Choosing clothing

Jackets

A jacket should be comfortable with a good supply of pockets for your keys, personal FAK, snacks and gloves. The pockets should be easily accessible. Its not good having your torch in a pocket that is covered by pack straps and can’t be accessed.

It should have the correct temperature rating and waterproofing for your intended use, and it is always better to have a multi-layer clothing system to allow you to adjust your clothing to the temperature. Many good walking jackets these days come with a detachable integral fleece allow you to remove the jacket if its dry, or the fleece if its wet but warm, or use both if it is cold and wet.

An integral hood is always useful as its not so likely to get lost and gives an extra layer of protection to your head.

The main zip should be backed by a baffle to stop wind entry and should close over at the front. Velcro patches or strip is a very common method for closing the zip, but in wet and sub zero temperatures, it may become waterlogged and freeze.

The length of the cut is also an important factor. For warm sunny days, a ‘blouson’ will do, but if the ground is wet or cold, a longer coat with give more protection to the hips and can provide a seat to keep you warm and dry.

Trousers

Walking trousers, or even shorts should be of a light, comfortable yet durable fabric. Denim may be comfortable and durable, but when wet gets very cold and doesn’t always dry easily.

Cotton is not very windproof so poly-cotton, or modern bespoke materials are better.

There should be a number of easily accessible pockets, preferably with a ‘secret’ zipped pocket for storing your wallet.

Waterproof over trousers should again allow easy access to pockets.

Base layer

This is the first layer you put on and is generally considered to either be thermal underwear, or your underpants or vest.

Either way, the material needs to be light and comfortable and not too tight.

For thermals, there are many brands and types of fabric these days including Pertex, Meraklon and silk. All are light, comfortable and easy to care for. The one you choose will be dictated by the ambient temperature you expect to encounter and also your purse.

Socks

There are many styles and brands of socks but the basically fall into a few categories:

·         Ankle length;

·         Calf length;

·         Man-made materials;

·         Natural materials;

·         Composite materials.

Whilst the other main consideration is colour, if you’re bothered about such, but also many manufacturers now make socks for certain activities.

·         A walking sock should have some cushioning but not be to thick.

·         A trekking sock should have more cushioning and be durable.

·         A winter sock should include warm materials.

You obviously fit the sock to your needs, but a good quality hiking sock will suffice in most conditions.

Gloves

Again, here is an item that comes in endless styles, but you should consider a few basics:

·         How cold will it be?

·         How much grip will I need when wearing the gloves?

·         How much can I afford?

·         Gloves or mittens?

For cool nights etc, a lightweight glove, or even a fingerless glove will do.

For cold weather, a thermal glove will be needed.

Mittens allow the fingers to warm each other, but are not so easy to work with, but also have less seams to allow heat out and water in.

Leather can become sodden and freeze, as can wool, but each have there place.

Modern gloves generally have a good grip and are warm and water repellent.

You can always buy a pair of thermal gloves to go under your main gloves to extend the use of the glove.

Hats

A goof hat should fulfil several functions, but more than one will be needed. Basically choice of hat fits the environment and conditions.

For warm summer days a baseball cap is ideal as it isn’t too warm but shades your eyes, but a full brimmed hat will also offer protection to your ears and the back of your head.

A hat will a cowl that falls down the back of your head and neck obviously offers even more protection.

For cooler days and evenings, a ‘beanie’ type of hat will keep your head warm.

For cold autumn and winter days, a lined hat with bill to keep snow and rain out of your eyes, and ear flaps to keep your ears warm will be needed.

A compromise hat for most situation is made from leather or hide with a full brim. This will keep your head warm in cool conditions, cool in the sun, dry in the rain and also shade your eyes in the sun.