Talk to me about wet-weather walking?
Discussion
I'd been walking 8 miles every evening over public footpaths this summer. Really enjoyed it. However now the typical British sh*te weather has come into play but I'd still like to continue.
To my mind I'd need the following items:
1. A decent walking coat. Needs to be waterproof and BREATHABLE. In the summer I just wore a T-shirt, even in the evening. Now in my woollen peacoat I'm getting wet AND hot which is infuriating.
2. Waterproof trousers
3. Waterproof walking shoes
4. Hat and gloves. Socks?
5. Torch or something similar to avoid all the dogsh*t which I could easily spot before but now in the dark I'm guaranteed to tread in.
Basically I'd like to continue enjoying the walk even when it starts snowing so the key is to be able to come back home wet on the outside but dry on the inside. If I stop enjoying it, I'm not going to be motivated to leave the warm house and come back miserable.
Could recommend the particular things that I should be looking for (I'm happy to pay for quality items if there's any brands you recommend) and if there's any websites I can read for a beginner's primer?
Thanks
To my mind I'd need the following items:
1. A decent walking coat. Needs to be waterproof and BREATHABLE. In the summer I just wore a T-shirt, even in the evening. Now in my woollen peacoat I'm getting wet AND hot which is infuriating.
2. Waterproof trousers
3. Waterproof walking shoes
4. Hat and gloves. Socks?
5. Torch or something similar to avoid all the dogsh*t which I could easily spot before but now in the dark I'm guaranteed to tread in.
Basically I'd like to continue enjoying the walk even when it starts snowing so the key is to be able to come back home wet on the outside but dry on the inside. If I stop enjoying it, I'm not going to be motivated to leave the warm house and come back miserable.
Could recommend the particular things that I should be looking for (I'm happy to pay for quality items if there's any brands you recommend) and if there's any websites I can read for a beginner's primer?
Thanks
TAV75 said:
I'd been walking 8 miles every evening over public footpaths this summer. Really enjoyed it. However now the typical British sh*te weather has come into play but I'd still like to continue.
To my mind I'd need the following items:
1. A decent walking coat. Needs to be waterproof and BREATHABLE. In the summer I just wore a T-shirt, even in the evening. Now in my woollen peacoat I'm getting wet AND hot which is infuriating.
2. Waterproof trousers
3. Waterproof walking shoes
4. Hat and gloves. Socks?
5. Torch or something similar to avoid all the dogsh*t which I could easily spot before but now in the dark I'm guaranteed to tread in.
Basically I'd like to continue enjoying the walk even when it starts snowing so the key is to be able to come back home wet on the outside but dry on the inside. If I stop enjoying it, I'm not going to be motivated to leave the warm house and come back miserable.
Could recommend the particular things that I should be looking for (I'm happy to pay for quality items if there's any brands you recommend) and if there's any websites I can read for a beginner's primer?
Thanks
My kit for the Great British weather...To my mind I'd need the following items:
1. A decent walking coat. Needs to be waterproof and BREATHABLE. In the summer I just wore a T-shirt, even in the evening. Now in my woollen peacoat I'm getting wet AND hot which is infuriating.
2. Waterproof trousers
3. Waterproof walking shoes
4. Hat and gloves. Socks?
5. Torch or something similar to avoid all the dogsh*t which I could easily spot before but now in the dark I'm guaranteed to tread in.
Basically I'd like to continue enjoying the walk even when it starts snowing so the key is to be able to come back home wet on the outside but dry on the inside. If I stop enjoying it, I'm not going to be motivated to leave the warm house and come back miserable.
Could recommend the particular things that I should be looking for (I'm happy to pay for quality items if there's any brands you recommend) and if there's any websites I can read for a beginner's primer?
Thanks
1. Buffalo Special 6 shirt plus nikwax. Unless it is absolutely torrential you will be dry. In that case any goretex/DWR shell should be fine. I have a Rohan Hilltop jacket which is overkill for all but the very worst conditions.
2. Never wear them personally as the noise/rubbing annoys me more than wet legs.
3. Boots are a very personal thing, but SealSkinz socks are pretty good.
4. Sealskinz Shooting gloves .The foldable trigger fingers is useful for habitual phone users as well as country sports. I have a tweed cap which is naturally waterproof and breathable.
5. Black Diamond head torch is pretty well priced, has lasted me well and does red light as well as variable output white.
If I could only have one of the above items it would be the Buffalo shirt. One of the best kept secrets of those who spend time outdoors. Forget the 'big name' stuff, this Sheffield made kit is the best there is.
Edit - forget the quilted type jackets. These are designed for very low temperature and humidity (i.e. dry cold), and do not work very well in typical damp British conditions.
Edited by LimaDelta on Wednesday 17th October 12:10
Boots and hat are the key things. With dry feet and head you are good to go.
I used to walk to work an hour each way, and used a fleece with the addition of an unlined cheapo rain coat (that took up minimum of space in my bag) on wet days as a coat all year round.
If you have quick drying trousers then waterproof overtrousers aren't really needed either (assuming you are in the UK where it is mild even in winter).
As you say, it is a mental/willpower issue to get you out the door on wet days.
I used to walk to work an hour each way, and used a fleece with the addition of an unlined cheapo rain coat (that took up minimum of space in my bag) on wet days as a coat all year round.
If you have quick drying trousers then waterproof overtrousers aren't really needed either (assuming you are in the UK where it is mild even in winter).
As you say, it is a mental/willpower issue to get you out the door on wet days.
If you wear a waterproof jacket the water runs off straight on to your legs and the front of your trouser get way wetter than if you weren't wearing the coat. The alternatives IMO are either a knee length coat, or waterproof trousers. I have thin single layer goretex trousers and jacket, and then wear a warm jacket underneath if needed. I can't remember the make of the trousers but I recently bought a Patagonia jacket that's been completely waterproof so far. Single layer means they pack up really small to go in my rucksack.
As for footwear, I bought a pair of goretex North Face trainerish walking shoes last night which will hopefully be as waterproof as my old Merrel Moabs.
A head torch is better for walking than hand held torch, but doesn't always work well with a hood up.
As for footwear, I bought a pair of goretex North Face trainerish walking shoes last night which will hopefully be as waterproof as my old Merrel Moabs.
A head torch is better for walking than hand held torch, but doesn't always work well with a hood up.
Edited by RizzoTheRat on Wednesday 17th October 12:19
RizzoTheRat said:
If you wear a waterproof jacket the water runs off straight on to your legs and the front of your trouser get way wetter than if you weren't wearing the coat. The alternatives IMO are either a knee length coat, or waterproof trousers. I have thin single layer goretex trousers and jacket, and then wear a warm jacket underneath if needed. I can't remember the make of the trousers but I recently bought a Patagonia jacket that's been completely waterproof so far. Single layer means they pack up really small to go in my rucksack.
As for footwear, I bought a pair of goretex North Face trainerish walking shoes last night which will hopefully be as waterproof as my old Merrel Moabs
I agree with this. Hiked in Brecon Beacons recently and it didn't stop raining all day. Water ran off my jacket onto my legs and filled my boots which are very waterproof, thus filled and didn't empty.As for footwear, I bought a pair of goretex North Face trainerish walking shoes last night which will hopefully be as waterproof as my old Merrel Moabs
Don't get hang up on a coat to keep you warm. Just get a gore tex or equivalent rain jacket. Allow room underneath for a fleece for when it's cold. It's all about layers, perhaps a base layer for when it's cold.
I have berghaus waterproof trousers that fit over regular trousers. Might want them zipped at the bottom for occasions when you wear wellies.
A nice beanie for when it's cold, use hood of jacket over the hat if necessary.
I have berghaus waterproof trousers that fit over regular trousers. Might want them zipped at the bottom for occasions when you wear wellies.
A nice beanie for when it's cold, use hood of jacket over the hat if necessary.
Unless it's subzero I'd choose shorts and decent waterproof socks over trousers in the wet.
There's a decent torch thread on here, unless you are walking 8 hours in one go then a cheap Cree xml single18650 powered flashlight should be enough, may want a head mounted one to reduce hand/arm ache.
There's a decent torch thread on here, unless you are walking 8 hours in one go then a cheap Cree xml single18650 powered flashlight should be enough, may want a head mounted one to reduce hand/arm ache.
untakenname said:
Unless it's subzero I'd choose shorts and decent waterproof socks over trousers in the wet.
There's a decent torch thread on here, unless you are walking 8 hours in one go then a cheap Cree xml single18650 powered flashlight should be enough, may want a head mounted one to reduce hand/arm ache.
Even when it is subzero I generally favour shorts, with Skinz tights underneath. I remember one very cold walk on the border ridge in deep snow. While the other guys with me were collecting a lot of snow on their trousers, non would stick to my tights, meaning I kept much drier (and lighter).There's a decent torch thread on here, unless you are walking 8 hours in one go then a cheap Cree xml single18650 powered flashlight should be enough, may want a head mounted one to reduce hand/arm ache.
Not a flake of snow!
It's all been said, largely, but personally my foul-weather strategy is to keep the top half cool and dry, and let the bottom half get wet.
Layering is key, as you've found it's easy to get hot but hard to cool down. If you're low-level walking in the UK then it's a rare day that you'll need more than a waterproof jacket over a base layer (merino is the perfect choice here). A light fleece for when it's below zero, possibly. It's hard to recommend any specific waterproof jacket or material; you don't want to go dirt cheap but equally don't go mad - I'd be looking to spend around £100 on something semi-decent from a known brand. You won't go far wrong if you just rock up to Cotswold or somewhere similar and look at what they've got on special offer.
I can't abide the feel of wearing waterproof trousers and so lightweight, quick-drying leggings or hiking trousers are ideal. I wouldn't especially bother with waterproof boots/shoes either, as when it's wet most of the water comes in down your socks. On that note, there is almost nothing more important than a good pair of socks; I swear by Thorlo, it was quite literally a revelation when I finally succumbed to what everybody had been telling me for a decade and bought my first pair. Unendingly comfortable and never a hint of a blister, even when they get wet.
Layering is key, as you've found it's easy to get hot but hard to cool down. If you're low-level walking in the UK then it's a rare day that you'll need more than a waterproof jacket over a base layer (merino is the perfect choice here). A light fleece for when it's below zero, possibly. It's hard to recommend any specific waterproof jacket or material; you don't want to go dirt cheap but equally don't go mad - I'd be looking to spend around £100 on something semi-decent from a known brand. You won't go far wrong if you just rock up to Cotswold or somewhere similar and look at what they've got on special offer.
I can't abide the feel of wearing waterproof trousers and so lightweight, quick-drying leggings or hiking trousers are ideal. I wouldn't especially bother with waterproof boots/shoes either, as when it's wet most of the water comes in down your socks. On that note, there is almost nothing more important than a good pair of socks; I swear by Thorlo, it was quite literally a revelation when I finally succumbed to what everybody had been telling me for a decade and bought my first pair. Unendingly comfortable and never a hint of a blister, even when they get wet.
LimaDelta said:
My kit for the Great British weather...
1. Buffalo Special 6 shirt plus nikwax. Unless it is absolutely torrential you will be dry. In that case any goretex/DWR shell should be fine. I have a Rohan Hilltop jacket which is overkill for all but the very worst conditions.
+1 for the Rohan Jacket 1. Buffalo Special 6 shirt plus nikwax. Unless it is absolutely torrential you will be dry. In that case any goretex/DWR shell should be fine. I have a Rohan Hilltop jacket which is overkill for all but the very worst conditions.
I used to use a non-padded set of winter cycling leggings, but switched last year to a pair of Mammut Walking trousers i picked up in Norway. Very light, good thermal insulation control, and capable of fending off all but the worst of downpours to stay dry. And when they do get wet, they wick and dry very quickly.
I'm out with my dog in all weathers, only wear waterproof over trousers if it's really wet, I use Berghaus Deluge which are pretty good for the price, typocally on offer for £35ish. I also tend to wear shorts unless it's pretty cold, then I wear lightweight walking trousers. Keep meaning to buy some soft shell trousers.
Boots/shoes are very personal, get to a decent outdoor shop & try some on - I spent over an hour buying my last pair.
Waterproof jackets, everybody will have their own opinion on but Goretex or Goretex Pro is Ok, Paramo if you don't run so warm. It doesn't matter what I wear, I sweat a lot so end up damp anyway, as long as the jacket is windprood is doesn't really matter.
Base layers & mid layers are the same as above really, I have cheap Aldi merino which haven't lasted or 20+ yr old Helly Hansen Lifas which have been hammered & refuse to die!
A good headtorch would be your best bet, lots of options depending on budget but Alpkit, Black Diamond & Petzl are some common ones.
I have Seal Skinz waterproof socks, I have never worn them! My old Merrel boots leak like a sieve so I really should dig them out & see what they're like!
I also prefer a waterproof baseball cap to a jacket hood, unless it's really windy.
Boots/shoes are very personal, get to a decent outdoor shop & try some on - I spent over an hour buying my last pair.
Waterproof jackets, everybody will have their own opinion on but Goretex or Goretex Pro is Ok, Paramo if you don't run so warm. It doesn't matter what I wear, I sweat a lot so end up damp anyway, as long as the jacket is windprood is doesn't really matter.
Base layers & mid layers are the same as above really, I have cheap Aldi merino which haven't lasted or 20+ yr old Helly Hansen Lifas which have been hammered & refuse to die!
A good headtorch would be your best bet, lots of options depending on budget but Alpkit, Black Diamond & Petzl are some common ones.
I have Seal Skinz waterproof socks, I have never worn them! My old Merrel boots leak like a sieve so I really should dig them out & see what they're like!
I also prefer a waterproof baseball cap to a jacket hood, unless it's really windy.
Edited by LordHaveMurci on Wednesday 17th October 13:29
When selling outdoors/sailing clothing at my place, one thing people ask for is a breathable jacket that is also waterproof. It is worth bearing in mind that a jacket will only be breathable if the layers underneath it are also breathable, such as suitable base layers. Use a layering system to get the most out of all the gear. It needn't cost a fortune, but you will more than reap the rewards by getting the gear right to start with.
I know it's a big high end name brand, but I like Paramo gear.
Bought far too much of it really but it generally does what it says, at the end of the day it's just using Nikwax waterproofing, but it is nice to wear.
I tend to wear their Bentu windproof and fleece combo a lot as it's light and versitile.
https://www.paramo-clothing.com/en-gb/explore-rang...
https://www.paramo-clothing.com/en-gb/explore-rang...
I also use an Altar 2 Jacket and their cascada waterproof trousers, but they are warm and only really any good when its pretty cold.
Bought far too much of it really but it generally does what it says, at the end of the day it's just using Nikwax waterproofing, but it is nice to wear.
I tend to wear their Bentu windproof and fleece combo a lot as it's light and versitile.
https://www.paramo-clothing.com/en-gb/explore-rang...
https://www.paramo-clothing.com/en-gb/explore-rang...
I also use an Altar 2 Jacket and their cascada waterproof trousers, but they are warm and only really any good when its pretty cold.
Doesn't a waterproof baseball cap just mean all the water goes down the back of your neck?
Those asymmetric ones that are designed for higher winds seem to work ok though.
edited for autoincorrect
xx99xx said:
I read on a waterproof clothing review site years ago that the most waterproof and breathable thing you can get is an umbrella. Not suitable for all occasions and conditions but very handy bit of kit.
Tends to be pretty windy here (on the north sea coast) and always seeing people struggling with inside out folding brollies Those asymmetric ones that are designed for higher winds seem to work ok though. edited for autoincorrect
Edited by RizzoTheRat on Thursday 18th October 11:30
If you are prone to getting sweaty then consider a softshell jacket. It might not be totally 100% waterproof but it breathes so well in comparison so you are not sweaty. A lot of the time the dampness is sweat and not rain.
I like wearing a waterproof hat with a brim to keep the rain off - a bit like a cowboy hat but not. If its windy then you either want a jacket with a peaked hood, or a baseball cap. Keeping the rain off your face makes it more pleasant.
I like wearing a waterproof hat with a brim to keep the rain off - a bit like a cowboy hat but not. If its windy then you either want a jacket with a peaked hood, or a baseball cap. Keeping the rain off your face makes it more pleasant.
LordHaveMurci said:
RizzoTheRat said:
Doesn't a waterproof baseball cap just mean all the water goes diwm the beach of your neck?
Not that I've noticed & I have two of them. You'd think it would though wouldn't you. My current jacket is a very light top layer, RAB one with 'Event' fabric, which is similar to Goretex I think. I think full 'breathability' is expecting too much, I expect to get a bit damp if it is wet, and remove jacket once it stops raining. Also having a merino wool/other wicking base layer helps - as it's about how fast you dry out rather than how wet during the rain.
Bought a few pairs of waterproof socks from Aldi the other week too.
Doesn't matter what you wear, if there's an opening (wrists, neck, hood) then water will get in eventually. Waterproof socks work up to a point but once water gets over the top you're sloshing around for the rest of the walk. Same with waterproof gloves. In light showers/short walks most waterproof kit is ok, for longer walks in driving rain it's Goretex jacket and overtrousers, If you walk for more than a couple of hours you'll get wet anyway - it's just managing the degree to which you actually get rain wet/manage sweat evaporation.
Gassing Station | Health Matters | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff