Gear Guide

Your base layer is the layer closest to your skin and plays a crucial role in keeping you warm. To maximize warmth, it's essential that your base layer effectively wicks sweat away from your body—remember, staying dry means staying warm, while being wet leads to feeling cold. Base layers come in several materials, each with its own benefits:

• Synthetics: These are cost-effective and perform reasonably well, though they may not match the warmth of Merino wool.
• Merino Wool: Known for its excellent natural warmth and breathability, Merino wool is a premium choice but comes at a higher price.
• Bamboo: Bamboo base layers offer comparable moisture-wicking and odor control as other materials and are an eco-friendly option.

Choose the material that best fits your needs and budget to stay comfortable and dry.

When it comes to waterproof jackets, it's crucial not to cut corners. A reliable waterproof jacket is essential for staying warm and dry, and a budget option like a cheap Mac-in-a-Sac may not provide adequate protection, especially in adverse weather where the risk of hypothermia is a concern.
Two of the top choices for waterproof fabrics are Gore-TEX and eVent. These materials are renowned for their excellent waterproofing and breathability, allowing sweat to escape while keeping rain out.
While high-end waterproof jackets can cost over £500, you can find good quality options in the £100-£200 range. Keep an eye out for sales, as last season's models often come with significant discounts, sometimes up to 40% off.
With so many options available, it's wise to seek advice from knowledgeable staff. For expert recommendations, Ultimate Outdoors in Lancaster is a great place to start.

To stay comfortable on the hills, waterproof trousers are essential. While premium options exist, a more budget-friendly pair can work well in heavy rain. For regular hiking trousers, opt for lightweight, breathable materials that dry quickly if they get wet. Jeans or corduroys are unsuitable as they restrict movement and aren't ideal for hiking.
You don't need to spend a lot unless you're engaging in serious winter mountaineering. For most hikes, Craghoppers Classic Kiwi pants are a solid choice—affordable, durable, and comfortable, typically available for around £20 in sales. For winter hikes, Decathlon's soft shell trousers, priced around £40, offer water resistance, crampon reinforcement, and inner gaiters, making them an excellent value.

During the winter months, you'll likely need a warmer layer to stay comfortable when you're not moving—whether you're taking a break for lunch, facing unexpected delays, or sitting in a freezing campsite at -10 degrees. These insulated jackets generally come in two types:
Down Insulation: Down offers the best warmth-to-weight ratio, providing exceptional insulation for its weight. However, it loses much of its effectiveness when wet, making it challenging to use in consistently damp conditions like those often found in Scotland. New hydrophobic down varieties offer better performance in wet conditions, but synthetic insulation remains more reliable in such environments.
Synthetic Insulation: Synthetic materials, like Primaloft, maintain their insulating properties when wet and dry out faster. Synthetic jackets generally offer good warmth for their weight and are a practical choice for damp conditions. Popular options include the Rab Generator and Montane Flux jackets, both available for just over £100. Keep an eye out for sales to find these at even better prices.

Gloves: One of the most essential pieces of gear for hiking is gloves—until you've experienced the discomfort of cold hands, it's hard to grasp just how much insulation they need! It's important to have more than one pair of gloves. For winter, a second pair of insulated mitts is particularly useful. Dachsteins are a popular choice as they create a warm, protective layer even in freezing conditions. They're also relatively affordable and can be paired with a thinner glove for maximum warmth.
Hats: A hat is crucial for keeping warm, and Buffs are a versatile option for covering your head and neck. While Buffs are a great choice, there are many other effective and budget-friendly options available.
Head Torches: If you're hiking during the winter months, a head torch is essential. While a handheld torch can work, a head torch is much more convenient. You don't need to invest in a high-end model; often, you can find good deals at stores like TK Maxx or Wilko for under £10. The hands-free convenience of a head torch is definitely worth it.
If you have any questions or are unsure about your gear, feel free to ask or post a picture in ⁠⁠ #⁠⁠⁠🧥-gear-questions on discord, and we'll do our best to assist you!

While selecting tents for the club, we created a document to help with the process. It includes reviews of various popular tents and can be accessed here.
Please keep in mind that this is still a work in progress. If you have any questions or need assistance, message #⁠⁠⁠🧥-gear-questions , and we will try to help.

When selecting a sleeping bag for hiking in the Lake District, focus on warmth, weight, and packability. For spring and summer, a sleeping bag with a temperature rating around 5°C to 10°C is suitable, with lightweight synthetic or down options providing comfort without excess bulk. In autumn, opt for a bag rated for around 0°C to 5°C to handle cooler nights, using a medium-weight synthetic or down bag with good insulation. For winter, choose a sleeping bag rated for temperatures below -5°C, ideally a high-quality down bag or well-insulated synthetic option to handle the freezing temperatures. Balancing these factors will help you stay comfortable throughout the year in the Lake District.

When selecting a rollmat for hiking in the Lake District, consider the seasonal conditions and your need for comfort and insulation. For spring and summer, a lightweight, compact rollmat with moderate cushioning will provide adequate support and comfort. In autumn, opt for a thicker, more insulated rollmat to offer extra warmth and protection from the colder ground. During winter, choose a high-insulation rollmat with an excellent R-value, which measures the mat's thermal resistance. The higher the R-value, the better the mat's insulation against cold temperatures. A high R-value rollmat, such as an inflatable or well-insulated foam mat, will help protect against freezing temperatures and ensure a good night's sleep. Selecting a rollmat based on these seasonal requirements and understanding its R-value will enhance your comfort and support throughout the year in the Lake District.

If you have any more questions please ask them in our Discord server.