Any serious hikers on MN? - kit advice needed for waterproofs, trousers and socks

[CaminoPlanner]

I am planning to walk the Camino next year. I walk regularly and have very comfortable Salomon boots and walking shoes, but most of my walks are no longer than about 8 miles. As Camino is 12-15 miles a day, I want to do my best to avoid blisters or recurrence of plantar fasciitis which I've had before.

Can anyone recommend the most padded and comfortable socks? I usually buy Bridgedale men's and then shrink them in the wash as their women's socks are thinner. But I'd love to find some supersoft, thick, absorbent ones to help avoid blisters.

I haven't a clue what trousers to go for. I usually walk in very cheap old sweatpants or chinos but would prefer something a bit more practical. I have very chunky legs, and in the past no walkers trousers have suited me, as to ensure they fit around the waist, they end up with no give in the leg. Ideally I'd love something with a bit of lycra-like stretch in them, but not leggings as despite being very active my legs really are my weakest feature and I don't want to feel self conscious. Does such a thing exist as lightweight combat style trousers with a bit of stretch in them? Need to be very lightweight and fast drying.

Also looking for very lightweight waterproofs, capable of surviving proper downpours. Happy to spend on something sturdy, really dry and very lightweight.

Sorry for long post but I wanted to be as specific as possible - if you're still reading, thanks! Any advice, suggestions, links very welcome.

A friend who has walked the Camino tells me one of the key things is dry socks several times a day - so every time you stop, take your boots and socks off and swap them for a dry pair (tying the used pair to the outside of your rucksack to dry off). She's also a big fan of pre-emptive taping in the places you know you are likely to blister.

Sorry - that wasn't what you asked, but I hope you get some practical kit advice soon. Good luck!

Socks is such personal thing but I like the standard Bridgedale ones. I have feet like leather though and rarely get blisters. DH has feet like butter and prefers the 1000 mile ones.

For trousers I think that mountain warehouse beat the more expensive brands hands down. I like the hiker stretch trousers and the zip off versions are great for warmer weather
https://www.mountainwarehouse.com/p/036346/mw/hiker-stretch-womens-trousers/charcoal/

I like the Berghaus gore-tex trousers, I think mine were from go outdoors
https://www.gooutdoors.co.uk/15942329/berghaus-women-s-maitland-gore-tex-waterproof-trousers-regular-15942329

i also have a couple of pairs of these they aren’t fully waterproof but they are enough for a shower and less leasing than putting over trousers on.
https://www.mountainwarehouse.com/p/036375/mw/kesugi-womens-water-resistant-slim-stretch-trousers/black/

DH and I do a lot of hiking and I've never had a blister. Not sure if I'm just lucky but I wear bamboo trainer socks with hiking trainers or bamboo sports socks with my 'proper' Meindl hiking boots. Naked Nation are the brand I've used.

Trousers - I'm a chunky thighed size 18 and am IN LOVE with these from Rohan (got them in the sale). so lightweight and comfy and while not waterproof they are water resistant and dry out very quickly. May not be 'serious' bottoms but honestly I've tramped miles in them in all weathers (including Snowdon, Peak District and USA / Canada trips) and been very happy.

Troggings

@FairyBatman Thank you for the tip about 1000 mile socks. Will definitely investigate.

Sadly all the trousers you linked to are the kind I have spent money on before and then had to return or give away as they are cut for women with normal-size thighs. I can't walk in them. If they fit on the thigh, they gape massively around the waist and stomach. If they fit around the waist they cut off blood supply every time I try to take a steep step uphill.

I need more cargo-pant shaped trousers.

@Serenity45 - thank you for the sock tips. I love bamboo, so will definitely look at those.

Are the trousers you love very stretchy? I read a review that said they are long in the leg and the newer version are cut a bit narrower. That is the opposite of what I can wear, unfortunately. I need very stretchy or roomy trousers for short chubby legs! I wish I didn't, but that is the case!

This is good advice. I've read it elsewhere too, so I want to stock up on plenty of really good socks.

Looks like you’re getting some good advice here, but there’s a board where you may find other hardy souls (and soles)

https://www.mumsnet.com/talk/the_great_outdoors

When I got new walking shoes, I used moleskin tape as a blister prevention whilst I broke my new shoes in. It stayed in place and I didn't get any blisters. Definitely recommend it - although it's a bit of a faff to cut as you have to make an oval piece from a rectangule to prevent the corners lifting. And wool socks all the way.

I have montane terra strech hiking trousers, they are great in the heat &rain so no need for waterproof trousers. I've done 2 days hiking in continuous rain back in September- no issues & didn't get cold. I think with trousers, you need to find a brand & style that suits your body shape
I just have mountain warehouse Socks but have well fitted hiking boots. I usually use deer tallow cream for my feet which forms a 2nd skin- I don't have issues with blisters or sweaty feet.

Trousers: try patagonia quandary or açai cargos, if crag hoppers don't work

Smartwool do great walking socks in different thicknesses and degrees of padding.

If you have big thighs I recommend men’s shorts/trousers, especially those designed for climbing - they will be robust and designed for flexibility and breathability. Preferably shorts if you are doing the Camino in summer - no one will be looking at your legs and you’ll appreciate the breeze.

Shoes - I’m a big advocate of lightweight trail running shoes over boots, especially for a non-technical likely dry route like the Camino in summer.

I've got the Montane trousers too, they look like leggings but are looser.

If you want cargo pants OP have you looked at Rowtor Pants by Rab? Or Rohan Troggings as they have stretch.

Thanks. I'm debating hiking shoes or boots or both. My boots are SO comfortable. Never even needed to break them in. They feel like I was born in them. My hiking shoes are same brand and lightweight but just a tiny bit uncomfortable. Fine for a day's hiking but day in day out I think they could cause a blister. I have to weigh up whether I can be bothered to carry the boots on days I wear the shoes iyswim.

Thanks. I'll look at those brands. A PP suggested the Rohan Troggings too but recent reviews say the cut has become narrower - no good for me.

I love the idea of trousers that don't need waterproofs over them if it rains.

How did I not know this board existed? Thank you!

Dd did DofE up to Gold and then a leader for a few years, her socks were sealskinzs and she loved them

https://www.sealskinz.com/collections/socks

I wear Craghoppers kiwi pro, bit of stretch, quick drying. They aren't cargo, mine are a 16 short so they don't drag in the mud and enough movement for going uphill, I just wear a comfy belt to stop them sagging. So comfy I wear them on long haul flights and they still look tidy after 11 hours sitting down.

www.craghoppers.com/womens-kiwi-pro-iii-trouser-dark-navy/

I’m quite short and chunky and my go to walking trousers are Craghopper Kiwis. They make a range, including zip offs, and there is a lot of give in the fabric. They are super light, quick drying and very comfortable. I do have the weatherproof ones but there is a lot less give in them and I find them very hot. On a cold day where a lot of rain is forecast then they are great but otherwise I prefer to slip on overtrousers if it rains. I’ve got Berghaus Goretex overtrousers that are quite roomy in the legs.

My lightweight waterproof is a Rab. Check out the Namche. Not cheap but very good.

Decathlon do hiking leggings that are tough and don't look too much like leggings, including waterproof ones. I wear their very tough wind resistant mountaineering trousers for field work. I buy 2 sizes up to accommodate thunder thighs and tighten the belt. For socks, I find that thick socks actually make blisters worse because there's more room and movement in the boot. Game changer for me mountaineering (and breaking in dr martens) is using sport/physio tape before you start. I don't get blisters at all with that.

Waterproofs: I have a very light Norrona one which is really good, but actually my Decathlon ski mountaineering jacket is brilliant at ⅕ the price of the Nordic brand and very similar quality, so I'll probably buy their top of the range waterproof next time. The Berghaus packlite range have always been very good for the price too.

I got some walking g trousers from M&S for a holiday in Ireland this year. It pee'd it down every day but my M&S gear kept me dry, the trousers are amazing.

I got these: https://www.marksandspencer.com/cuffed-slim-fit-walking-trousers/p/clp60736997#intid=pid_pg1pip10g4r2c4

and another pair that are like leggings but they kept me dry - https://www.marksandspencer.com/go-discover-stormwear-high-waisted-leggings/p/clp60727257

So socks - I only use smart wool socks. Breathable but wicks away moisture quickly. Have several
pairs, one to wear, wash and spare.

trousers - you could try these cargo trousers with a bit of stretch https://acaioutdoorwear.com/products/straight-leg-cargos-deep-khaki. Make sure you find them comfy to walk in tough.

I have these socks, very comfy

They’re expensive but if they’re damaged, you can post them back and get a new pair free

https://darntough.uk/pages/our-unconditional-lifetime-guarantee

For blisters your feet will get fatter from days of walking, take a range of thick/thin socks. Also lube up your feet, all over. Basic boots silicone sex lube, no need to buy anything pricey. I know it sounds weird, but it does work.

I like the thin socks that Bridgedale do to go under the thick ones. Less likely to blister with 2 pairs.
I love the look of the revolution race trousers and shorts but had to send them back as tight on the waist and very baggy round the thighs on me, so they might be worth trying.

The serious hikers are on come chat hiking with me