Right, I've got into the hillwalking lark this year and have enjoyed tabbing around the peak district through the summer. However now the weather has changed I wish to continue my travels and am left in the position that I have nothing to wear.

The last time I ventured into the bondu her majesty provided all the kit I needed, some admittedly was of dubious usefulness and indeed quality.

Now, as I have lots of green stuff left over I could wander around the hills looking like a pikey walt, or alternatively could someone enlighten me to the latest in fashion?

Actually, ignore the fashion bit - I just need some practical outdoor clothing of decent quality that will allow me to ignore the weather reports when I go wandering (within reason).

Many Thanks.

Edited to say, this may sound stupid but when I joined up Goretex hadn't been invented - is layering with a Goretex outer still the fashion?

Buy a Páramo. It's better than Gortex as it has a lifetime guarantee. I have had the same jacket for over 8 years now and it's a fantastic bit of kit, still keeping me as dry as they day I bought it. I am a MLT, so it gets its use. Top recommendation from me anyway.

Web page: http://www.paramo.co.uk/en-gb/index.php

What area do you live

Hi, I've been out in the Dale today -it was 'Baltic' but I could see for days...
I had some Regatta walking trousers (£20)
T-shirt Norgie - Softie - Gortex in my day sack in case it rained/snowed
Black Beenie hat - Job a good 'un!!
Boots were standard issue - sorry but I said in another thread I love 'em but not to everybody's taste.....
Mrs 'Cayote' says I look like a knob with the hat but when I go into the Lakes its like a fashion parade - All the gear and no idea eh!!

Originally Posted by My-Pants

What area do you live

Edge of the derbyshire Dales/North Notts.

I know its also quite 'military' but I have a Buffalo special 6 shirt, does wonders for keeping warm, keeping the wind out and even the odd shower too. But I bought mine in purple not wanting to look too militant!

I suppose the way to go is a wicking top, something like a Helly Hansen, and another layer on top of that, there a many civvy versions of Norwegian shirts made of fleece and other stuff that shouldnt hold water.

Goretex is still used but there are now 'softshell' materials which is like half-waterproof half-fleece as I understand it. Ive not used them but apparently they are good for general use or the odd day or two, not sure I'd want to use them in really bad conditions or for an extended time though, and they do tend to be pricey... For what its worth Im still looking out for a decent Goretex...

I have done quite a bit of hill walking and never bought any expensive kit as such never bothered with gortext even. Buy man made fabrics if you are staying out for days as natural doe not work well when wet. You should be able to reliee on your stuff working wet as in a bad senarior you may not be able to dry it. This particular important of sleeping bags.

If just dicking wool and stuff can be more comffy if you are staying some where at night you can dry stuff.

I do like dressing up like pikey walt but thats just for fashion though.

Originally Posted by WilieCayote

Hi, I've been out in the Dale today -it was 'Baltic' but I could see for days...
I had some Regatta walking trousers (£20)
T-shirt Norgie - Softie - Gortex in my day sack in case it rained/snowed
Black Beenie hat - Job a good 'un!!
Boots were standard issue - sorry but I said in another thread I love 'em but not to everybody's taste.....
Mrs 'Cayote' says I look like a knob with the hat but when I go into the Lakes its like a fashion parade - All the gear and no idea eh!!

Ta, I found the civvies looked like they fell of a catwalk as well which is why I'm asking here and not checking out the Mountain Warehouse website......yet

You're right with the layer principal. Layers dependant on the climate, load you are carrying, speed you're traveling and heat you're generating. I'm old now so travel slower and need another layer.
I start with a thin layer either a Helly Hansen or an Under Armour, then either a wind proof or gortex dependant on weather. A thicker fleece in the day sack for stops or tabs downhill back to the car.
You are not too far away from Stafford Outdoor Leisure, who have a sale upstairs and are very helpfull. Ask for Danny.

First thing you've got to decide is are you going to

(a) try and stay dry
(b) accept that you're going to get wet

both may be appropriate at different times.

If you go the (a) route, then you need to think in terms of base-layer (wicking material), warm layer and waterproof layer.
If you go the (b) route, then make sure that you've got something warm and dry to change into at the end of the day.

In any event, avoid cotton as it gets cold when it's wet. Go for wool or fleece as your warm layer.

Boots, obviously - appropriate for the terrain
Hat for when it gets cold
Because you're ex-mil, compass and map (waterproofed and not in one of those horrible things that wrap round your neck).
Other bits and bobs including brew-kit and a mobile phone in case of injury.