Clothing Suggestions |
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Summer mountain walking, Welsh 3000's and navigation courses Mountain walking is far from being a high tech sport but certain items are essential. Hence, High Trek provides wet weather gear, rucsacs, hats, gloves, maps and compasses. Boots If you do decide to buy, look for waterproof boots - leather is best. Fabric boots lined with a waterproof/breathable membrane such as Sympatex, Gore-Tex work best in cold dry conditions rather than continuously wet weather Look for boots which will give good ankle support and have a non-slip tread. Sewn-in tongues, ankle padding and easy-lace hooks are all plus points and Vibram soles are best if you can afford them. Overall, boots for hill walking and trekking in summer should flex fairly easily toe to heel but remain stiff from side to side. A boot should feel evenly tight with adequate toe room to allow for Socks We like the loopstitch variety. This looks like towelling and is very comfortable but any thick (preferably not cotton) sock will do. Don't worry if you have nothing suitable. We keep spare pairs around just in case. Most people recommend wearing two pairs of socks. We find one enough in summer - it's up to you! |
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| Clothing
You should find everything else you'll need already in your wardrobe. Most "sensible" legwear e.g. leggings, loose-fitting trousers or tracksuit bottoms, should be fine for walking. Jeans are not suitable since they are too tight and become extremely uncomfortable when wet. You might also want to bring a pair of shorts for hotter days or thermal underwear for cold weather. CHANGEABLE WEATHER The main thing to remember is that weather in the Welsh mountains is extremely variable and, even in summer, you should expect cold, wet and windy weather -don't leave your hat and gloves out even in August! Likewise, suntan lotion, sunglasses and sunhat could be essential! Waterproof jackets should be light/medium weight, breathable, and with a hood. Side zips make overtrousers easier to get on over boots. LAYERS ARE GOOD The layering principle is a good policy with a base layer made from a material which wicks sweat away from the skin (cotton is cold and clammy once wet) followed by a medium weight sweater or fleece over that and then, finally a spare jumper or fleece kept in the rucksack (in addition to your waterproofs). Several thin layers hold heat better than one thick garment and allow temperature adjustments to be made by peeling off or putting on another garment as conditions dictate.
We provide helmets and harnesses for climbing and scrambling weekends plus any other specialist
gear (apart from boots) but do feel free to bring your
own hats, gloves, waterproofs, rucksack compass etc. if
you prefer. |
descending.
The heel of the boot should fit snugly around the heel
of your foot. Wear your new boots around the house for a short while and then
take them back and change them if they're uncomfortable. When you're sure
they're the boots for you, rub in some waterproofer and use them for gradually
increasing walks to break them in.