Every man and his dog is walking more at the moment, cos there's fuck all else to do. 

Now i'm not talking trekking in the Himalayas in January, but i walk 5 miles every single day in all weathers through fields and woodland  and there's nowt worse than getting pissed wet thru, or freezing cold or worst of all having cold wet feet.

Anyone any recommendations for reasonably priced walking gear that just does the job? 

I've had my fingers burnt with Decathlon stuff in the past, their stuff looks ok ish, but in reality it's just shit.

Footwear wise i'm pretty sorted with waterproof hiking boots form TOG24, coupled with Sealskinz socks - so feet are warm and dry.

Leg wise i've just bought some waterproof over kex from Mountain Warehouse, but it's too early to tell if they're any good or not yet.

Waterproof jackets? Fleeces? etc 

Boots have come down in price so much in recent years from mountain warehouse, decathlon - all good formountain trails.

 

If its leather ones you want, Hi Tec Ravine seem to get good reviews for just over 150, the snowdon might be cheaper. Tog 24 - perhaps the Ingleborough, they are nice.

For under a ton I'd go for Quecha again, so comfortable. I like these, rather than leather boots, but if you don't like a low cut at the back of the ankle they might not be for you.

https://www.decathlon.co.uk/p/men-s-waterproof-mountain-walking-boots-mid-mh500/_/R-p-171904?mc=8493840&utm_source=google&utm_medium=organic&utm_campaign=Surfaces For Google&utm_content=8493840-2567129&iv_=__iv_p_1_g_61980150214_c_316432703506_w_aud-308557096453:pla-295628810540_n_g_d_c_v__l__t__r_x_pla_y_15177021_f_online_o_8493840-2567129_z_GB_i_en_j_295628810540_s__e__h_9044978_ii__vi__&gclid=Cj0KCQiA0fr_BRDaARIsAABw4EupByIGs_6nPi3z_EfEaq_MBnCRLlxPHKiy7Lfvvfp2oJOwnTLM5OEaAtMOEALw_wcB

4 minutes ago, Not in Crawley said:

Boots have come down in price so much in recent years from mountain warehouse, decathlon - all good formountain trails.

 

If its leather ones you want, Hi Tec Ravine seem to get good reviews for just over 150, the snowdon might be cheaper. Tog 24 - perhaps the Ingleborough, they are nice.

For under a ton I'd go for Quecha again, so comfortable. I like these, rather than leather boots, but if you don't like a low cut at the back of the ankle they might not be for you.

https://www.decathlon.co.uk/p/men-s-waterproof-mountain-walking-boots-mid-mh500/_/R-p-171904?mc=8493840&utm_source=google&utm_medium=organic&utm_campaign=Surfaces For Google&utm_content=8493840-2567129&iv_=__iv_p_1_g_61980150214_c_316432703506_w_aud-308557096453:pla-295628810540_n_g_d_c_v__l__t__r_x_pla_y_15177021_f_online_o_8493840-2567129_z_GB_i_en_j_295628810540_s__e__h_9044978_ii__vi__&gclid=Cj0KCQiA0fr_BRDaARIsAABw4EupByIGs_6nPi3z_EfEaq_MBnCRLlxPHKiy7Lfvvfp2oJOwnTLM5OEaAtMOEALw_wcB

Hi Tec - https://www.outdoorgb.com/p/Hi-Tec_Ravine_Waterproof_Mens_Hiking_Boots/?utm_source=froogle&utm_medium=directory&utm_content=GBR&currency=GBP&country=GBR&SelectedBundle=179641&SelectedItem=645683&gclid=Cj0KCQiA0fr_BRDaARIsAABw4Eso3XSzAjX3PldHhEfQdyMEP6f0UEJRPBWiejdz9sHXamm1fQOppgEaAntDEALw_wcB

Bit more trad, and not for summer, but really good price 

Yo've sent me down a boot rabbit hole now...

Brasher boots were also the best and most expensive when I started walking as a teen, they are stll expensive now but they are a classic and very good brand.

The Hillmaster is the legendary boot, came out early 90s, but the Country Master is lovely -

https://www.blacks.co.uk/15897666/brasher-men-s-country-master-walking-boots-15897666/?istCompanyId=d92b362f-ac8a-4a8a-87ca-c56eafad7955&istFeedId=2f99410f-1124-43d5-8232-86c184f09479&istItemId=ilprmitlx&istBid=t&gclid=Cj0KCQiA0fr_BRDaARIsAABw4EvYrpCXGRtuR_SQfdH4IU3KYvEosYdZg-fAnhJYXZjlO1DEhiViSqkaAsaBEALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds

Ooooh and then there's Scarpa, if you are really want to scramble up that scree....

Also I like wearing gaiters when doing a long yomp like up Nevis, means you can wear a lighterweight trouser.

 

Edited January 13, 20215 yr by Not in Crawley

Got some meindl boots at the moment. Arguably my best ever pair. 

Decathlon boots are shit for the kinda stuff i do (Open fields,Woodland, constantly wet etc) I've had 2 pairs of those Quechua and they both leaked in water after about 3 months and the uppers on both pairs cracked.

My 1st pair only cost around £40 from Decath, but they were cack so i took them back and got another more expensive pair (Quechua again) - they also failed within 12 -16 weeks and leaked water in.

I took them back to the store, but they didn't want to know ( yet they claim to give a 2 year guarantee) "Too well worn" was the managers line - i'd had them no more than 4 months and had the receipt.

I admit some of their base layers and fleeces are excellent in both quality + value, but their boots are rubbish.

Edited January 13, 20215 yr by Burndens Bogs

Agree their about decathlon. Get what you pay for.

Boots - https://www.grisport.co.uk/walking-boots-c78/hawk-lowland-trekking-boot-p3036

Use code New15 for extra 15% off, spot on for me

I’m starting proper hill walking (god im getting old) so this thread is great timing for me. 
 

hoping to do progress onto some munros across this summer and the following years 

I got some gelert boots from Mike Ashley's stack em high emporium for £30. They're not bad for the money but probably not cut out for proper hill walking 

I've also rewaxed my barbour this weekend. 8 years still going strong! 

I need a goretex jacket though as I've got the heavy waxed barbour or a lightweight shower proof berghaus. 

I have had Terrex GTX shoes before and they've been ok

Just bought these for 78 quid thanks to the daughters unidays account 

https://www.adidas.co.uk/terrex-trailmaker-mid-gtx-hiking-shoes/FY2230.html

53 minutes ago, Burndens Bogs said:

Decathlon boots are shit for the kinda stuff i do (Open fields,Woodland, constantly wet etc) I've had 2 pairs of those Quechua and they both leaked in water after about 3 months and the uppers on both pairs cracked.

My 1st pair only cost around £40 from Decath, but they were cack so i took them back and got another more expensive pair (Quechua again) - they also failed within 12 -16 weeks and leaked water in.

I took them back to the store, but they didn't want to know ( yet they claim to give a 2 year guarantee) "Too well worn" was the managers line - i'd had them no more than 4 months and had the receipt.

I admit some of their base layers and fleeces are excellent in both quality + value, but their boots are rubbish.

Nah - had two pairs done woodlands, clay mud, this winter lots of damp field walks- soil here doesn't drain as well, did Helvellyn in one pair. Decent value kit.

Its your feet that are shit.

57 minutes ago, Tonge moor green jacket said:

Agree their about decathlon. Get what you pay for.

Bollocks, its this sort of nonsense that pushes folk into buying too expensive kit for no reason.

All gear, no idea etc

Always check the waterproof mm.

Anything less than 20,000 wont keep you dry in anyway shape of form.

Like mickbrown says you dont want to be sweating your tits off. Ive got a DLX trespass over coat for work, breathable and totally waterproof. 

Wear a DLX knitted fleece underneath. Again breathable but wind proof.

Think they were about £70 each.

Like has been said, all about the layers.

My most recent boots have been karrimor leather. Best Ive had were timberlands.

Its Essential you keep your back dry as well as your feet.

You wont beat galivn green for standards, even though its predominantly a golfing brand. 

 

5 minutes ago, Not in Crawley said:

Bollocks, its this sort of nonsense that pushes folk into buying too expensive kit for no reason.

All gear, no idea etc

Bollocks, you've no fucking idea, but jump to shitty judgements as ever.

I'm extremely conscious of what price/quality I pay. Won't go overboard.

However having also experienced poor stuff from Decathlon, I'll be selective what I get from there in future.

Congratulations on your appreciation of your boots, however, that doesn't make your comments justified.

 

 

Just now, Tonge moor green jacket said:

Bollocks, you've no fucking idea, but jump to shitty judgements as ever.

I'm extremely conscious of what price/quality I pay. Won't go overboard.

However having also experienced poor stuff from Decathlon, I'll be selective what I get from there in future.

Congratulations on your appreciation of your boots, however, that doesn't make your comments justified.

 

 

Do you not wear this sort of clobber and footwear for work in winter etc given nature of your job? 

1 minute ago, Tonge moor green jacket said:

Bollocks, you've no fucking idea, but jump to shitty judgements as ever.

I'm extremely conscious of what price/quality I pay. Won't go overboard.

However having also experienced poor stuff from Decathlon, I'll be selective what I get from there in future.

Congratulations on your appreciation of your boots, however, that doesn't make your comments justified.

 

 

Bollocks, you do, so there. 

8 minutes ago, Tonge moor green jacket said:

Bollocks, you've no fucking idea, but jump to shitty judgements as ever.

I'm extremely conscious of what price/quality I pay. Won't go overboard.

However having also experienced poor stuff from Decathlon, I'll be selective what I get from there in future.

Congratulations on your appreciation of your boots, however, that doesn't make your comments justified.

 

 

In general in life, you get what you pay for.

@Youri McAnespiequotes decent wine for a fiver, for example, but, on average, you'll get a better wine for a tenner.

Boots are too important to get wrong. Very difficult to buy online and get it rght

Edited January 13, 20215 yr by boltondiver

3 minutes ago, gonzo said:

Always check the waterproof mm.

Anything less than 20,000 wont keep you dry in anyway shape of form.

Like mickbrown says you dont want to be sweating your tits off. Ive got a DLX trespass over coat for work, breathable and totally waterproof. 

Wear a DLX knitted fleece underneath. Again breathable but wind proof.

Think they were about £70 each.

Like has been said, all about the layers.

My most recent boots have been karrimor leather. Best Ive had were timberlands.

Its Essential you keep your back dry as well as your feet.

You wont beat galivn green for standards, even though its predominantly a golfing brand. 

 

Don't think they had 20,000 level stuff when I got my first gore tex, but it never let water in.

The care of the garment is key to maintaining it.

Depending upon water repellent finish applied, they can wear or wash off and need reactivating or reapplying. 

Without adequate repellency, the water doesn't bead up and roll away, so breathability stops and you get soaked in your own perspiration. 

4 minutes ago, boltondiver said:

In general in life, you get what you pay for.

@Youri McAnespiequotes decent wine for a fiver, for example, but, on average, you'll get a better wine for a tenner.

Boots are too imporant to get wrong. Very difficult to buy online and get it rght

Absolutely. 

Always drove Citroën as my brother used to sell them, and it stuck. Eventually bought a vw, and will never go back!

Got an arcteryx goretex waterproof. It was expensive but it holds its own against any rain. Had it a year, no signs of wear, it will last forever. 

 

Need to look after waterproofs/goretex, wash them with tech wash and then with a rewaterproofer. Once the pores start to clog with sweat and dirt it starts to be less waterproof and needs to be re-done.

2 minutes ago, Tonge moor green jacket said:

Don't think they had 20,000 level stuff when I got my first gore tex, but it never let water in.

The care of the garment is key to maintaining it.

Depending upon water repellent finish applied, they can wear or wash off and need reactivating or reapplying. 

Without adequate repellency, the water doesn't bead up and roll away, so breathability stops and you get soaked in your own perspiration. 

Great minds!

6 minutes ago, boltondiver said:

In general in life, you get what you pay for.

@Youri McAnespiequotes decent wine for a fiver, for example, but, on average, you'll get a better wine for a tenner.

Boots are too important to get wrong. Very difficult to buy online and get it rght

There's a lot of guff on this thread.

You get the same on running sites about gear.

Actually on most hobby sites, remember loads of the same stuff with guitar gear.

Always from blokes funnily enough.

If anyone is after decent boots and willing to pay decent coin, Whalley Warm and Dry offer a full measuring service and will adjust in store. Got a pair of Altberg from them just before the November lockdown, great boots. 

Ive a patagonia torrentshell as an outer layer that claims to be breathable but needs wringing out when you've done.

I'll throw Grisport boots into the ring, best pound for pound boots I've had for walking (not working).

For 90% of walkers, you really don't need to be spending a lot of money in the UK.

My cousin is well into wild walking, bivouacing and he spends a fortune - mainly on lightweight gear so.he can pack a lot of kit with very little weight. Fair enough, if you want to spend 200 quid because its only a few gramms of weight. But for trail, hills even stuff like coast to coast or three peaks, it shouldn't be breaking the bank.

Unless you want to of course.