regatta gear for hiking/hill walking in britain?

[littleshinystar]

Need some serious hill-walking advise! I’m starting getting back into it after a brief interlude of a year or so I love it – but have had problems with all the borrowed stuff I’m using, I need some decent gear that will see me through summer and winter - waterproof essential -you know what our weather is like! I think my base layers will make it but could do with new boots and waterproof jacket – hopefully good value but will last a long time. Can anyone recommend a good brand? I’ve heard Regatta clothing is ok?

[foxy mars]

Hi and welcome to the forum. Yes, Regatta gear is well made and nicely priced for the budget conscious buyer. I've recently purchased a Regatta Softshell Gilet and Shorts, the gilet is ideal for both walking and cycling, as well as the shorts. the gilet is windproof and I think waterproof, the shorts are quick drying and have plenty of pockets.

But for waterproofs and boots, personally I would go for the likes of better brands such as Berghaus, The North Face or Lowe Alpine, maybe Paramo if you can afford their prices. But again nowt wrong with Regatta, I suppose if you are getting back into walking, then Regatta would be a good choice.

Don't make the mistake, I did on my Coast to Coast walk. I got some cheap boots from Aldi, caused me blisters and sore feet, that I would never buy cheap boots again. Maybe I was unlucky in that way, maybe you will get away with it. That's my view

[earthdragon64]

I always think buy cheap buy twice, so would agree that the best quality you can afford is probably the way to go. Also keep an eye out for special offers. Often if you buy winter gear at the end of the winter season, you can get a pretty good deal.

[tcvarlh]

I'd advise hunting around on the net before you plumb for just one manufacturer, I have Regatta gear and Berghaus, Hillman, Schoeffel, Lowe etc. For different terrain and times, I find the Regatta Jacket I have is great for moderate wetness but becomes sweaty if the downpour is very heavy, Have a scout around and go and try stuff on. Recently bought a Hillman jacket which I found to be both cool and warm if that makes sense to you 100% water proof and it has the advantage of longer sleeves so a fleece isn't a problem. I use it all the time, in fact I have become known as the 'green bloke' around here.'
Long arms and a long back are always good. Nowt worse than a wet bum!
h
ps go for last years/seasons stuff, you're out in the country not on a catwalk!

[littleshinystar]

Thanks everyone - really helpful advise! See you at the summit!!

[Richard G.]

If it's OK to publicise another forum, the Bargain Alert thread over at Outdoors Magic has been a constant cause of frivolous spending on my part, but you will see many genuinely good bargains posted here

[Geoff F]

This isn't relative to the question, but the founder of Regatta had a holiday home where I live and a few years ago I did a photo shoot for Regatta on my fishing boat.

[kharga]

Hi, I use a variety of gear manufacturers. If you are re-kitting yourself it is worth visiting "Go Outdoors" if you have one near you. They do a loyalty card for £4.00 which gives you massive discount on brand names. Berghaus jackets for £98.00 saving £150.00!!!!
I dont work there - just impressed with their stock and prices!

[Johnny Redgate]

Definitely spend the money on waterproofs and boots. Fleece is cheap. Mine comes from Primark.