What should I Wear and have with me when I go Walking?

I have been talking a bit about walking lately.  It's such a wonderful past time and even if you don't take it seriously even short walks are very beneficial to your health.  Check out my previous blogs on walking (20 minute walks, planning a walk, walking in hot weather)

Now you have discovered walking and are finding you rather like the world it is opening up to you, maybe it is time to start considering what you are wearing and what kit you should consider bringing with you.  If your walks are becoming longer and a little more complex then you need to be fully prepared so you can really get the best out of all your walks.  The important thing is to keep enjoying it, build up gradually to more advanced walks so you don't overdo things and find yourself struggling.  
Always plan the walk you are going on and make sure you have an exit plan if need be. 

Footwear
If you only buy one piece of kit for walking, we recommend you buy a good pair of walking boots. Nothing will ruin your day more than having uncomfortable wet feet!
Walking boots are the best as they provide you with ankle support - essential over uneven ground. A lightweight pair should be fine if you're not going to climb the Lake District's highest fells or over rugged terrain. 

Socks are also important as they are your first line of defense against blisters.

 Waterproof jacket with hood

Look for one with a hood and many waterproof jackets have a built-in hood which can be folded away when its not needed.  Spacious pockets are also a good idea, especially if they have zips or flaps to stop your maps, food and other items getting wet.

Jackets are available in many different price brackets and feature many different materials and waterproofing systems.  A "breathable" material which allows sweat out but stops rain getting in is what you need.  The more expensive jackets will feature storm flaps to prevent water getting in through the zip, adjustable cuffs and ventilation features.

Waterproof jackets need to be cared for in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions.

• Waterproofing can fail if the jacket is washed incorrectly - for example, most waterproofs can not be washed with fabric softner.  
• Also not looking after waterproofs with care can effect their performance - so pay attention to the place where you store your jacket.  
  
  Trousers that will dry quickly - not jeans! Everyday casual trousers are ok for easy walks, but if you're intending on walking regularly then a pair of synthetic walking trousers are a must.  These are lightweight, loose-fitting, have plenty of pockets  and dry very  quickly - very useful when on a walk.
  Some walkers wear shorts in warm weather, although long trousers offer more protection against ticks, nettles and brambles.  Certain types of walking trousers allow to the legs to be zipped off to form shorts.
  Try to avoid jeans.  Once jeans have got wet, they take a long time to dry - which with their high wind-chill factor means you can get very cold in them.  They also can cause chafing due to their restrictive movement. 
  
  
  Hat and gloves in the cooler months / Sunhat or cap in the hotter months
  It's a common myth to think "up to 40% of body heat is lost through the head", but it is certainly the case that wearing a hat in winter will keep you warmer.  A hat is a must in winter, especially in the hills, and it can be worn under a jacket hood.  It also protects your ears too.
  Gloves are also important in cold weather, especially if you suffer from circulation problems such as chilblains.  Walking with a good posture means you should be able to swing your arms freely, so putting your hands in your pockets isn't a good idea.
  When it's sunny, wear a sunhat and use sun cream on your face and any bare patches of skin.  You may be out in the sun for long periods without shelter and even in a cooling wind or in winter you can still get burnt.

Layers
The basic idea of outdoor clothing is layering - this means using several thin layers of clothing rather than one thick jumper.  This is because warm air gets trapped between the several thin layers providing better insulation, and you can add or remove layers as you get hotter or colder.
The "base layer" is the one nearest to the body.  This can be made from a synthetic material which can take moisture away from the skin - known as "wicking".  There are many different types of synthetic material but essentially they  all do the same job.  Or another material is Merino - which is from a breed of sheep.  Merino is highly breathable and is exceptional at actively moving moisture away from the skin.  Merino fibres also release a small amount of heat when wet, so unlike synthetics will not feel cold and clammy when wet.
Between base layer and a jacket, you can add one or more insulating "mid-layers".  This is usually an open-weave or a knitted fabric - most people use a fleece.  Regular fleece sweatshirts from normal high-street stores are fine, but a good fleece specially designed for outdoor use could keep you warmer and more comfortable.  Some of these walking fleeces are even windproof, so you have the option of not having to wear a jacket.

The right OS Map for the walk you are doing. This is so important. A waterproof case is a great idea to keep your map dry - and now OS have a special range of laminated maps available - but they are more expensive.

 

Rucksack / Backpack
A rucksack (or backpack) is the best way of carrying what you need on a walk - they are hands-free and will be more comfortable than a shoulder bag over long distances.  

Small rucksacks are often called a daysack or daypack.  These are perfect for short walks - the kind we do - and are usually around 20-25 litres in capacity.  This makes them fairly light, even when fully loaded, and they'd be ideal for most walkers.  Sometimes the simplest only have shoulder straps - so that all the weight of is carried on the shoulders.  We'd only entertain these for the occasional short distance walk.
If you're looking at walks of a longer distance, then a suitable rucksack size would be around 30-55 litres.  These have more compartments and pockets for the added items you need whilst out on a longer walk.
More intense long-distance walkers could look at packs of between 55-75 litres.

• When buying a rucksack, try it on, and don't just go for the biggest size - it is pointless carrying a large, half-empty rucksack, when a smaller, better filled one would do.
  
  
  Other items we advise are... 

• 
  More food and water than you think you'll need  (at least ½ litre of water for every 5 miles, and more on a hot day)

• Basic First Aid kit

• Snacks, e.g. bananas, sweets, nuts, mint cake

• Sunglasses and suntan lotion in sunny weather

• Cash for phone box (remote areas often don't have mobile reception) or bus/taxi if something goes wrong

• Spare clothes in a bag inside your Rucksack. 
  You might also want to bring...

• Torch - especially longer walks in the winter

• Gaiters - great if mud or rain are likely are your route.  These protect your boots and trousers.

• Flask of a hot drink - tea, coffee, hot chocolate or soup

• Insect repellent

• Towel

• Walking poles - if you find them useful.
  You'll have an idea of what kind of walking you are going to do and how often, bearing in mind the time of year, weather, length and difficulty of the walks.
  If you only buy one piece of kit, we advise a pair of good quality walking boots.

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