Have any questions? Get in touch. +44 7460 829 701 info@trackandtrail.uk
Have any questions? Get in touch. +44 7460 829 701 info@trackandtrail.uk
Expedition Clothing
Clothing Systems
Choosing good quality clothing for hiking is essential because it directly affects comfort, safety, and performance on the trail. Well-made hiking clothes are designed to manage moisture, regulate body temperature, and protect against changing weather conditions, helping hikers stay warm, dry, and comfortable throughout their journey. Durable fabrics also resist wear and tear from rough terrain, reducing the risk of damage that could leave a hiker exposed. In addition, quality clothing often offers features such as breathability, flexibility, and proper insulation, which allow for better movement and reduced fatigue. By investing in reliable hiking apparel, hikers can focus more on enjoying the experience and less on discomfort or potential hazards. Use the layering system to allow you to easily adjust for comfort on the move. Below is a list of gear. Brands that we recommend are written in bold italics. We use all of the stuff we recommend, but it's your choice. We'll start at ground level and work upwards
Boots
A good pair of walking boots provides comfort, support, and protection over long distances and varied terrain. They should fit well, with enough room for the toes while holding the heel securely to prevent blisters, and offer strong ankle support for stability on uneven ground. Durable, waterproof materials help keep feet dry, while breathable linings improve comfort. A tough sole with good grip is essential for traction, making walking boots reliable and safe in different weather and trail conditions. We use and recommend Scarpa, Merrell, and Garmont (but the Karrimor Mendip 4s are good if you're on a budget). Don't be tempted to use military combat boots. Combat boots are (unsurprisingly) designed for combat, not hiking. We recommend buying a half size up from your normal shoe size, but try them on with a pair of good hiking socks.
For pure funkiness, We wear Vivobarefoot Tracker ATs. These are amazingly lightweight and comfortable, much favoured by Trekkers doing the legendary 2,200 mile Appalachian Trail in the U.S.
Socks
Good hiking socks are essential for comfort and foot health on the trail. They are usually made from moisture-wicking materials like wool or synthetic fibers to keep feet dry and reduce the risk of blisters. Thick padding in high-pressure areas such as the heel and toes provides cushioning, while a snug fit prevents slipping inside the boot. Quality hiking socks also help regulate temperature, keeping feet warm in cold conditions and cool during strenuous walks. Bridgedale Merino Wool socks are brilliant, but hand wash them in wool soap and allow to dry naturally. Merino wool socks will keep your feet warm even if they're soaking wet.
Our Favourite Boots
We have many boots for many terrains, but these are our favourite all-rounders. The SCARPA Rush TRK GTX is the pinnacle of walking comfort. Designed for mountain hikes and longer-distance walks, the Rush TRK offers the perfect blend of comfort, durability, and performance. Engineered to reduce foot fatigue, the Rush TRK provides reliable stability and support while remaining lightweight and flexible for all-day mountain wear. For winter mountains, you'll need a specialist boot that can accomodate crampons.
Trousers
Proper hiking trousers are designed to be durable, comfortable, and practical for constantly changing outdoor conditions. They’re typically made from lightweight, breathable fabrics that dry quickly and allow freedom of movement, often with added stretch for steep climbs or long strides. Reinforced panels help protect against rocks and rough terrain, while features like zipped pockets, adjustable waists, and water or wind-resistant finishes add convenience and protection. Overall, a good pair of hiking trousers helps keep you comfortable and focused on the trail regardless of the weather or terrain. We use and recommend Montane Terra Pants.
We aslo recommend Ron Hill Tracksters on the hills. They're lightweight, very stretchy, and dry quickly. Wear two or even three pairs if it's cold, or wear a pair under your Terra Pants. Waterproofs are covered later.
Base Layer
Sweat-wicking base layer clothing is designed to keep the body dry, comfortable, and thermally regulated during physical activity. Made from technical fabrics such as polyester, nylon, merino wool, or blends with elastane, these garments pull moisture away from the skin and spread it across the fabric’s surface, where it can evaporate quickly. By reducing the buildup of sweat, base layers help prevent chills in cold conditions and overheating in warm environments. They also minimise friction and odor, improving comfort during extended wear. As the foundation of an effective layering system, sweat-wicking base layers are essential for athletes, outdoor enthusiasts, and anyone seeking performance and comfort in active settings.
British Army-issued T-shirts, otherwise known as T-shirt, Combat, Anti-Static, are a superb choice, and several can be worn together in cold weather, building up the layers. Available on eBay in black as well as green. Top of the hill, though, is the Helly Hansen Lifa Merino 225g long sleeve shirt. It's the best. 'Nuff said.
Mid Layer
We are big fans of Berghaus Polartec Fleeces. Extremely lightweight and quick drying, they come in different thickneses to cater for all seasons. Buy the full zip versions to make it easier to take them off, and to open them up fully to regulate body temperature between the various micro-climates you'll epxerience in the wild. Again, several can be worn together to build up layers and ease temperature regulation. Always keep an extra one or two in your day pack. You'll thank us for that advice!!
Whatever brand you choose, remember that cheap fleeces are not worth the money. Mid layer clothing for hiking plays a key role in providing insulation and regulating body temperature between the base layer and outer shell. Typically made from materials such as fleece, synthetic insulation, or lightweight down, mid layers trap heat close to the body while still allowing moisture to escape from sweat-wicking base layers. A good mid layer is breathable, lightweight, and easy to add or remove as weather conditions and activity levels change on the trail. By balancing warmth and ventilation, mid layer clothing helps hikers stay comfortable during cool mornings, windy ridgelines, or rest breaks without causing overheating during strenuous climbs.
Did you know? Polartec fleece is made from shredded plastic Pepsi bottles (we insist on Pepsi bottles, no Coca Cola here!), so you can call yourself an eco-warrior too while you're strutting your stuff on the hills.
Insulation/Windproof Layer
Soft shell insulating clothing is a versatile choice for hiking, offering a balance of warmth, breathability, and weather resistance. Soft shells use stretch-woven fabrics that provide light insulation while allowing moisture and excess heat to escape during active movement. They are typically wind-resistant and can shed light rain or snow, making them ideal for variable conditions on the trail. the Montane Krypton Granite jacket is the favourite. Because they are flexible and durable, soft shell layers are well suited for high-output hikes where comfort, mobility, and temperature regulation are essential.
Insulating layers are normally primaloft or down-filled. Don't buy big overly bulky jackets unless your planning a trip to the Arctic, Antartic, or the freezer section of Tesco. Go for lighweight technical jackets like the Montane Icarus Primaloft Belay Jacket. Quick to put on, extremely warm, but ultra-lightweight and not bulky. It stuffs into a very small sack for easy stowing. Its Pertex shell is windproof and breathable. Don't go anywhere without it!! If it's seriously cold, have overtousers or salopettes to wear too.
Hats & Gloves
For hats, carry a good quality fleece beannie hat for the cold, Thinsulate fleece is a good material, and carry a waterproof bush hat (not camouflaged pattern) for the rain. Choose a light colour which can then double as part of your protection from the sun on those rare occasions it shows up. Tilley Hats are great for this.
Did you Know? They say that you lose most of your heat through your head. It's a myth!! You lose heat proportionally to exposed skin, about 10%, but the head feels colder because it's sensitive and has vessels close to the surface, making a hat feel essential for comfort even if it's not losing 50% of your heat. The myth stems from old military studies where heads were the only uncovered part, so most heat relative to that experiment was lost there, not from the body as a whole.
"We can't control the weather, but we can control what affect it has on us"
For gloves, follow the layering theme, with a good quality pair of Merino Wool gloves as a liner, followed by a selection of fleece or waterproof outer gloves, have a selection available in your pack. We use SealSkinz, Mechanix, or Musto Sailing Gloves depending on the situation. Not much seen on the hills, but don't become a slave to activity-specific brands; although wearing your Gucci loafers, or Le Chemeau Full-Zip Leather-Lined wellies is maybe stretching it a bit. For extremely cold weather use waterproof mits over gloves.
Keep a good quality lightweight neck buff/gaiter in your pocket. It's amazing what a difference these things make, and how versatile they are. We recommend Trekmates Choobs. Last for years, and only cost few quid.
Waterproof Layer
For hill walking in changeable weather, good-quality waterproofs are essential to staying dry, comfortable and safe on the hills. A robust waterproof jacket and trousers with a reliable membrane (like Gore-Tex or other high-performance fabrics) and fully taped seams will keep driving rain and wind out while still letting sweat escape during hard climbs; breathable shells with adjustable hoods, cuffs and ventilation pit zips make long days on wet hills far more pleasant.
Waterproof over trousers are also worth carrying - they’re lightweight and packable but protect your legs when conditions turn nasty. Choosing gear that’s durable, fits well over mid-layers and packs down compactly means you’re prepared for the unpredictable - whether that’s Scottish drizzle or Welsh wind-driven downpours without being weighed down when the sun comes out. Here are some good quality waterproof options for hill walking:
Waterproof jackets & shells
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Rab Downpour Jacket – reliable rain protection with good reviews for walking and hiking.
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Mountain Equipment Rupal Waterproof Jacket – solid hi-range waterproof shell.
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Quechua Waterproof Hiking Jacket -10°c – excellent value and packability.
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adidas Multi Essentials 2L Rain Jacket – affordable, versatile waterproof layer.
Waterproof trousers & over trousers
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Berghaus Hillwalker – well-liked waterproof trousers suited to UK hill walking.
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Quechua Waterproof Hiking over trousers - lightweight, packable over trousers for sudden rain.
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The North Face Antora Rain Pant - quality waterproof pant option with good protection.
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Craghoppers Ascent over trousers - budget-friendly rain protection.
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Berghaus Stormcloud Waterproof over trousers - tough over trousers to throw on over walking trousers.
When selecting waterproofs for hill walking, make sure they have a high waterproof rating, good breathability, and features like adjustable hems, storm flaps and long leg zips for ventilation and ease of use - these all help improve comfort and performance on long outdoor days. Waterproofness is measured by something called Hydrostatic Head. The rating is governed by how much pressure is required to push water through it using a piezomatic tube. You'll commonly see it written on tents as 3000, 5000, 8000, etc. The higher the rating, the more waterproof. Don't by a tent with an undeclared, or lower than 3000 rating. 5000 is a good compromise, 8000 is the lowest acceptable for high altitudes, but expensive. Good Jackets are in the 20,000 - 30,000mm Hydrostatic Head range. Peeps on hills get snobby about this stuff!! "That's a 40,000mm HH thingy isn't it? You must be loaded, will you marry me?".
Where to Buy?
There's a lot of good kit on eBay. There are bargains to be had, but choose items that are modern and have had little use. You'll be amazed at how many people buy brand new top of the range stuff with fireside pipe-dreams of climbing the foothills of the Himalayas, and then realise they can't... All the gear, but no idea!! Don't buy anything labelled as vintage. Layers breakdown over time, even if they've not been used.
If you're a DofE participant, you qualify for a discount card that offers 15% off from big outdoor retailers like GoOutdoors, Black's, and Millets (they're all part of the same group). And if you ask the store manager nicely, Cotswolds Camping & Leisure may give you 10% off if you tell them you're a penniless, but very worthy young person who belongs to all the right organisations, and volunteers regularly helping people like me accross busy roads... "Ooh, with this rucksack, I could even put their shopping in it too" type thing.
The Important Technical Stuff
It's important to remember that none of this clever clothing makes you warm, it just keeps you warm as long as you already are. So make a point of not getting cold in the first place! If you want something to make you warm, you would need to bring your cat and wrap him around your neck. The trouble with this strategy is that he will dig his claws in just when you're about to make that giant leap for mankind... That could get you to the moon though.
However, clothing technology has come an awful long way since Royal Navy officer, Captain Robert Falcon Scott (aka Scott of the Antarctic), reached the South Pole on 17 January 1912. To read more about just how far, click on the button below.
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