WALBOTTLE RAMBLERS

                                                                                                                                
 

UpTrousers and leg wear

 

 
bullet              Nowadays everyone seems to wear denim jeans for practically every occasion.  Going smart these days seems to involve wearing a clean (or not quite so dirty) pair of jeans.  Unfortunately Jeans are not considered suitable clothing for walking in the hills and countryside.  The reasons  for this are three fold    (1)  They are  made from stiff fabric which tends to restrict movement (2)   They are not windproof and tend to feel very cold on a cold day.      (3)  When jeans get wet they are very cold and heavy and  take forever to dry .  For these reasons Walbottle Ramblers are very specific - anyone turning up in Jeans is on their own.  The Leaders can take no responsibility for walkers who wear in-appropriate clothing

 

So if you cannot wear jeans what can you wear?  Do not despair, help is at hand.  The major manufacturers of walking gear provide a huge range of trousers in a large variety of colours.  The main criteria for a decent pair of trousers are that  they should be light in weight but at the same time warm and windproof.   The number of pockets and type, whether they are "articulated" or not, whether they are Zip Offs or not is really up to the individual so long as the main criteria are met. In the summer shorts can be good, but it must be remembered that it can be very uncomfortable walking through a patch of nettles when wearing shorts.

Weather is something we are always having to cope with.  When you are out in the open all day with no chance of shelter then precautions must be taken.  This means that WATER PROOF OVERTROUSERS  must always be a part of the walkers kit.  Again these come in a multitude of types, styles. colours and prices.  The most important criteria are that they should be waterproof (obviously) but also breathable so that you do not become  wet on the inside due to perspiration.  They must also have long zips in the legs so that they can be put on over boots.

Gaiters are useful items of clothing for keeping the trouser bottoms out of the mud.  However they are entirely optional. If  you decide to purchase a pair buy a pair which (a) are easy to put on and (b) which fit.  This latter point is particularly important with respect to the fit around the upper calf.  Too tight and it will be uncomfortable, too slack and the gaiter will spend most of its time around the boot top - not what you want.

In cold weather (becoming increasingly rare these days) it will be worth considering a pair of long johns to go under the trousers.  Fleece lined trousers are available and are quite effective.  However care should be taken to see that they do not get wet.

For recommendations for clothing for the Upper Body  Boots  and Miscellaneous Items simply click on the words

 

 

Last modified: 09/27/11