Wednesday 6 June 2012


Tip 4

Trousers (Types and Suitability)
Trousers should ideally be Cotton, Polyester, Nylon or a mixture of the three. These will ensure you have a trouser that breaths (Helps stop you from sweating), is very lightweight, and also quick drying. Its very important not to wear jeans or denim when walking. When denim becomes wet it can constrict, shrink and rub. Another recommendation would be zip-off trousers as these will double up as shorts when it becomes hot.


Tip 5

Jackets (Waterproof)
I’ve seen people complete the 30 mile Mendip challenge in a bin liner, and I’ve seen them complete it in a pakka mak. The bottom line importance is being waterproof, a bin liner will be waterproof, but it wont be the most comfortable. If your looking for a new waterproof jacket there are a few key terms to look out for.

When a jacket says it has 'waterproof fabric' it doesn’t necessary mean the jacket is fully waterproof, generally these jackets are shower resistant, and wont put up well against the stronger rain out on the hills. Always ask a shop assistant if the jacket is fully waterproof, not just shower proof. Many label designers for outdoor company’s will write 'Waterproof' on their labels, and technically there allowed, as long as the jacket offers a waterproof quality, but it can be very miss leading for most customers.

Key words to look out for to ensure your buying a 'fully waterproof' jacket'

ISOdry

Goretex

2000HH (Minimum)

another property to look out for in a jacket will one that is breathable, by this I mean it will stop you sweating and therefore help to prevent you from getting cold, also keeping you more comfortable while you walk.



Tip 6

Layering System (Summing-up Clothing)
Its more sensible to wear many thin layers than a few thick layers. You'll be able to maintain a sensible temperature by adding thinner layer when your cold, and removing them when your hot. If you take one very thick fleece, and become to warm, you will end up removing the layer and cooling down to quickly, but this will not maintain a sensible body temperature.

In cold weather an ideal layer guide would be;

base layer

t-shirt

shirt

micro fleece

waterproof jacket

Travel trouser

Beanie



A warm weather guide

t-shirt (cool-max. ISO Cool or a high wicking material)

microfleece (polyester for breathibility)

waterproof jacket (ISO Dry 2000hh minimum)

zip off trouser (polyester for breathibility)

Peaked cap





Tip 7

Rucksacks
You'll need a bag which will fit all that you need to take with you. As well as the kit list you may have a few things you would like to add. See my kit list for any items you may have missed.

You will need something that will provide you with padding and ideally a mesh back support. A chest and waist strap will stop the bag from moving around, and reduce rubbing.

With the amount of kit you may be taking with you, it would be ideal to have a bag with multiple smaller pockets rather than one large compartment. If you have one

large compartment you would have to remove everything to get the kit that's at the bottom, with smaller pockets you will be able to find things easier.

Another quick tip for bags, if you take a personnel first aid kit, look for one which can attach to a belt or bag strap, this will ensure easy access.

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