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Main Boards => Gear => Topic started by: Barmy_Army on 13:05:01, 21/10/19

Title: Advice on winter hiking gear
Post by: Barmy_Army on 13:05:01, 21/10/19
Hi,


I have finally joined after lurking for a while. Me and the better half have started chalking off wainwrights this summer, and are looking to continue into the winter. After a rather chilly stroll up Dow Crag yesterday I am seeking some advice on certain layers/clothing items.


Looking for a good (sub £80-£100) outer shell for us both. Was thinking of a Quechua MH500? Anyone have any experience with this jacket or the brand?

We both currently have a 100 Microfleece, looking for a better midlayer. This is where I am lost in the range of options. My understanding is that down is a luxury item and not essential, so is it a case of a thicker fleece or just another 100 for over the top?


Many thanks to anyone who takes the time!
Title: Re: Advice on winter hiking gear
Post by: ninthace on 13:12:14, 21/10/19
Welcome to the forum.  I have never used said jacket but from the pictures of the Decathlon website, you might have trouble getting at the pockets with a pack on.  Take your pack with you when you try it, or any other jacket, on.
Title: Re: Advice on winter hiking gear
Post by: sussamb on 13:16:07, 21/10/19
I'd be tempted to get a thicker fleece for winter walking, or a synthetic down jacket/gillet to go over your current fleece if you get cold.  You might find this useful


https://www.blacks.co.uk/fleece-buying-guide
Title: Re: Advice on winter hiking gear
Post by: gunwharfman on 13:35:46, 21/10/19
I've struggled with what is the best winter clothing for my torso for a long while. I have arrived at the point of now being confident that a long-sleeved baselayer is essential and that my bamboo ones are the best. My merino ones are just as good I think, but in my case, they make me really itch. I prefer to wear synthetic baselayers in the warmer months. I am not keen at all on the elasticated very tight baselayers, they make me feel that I am trussed up like a turkey!

I then make a distinction between keeping dry versus all of the other weathers I might experience in the winter. My most valuable bit of dry weather clothing is my Rab windproof, I have another a Decathlon windproof which I use when out off-road running. The dilemma for me is whats best to wear between my baselayer and windproof? I like to wear a shirt with a collar but this is not essential to stay warm, just my preference. Its the qualities of the windproof that for me makes the difference in how I think about how to keep warm. For example, I have two old (20 year old) Blacks full zip fleece type jackets and they work fantastically well, but only when covered by my Rab. Their drawback is that they do not compress easily to fit comfortabley in my rucksack. The other problem is that without the windproof even a breeze whistles through Blacks material and they then become useless. My latest plan, although I keep hesitating about it is to buy a Rab Microlight down jacket (without a hood) or similar to take the place of my Black's jackets.

If it rains I can put my raincoat over my warm layer or wear it over my Rab windproof, both options work.
Title: Re: Advice on winter hiking gear
Post by: forgotmyoldpassword on 13:43:22, 21/10/19
After buying an absolute load of gear, if I was starting out again I'd keep it simple, robust and effective:


For winter walking, most important layer is your base layer - it needs to fit well, merino wool works well but some prefer synthetics.  This keeps your skin from getting too clammy, and since water conducts 20 times better than air, this is what causes you to cool down rapidly in the winter months. Above that - 100wt fleece is what I use in much of the winter since I find it cheap, effective and I don't much care if I snag it on a barbed wire fence.  I've got a Polartec Thermal Pro beefy winter fleece which is exceptionally warm but not effective for moving quickly or uphill, so this usually works best for a winter ambling around town item or I leave it in the car as a dry layer for when I finish.


Windproof above the fleece (good ones are much more breathable than waterproofs, meaning less clammy, less wet, therefore less cold), but if you want a waterproof jacket that will be fine.  Pick something you're happy to wear for hours and I'd always choose pit zips if available as well as an adjustable hood which won't be useless in high winds. 


I keep a Mountain Equipment synthetic belay jacket in my rucksack for the winter months which is oversized and can go on top of everything else.  It works when wet, when I'm absolutely freezing and I find I prefer a simple warm jacket instead of taking layers off and 'adjusting' everything else.  This also works as a good 'loan' layer if you're hiking with anyone who is struggling since they can hand it back to you after warming up without taking everything off and losing heat.


Overall - good base layer (£20), 100wt fleece (£20), waterproof (£60?), warm jacket (£50?), good gloves and a hat.  In general I walk in base layer + wind proof and a light pair of gloves for most of the day, but then again I walk quickly and put out a lot of heat.   
Title: Re: Advice on winter hiking gear
Post by: gunwharfman on 14:14:15, 21/10/19
Yes, good advice, except in my case the clothing that I worry about least is my wet weather gear, for me I'm very happy with my £15 waterproof jacket. I now take the view that rain doesn't fall that often really, so why spend loads of money just to keep dry when it does. I certainly accept your view about the fleece, I'm only contemplating the Rab jacket because my son and his wife want to buy me one. I've told them to sit on the idea for now because I'm still not convinced about the idea.

One matter I always adhere to these days is to only buy full zipped items, I just don't like smocks ect. Even in the winter, it's easy to get hot and sweaty so I like to be able to chop and change my clothing quickly and easily.
Title: Re: Advice on winter hiking gear
Post by: Mel on 17:37:06, 21/10/19
Layers  O0


Wicking base layer (thermal/non thermal, as suits - cheap as chips from any department store that sells underwear).
Whatever fleecy mid layer you think will be warm enough for you (doesn't have to be a dedicated walking fleece - mine's from Marks and Spencer).
Insulated jacket to keep the wind off in non-rainy conditions (again, doesn't have to be dedicated walking specific - one of mine is from Asda).
Outer waterproof shell (only worn when actually raining - spends the rest of it's time in my backpack).  I find breathability isn't a problem when perspiration has all those other layers to get through first).


... and no, I don't feel cold/damp/clammy because I buy cheaper/non-walking-specific stuff  O0


Although if I was going high into the mountains in winter conditions (ice axe and crampon stuff) then I'd invest in some technical clothing, but not for "general walking in winter".





Title: Re: Advice on winter hiking gear
Post by: forgotmyoldpassword on 18:49:13, 21/10/19
Yes, good advice, except in my case the clothing that I worry about least is my wet weather gear, for me I'm very happy with my £15 waterproof jacket. I now take the view that rain doesn't fall that often really, so why spend loads of money just to keep dry when it does. I certainly accept your view about the fleece, I'm only contemplating the Rab jacket because my son and his wife want to buy me one. I've told them to sit on the idea for now because I'm still not convinced about the idea.

One matter I always adhere to these days is to only buy full zipped items, I just don't like smocks ect. Even in the winter, it's easy to get hot and sweaty so I like to be able to chop and change my clothing quickly and easily.


What is this Rab jacket they're trying to give you GWM?
Title: Re: Advice on winter hiking gear
Post by: April on 20:56:35, 21/10/19
Like Mel says, layers!

I prefer to take a few thin layers rather than a thick layer, I find I get too warm on the ascent if I use a thick fleece or thick jacket. In winter I normally wear a long sleeved base layer, then a short sleeve base layer over the top, a thin fleece and my waterproof on as a windproof/waterproof and remove a layer or two if I get too hot. I carry an extra fleece in my pack to put on if I need to. I use a hooded fleece rather than a hat, a buff, gloves and a spare pair of gloves in case one gets wet. My base layers and fleeces are Peter Storm ones from Millets and some Berghaus ones so not that expensive.
Title: Re: Advice on winter hiking gear
Post by: gunwharfman on 22:43:00, 21/10/19
The initial idea was the Rab Summit but this only comes with a hood, as does the Rab Alpine. I don't want another hood so it's now the Rab Microlight. There are so many types of down jacket out there, so just not sure what to buy. The primary problem for me is what to wear between baselayer and windproof, or for some people what to wear between baselayer and a waterproof jacket. I feel guilty as well, why a Rab, are my son and his wife just in love with a brand? Or are Rab that good, above and beyond other brands?

For me, it is also about what I wear when tucked up in my sleeping quilt. My routine is to sort my clothing out for the next 24 hours at the point when I settle for the night. So some of my daywear for the next day is what will also use to sleep in, baselayer, underwear, socks and if cold my warm jacket, it's my way of dealing effectively with waking, early morning cold, and condensation.

I acknowledge that the Rab Microlight is rather appealing, they get such good write-ups as well. I have a mental picture of traveling not only light but warm as well and from all accounts the Rab jacket is the one to buy? Or is it?
Title: Re: Advice on winter hiking gear
Post by: hinch184 on 13:31:55, 22/10/19
Doesn't have to be OTT for UK winter (unless you're off to the top of Nevis on a shocker of a day).


I tend to go


Nike base layer (have a few from Rugby days)
T Shirt (generic long or short sleeve)
Fleece (nothing major but so long as it's decent quality)
Rab Nimbus (warm and light)
M.E. 2.5 layer waterproof (if needed, if no just pack it up)


Never felt the need for anything more than that yet
Title: Re: Advice on winter hiking gear
Post by: forgotmyoldpassword on 14:12:46, 22/10/19
The initial idea was the Rab Summit but this only comes with a hood, as does the Rab Alpine. I don't want another hood so it's now the Rab Microlight. There are so many types of down jacket out there, so just not sure what to buy. The primary problem for me is what to wear between baselayer and windproof, or for some people what to wear between baselayer and a waterproof jacket. I feel guilty as well, why a Rab, are my son and his wife just in love with a brand? Or are Rab that good, above and beyond other brands?

For me, it is also about what I wear when tucked up in my sleeping quilt. My routine is to sort my clothing out for the next 24 hours at the point when I settle for the night. So some of my daywear for the next day is what will also use to sleep in, baselayer, underwear, socks and if cold my warm jacket, it's my way of dealing effectively with waking, early morning cold, and condensation.

I acknowledge that the Rab Microlight is rather appealing, they get such good write-ups as well. I have a mental picture of traveling not only light but warm as well and from all accounts the Rab jacket is the one to buy? Or is it?


Down jacket for what you do is going to be evenings stuck around camp though, surely?  I mean sure you can use it for rest stops, but even hydrophobic down with a DWR layer on top isn't going to repel the constant precip the UK is famed for in the colder months.  Realistically moving in a down jacket isn't going to be great in UK conditions either - unless you specifically get very cold in the mornings and need a rapid way of warming up for half an hour before returning it to your bag.


Way I see it you can do what you want two ways, either:


Consider something like a Black Diamond Alpine Start or Patagonia Nano-Air if you're looking for a between-layer piece which can be useful in year long conditions.  It's a windproof/v light softshell which lets a lot of air through (but also lets a lot of moisture through from the inside).  Goes very well with the warmer 200/300 weight winter fleeces beneath when it's very cold, and you can leave it on and layer on top of it and this lets you focus on getting warmth more from your mid layer - which is useful for UK conditions.  Basically all you're doing is changing to a thicker fleece and making sure the windproof is more breathable - giving yourself a softshell in 2 pieces you can use throughout the seasons rather than a beefy winter softshell like the Special 6 or Extreme which isn't packable and needs to be worn 100% of the time.


Or for down jackets, if you want to wear it just for night time use it needs to be light and packable - and there's nothing wrong with 800+/900+ fill power down which is extra fragile when exposed to moisture.  If you want it to be an active layer I'd look at the 650+ jackets, because down loft is affected less by moisture the lower the fill power (in effect, it retains more of its initial warmth), which is why Everest ascent suits are usually 600+ fill power and not 900+ as you might think.  For UK conditions I'd personally always go with synthetic for any insulation I want to use actively, Primaloft Gold is equivalent to 750+ FP, Silver 650+ FP and is cheaper than down. 


Personally would go with a Montane Icarus Micro since it uses the newer Primaloft ThermoPlume which acts like down in construction rather than the 'sheet' synthetics like Coreloft and Primaloft which degrade rapidly with use/thrown about in packs.   So the Icarus would be happier stuffed in a bag repeatedly than the older Primaloft versions, and at least you can wear it all day if you're feeling chilly.
Title: Re: Advice on winter hiking gear
Post by: Ronin83 on 15:45:49, 22/10/19
I will echo the general consensus here.
Base layer. (+ t shirt if really cold)
Fleece.
Waterproof walking jacket.


Use a buff, hat, gloves to help out and stick some waterproof overtrousers on if the wind is battering your legs(berghaus deluge, can't beat them)
Title: Re: Advice on winter hiking gear
Post by: Lee R on 19:17:34, 22/10/19
Similar to what others have said.....


Long sleeve Merino (winter) base layer or t-shirt (summer) one.
Fleece hoodie.
OEX waterproof jacket.
Hat (I don't have hair to keep my head/neck warm!)
Sealskin finger/thumb gloves or thinner cheaper gloves depending on temperature.


Waterproof trouser in the bag - Although we don't often go out when it's constant raining.
Title: Re: Advice on winter hiking gear
Post by: Maggot on 19:54:36, 22/10/19
@barmy, just buy a jumper a coat from a charity shop and see how it goes.


Don't get bogged down with micro this, phobic that or the like.  There is a charity shop just down the road from me that currently has about a dozen fleeces in it, and none are more than £4.49!


It has a couple of anoraks too, you'll be fine.  If you really enjoy it, just buy each other a nice jacket or whatever for Christmas  O0


Just remember, don't buy gaiters because they make you look like a cat strangling weirdo from the 70's  :crazy2:

Title: Re: Advice on winter hiking gear
Post by: gunwharfman on 09:53:09, 23/10/19
Thanks 'forgotmyoldpassword,' your way of looking at the possibility of me getting a Rab Microlight jacket has initiated to do some more thinking about it.  As a 'wander off to the pub' bit of clothing, or as a 'killing time by my tent bit' of clothing it will do the job but not necessarily is ideal for actually walking in? Is this the basic nuts and bolts of your thinking?

If it is, that makes sense to me. At present, I have two synthetic warm jackets purchased from Alpkit, although they are two different colours they nearly look the same but in use however they are not the same. With my windproof jacket over the top, my black one, when I'm wearing it as I walk it works very well, it keeps me comfortably warm and condensation free, unless I'm really puffing and panting uphill of course. But if I'm wearing my blue jacket under my windproof jacket then condensation is really a problem (which is why I no longer wear it) so I take from your write-up that with a Rab Microlight on, I could when walking be presented by my blue jacket's problem, namely excessive condensation?

Title: Re: Advice on winter hiking gear
Post by: forgotmyoldpassword on 19:26:22, 23/10/19
Thanks 'forgotmyoldpassword,' your way of looking at the possibility of me getting a Rab Microlight jacket has initiated to do some more thinking about it.  As a 'wander off to the pub' bit of clothing, or as a 'killing time by my tent bit' of clothing it will do the job but not necessarily is ideal for actually walking in? Is this the basic nuts and bolts of your thinking?

If it is, that makes sense to me. At present, I have two synthetic warm jackets purchased from Alpkit, although they are two different colours they nearly look the same but in use however they are not the same. With my windproof jacket over the top, my black one, when I'm wearing it as I walk it works very well, it keeps me comfortably warm and condensation free, unless I'm really puffing and panting uphill of course. But if I'm wearing my blue jacket under my windproof jacket then condensation is really a problem (which is why I no longer wear it) so I take from your write-up that with a Rab Microlight on, I could when walking be presented by my blue jacket's problem, namely excessive condensation?


Basically, yes.  The end of the day everyone is different and know their needs best, but personally I've found down jackets for UK conditions aren't good active layers unless you're doing a lot of Scottish winter walking sub 0.
Title: Re: Advice on winter hiking gear
Post by: mananddog on 19:40:35, 23/10/19
Take a torch!!!!!

Gaiters are not just for weirdos they are great for keeping snow out of your boots. As anyone who goes out in proper snow (or bogs) knows
Title: Re: Advice on winter hiking gear
Post by: richardh1905 on 20:32:39, 23/10/19
Take a torch!!!!!

Gaiters are not just for weirdos they are great for keeping snow out of your boots. As anyone who goes out in proper snow (or bogs) knows


+1 for gaiters - absolutely essential in the snow.


As for mid layers, pretty much any old fleece will do, dont waste your money paying top dollar for some fancy brand (money much better spent on a quality gore tex jacket).
Title: Re: Advice on winter hiking gear
Post by: Dovegirl on 21:03:33, 23/10/19
+2 for gaiters   -   great for coping with mud, puddles and wet vegetation
Title: Re: Advice on winter hiking gear
Post by: jimbob on 21:13:16, 23/10/19
+3 for gaiters. For all the above reasons.
Title: Re: Advice on winter hiking gear
Post by: Owen on 21:28:23, 23/10/19
Jackets such as the Rab microlight are belay jackets i.e. something you pull on very quickly once you've stopped climbing and started belaying. The idea is to stop you getting chilled. You get quite pumped and sweaty while you're leading an ice climb but then you have to sit and belay your mate up. While you're doing this you're not moving so you cool down rapidly. Having a warm jacket handy that you can put on quickly helps you to prevent this. Walkers don't generally get into belaying but you can use the same idea for any stop. The jacket doesn't have to go under your cagoule, just put it on over whatever you've got on, synthetics are better for this.
Title: Re: Advice on winter hiking gear
Post by: richardh1905 on 08:00:51, 24/10/19
Check out charity shops- I recently bought a warm synthetic gilet for the princely sum of £2 !
Title: Re: Advice on winter hiking gear
Post by: wobblyknees on 10:55:31, 24/10/19
I also bought a Berghaus goose down gilet for £5 in a charity shop. It looked brand new. Cheapest internet price I found when I got home was £89.
Title: Re: Advice on winter hiking gear
Post by: gunwharfman on 15:19:11, 24/10/19
Thanks for all of the information and suggestions, really good! I've now persuaded my son and wife not to buy me a Rab Microlight and to put their decision making on hold until I decide what to do. I do appreciate the idea of cheap fleeces, etc, and will now look and view various options which supports the clothing choices I have already made. Thanks again.
Title: Re: Advice on winter hiking gear
Post by: richardh1905 on 16:57:44, 24/10/19
I also bought a Berghaus goose down gilet for £5 in a charity shop. It looked brand new. Cheapest internet price I found when I got home was £89.


Good catch!
Title: Re: Advice on winter hiking gear
Post by: Maggot on 17:58:04, 24/10/19
Everyone should buy their general outdoor kit in charity shops.  They are full of stuff that has been donated by people who went for a walk, spent £00s on clothing and kit, then gave it up because the second time they went out it was rainy and they got lost!


Absolute bargains to be had out there!


Just avoid gaiters, even cheap ones from a charity shop  O0
Title: Re: Advice on winter hiking gear
Post by: jimbob on 18:46:55, 24/10/19

Just avoid gaiters, even cheap ones from a charity shop  O0
Can only think you must have bought some rubbish gaiters or not known how and when to use them.
They are so useful, as can be seen from the support they get in this single thread.
Your loss, I suppose.
Title: Re: Advice on winter hiking gear
Post by: gunwharfman on 19:30:04, 24/10/19
I couldn't go hiking without gaiters, they are central to me for keeping dry. My rain skirt depends on them and my long waterproof coat depends on them.
Title: Re: Advice on winter hiking gear
Post by: richardh1905 on 20:35:55, 24/10/19
Just avoid gaiters, even cheap ones from a charity shop  O0


I take it that you dont go hillwalking in the snow then maggot. ;)
Title: Re: Advice on winter hiking gear
Post by: April on 21:01:04, 24/10/19
I also use gaiters for use in snow or wet and boggy ground. I normally wear them from about this time of the year until March on most walks because they keep my legs warm too. I have heard that trolls don't wear gaiters  ;)

I forgot to mention on my earlier post that I also wear long johns under my trousers when it is very cold. The wind chill this weekend is going to be below freezing even at 400m so they might get a trip out.
Title: Re: Advice on winter hiking gear
Post by: Mel on 21:12:18, 24/10/19
Just avoid gaiters, even cheap ones from a charity shop  O0


Curious as to why (gaiters specifically)?


I'd have thought buying a waterproof would be more risky as most folks donating to charity shops wash the stuff before they donate it.  I'd be more wary as to whether a waterproof jacket had been washed with regular detergent and fabric softener  :-\







Title: Re: Advice on winter hiking gear
Post by: Mel on 21:17:35, 24/10/19
... I also wear long johns under my trousers when it is very cold.


I do this too.  Much cheaper than buying winter trousers, and surprisingly effective  :)



Title: Re: Advice on winter hiking gear
Post by: jimbob on 21:23:44, 24/10/19
. I have heard that trolls don't wear gaiters  ;)
:2funny: :2funny:
Title: Re: Advice on winter hiking gear
Post by: Maggot on 21:49:05, 24/10/19
I have heard that trolls don't wear gaiters  ;)



Weird, why does thinking gaiters a throwback to an age before decent waterproof trousers and technical fabrics make me a troll?
Title: Re: Advice on winter hiking gear
Post by: April on 22:15:13, 24/10/19
Don't get bogged down with micro this, phobic that or the like.  There is a charity shop just down the road from me that currently has about a dozen fleeces in it, and none are more than £4.49!

Weird, why does thinking gaiters a throwback to an age before decent waterproof trousers and technical fabrics make me a troll?

You are contradicting yourself, first saying technical clothing isn't needed, then saying it is?  :-\

I've never found decent waterproof trousers and technical fabrics in a charity shop  :)

I have decent waterproof trousers and walking trousers but still use gaiters. You may be happy to wear your waterproofs all day to try keeping your trousers dry. I prefer not to unless it is lashing down. Where do you do your walking? Have you ever crossed a bog or walked in deep snow? I will continue wearing my gaiters thanks. If you can't accept the fact some people wear gaiters because they are sometimes necessary and continue to make derogatory comments to those that do, then you are acting like a troll.
Title: Re: Advice on winter hiking gear
Post by: Maggot on 22:29:40, 24/10/19
You are contradicting yourself, first saying technical clothing isn't needed, then saying it is?  :-\


No, I was clearly saying that when you are starting out, don't get bogged down until you understand what it is you need.  Save some money and wait until you know what you need for what you intend to do.


Then when you know what sort of walking you want to do, start investing properly at that point.  So if you want to do low level walking in decent weather don't buy expensive mountain clothes.  If you want to walk in mountains in winter, don't buy a pair of £20 Mountain Warehouse boots.


Honestly, you keep on with your gaiters, I really am chilled about what we all wear  ::)
Title: Re: Advice on winter hiking gear
Post by: April on 22:41:02, 24/10/19
No, I was clearly saying that when you are starting out, don't get bogged down until you understand what it is you need.  Save some money and wait until you know what you need for what you intend to do.

I wasn't clear what you were saying  :)  If you read the OP's post they are not just "starting out" and they know what they intend to do; walk the Lake District Fells in colder conditions.

Honestly, you keep on with your gaiters, I really am chilled about what we all wear  ::)

We will all keep on with our gaiters  O0

Title: Re: Advice on winter hiking gear
Post by: pdstsp on 14:13:57, 25/10/19
Waterproof trousers are fine when walking in rain, but I find them uncomfortably warm when it's dry.  However, walking in the Lakes or Snowdonia in winter, I rarely go out without gaiters on, they keep the trousers dry in bogs and snow and help stop water ingress into boots, (particularly when trip trapping across bridges).  They may not make you look like a fashion icon. But those days have gone.
Title: Re: Advice on winter hiking gear
Post by: gunwharfman on 16:58:03, 25/10/19
There are poor gaiters out there and there are good ones, I've worn both and from experience prefer the ones with zips down the front. I too wear long johns on cold days, to me just another form of useful layering, even on a cold day I find it surprising how hot I can get and they are often off and in my rucksack within the hour. I still don't really get a grasp as to why a hiker would not have gaiters to hand, especially when its raining, when walking in wet grass, in mud, and in snow, to me an essential bit of kit. I hate it if I end up having to go into a pub, cafe or restaurant and the inside legs of my walking trousers are covered in mud, I have my standards you know.  ;)

Mind you, I always carry a small nail brush with me, that and a small amount of water usually gets rid of the mud easily.

I'm a hiker who no longer wears hiking trousers (I use a rain skirt or a long waterproof coat over my gaiters) but even if I did, the nuisance value of putting them on, taking them off 'X' amount of times in a day would drive me, as it used to, bonkers! The idea of wearing them for hours on end or for a whole day as I sometimes had to is not my idea of fun hiking.  >:(
Title: Re: Advice on winter hiking gear
Post by: richardh1905 on 18:29:28, 25/10/19
I wasn't clear what you were saying  :)  If you read the OP's post they are not just "starting out" and they know what they intend to do; walk the Lake District Fells in colder conditions.

We will all keep on with our gaiters  O0



I'll certainly be wearing mine when the fells get a good covering of snow. Perhaps maggot should give winter hillwalking a try; maybe then he will understand the true value of gaiters.
Title: Re: Advice on winter hiking gear
Post by: April on 19:25:06, 25/10/19
I rarely go out without gaiters on, they keep the trousers dry in bogs and snow and help stop water ingress into boots, (particularly when trip trapping across bridges)

 :) Very clever; you are subtle  >:D
Title: Re: Advice on winter hiking gear
Post by: ninthace on 19:29:13, 25/10/19
And they stop goats chewing your ankles!  ;)
Title: Re: Advice on winter hiking gear
Post by: pdstsp on 19:43:28, 25/10/19
:) Very clever; you are subtle  >:D


Not something that gets said every day!
Title: Re: Advice on winter hiking gear
Post by: Mel on 21:26:38, 25/10/19
I'm still waiting to hear why we shouldn't buy gaiters from a charity shop but everything else is fair game  :(


... and to see the fantastic video he's working on ...


 ::)
Title: Re: Advice on winter hiking gear
Post by: Maggot on 08:45:19, 26/10/19
I'm still waiting to hear why we shouldn't buy gaiters from a charity shop but everything else is fair game  :(


... and to see the fantastic video he's working on ...


 ::)


Clearly the subtlety of the English language is lost on you.  I wasn't saying you should avoid gaiters from charity shops, I was saying avoid gaiters.  I'll try and use fewer letters in the future if that will help you  O0


Title: Re: Advice on winter hiking gear
Post by: pdstsp on 10:11:51, 26/10/19
Rather than being sarcastic, perhaps you should consider reading and understanding the reasons why many chose to wear gaiters, particularly in wet/snowy conditions.



Title: Re: Advice on winter hiking gear
Post by: Pitboot on 11:05:44, 26/10/19
The OP, Barmy Army, seems to have tired of this thread.
Title: Re: Advice on winter hiking gear
Post by: Mel on 12:03:24, 26/10/19

... I wasn't saying you should avoid gaiters from charity shops, ....



Are you sure? ...


Just avoid gaiters, even cheap ones from a charity shop   O0


 
Pretty much word for word, that's exactly what you did say.  So I will ask again.

 
Why?



Title: Re: Advice on winter hiking gear
Post by: BuzyG on 14:51:24, 26/10/19

Are you sure? ...





Pretty much word for word, that's exactly what you did say.  So I will ask again.


Why?
Reads like gaiters in general to me Mel. ;)


Me I wear gaiters a lot.  Absosutely essential clothing for winter moorland walking.  They keep your feet dry fording streams too.  O0
Title: Re: Advice on winter hiking gear
Post by: Mel on 15:28:57, 26/10/19
But I have no grasp of the subtleties of the English language...
Title: Re: Advice on winter hiking gear
Post by: Barmy_Army on 17:03:44, 26/10/19
The OP, Barmy Army, seems to have tired of this thread.


I've just checked for the first time since earlier in the week  ;D  Turning into Gaitergate the last couple of pages. Thankyou for all the wonderful advice, some baselayers and gloves were purchased yesterday and going to stick with the current midlayers  O0



Title: Re: Advice on winter hiking gear
Post by: pdstsp on 17:25:20, 26/10/19
Gaiters? ;D
Title: Re: Advice on winter hiking gear
Post by: April on 18:15:42, 26/10/19
I'm pleased your still with us Barmy_Army  :) Please be assured that most of us on here have grasped the subtleties of being polite and one post on this thread is totally out of order.

This one:

I'll try and use fewer letters in the future if that will help you  O0

I wondered how long it would take for you to start flaming since you came back on the forum. Not very long then.

Title: Re: Advice on winter hiking gear
Post by: gunwharfman on 09:07:26, 27/10/19
In the meantime, I've been having lots of fun improving the 'keeping dry' qualites of my £15 long waterproof coat. When purchased the flap over the long front zip was secured by 3 x 1.5" strips of Velcro. This soon wore out and lost all of its grip. I took the Velcro strips off and replaced them with sew-on magnets (which worked well) but then, upon reading the warning leaflet that came with them about possible damage to mobile phones I decided to try large press studs instead.

I dropped into a local haberdashery shop and the lady there found me some large ones. I then spent yesterday afternoon (it was raining hard) sewing them on. They work well too. My wife came back from visiting her mother and was AMAZED that I had actually used a needle and thread! I did tell her I looked up how to do it first on YouTube. So as a reward she gave me a large triangle of coffee and walnut cake.
Title: Re: Advice on winter hiking gear
Post by: fernman on 09:41:38, 27/10/19
I looked up how to do it first on YouTube.

 ;D ;D Just like me when my OH went away, telling me there were two eggs left in the fridge for me to boil.
Title: Re: Advice on winter hiking gear
Post by: sussamb on 10:53:17, 27/10/19
Me I wear gaiters a lot.  Absosutely essential clothing for winter moorland walking.  They keep your feet dry fording streams too.  O0


 O0
Title: Re: Advice on winter hiking gear
Post by: richardh1905 on 10:59:27, 27/10/19

I've just checked for the first time since earlier in the week  ;D  Turning into Gaitergate the last couple of pages. Thankyou for all the wonderful advice, some baselayers and gloves were purchased yesterday and going to stick with the current midlayers  O0


Glad that you are still with us, Barmy Army. Let us know how you get on. :)


PS - I bought myself a new base layer top in a Mountain Warehouse sale for £5.99.