Walking Info. Equipment and Boots!

 A few words about walking gear. Our favourites and why. However, never be put off by not having the latest walking gear. Two key words, WARM and DRY!!!

"These Boots are Made for Walking."

Over the years we have tried various makes of boots with varying amounts of walking success. Here's our take on boots.

Two pairs, a leather pair and a lighter weight general purpose synthetic boot. The soles are important and need to have enough grip for rough ground. Comfort and fit is more important than price. Make sure there are cleats for the laces and that there is enough ankle support. A really good ( and probably expensive 😞) pair of good socks are essential, wool is a good choice. Whichever boots you buy make sure you are willing to give them a good clean ( thanks Den 💖) especially when they get really muddy and wet. Leather boots take more care than the synthetic ones. When your boots are new take plasters just in case, blisters hurt!! A spare pair of laces never goes amiss.

We have found that Altberg make great leather boots and can be returned to the manufacturer for repair. A bit on the pricy side though. Cheaper boots can be bought in many places, our latest pairs came from Sports Direct, Karrimor boots are really inexpensive and comfortable. A pair of walking sandals are also great for summer and holiday rambles. A good walk can be ruined by rubbish footwear, avoid flip flops no matter how the sun shines.

Keeping Warm and Dry.

The wind and the sun were having a quarrel about who was the strongest. Would the super strength of the wind blow the cloak off the traveller or would the gentle sun win.  Guess who won? Of course the gentle sun. Think about it!

The moral of this story is light layers and back packs. You can take extras off and as long as you have a decent back packer, you can carry extra clothes easily as long as they are light weight. These days there are loads of choices of walking clothes, self wicking stuff is good. Buy a good walking mag and read up on it. We find thin merino wool base layers work well and of course the ubiquitous fleece and or a good weatherproof jacket. We have loads which we mix and match. 

For back packers don't go too big, we have Osprey Talons a 22L and 20L, we usually only take one, but they are both a handy size. In our back pack we have a first aid kit, torch, spare laces and a banana!!

Walking Poles

Not necessary but really handy especially on rough ground and for coming down steep slopes. Some people carry two, we manage with one each. We don't always take them but if going on a longer trek we do and they have been really handy.

Make sure they are set up for your height, comfortable with your arm bent at 90%. You can get them at different prices or even ones that fold up which can be handy.

Maps

Learn how to read one a bit. As a bare minimum, grid references are handy to know. Ordinance survey maps in the Explorer range are the best we have found. There are also smaller walking maps of specific areas, anything really that can get you out of a hole when the Wifi fails or your phone runs out of ump! Even a tourist map of the area would do.

Tech Gear

Only as good as it's charge. As well as phones we have a Garmin hand held which is handy if you remember to set it, before you start. Oh and the "What 3 Words" Ap on your phone may be helpful in an emergency. 

Finally not really techie but a small pair of binoculars can be handy.

With thanks to the Concorde Walking Group, a hardy lot. Been walking together for 40 odd years!