Outdoor Clothing and Footwear

[AnnB]

We had a thread on the old forum but I thought it was well worth starting one here, especially as one of the recommendations from the old thread has proved really useful to me.

I used to swear by my Meindl Burma Pro walking boots and hopefully the pair I bought three or four years ago will last a bit longer (as I think they've been discontinued now) but just less than a year ago I was tasked with buying a new pair of boots for work and Dave had recommended Karrimor boots. I've been so happy with these Karrimor Skiddaw boots I don't think I'll go back to the more expensive ones now. The first benefit is that they cost much less, they have been so waterproof I've been able to wade through flooded paths and they are lasting well too (although they aren't yet a year old). They are more stiff around the ankle but I think that's the only minus point.

I haven't really trialled any waterproof coats or other outdoor clothing so I'd welcome hearing of any favourites you have.

[davebutterflyman]

Great idea to bring this back Ann.

My Karrimor boots have been great but i noticed on this last trip to Norfolk that my feet were really aching so i think i might need to replace them, i'd go for Karrimor again and maybe get some of those gel insoles, i don't know if anyone has had any experience with gel insoles or not?

I used to have a pair of Chris Brasher boots, pretty expensive at the time, over £100 20 years ago, but found them a little unforgiving on long walks (the leather remained quite hard and not particularly pliable) they were great on shorter walks, especially in wet and boggy areas as they were completely waterproof, having quite high ankle cuffs meant you could even walk through small pools without getting your feet wet.

Clothing is another issue, i have never really gone for waterproof jackets etc. No particular reason for this apart from the fact i had a waistcoat style jacket that was brillant for having loads of pockets, i could even put my Leica binoculars in one of the larger pockets. They were ideal for carrying all sorts of items, moth pots, notepad, collapsible moth net, bat detector, OS maps etc, very useful for being out in the field.

[AnnB]

I haven't tried the gel insoles, Dave so let me know how you get on if you purchase some. I had a pair of Brasher boots once but they didn't last nearly as long as the Meindl boots. I don't know that the Karrimor boots will last as long either but as I could buy three or four pairs for the same price as a pair of Meindl boots, it doesn't matter if they only last a year or two.

[davebutterflyman]

I'll let you know Ann, i could certainly do with trying something.

[davebutterflyman]

Has anyone tried any of Country Innovations products? those outdoor jackets that the likes of Bill Oddie used to endorse.

[AnnB]

No but I've just had a look and I rather like the Buzzard jacket (mens or ladies).

I was reading today that Chris Packham has a new outdoor clothing range so I'm just going to check that out.

[davebutterflyman]

Thanks Ann and i'll take a look as well.