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For hiking on the moor/mountain etc. in wind and rain I will always go for the best technical kit I can afford. Usually sallopette type pants preferably without the full length side zip, but after being given a pair of Moutain Hardwear pants with waterproof zips I must admit that unless the zip was under a gale force wind facing directly into the rain it held off most of the wet. Paired up with a top end Gore-Tex shell I have spent many a day navigating across Dartmoor in the worst weather imaginable and come off with a few trickles down my neck.
On a warmer showery day I will tend to go with quick drying trousers and either a lightweight jacket or my Ventile smock all depending on where I will be if it’s the woods then probably Ventile (As I have a tendency to battle brambles etc. once I'm on a track) if moors then more likely the lightweight more for the wind proofing than its water repelling properties. I know a lot of people who prefer shorts when the temperature is conducive (and a few when it isn't!) My preference for trousers just provides that little extra protection from nettles, brambles and biting critters.
I never bother with hoods as I find them too restrictive and don't like the loss of so much of my peripheral senses, giving me a great excuse to be forever on the hunt for various hats. Amongst my current favourites are a Jack wolfskin digger/boonie type Gore-Tex hat, a 100% felt waterproof fedora and a peaked woolly beanie. The rest of the collection is probably best left for its own dedicated post.
And finally to the footwear, dry feet are a key to happiness and I still swear by a good quality leather walking boot, I’m currently on Meindls but would happily consider Lundhags, Altberg or Lowa The thing is to get properly fitted and buy the boot that is comfy. Take care of your boots and you will walk for many a happy mile.
I have a few pairs of lightweight Gore-Tex boots and have never been truly happy with them; great for a around camp etc. but always damp at the end of a day as they just cannot breathe as much as they need to with a sweaty pair of feet in them.
As I said at the beginning there is no definitive solution and sadly I could go on for too long. For those of you that are considering options at the moment I hope it helps and always happy to offer advice if you’re stuck, puzzled or lost in the maze of outdoor kit.
Written by: Dave Roderick.
