Recommended Clothing
The basic requirement for hill walking is good sturdy footwear. I always recommend ankle high, waterproof boots. Equipped with these, together with gaiters, you will keep your feet dry and have good ankle support. You will be able to go almost anywhere and not have to worry about where you must put your next step! Without this basic equipment, you will limit your opportunities and experience.
Having said that, people do venture out with less and get away with it! However remember, in bad conditions when you are cold and wet all over the rest of your body and your feet are also cold and wet, that is where hypothermia will first seep into the body!
I have listed some of my recommendations for clothing items, equipment and general tips and tricks to make your walks more fun.
Some recommended hill walking boots:
- Towelling Sports Scarf – to prevent rain running down your neck!
- Other clothing should preferably be made of synthetic fibre. This is much more comfortable to wear when wet (be it sweat or rain!) compared to natural fibres. DO NOT WEAR DENIM!
- And for after the walk – a change of clothing! Very important – it helps to make you feel famous!
Recommended Equipment
Once you are dressed properly to tackle the weather conditions, there are a few items that you could carry for added safety or for small emergencies, should they arise. Throughout my years of hill walking I have used these items and they can be extremely useful.
- Ordinance Survey map – (Discovery Series) Sheet 56 – Scale 1:50,000 for Wicklow – take a look at the OSI online store here
- East West Mapping – Wicklow Mountains Series – Scale 1:30,000
Recommended Care Products
When you invest money in proper equipment for your hill walks, you need to take care of the leather products and I recommend the Renapur range of leather care products.
Buy now Care for leather naturally
Recommended for sustaining yourself on the walks
- Water (water bag with drinking tube is very convenient).
- Snack (not supplied!). Suggestions – dried fruit & nut mix, fresh banana, apple, chocolate (you will burn off the calories!). Sandwich if desired.
- For winter walking – a hot drink is very comforting.