Hello Everybody
Now evenings are getting lighter and snowdrops are sending out green shoots and probably regretting it. So those who may not have walked much during the winter will need to think of suitable clothing for the coming Spring. All the hiking kit you need to buy, if you do not already have it, is a lightweight anorak, suitable clothes to wear beneath the anorak, a rucksack and a good pair of boots.
There are many anoraks out there, but first consider your undergarments. It is better to have two or three layers of inner clothing rather than a thick jumper. That way if you get hot you just remove a layer. They should be able to absorb and wick away sweat easily and such garments are available in most sports shops.
Ideally an anorak needs to be waterproof, have tight fitting adjustable cuffs, a collar which can be well zipped up, and stays zipped up, and a hood. The hood must be big enough to be easily adjusted and it should be possible to walk into a wind with your hood up without having to hold it in place. Some have a flexible wire sewn into the peak, which can be pushed into shape to fit closely. This is worth having.
What you get may not be ideal. Your anorak will probably be shower proof, not water proof. There is a reason for this. The material needs to breath so that there will not be condensation within the garment. Your sweat absorbent undergarments work up to a point, but a fully waterproof anorak would still be unpleasant to wear. So after a few minutes of heavy rain, if you are wearing just an anorak, you will be very wet indeed. To avoid this I carry a rolled up plastic mackintosh in my rucksack. The condensation problem does not seem to occur if this is worn over an anorak and it will get you through a downpour. British country dwellers, who experience heavy downpours most of the time, wear oiled Barbour jackets. These need re-proofing each year but will last 20 years, keep the rain out and never suffer condensation problems.
Your choice of rucksack will depend on the type of walking you do. You can choose a small Daypack, with the weight transferred through shoulder straps, or big Alpine or Backpacking Packs with internal frames to help distribute the load. For everyday walking keep it simple and light. A Daypack should be all you need to carry your mackintosh, sandwiches, drink, emergency kit and a few odds and ends. Make sure the shoulder straps are wide and well padded and that the rucksack fits well without moving on your back. If possible test it loaded before you make your purchase.
It is best to have lightweight boots, but they should be suitable for the type of country you walk in. Lightweight hiking boots or trail walking shoes are fine for most day trips. They are comfortable, breathable, cushioned and with tough soles suitable for average conditions. Rougher country needs stronger boots with ankle support to avoid sprains on difficult ground. Think about what you will be doing, look at the range in your local sports shop and choose carefully.
That is really all the hiking kit you need to consider when you are getting ready for country walking. Of course in warm weather you will need fewer clothes, but you should still wear good boots and carry a suitable rucksack. Spring is coming - enjoy yourself.
See you soon,
Peter Stockwell
29 January 2010
Photo. Bretedge (Flickr)
Add A Comment