend to associate the masses of shiny new kit plastered with logos syndrome with people who read some article about walking, and bought hundreds of quids worth of stuff just to do a one-off National Trust style well signposted 3 mile walk on the flat.

And every weekend one newspaper or another wonders why vast numbers of the population don’t feel welcome in the countryside …

Daisy62
I have a closet of all sorts. Rab are my favourite but a little pricey.
However I have also walked on Primark Fleece tights. It was winter and I was very warm. They cost around six quid I think.
Decathlon is marvellous for good value kit.

Also, most of the best walkers I know have worn fairly battered gear
What does this even mean?
Is walking a competitive sport?
I walk as part of a mountain group, sometimes solo or sometimes on local meet up groups. Some people have been doing walks all their lives, some in recent years.as they've got more time as they've retired and go off to some interesting places. I dont know who I would class as the best walker out of them.

For me “best” would be someone who’s fit, puts in distance, knows their stuff re navigation, can understand weather and the risks associated with that, and is curious - seeking out lesser trodden routes as well as the honey pots, which are honey pots for good reason because they are such amazing walks or summits. It’s not a competition at all but I do have friends (including a mountain leader qualification holder) who I would consider to be better walkers than me.

I wear a mix of Rab, Montane, Mountain Equipment, Berghaus, Patagonia mainly. Makes me sound like a label bunny, but it’s mainly due to fit and how long they last, and how multifunctional they are. I have long sleeved tech t-shirts from ME that are 8 years old, and Craghoppers trousers that are ten. Down jacket is from a Cotswolds store in Grasmere that was £70 down from £250 as it had a tiny pull in the sleeve - that’s 7 years old. I wear most of it either walking, at the climbing wall, or on the allotment! Still looks pretty good for its age all though some things are a little bobbly.

I’ve previously steered clear of Decathlon after a pair of new cycling leggings split all the way down the crotch at the front on a cycle commute to work. As is normal with cycling kit I wasn’t wearing underwear. I had to go behind a bush on the towpath to get my knickers out of my bag so I could get to work without my genitalia on show! It’s good to hear that manufacturing standards seem to have improved. I did do a multi day hike through the Sierra Nevada a couple of years ago and the Spaniards said they could spot the Brits a mile off due to all the branded kit - the Spanish mainly used Decathlon.

I’m nearly 70 and wear thin tights in summer and thicker ones in winter. I buy whatever I see that fits and doesn’t cost much in TK Maxx or any outdoor shop when I need new ones. I have a pair of men’s walking trousers I wear occasionally, I’ve never found comfortable women’s ones. In winter I prefer a jacket that keeps my bum warm, in summer I often end up with just a crop top or sports bra on my top half. Wear whatever you like.

For me “best” would be someone who’s fit, puts in distance, knows their stuff re navigation, can understand weather and the risks associated with that, and is curious - seeking out lesser trodden routes as well as the honey pots, which are honey pots for good reason because they are such amazing walks or summits. It’s not a competition at all but I do have friends (including a mountain leader qualification holder) who I would consider to be better walkers than me
I have my summer Mountain Leader and can do all the navigation understand slope aspect and night nav so I’m pretty good at my stuff but I still like my nice kit!! It’s even better when work pay for it, which isn’t so often these days since I changed my role!😂
My point is it just sound so withering to claim that most of ‘the best’ walkers wear old kit.

I did do a multi day hike through the Sierra Nevada a couple of years ago and the Spaniards said they could spot the Brits a mile off due to all the branded kit - the Spanish mainly used Decathlon
it’s not only the Brits that like good quality kit. The Polish, German, Norwegian and Austrians like decent stuff as well.
Decathlon has a lot of good stuff and I use some of their cycling range and it’s been great for long distance stuff. However for being on the mountains I wouldn’t be buying their waterproofs. Maybe for a walk around a local res or something where you are no more than 30 mins to your car but that is a bout it.

tend to associate the masses of shiny new kit plastered with logos syndrome with people who read some article about walking, and bought hundreds of quids worth of stuff just to do a one-off National Trust style well signposted 3 mile walk on the flat.

I had no idea that there was so much snobbery about walking gear and walking in general. I wear weather appropriate clothing. I am not brand aware or a fashion slave. I can't wear walking boots because I find anything tight over my ankles uncomfortable so I wear walking shoes. I currently have some Skechers Trail shoes, and while they might not be "approved" by serious hikers I find them extremely comfortable, and that is what matters.

Depends on the weather/time of year/place. Usually jeans or trousers in chillier times, shorts in summer. Good hiking boots/shoes, change of clothes in case the weather turns.

Isn't decathlon a brand then ?

the Spaniards said they could spot the Brits a mile off due to all the branded kit

So? Having cheaper kit doesn't make someone morally superior or a 'better' walker. There is nothing wrong with buying nice kit from brands that you like. I can't afford Fjallraven hiking leggings, but I would see them on someone else and think 'They're nice!', not 'Haha - look at that person with their branded kit.'

I’m not disagreeing @Fairislefandango . I like nice kit. It does what I want where and when I want it and I keep it for donkey’s years.

Running leggings (Ronhill or Sweaty Betty Powers), thick socks, fell shoes (usually inov8s).
I axed walking trousers a few years ago because leggings are much better for scrambling in. Though I have some decent Decathlon walking trousers for if I'm just pootling about rather than doing anything that might involve a hands and knees climb.

Inspired by this thread I called into Decathlon. Last time I went to one is Bolton years and years ago and it wa awful.
This time I've been into the one at Middlebrook and it's not so bad. I hot loads of stuff for cycling and swimming. The walking stuff is decent so I bought a couple of t shirts.

I like craghopper trousers but have found all the ones in the shops now have gone all tight fit and I'm disappointed they changed them.