Rain all weekend
Late October in the UK. The clocks have gone back and the evenings feel short. This is for a weekend of showers, muddy paths and stops for tea. A good jacket, dry feet and a few things to come home to. Check the local forecast first. The walk can wait if the weather turns rough.
Saturday, 9am. Still raining.
Start with coffee in town. Leave the longer walk for a better gap in the weather. No need to spend the whole weekend on the sofa.
Photo: Eilis Garvey / Unsplash.
Take a proper rain jacket
I'd start with Patagonia's Torrentshell 3L. It has a waterproof three-layer shell and vents under the arms. OutdoorGearLab picked it as its best men's rain jacket. The fabric can feel stiff and noisy. Fair tradeoff if you're tired of getting soaked. Leave room for a fleece underneath.
Coffee first
For a morning in town, I'd take Davek's Solo and the Ortlieb Commuter-Daypack. WIRED liked the umbrella's sturdy frame, though it is heavy for its size. The bag's main compartment keeps the rain out when rolled closed. Its front pocket isn't waterproof. Put your book inside. Add the fleece and your usual trousers.
A short, muddy detour
Coffee can turn into a walk through the park. Aigle's Parcours 2 ISO makes sense for cold, muddy paths. Horse & Hound's reviewer still rated hers after five years. The neoprene lining is warm, so I'd skip these on a mild day. Darn Tough's merino-blend socks add cushioning. Save the walking boots for longer routes.
- 06Aigle Parcours 2 ISO Wellington Boots (Unisex) - Bronze (Dark Green)Aigle
- 07Men's Hiker Micro Crew Midweight Hiking SocksDarn Tough Vermont
- 08Fjallraven Mens High Coast Hike Trousers Regular - Nordic OutdoorFjallraven
- 09Men's Lightweight Synchilla® Snap-T® Pullover - Patagonia AustraliaPA
- 10Men's Torrentshell 3L Rain JacketPatagonia
Sunday. Take the long way.
If the forecast gives you a decent gap, get out for a proper walk. Pick a familiar route with an easy way back. It doesn't have to be a big hike. Wet leaves, a bit of mud and lunch in the bag will do. Here's what I'd wear and pack.
Photo: Pavlo Bieliaiev / Unsplash.
Start next to your skin
Wear the Capilene crew first, then add Patagonia's Synchilla fleece and Torrentshell. The base layer moves sweat away from your skin. The fleece brings warmth. The jacket takes the rain. The Synchilla has that old walking-photo look, with a snap neck and a chest pocket. Take a layer off before you get too hot. Carry a dry warm layer for stops.
Keep the rain off your legs
Fjällräven's High Coast Hike trousers are light and quick to dry. They aren't waterproof. Pull the Torrentshell overtrousers on before steady rain soaks through. Their long side zips help you get them over boots. CleverHiker rated them highly for protection and durability. For longer paths, I'd choose Scarpa's leather Terra GTX with its waterproof lining and Vibram sole. Outdoors Magic rated it best overall. Try boots on with your walking socks first.
A bag for the longer walk
I'd take the Osprey Hikelite 26 for a day walk. Its mesh back leaves some air between you and the bag. There are outside pockets for water and a raincover in the base. Reviews praise the ventilation. The bag itself isn't waterproof. Keep spare clothes and electronics in dry bags inside. If your full kit feels cramped, choose a bigger pack.
The whole walking outfit
Capilene against your skin. Synchilla over it. Torrentshell on top when the rain starts. High Coast trousers, Darn Tough socks and Scarpa boots below. Put the overtrousers and a spare warm layer in the Hikelite. Add your hat and gloves. That's the setup. Adjust the layers as you warm up. This is for day walks on paths, not winter mountaineering.
Before you leave
Check the local forecast and sunset time. For hills, use a mountain forecast too. Pick a route that suits everyone. Leave time for breaks and tell someone where you're going. Turn back if the weather gets worse. In the bag: waterproofs, a dry warm layer, hat and gloves. Food, water and an extra snack. A charged phone and power bank. Map and compass you know how to use. Headtorch, whistle and a small first aid kit. Keep the dry things in dry bags. This follows BMC and Mountain Rescue advice.
Stop for tea
Find a sheltered spot and get the flask out. Stanley's Classic Legendary is made from stainless steel with vacuum insulation. The lid doubles as a cup. Long-term reviews praise how well it keeps drinks hot. It is heavy, so I'd take the one-litre size when there's someone to share it with. Pack drinking water too. A flask of tea isn't the whole supply.
Shoes off. Kettle on.
Leave the muddy boots by the door. Put dry socks on and change into the Glerups. They're felted wool with a soft leather sole. Consumer Reports liked the enclosed shoe for warmth and comfort. This version stays indoors. Keep the fleece on, put the kettle on and make something hot to eat. The walk always feels better after this bit.
Ready for next weekend
Hang the waterproofs up. Clean the mud off your boots and let them dry away from direct heat. Follow the care labels. Get repairs done when something starts to wear. The Torrentshell has a recycled nylon face fabric. The Synchilla uses recycled polyester. I'd still start with what's already in the cupboard. Borrow a bag if you're trying walking for the first time. Buy the pieces you'll keep reaching for. Then wear them again next weekend.
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