What to Wear for Hillwalking

by Chris Townsend

The Layer System

A good outdoor clothing system should keep you feeling comfortable whatever the weather. It should also do so when you are working hard and producing lots of body moisture and when you are stationary and rapidly cooling down. The best way to do this is with a layering system that can be adjusted by putting on and taking off garments to suit the conditions. The two most important layers are the inner, next to the skin one and the outer shell. The first has to quickly transport perspiration away from the skin, the second has to keep out rain and wind while allowing moisture vapour to escape.

Base Layer

Wool, silk and wicking synthetics like polypropylene or treated polyester all make good inner or base layers. Thin garments are best as they transport (wick) moisture more quickly than thicker ones and are comfortable over a wider range of temperatures. Work really hard however and any base layer will feel damp and cold. This shouldn’t last very long, unlike with cotton, which takes ages to dry and should be avoided.

Waterproofs

A good waterproof garment is a combination of fabric and design. There are many fabrics that claim to be both waterproof and breathable, that is let body moisture escape. Making a fabric waterproof is easy. It’s the breathability that’s difficult so this is where the main differences between fabrics lies. It is true to say that budget waterproofs won’t be as breathable as more expensive ones. What you’re paying for is usually just a more complex design and more features. Most features are however optional. Have too many of them and you just end up with a heavier, bulkier garment. A good hood with a stiffened peak that moves with the head and fits well over a hat is the most important feature. A couple of pockets are useful, especially if they’re on the chest as these can be accessed when wearing a pack hipbelt. Ventilation is important as even the best fabrics won’t allow all the moisture through when you’re working hard. Cuffs that open wide make good vents for the arms. Underarm zips (“pit” zips) are found on many jackets. They can be awkward to use though and can feel clumsy under the arms so try them out before buying a jacket with them. Chest pockets with mesh linings make good vents and can often be left open in all but the heaviest rain. The most breathable and most expensive materials at the time of writing are eVent and Gore-tex Pro Shell. These are both thin membranes that are laminated to tougher materials. Less expensive but less breathable are polyurethane coatings. There are many of these with most manufacturers having their own brand names.

Alternatives to conventional waterproofs with membranes or coatings are Paramo and similar garments from Hilltrek, Cioch and FurTech. Paramo waterproof garments consist of two layers of material: a windproof water repellent polyester microfiber outer and a very thin polyester fleece lining, known as the Nikwax Analogy Pump Liner. The inside of the pump liner is smooth; the outside has V-shaped ribbing with the open end of the Vs away from the body. This liner mimics animal fur and pushes water away from the body, hence the name directional. The pump liner isn’t windproof and water can easily be forced through it so an outer layer is needed to deflect wind and rain. The combination of the two layers is effectively waterproof. To work both layers need to be non-absorbent so they are given a water repellent treatment. This water repellency can be replaced when necessary, making the garments very long-lived. The lack of a coating or membrane means that Paramo garments are very breathable, far more so than any other rain wear, and can transmit liquid water as well as moisture vapor so sweat will pass through. Seams don’t need to be taped or sealed and punctures or tears are not a problem as there’s no barrier to damage. The lining does mean that they are warmer than conventional waterproofs however.

Mid wear can be a fleece jacket or wool sweater with perhaps a windproof top over it or a windproof top with a light fleece or pile lining. These last can be worn next to the skin or over a base layer. The best windproofs are surprisingly water-resistant so you only need to wear a waterproof in real downpours.

An old adage says that if you’re feet are cold you should put on a hat. This is actually good advice as you can lose heat rapidly through an uncovered head. A warm hat is worth carrying year round, ideally one that can be pulled down over the ears if necessary. If it’s windproof as well you’ll need to wear your jacket hood less often.

Your hands need to be kept warm too. Here a layer system can be employed again with a thin inner glove that allows good dexterity, a thick warm fleece or wool mid layer and a waterproof/breathable shell. In cold weather carrying spare gloves is a good idea as if gloves get wet they’ll feel cold.

Footwear, Socks & Blisters

Fit is the key to comfortable footwear. Whatever type of boot or shoe you choose it must fit properly. For most walking light, flexible shoes or boots are best. There’s no need for heavy, stiff boots if you’re not venturing onto snow covered hills. After fit look for a good tread and a cushioning midsole to absorb shock. Most walking footwear comes with a removable insole. If your feet move about in your boots, which can lead to sore spots and blisters, it could be worth replacing these with a stiffer more supportive footbed that will help stabilise your feet. A good retailer with trained staff should be able to advise on this.

Once you have your footwear don’t neglect your socks. The right pair will make walking much more comfortable. Merino wool is perhaps the best material for socks and there are many models made from this. Pure wool socks wear out quickly however so there should be some synthetic material at the toe and heel. Synthetic rich socks are available but aren’t quite as comfortable over as wide a range of temperatures as wool. Socks need to fit snugly – baggy ones will rub, perhaps leading to blisters, and wear out quickly.

Many boots have waterproof/breathable linings. These work well, at least when new, but boots with them are slow to dry if they do get soaked and they can be a bit warm in hot weather. An alternative is to wear waterproof/breathable socks, taking them off when they’re not needed.

However well your footwear fits and however soft your socks blisters are still a possibility. One small speck of grit could be enough. To minimise the risk take your boots and socks off at the first sign of a hot spot and see if you can find the cause. Put a dressing on the hot spot too. If a blister does appear it has to be treated. To do this sterilise a needle (the end of a safety pin from your first aid kit will do) in a match or lighter flame. Pierce the blister then squeeze out all the fluid, mopping it up with a piece of tissue. Once all the fluid has gone (roll the needle over the blister to check this) the blister must be covered. The best dressings for this are gel ones like Second Skin or Compeed as these absorb any further rubbing and speed up the healing process.

Tailoring Your Clothing to the Activity

Whilst you can wear the same clothing and footwear for different types of walking it can be more comfortable and sometimes safer to vary your gear with the activity. A winter mountain jacket will be heavy and bulky for a low-level stroll but it will still keep you dry. However a flimsy rain jacket designed for summer showers will not be adequate for a day of heavy wind driven rain high in the hills.

For backpacking or long distance day walking you’ll want to keep the weight of your gear as low as possible so consider the weight of every item. It’s worth doing without extra features if it saves weight (and it usually does). Fast movers will need to wear less than those who amble along slowly, stopping frequently to look at rocks or smell the flowers.

The real difference comes when you venture into snow covered hills however. Then you’ll need boots suitable for crampons. Gaiters are essential if the snow is more than a few centimetres deep. Extra warm clothing such as an insulated jacket is a good idea too, as you’ll cool down quickly whenever you stop. Thicker trousers will be needed or else long underwear. In really bitter weather you may need both.