Stumbling Kit - Clothing

Trousers

Forget jeans. They are heavy, chafe, get absolutely saturated in the rain and are well-nigh impossible to dry.

Choose a pair of lightweight, water-repellent outdoor trousers such as Craghoppers, or similar. Look for zip pockets, so you don’t lose your car keys or mobile when clambering over a stile. Some types have zip-off lower legs, so they double up as shorts in the summer.

Coat

Any coat you choose should be water-repellent and breathable.

For winter wear, look for a good-quality product with a detachable inner fleecy, integral hood (in the collar), a stormproof zip cover and adjustable cuffs. If anything, get one a bit too big, so you can add layers underneath it.
For summer wear, light weight is desirable. Look for one you can roll up into your backpack ready for use if the weather changes.

Inside

Tee-shirts can be fine for balmy summer days, but for keeping warm in winter, nothing beats a Base Layer. It’s just a stretch-fit synthetic long-sleeved vest. Very thin and light, but incredibly warm. It also wicks sweat away very efficiently.

You can also get long-johns in the same material, but a discarded pair of tights works just as well for the odd occasion when you might need the extra warmth.