Walking Accessories
Walking Accessories, Gaiters, Walking Poles, Rucksacks and more
What to wear walking…
Gaiters:
Gaiters are essential walking accessories as they help resolve the problem of muddy trousers whilst also, which is their main function, keeping your legs protected. After a long coastal, forestry, woodland, farmland, valley or hill walk trying to wash the mud out afterwards can be a real pain. Waterproof over-trousers can make you uncomfortable and sweat more so I find Gaiters the perfect walking accessories solution from getting my trousers and socks muddy and wet, as well as protecting my legs from gorse and brambles. Having owned a few pairs of gaiters I have found the Trekmates Goretex Gaiters to be the hardest wearing and most comfortable. You can read my review here; Trekmates Goretex Gaiters review
Hats, Snoods and Gloves:
I only tend to wear a hat when it’s really cold, preferring a snowboarding style headband to keep the sweat out of my eyes and allowing good ventilation but still keeping a warm hat in the rucksack. I always have a snood around my neck to stop wind burn or sun burn on my neck and some sunglasses to keep out the glare when the skies are clear blue, even when it’s freezing cold!
I have a really good pair of thin gloves that I can fit my watch over and still use my mobile phone and read maps etc. This saves the hands from mud, scratches and stings. In the winter I have thicker gloves and never walk with my hands in my pockets as it it affects balance and circulation.
Rucksacks:
I have a rucksack for the summer which is 15 litres in capacity and a larger 25 litre one for the winter, depending on how much gear I need for the walk. Each rucksack is waterproof, lightweight and durable and evens out the load. I always strap up to avoid back ache on the walk with hip-belts and chest straps. I always pack enough water, snacks, first aid kit and other essentials for the walk.
Walking Poles:
On the whole, my walking sticks tend to stay attached to my rucksack but I always take them for extra balance and stability over rough or steep climbs. Telescopic poles are best for storage and are lightweight. I use Craghoppers Superlite Shock Absorber Walking Poles for the majority of walking routes as I find they are perfect for all types of walks. Each walking pole is made of aircraft grade aluminium and extends to 60cm to 125cm so perfect all all heights and are extremely lightweight at only 265g. You can buy the Craghoppers Superlite Shock Absorber Walking Poles direct from: Craghoppers World Travel Clothing and you can read my review here: Craghoppers Walking Poles review.
Ice Axes and Crampons
If you are walking when it has been snowing or is icy in a very high hill or mountain area then crampons are highly recommended and, if you want to really tackle some treacherous terrain then definitely pack an ice axe.. or two!
A child carrier is well worth the investment as you can cover more ground quicker than with a buggy and you are not restricted by stiles, steeper climbs and muddy tracks. It is also far more cost effective than buying an all terrain buggy. The Little Life Traveller S2 Child Carrier and in my opinion it’s perfect, you can read my review here: Little Life Child Carrier review.
Sun Shelters
The Sundome Beach Shelter looked like the best value perfect accessory for the forest, park, beach or hillside retreat and the Sundome offers shelter from strong sun, wind and rain. The groundsheet can be zipped to the walls for secure storage of your belongings while you’re off paddling, surfing or beach-combing. We bought our Coleman Sundome Beach Shelter from Cotswold Outdoor.
