Please or to access all these features

The great outdoors

Here you can find advice on camping, outdoor activities and walking in the UK and abroad.

Kit recommendations please!

6 replies

DecafSoyaLatteExtraShotPlease · 06/01/2026 07:29

I am looking for recommendations for the following please! I don't have time to buy/try/try something else so would welcome your tried and tested recommendations

Warm, waterproof gloves
Non-woollen walking socks (bamboo maybe?)
Small day pack - 25-30l ish size (enough space for a 6-8hr walk so not needing mega space)
Head torch
Plus size waterproof trousers (size 22/24)

I will probably come up with more...

Thank you!

OP posts:
NotMeNoNo · 06/01/2026 07:45

Outdoor Research good for gloves. Osprey good for rucksack - maybe a Tempest? Petzl a good brand of torches. If you are on a budget, try somewhere like Decathlon, they have own brand gear that is good quality.

Waterproof trousers do you want over trousers or water repellent normal trousers like Acai? I tend to buy cheap packable ones as a last resort, Mountain Warehouse have a good range of sizes.

Can you get to a Go Outdoors or Decathlon to try things on? You want your gear to fit and be comfortable.

DecafSoyaLatteExtraShotPlease · 06/01/2026 09:23

CMOTDibbler · 06/01/2026 08:36

Have a look at https://www.everybodyoutdoors.co.uk/ for plus size outdoors kit reviews.

This is fantastic, thank you!

OP posts:
Undergroundovergroundwomblingfree · 06/01/2026 10:15

Blukar Head Torch Rechargeable, 8000L Super Bright Headlamp with 3 Lights 5 Modes, 4400mAh Capacity, 20 Hrs+ Runtime - IPX6 Waterproof Adjustable Focus Headlight for Running, Hiking, Fishing etc. : Amazon.co.uk: Sports & Outdoors

I have tried loads of different head torches over the years and this is my favourite by far. I am currently on my 3rd winter of daily dog walking in the woods at night with it and it gives by far the best light and I love the fact it has a red light at the back too so cyclists coming up behind me can see me. It charges really easily and seems to hold it's charge very well.
I find it very comfortable but my friend, who I walk with prefers to wear it over a headband.

Amazon.co.uk

Amazon.co.uk

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Blukar-Rechargeable-Headlamp-4400mAh-Capacity/dp/B0B9GVXLKB/ref=asc_df_B0B9GVXLKB?linkCode=df0&hvadid=80333274990667&hvnetw=o&hvqmt=e&hvbmt=be&hvdev=c&hvlocint=165459&hvtargid=pla-4583932739092724&msclkid=e995c43b3d501f2c7bc9ad67e22f2ebb&th=1&tag=mumsnet&ascsubtag=mnforum-the-great-outdoors-5471202-kit-recommendations-please

outdooryone · 06/01/2026 13:22

RE Gloves: go buy multiple charity shop cheap wool or stretchy 'magic gloves'. Unless you are summiting a Scottish Munro in winter having warm but change when they are wet gloves is superior to 'waterproof' posh gloves. Waterproof gloves has this issue where there is a gert big hole where your wrist goes...

Berghaus do plus sizes AND three leg lengths - ideal for all sorts of people. Their basic waterproof trousers (Deluge model) are superb.

Decathlon for every thing else - but buy 'one up' from their cheapest line for excellent value and performace. I also find Tog24 are decent balance of quality and a good sale....

Finally for things like rucksacks - gumtree and facebook marketplace are great for such things. I have multiple rucksacks, a tent and more that were very cheap this way.

DecafSoyaLatteExtraShotPlease · 06/01/2026 16:18

Thank you for the recommendations so far, lots of Googling to do - keep them coming

In terms of gloves/kit it's for all weather coastal and mountain walks. We did Pen Y Fan and Snowdon in November in far less than ideal weather which highlighted the need for some upgraded kit!

OP posts:
New posts on this thread. Refresh page