Ok, one for you hikers out there
I am going to do a hiking holiday towards the end of this year, I will be walking in a mountainous region which can suffer from high winds and inclimate weather, so I'm after recommendations for clothing (wind proof/water proof/warm), and an opinion on which boots to go for, so I can break them in now ready for when I go.

I can do most of the other stuff, compass, maps, first aid kit, emergency shelter etc, I wont be camping but I will probably still have some day gear (an army poncho and some bungies/tent pegs and a lightweight bag of some sort).
My "rucksack" will be small, most of the walks will be circa 5-10 miles.

Any recommendations would be appreciated as its been some time since ive done hiking

Tony

 

For the outer layer I cannot recommend the Berghaus Cornice Long jacket enough. Super waterproof Goretex, windproof. Well designed sleeves and hood to be rain and windproof. Very comfortable to wear and long - which keeps your bum warm and dry. Shorter jackets can leave you exposed!

And not too expensive.

Layering is the way forward.

A merino base layer and mid-layer from Howies. Quality merino can be worn for a week and does not smell. If it is going to be really cold you can get merino leggings as well.

Berghaus/North Face fleece and a good quality shell and your are well on your way.

Waterproof trousers can be an asset too.

For walking of the type you are doing I would wear North Face Hedgehogs - goretex and waterproof - brilliantly comfortable and super light.

If you are a bit more serious then get Berghaus or Brasher hiking boots (stiff and hard to break in on less than 20 miles a day ) Also if you are more serious you will want boots that take gaiters - this is for serious cross-country through the gorse and heather.

 

Don't rule out Rohan. I love their stuff.

 

Trout, that was the jacket I was looking at, £160 I think which is good vfm, would need my thermals and I would have to try not to go over the 3 layer rule, it may snow whilst I'm there so have to plan for that just in case

Chef, will look at that kit when I get up later, have to do my homework on where I want to go (order the books that have been recommended) and I have seen some nice lightweight walking poles already

Tony

 

I got my Cornice a few weeks ago from Go Outdoors for £120 so shop around.

Also make sure you get the long - there is a shorter version as well.

Colours are a bit drab/old school - but it really is a very high quality jacket.

 

Oh - and don't skimp - get quality gloves and a decent hat!!

 

Craghopper trousers are great wind proof elasticayrd knee and seat , fast dry used to always buy berghaus all the time till these came on the market

 

Rab for jackets and Paramo for other layers, I wouldn't get a fleece though, too bulky and too hot IMO.
I'd recommend getting a Buff, can use them in different ways but on a cold day they're great for wearing over the bottom part of your face.
Smartwool socks also good.

 

i've recently bought a few pairs of trousers and shirts from craghoppers (insect repelling) and i have to say, Rohan is better.

I have no other brand experience though, but Rohan 1 : Craghoppers 0

 

I have always bought north face and berghaus clothing. In fact I've just bought a second wind wall north face fleece. Not cheap but fantastic quality.

 

Shorts and t-shirt for a little jog round the mountains like that

I get quite warm once walking so even if it's very cold you'll find me in little more than a long sleeved thermal base layer and my windproof fleece. Combined with some decent walking trousers that are a bit more heavyweight than summer versions and I'm fine. Gortex jacket and over trousers in the day pack in case it decides to **** down

Footwear dependent on terrain really, got Meindl Air Revolution boots for the rocky / rough stuff or if it's exeptionally wet / muddy. Some Merrell approach type shoes otherwise.

 

I too get hot once moving so if it's cold i go with a breathable base layer, then a fleece sweat shirt.
Zip neck is the way forward as its easier to cool down without taking stuff off.

Then North Face summit series jacket which packs into one of its pockets and is quite small and has a hood with elastic which turns it into something like a balaclava with only eyes visable, it's not waterproof though.

Then it's berghaus packlite goretex waterproof and breathable top and trousers
Good hat and gloves.

I like a firm hide boot with good ankel support if i'm off traveling mine are scandavia mountain which take cramp on's, if it's local stuff then a lightweight goretex boot is fine, and i just look for decent quality and a good deal as i can get through a few pairs quite quickly at 10k a day, my current pair are reggata xert performance gortex with vibram sole £60 down from £120

I have been walking all over and the best advice i can give you is don't skimp and buy lightweight layers that pack down to nothing and travel as light as possible and drink lots and lots of water.

 

Cheers peeps i will start looking and pricing up what I need, going to see if one of my mates can "aquire" a british army poncho, saves me 45 quid, great bit of kit and light, good for emergencies!

Tony

 

I started with Gortex but have progressed to Paramo, again by shopping around and watching the discounts i bought a Paramo Jacket with 50% discount (1 day special in go outdoors) and Paramo over trousers 25% off bought at Ambleside.

I would agree with the comments about buying a longer jacket and the current fashion for zips without storm flaps is a bad idea the "waterproof" zips are not once you are wearing the clothes out in the rain as you move the zip tends to part enough to let water in.

The down side of gortex and eVent is if you catch the coat it tears and cant be repaired where Paramo being a different design can be repaired

As for boots different manufacturers are slightly different shapes so you need to go to a good outdoors shop (not a millets) and try on the various different boots out there personally i like Meindel and i dont find they really need breaking in for more than a couple of short walks before going out for a day hill walking, i prefer gortex lined boots again good discounts can be had

 

This is a review of a paramo jacket, found it quite interesting considering what the other reviews said....

I purchased the Pajaro jacket on the 7 Sept 2011. Wore it first time on Sat 17 Sept and it let the rain in. Both " DRY" pockets filled with water. The jacket soaked up the rain like a sponge.Obviously it was faulty. Bitterly disappointed.

Now, this is what happens when you buy a "Paramo" Jacket off the market
If I remember correctly, you dont need to water proof these due to the weave (same with gortex) which is why it stops the water/wind getting through (the long jacket isnt badly priced, see if I can get it below 200 notes though and not off the market )

Tony

 

I had never heard of RAB until today !! : A RAB jacket was being worn by Jeremy Bowen, of the BBC 6 o'clock news, in Syria ... v spooky

 

Craghopper is millets posh stuff.

I like north face stuff, but does seem rather popular now. Jack wolfskin,
Mammut, mountain hardware is all good stuff. Cotswold outdoor is a good place to go.

Gore tex and a soft shell jacket should be enough. those light weight technical tees are useful too. Cotton tees hold on to moisture and can make you cold as the temp drops.

Where are you going anyway?

 

I bought a pair of walking boots off eBay 3 years ago called north west, I thought they were going to be a north face rip off but honestly they have been fantastic I've worn them in all weathers without problem and they are waterproof too. Cost about £40 new.

 

Personally.

Boot: 3 season with Gore-tex, and and try as many as you can before deciding.

Shell: Event or Gore-tex, long or short is a personal preference.

Trousers shell: Event or Gore-tex, with full length zips.

Insulating jacket for under a shell: Pertex and primaloft, along the lines of the Northface Redpoint.

Jumper: fleece or pertex/primaloft

T-shirt: baselayer or tech-T

The 2 outer layers need to be light an compressable, because you could end up carrying both.

 

i have used seal skins stuff for a few years and gloves are ideal.as for boots i swear by lowas.have used them on ops and at home in all sorts of weather.i have lowa supercamp uk's at the moment.try looking on rvops website for good tried and tested stuff.all the lads there are ex forces and know their stuff.good prices too.

 

Off to New Hampshire and some nice mountains
It can snow in the autumn but unlikely, so need good stuff (i dont mind paying for quality ) but will be getting some practice in this year (lakes etc).

Still trying to find a decent 35-40ltr backpack (with a single strap at the top rather than the 2 straps which break easily), boots I dont mind them being leather, but they must be over ankle height as one of my ankles isnt quite as good as it use to be, hopefully sort that out with a fair bit of walking this year

Also looking at a hand held GPS, compass wont be a problem, a decent ex mil one from the army surplus store are pretty good

Tony

 

If you're going to the Lakes then Gaynors of Ambleside has a great selection of walking gear or just up the road is The Mountain Factor, also good.
For boots George Fisher in Keswick. They let you rent boots so you can try which suit you without buying or if you do buy from them they have a good-fit guarantee which means if you realise at a later date you've bought the wrong ones they will buy them back from you (less an amount for wear and tear).

 

No substitute for quality Tony. Paramo very different to goretex shell and down to personal preference so not comparing like for like.

Most important is a good base layer. Stay away from cotton.

Hagloff, Mammut, Rab, Mountain Equipment all very good. North Face probably the best of the well known brands. Personally wouldn't touch Berghaus

If going Goretex you want pro shell or performance shell at the least.

Boots- all down to what works best for you. My personal preference is Scarpa or Aku. Get a decent lightweight waterproof over trouser too.

What ever you do stay away from cheap non breathable stuff. You'll regret it.

 

Devil, use to have that unbreathable stuff in the Army kept you dry on the outside but you sweat like a pig, was wind proof and waterproof though (still have those, issued for reservists)

I may well go for the Paramo, and the wool base lining for breathability.

Tony

 

Get yourself to a decent specialist. I live in the Cairngorms, and to be honest Paramo isnot the outer layer of choice up here.

But at the end of he day it's what you feel most comfortable in.

Sounds like an amazing trip you're going on.

Enjoy

 

Devil, what do they recommend up where you are? Im really just seeing what is available, ive used gortex before and had no issues with that, but the paramo is new to me.

Will be going here http://visitwhitemountains.com/ and they have some nice hikes, will try a few 4000+ footers and maybe a few under that altitude. Most walks are 7-10 miles.

Tony

 

tony, Paramo is new to me also - but, on reading their FAQ's, these garments need reproofing - seems like a backward step to me : shud say I am a long term fan/user of Goretex..

alan

 

Cheers Alan

Tony

 

Right, think ive found the boots I want one of Devildogs favourite manufacturers

Scarpa SL activ, look pretty good for all seasons

http://www.gooutdoors.co.uk/scarpa-s...g-boot-p189921

Tony

 

Good boots. Have a look at the Mantas too. Maybe overkill for what you are doing - unless you'll have snow n ice ?

Make sure you try them on and take an extended test walk tho