Wet Weather Walking Wisdom Please

[Matt@Nearfield]

Hoping you clever lot can help!

Having taken up hiking walking trudging to get healthier it was easy over the summer, but now we have hit the wet season Mrs N. And I would love some advice.
This morning, for example, Mrs N had a long waterproof coat on and whilst it kept the rain off she got so hot she was damp with sweat, then had to open up to cool down and ended up just generally damp and wet anyway.

I, on the other hand had a vaguely water repellent jacket on, but massively breathable, because I struggle with temp regulation. I got extremely damp from about 2 mins in and then spent the next 2hours vaguely warm but very soggy.

So the question is what is the percieved wisdom when lugging your a.se across the countryside in the glorious British weather?

Do we buy goretex everything and stay dry but get sweaty .... and broke?

Do we just admit defeat and say best we can hope for is warm and damp?

But then what happens when it gets cold and damp- that doesn't sound healthy?

Do we just stop being southern shandy drinkers and man up?

Or do we just forget the whole thing as a silly idea and go to the pub- not really what the doctor was advising I dont think.

Anyway, what's the general consensus?

 

[rocketdogbert]

If I’m doing strenuous (ish) walking, haven’t done so in years due to my hip, I go for lightweight shower proof with fully opening armpit vents, I find goretex too heavy, normally very lightweight over trousers.

The only things I really need to keep dry are my head, hands and feet

 

[Woodcrafts]

First bit of advice, is do NOT wear cotton as your first layer. You need a man made fibre that will wick the sweat away from your body. All to often I see people buy very expensive outer garments but don't consider the layers underneath. For outer wear any decent breathable fabric will work.

 

[Matt@Nearfield]

First bit of advice, is do NOT wear cotton as your first layer. You need a man made fibre that will wick the sweat away from your body. All to often I see people buy very expensive outer garments but don't consider the layers underneath. For outer wear any decent breathable fabric will work.

Understood. Does breathable = not waterproof though?

 

[Alanw]

For general purpose waterproofs have a look at the Regatta range with “isotex”which is their version of Goretex but much cheaper.I have two Regatta waterproofs, a heavy warm padded and a lightweight mesh lined,they are both over 10 years old and still do the job as good as new,great reasonably priced clothing i would highly recommend.

 

[Matt@Nearfield]

For general purpose waterproofs have a look at the Regatta range with “isotex”which is their version of Goretex but much cheaper.I have two Regatta waterproofs, a heavy warm padded and a lightweight mesh lined,they are both over 10 years old and still do the job as good as new,great reasonably priced clothing i would highly recommend.

Will do, is it breathable? I like the lightest stuff I can find. I struggle as it is without adding weight

 

[Cammie1314]

I find a golf brolly ace if there's no wind. What woodcrafts said, moisture wicking under layers are best then a gortex type garment of some type. It's an age old problem and may take a while to find a combination.

 

[Alanw]

Will do, is it breathable? I like the lightest stuff I can find. I struggle as it is without adding weight

Yes the isotex is a breathable membrane just the same as Goretex,my lightweigt mesh lined hooded jacket weighs very little and is also very comfortable.

 

[Woodcrafts]

Understood. Does breathable = not waterproof though?

No, breathable means water vapour (sweat etc) that is heated by the body can escape through the very fine holes in the fabric, but water droplets are far too big to go the other way. Imagine a sieve that will allow flour to pass through but your cakes won't.

 

[Matt@Nearfield]

I find a golf brolly ace if there's no wind. What woodcrafts said, moisture wicking under layers are best then a gortex type garment of some type. It's an age old problem and may take a while to find a combination.

I did think an umbrella would wave worked great today, but usy too windy. As an aside, did you know 'Bumbershoot' is another word for brolly?

Glad other people struggle with this whole thing.

Wicking underdungers and goretex type over layer seems to be the direction we should be looking

 

[Marky807]

As mentioned above try not to wear cotton and go for a synthetic material Instead.
Multiple thinner layers might help too, then you can strip one or two off when you get up to your optimal running temp

 

[joe average]

I think a bamboo base layer would help ,wickes away sweat really fast, so you dont get damp and then cold.

something like this

Bamboo Base Layer T-Shirt, Mens

Buy a Bamboo Base Layer T-Shirt, Mens, Black, L at Highlander Outdoor Online. Enjoy Free Returns, Excellent Customer Service and Free Delivery From £20. Shop Now

highlanderforces.com

 

[Matt@Nearfield]

As mentioned above try not to wear cotton and go for a synthetic material Instead.
Multiple thinner layers might help too, then you can strip one or two off when you get up to your optimal running temp

I'm all over layers! I spend so much time putting them on and taking them off I feel I should have a wardrobe on wheels and sherpa's pushing them round behind me

I think a bamboo base layer would help ,wickes away sweat really fast, so you dont get damp and then cold.

something like this

Bamboo Base Layer T-Shirt, Mens

Buy a Bamboo Base Layer T-Shirt, Mens, Black, L at Highlander Outdoor Online. Enjoy Free Returns, Excellent Customer Service and Free Delivery From £20. Shop Now

highlanderforces.com

Good call. I like bamboo socks so will try these.

 

[jason72]

hi matt, for me staying warm is key. id look to see what the weather is going to be like on your trudge and how long/far youre going to trudge for. as a minimal id aim for boots and waterproof over trousers and possibly over shoe gaiters first off, nothing worse than wet legs and feet while walking. as other have said, layering the upper body is key, something that wicks inner sweat away but will remain warm should it cool down but will still allow the body to semi dry it out. when i used to run i wore salomon jackets which were pretty lightweight/packable and pretty good at keeping the rain off but not fully waterproof, as like you, i would overheat in them. its kinda finding what works vs what you can tolerate i suppose. in the past ive had soacking wet jackets but the rain doesnt fully penetrate to the skin but im warm. as an aside, always worth packing a space blanket each, pack of tissues, energy bar/drink too. worse case, you roll an ankle whilst out and are static for a while. all the best, jay

 

[rocketdogbert]

When it comes to, layers, I can’t afford cashmere so go for second best, merino. But only if I’m standing around shooting (normally at Bisley lol)

 

[uncle bulgaria]

Other outlets are available.... but have a butchers at some of the information on here.

As mentioned above: thin underlayers and a Goretex or Rab event outer shell do it for me.

Waterproof Jacket Buying Guide: Find Your Shell

Read our expert advice about which waterproof jacket is best for you with our handy waterproof jacket guide...

www.cotswoldoutdoor.com

 

[joe average]

I used a bamboo base layer when on the road bike, I think they are brilliant, they just do what it says on the tin

 

[Matt@Nearfield]

hi matt, for me staying warm is key. id look to see what the weather is going to be like on your trudge and how long/far youre going to trudge for. as a minimal id aim for boots and waterproof over trousers and possibly over shoe gaiters first off, nothing worse than wet legs and feet while walking. as other have said, layering the upper body is key, something that wicks inner sweat away but will remain warm should it cool down but will still allow the body to semi dry it out. when i used to run i wore salomon jackets which were pretty lightweight/packable and pretty good at keeping the rain off but not fully waterproof, as like you, i would overheat in them. its kinda finding what works vs what you can tolerate i suppose. in the past ive had soacking wet jackets but the rain doesnt fully penetrate to the skin but im warm. as an aside, always worth packing a space blanket each, pack of tissues, energy bar/drink too. worse case, you roll an ankle whilst out and are static for a while. all the best, jay

Hey Jay, thanks for the long post! Lots of good thoughts here and you're so right especially about the space blanket etc. I'll definitely do this because as you say, too easy to do a mischief out there!

When it comes to, layers, I can’t afford cashmere so go for second best, merino. But only if I’m standing around shooting (normally at Bisley lol)

I'll try the merino as you say, and Joe's bamboo!

Other outlets are available.... but have a butchers at some of the information on here.

As mentioned above: thin underlayers and a Goretex or Rab event outer shell do it for me.

Waterproof Jacket Buying Guide: Find Your Shell

Read our expert advice about which waterproof jacket is best for you with our handy waterproof jacket guide...

www.cotswoldoutdoor.com

We've got a few Cotswold Outdoors near here so will go and have a try on!

I used a bamboo base layer when on the road bike, I think they are brilliant, they just do what it says on the tin

At that price happy to take a punt

 

[no country members]

Get the layers right underneath. For waterproof outer shell I have found only good quality goretex with taped seams will keep you properly dry. Footwear is very important too. Wet feet always equals trouble.

 

[jason72]

Hey Jay, thanks for the long post! Lots of good thoughts here and you're so right especially about the space blanket etc. I'll definitely do this because as you say, too easy to do a mischief out there!

I'll try the merino as you say, and Joe's bamboo!

We've got a few Cotswold Outdoors near here so will go and have a try on!

At that price happy to take a punt

youre welcome mate and yeah, sorry for the essay! been caught short in the past miles from anywhere and a space blanket and a mobile phone got me out of the preverbial. atb mate