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.

If you use walking poles make sure you have some lightweight gloves. The first time I used a pole in summer I got a blister!

I walked the last 115k of the Camino this May. I got stretchy walking trousers easily enough in outdoor shops - my thighs are also chunky! Just keep trying until you find the right ones. Think about your shoes - most of the Camino is hard standing/flint/paving so your feet need cushioning. I used Bridgedale socks and didn’t need to do the regular changing thing, just daily. No blisters. I did lose 2 toenails eventually, down to the impact with the ground I think. I took moleskin and covered the bruised toes for extra cushioning and put it anywhere I felt a hot spot developing as a preventative measure, but didn’t need to do that until almost the end of the walk.
It was a fabulous experience. Be prepared to be very emotional when you finish. The Pilgrim Office for your certification runs a very tight operation - just make sure you get your stamps as you go. I got my Camino Passport in advance which meant I could get started straight away without worrying.
Feel free to DM if you have any questions!
Edit: poles were a godsend. Get them somewhere reputable and get ones tha5 are comfy for your particular hand size. I didn’t get any blisters or soreness from mine.

Best thing you can do is some longer distance practice when you have your kit. Take yourself off for longer daytime walks. Plan two walks in two days. See how you get on.

Decathlon walking trousers with stretch and a drawstring waist tie work for me.

These are not walking trousers but they are the stretchiest and most comfortable trousers that I have ever owned and I have worn them to work and also to yoga! As an added bonus they are often available on vinted.

Women’s High Waisted Pockets Straight Leg Casual Trousers - Halara https://share.google/6NA20JigELHTguhMd

Ooo @Pratchettfangirl are they good quality? I’ve heard terrible things about Halara but the stuff does look nice!

The only walking trousers that have ever fit my hefty thighs are Craghoppers Kiwi Pro. Often to be found heavily reduced on Amazon. Also a couple of Acai styles, which they don’t seem to do anymore, but others may suit.

Lightweight but fully waterproof jackets are a bit of a misnomer, particularly with recent(ish) regulations about PFCs “forever chemicals”. I’m not familiar with it, but this Alpkit jacket only weighs 200g! I’d rather have a bit more coverage but would still look at the Alpkit range.

As for socks, I have a drawer full of ancient, shrunken Bridedales, but if i’m buying new walking socks now it always Dark Tough Micro hikers. Pricey, but they have a lifetime guarantee.

I've got thunder thighs, skinny ankles and an alright waist https://www.rohan.co.uk/womens-striders-trousers-coal/
These rohan ones, and the waterproof version are perfect. Slight give in them, but not too much.

I wear shorts for walking most of the year, and the men's ones I had were the best. I always choose roomy shorts and use a belt if necessary. I find as long as my feet are warm, my legs don't feel the cold - plus they dry out quickly if it rains!

Great thread! Hoping to do similar myself next year.

I've done lots of multi-day walking, some is tougher than others but generally I'm ok with blisters. Always carry blister plaster and put them on with even the slightest twinge. I take my boots off whenever I stop for any decent period, and dip them in a stream/sea if possible!

I think all kit is really personal.

I've recently realised big chunky socks stop crap getting into your boots, and if it's all hard standing there may be a fair bit.

Trousers, I have never found a pair of walking trousers I like; I'm curvy, thick thighed not quite petite size 12/14. Could not abide zips and flapping and belts! I wear really decent gym leggings (with side pockets!) and bring a pair of waterproof over trousers from decathlon, super cheap. I put them on if weather blows in, totally waterproof but also add a layer of warmth.

Just upgraded my North face jacket to a Scandinavian brand, I think called Revolution, love the jacket!

Good luck!

Second vote for Craghopper Kiwi - I did first part of Camino Frances end of August and wore them - very comfortable and very quickly unzipped them down to shorts. Another vote for smart wool socks and finally compeed plasters!!!

Not a walker per se. I do walk but not as an event. But for work I can walk ten miles on an average day in all weathers.

Trousers issue I am skinny size 8. But with bending in the garden I cannot cope with these stupid cuts on walking trousers. All style no substance.

I am please to inform the issue is resolved if you buy men’s.

And for blisters; I actually find normal thickness ankle socks better than thick.

For waterproofs; goretex and future light are not waterproof in the long run. Dryvent all the way.

Another vote for darn tough socks. Over the years I have moved towards everything being predominantly merino wool including knickers and shorts in the summer honestly the hype about being warm in winter and cool in summer is true. There is nothing better for wicking sweat and keeping you dry.

Revolution Race?
Excellent kit.

Bridgedale are my go to socks, but I’ve also heard good things about ones that are double layered but I don’t have a specific brand.

acai trousers are my absolute faves, I have two pairs and I even wear them instead of jeans in the winter because they also look good! They have a curve range which has extra room in the thighs. They also have a bit of stretch to them. I got mine off vinted but I think they also have a sale on at the moment.

If you are in the midlands Rab have a brilliant outlet at their factory in Alfreton. I buy a lot from there including my waterproofs and they have some really good discounts.

We did 31 miles the other day I got some bamboo socks from Amazon and they were great with my usual walking boots. I just wore shorts cos I get hot.

Check out vampire outdoors for walking trousers if you want something that is chunky thigh friendly.

i highly rate outdoor research for waterproofs - jackets and trousers.

injinji toe socks are excellent.

I walked the coast to coast in 11 days of non stop rain and OR waterproofs were perfect.

1000 mile hiking socks are excellent. Acai trousers are also good and they have a bit of stretch.

https://acaioutdoorwear.com/products/straight-leg-cargos-deep-khaki

How about these combat trousers?

Have you tried toe socks to prevent blisters / rubbing?

https://baselayer.co.uk/collections/injinji-toe-socks?utm_campaign=gs-2022-07-11&utm_source=google&utm_medium=smart_campaign&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=18929471676&gbraid=0AAAAAD-ALMV1Zaxaz5oDPP2ilukpd_pzR&gclid=CjwKCAiA_dDIBhB6EiwAvzc1cF3hNNTI6bNt5gC2RpsPQgPxB9HZIsAikFAYm4TrsyFWliqvYGnjRRoC7RMQAvD_BwE

I have Peter storm trousers and craghoppers. Peterstorm ones fit me better but go to go outdoors and try some on. I’m funny about my legs too. We did the C2C this year and I thought liner socks would cut it. They didn’t, I just bought bridgedale ones I think. I also preempt blisters. I got one. Make a ‘snake’ by rolling a bit of tissue and create a donut around your blister then tape the plaster over it.
a little pot if Vaseline for anywhere that rubs.
I also bought 2 wicking T-shirts. Washed one each night and hung it up. Dry by the morning.
i bought a paclite waterproof for around £100. Mountain equipment. It’s awesome. Husband has equivalent but Berghaus.
good luck, I’d love to do that trip! 😊