outdoor clothing

[richnfamous]

There's a saying in Danish: there's no such thing as the wrong weather, just the wrong clothes.

Socks: I've been lucky enough to find excellent wool-rich socks by Ulvang in that TK Maxx place for about £2.50 a pair. If I'm going on a several day walk with all my gear in a rucsack, I swear by these Coolmax socks: they're great against blisters and wick moisture away very effectively. They're hard to get really clean as you have to wash them carefully...



Waterproofs: Instead of BC and AD we should have Before Goretex and After Goretex I've got army surplus camo ones, which makes me look like a 'weekend warrior' but they're cheap and very tough (which is important as I sometimes crawl through hedges), although a bit noisy. I'd like to try Ventile but being a skinflint, I'll have to wait until I find something in a charity shop...

Recently I've picked up a really nice Craghoppers jacket which is fine in all but extended rain. I like Craghoppers Kiwi trousers too.

Underneath: if it's cold, a Pendleton woolen shirt or a decent fleece. I've got a Gore Windstopper one which is great, but it's a bit 'stiff'. It's really good on its own on a cold windy day and keeps the occasional shower out.

Hats: Sunderlands do a very lightweight one with in a waterproof-breathable fabric which keeps the rain out (and off my specs) but isn't much good when you sweat. In summer I use a reversible cotton cheapo against the sun.

Boots: my precious Lundhags ones finally gave up the ghost last year after 10 years and the third pair of soles. They're the best boots I've ever had but they're not cheap!

When I've got the cash I'll get another pair but until then I've got some lightweight KSBs, a stiff pair from 50 Peaks for when I've got my big rucsack on, and a very comfy pair of Karrimor Aspen ones which have enough space for thick socks. I also have a pair of Keen sandals which are great, but I find that stones, blades of grass and seeds get in easily. Your feet also end up filthy at the end of the day: the soles don't breathe so you get a nice mix of dust and sweat between your toes Comfy though!

I get almost all my stuff on the cheap by keeping a close eye on the charity shops in town. One of the managers knows me and often puts the good stuff to one side for me Paying less = less work = more time outdoors!

[Pete Collins]

I really like Paramo gear. During the colder months, I wear their Alta II jacket and Cascada waterproof trousers. Both are warm, waterproof and comfortable, and the jacket is actually lighter than the fleece and goretex jacket I would otherwise need. I wear a Paramo Trail or Mountain Vent shirt under the jacket, and even when walking in freezing conditions (admittedly here in the lowlands of southern England) I only need those two layers on my upper body. Much more comfortable than being swathed in three or four layers of clothing.

They are too warm for the summer months though, when I carry a lightweight goretex jacket in my rucksack.

I thoroughly recommend Coolmax liner socks as a wonderful way of preventing blisters!

[foxy mars]

I, too am a great fan of Paramo gear. Yesterday, I was in the Go-Outdoors store and picked up a Paramo Explorer Pull-on. This is the new Parameta-S Light and again still reversible. This was a bargain at £39.99 down from £65. Although I have the original Explorer Pull-on, this was getting a little worn, though still wearable. The Trail shirt is very good.

[foxy mars]

Originally Posted by Lee70

I too can vouch for Sealskinz as i use a pair for mountain biking.

Excellent quality and very warm plus waterproof.

Sealskins Socks, great gear. I will using my mine with the Shimano cycling sandals on my forecoming double coast to coast bike ride, but if it is raining, otherwise bare feet.