Equipment

Equipment

We suggest the following equipment for walking in a group.

  • Walking boots or shoes (not trainers) A good pair of well-fitting waterproof boots, with a tough moulded well shaped tread, giving adhesion both up and down slopes. (Some boots have tread angled to give good grip in one direction but not the other!) It is usual to get a size at least a half size more than your shoe size. If you can feel the end of your toes touching the toe-end of a boot, it is too small. Good sideways ankle support is recommended for walking on uneven ground. Trainers and walking sandals are not recommended in rough country because they give limited support and little protection from sharp rocks and spiky undergrowth.

(Don't forget a waterproofing treatment for your boots. You don't have to carry it, only use it!)

Tip: When buying boots try them on in the afternoon – your feet swell during the day. Walk around the shop for a while to check the comfort – reputable shops will allow you to do this.

  • Walking socks. Wear these when buying boots. You can get these with a smooth inner lining with extra padding around toes and heels, which cushion the feet on impact, so there is no need to wear two pairs. However, after a walk, consider changing into shoes and a fresh thinner pair of socks.

  • Waterproof jacket. Ideally, a 'breathable' jacket, with hood, that lets sweat out and stops rain getting in. A showerproof one is not sufficient. The jacket should be large enough to wear over a fleece if necessary and not so short that, even with it on, your bottom gets wet if it rains! Velcro fastening on sleeves is recommended while pockets should be free from rain intrusion. If you are new to walking, you could make do with a cheap waterproof jacket, before considering investing in one of good quality.

  • Walking trousers. Modern synthetic trousers are recommended, being lightweight, comfortable and quick drying, with handy pockets. Versions with detachable bottoms are useful if the temperature rises significantly during the walk but you should be away from brambles, nettles and ticks, when you wear them as shorts.

  • Denim jeans are not recommended, as they restrict movement, becoming uncomfortable after a time, don't dry quickly and don't protect you from cold winds, especially when they get wet.

  • Sun hat and sun-cream. In summer (such that it is some might say!) the tradition is to expose as much skin surface as possible to “get a tan”, but as most of us know it doesn’t take much sun-bathing to become burned and sunburn is most unpleasant. Walkers can be caught un-awares by the sun – even on cool hazy days, so the best course of action is not to get burned in the first place. Wear a hat with vent holes or a little mesh to stop your head from burning but allow air to circulate. A draw cord is also useful to stop the hat from blowing away in a strong breeze. Sun-cream with Factor 15 or above is recommended. Use regularly during the walk as it will rub off and/or lose effectiveness with perspiration.

  • Hat, gloves and scarf. This is especially relevant for winter walking. A woollen or fleece hat, wind-proof gloves and woollen or fleece scarf is recommended. When temperatures plummet towards or below freezing these items will ensure that you are comfortable during your walk.

  • Comfortable clothes. Layers are better than one thick garment and allow you to remove an item of clothing when the temperature rises. Wicking tops/T-shirts, fleece or micro-fleece are recommended as they are light, easily removed and wick sweat away from your body. If you are new to walking, you could make do with T-shirt and jumper, but talk to experienced walkers in your group for suggestions on layers they have and use.

  • A packed lunch. All walks have at least 1 stop and while some may stop at a pub or café, most are on a hill-side, river-side or picnic spot. Choices of lunch are entirely personal, but a lot of walkers include a snack/bar of chocolate that can be eaten while walking – as a treat or hunger comes a little sooner than expected.

  • Plenty of liquid. Hot or warm drinks in winter or cool/cold weather and cool drinks in summer or warmer weather are recommended. We do not recommend taking alcohol.

  • A mobile phone in case of delays. Although mobile phone signals have improved throughout the country, signal strength is patchy at best in rural areas. Bearing this in mind mobile phones should NOT be relied upon for emergency contact or navigation.

  • Rucksack. You need a reasonably sized rucksack capable of holding drinks, food, maps etc. A size of about 25 – 30 litres will do. Separate side pockets and a top pocket are useful to get to smaller items quickly. Wide shoulder and waist straps with quick-release buckles help towards comfort and speed of access. Sizes range from 20 litres to 75 litres, the latter more likely to be used for serious backpacking with camping equipment. Look out for extra features such as walking pole/ice-axe loops, ventilation features to avoid a sweaty back and concealed security pockets.

  • A map and compass is not essential, unless walking alone.

  • A change of clothing at the end of the walk always comes in useful – especially when the rain starts part way through a walk and you find your waterproofs aren’t!