Walking Clothes
Walking Clothes – What To Wear Walking…
For those of us that spend a lot of time in the outdoors we understand the importance of having the right walking clothes at the right time.
Keep to light, loose fitting trousers, or shorts if it’s warm enough. This will allow you much more space to move, whether it be clambering through a forest or woodland walk trying to tackles those tricky stiles or big farmyard gates that are too heavy to open, requiring you to climb over. After an embracing and invigorating walk it is also important to keep your muscles warm so having the right walking clothes and a good fleece to hand is highly recommendable with many of the new microfleeces are all about warmth without the weight.
Walks And Walking – Forest Walks – Epping Forest Ferns
Not only is walking an activity that is good for your health but it also gives you a fantastic opportunity get closer with nature, breathe in fresh air and take in the stunning scenery of the outdoors. While a few hours walk takes minimum effort and planning, if you’re serious about walking you’ll want to take longer and more exhilarating explorations. For these more demanding walking routes you’ll need some preparation, training and to be fit.
Cotton clothing for walking clothes should be avoided. Quick drying, breathable nylon walking clothing that wicks moisture away from your body is ideal in the spring and summer with layers of fleece for layers of warmth in the autumn and winter. Always carry a waterproof jacket that is also windproof to help you cope with the interchangeable weather in the UK.
Always enjoy your walks and if you would like to find out where to go walking then visit Walks And Walking.
Windproof and Waterproof Jackets:
Your wardrobe of walking clothes should always include a good quality windproof jacket as an essential staple garment for every walk. A waterproof Gore-Tex jacket made of breathable material with under arm air vents and a hood is recommended, even if it only ever sits in your rucksack. The interchangable weather in the UK means that one minute it can be glorious sunshine and the next minute it’s thunderstorms and torrential rain or showers.
Walking the valleys is always warmer and less windy but as soon as you get to the top of a hill you are more exposed and the weather can suddenly feel completely different. Similarly, coastal walking means that you are exposed to the oncoming sea breeze or coastal winds but get almost immediate refuge as you wind your way in and out of the rocks, coves and bays.
I view a good walking jacket as an investment you only need to make every 5 years or so, but if you look after it then it will last much longer. Don’t wash them too often and give them a treat every now and again with a wash in a specialist waterproofing liquid wash that are available from most outdoor retailers. I would avoid a big heavy coat on long walks as it is then difficult to take off and store for the rest of the walk.
Walks And Walking – Walking Clothes – Top 5 Walking Jackets – ARCTERYX Beta FL GTX Active Jacket
You can read my The North Face Walking Jacket review here: The North Face Walking Jacket review and for a full range of good quality walking jackets please read my review of the Top 5 Walking Jackets available from my shop with discounts on most leading brands: Outdoor Clothing Discounts
Sensible Layers:
The recommended layering system for outdoor clothing is to have several thinner layers rather than a thick sweater or jumper. This technique ensures that the air trapped between the layers provides better insulation and are easier to remove to keep you cool.A synthetic layer will wick the sweat away from your body and will dry quicker and works better with your breathable jacket. I normally wear a thin long sleeve base layer, a thin jumper, a zip up windproof jacket and keep the waterproof jacket in my rucksack just in case. If it’s really cold then I’ll also pack an extra fleece.
Walking Trousers and Shorts:
As soon as the sun comes out, so do my knees. I usually wear a good quality pair of walking shorts or walking trousers as they dry quicker when wet and have better pockets for maps and other essentials for the walk. If I’m wearing shorts then I will also wear longer socks pulled up to protect the legs from bites and stings or wear a good pair of knee length gaiters.
