Clothing For The Hills

How to dress for hiking on the hills in colder conditions in the UK.
I talk through how to layer your clothing, and what kind of clothes to wear, to protect yourself properly whilst out in the harsh conditions on the hills.

[@Terrato45]

Love the admin line with all the critical tools tied together and clipped to the body. Need to work one of those up for myself.

[@davemc9268]

Great video. Solo winter UK fell walking here. Not really better ideas but for me, 3 words. Wool wool and wool. Mine is HH Warm or Woolpower (200) baselayers. Wool beanie from Highland2000. Wool neck gaitor made from an old tartan wool car blanket. Smartwool or Woolpower liner socks and midweight socks (regardless of temp). Top midlayer is a 100% midweight lambswool sweater. Snugpak Sleeka in a Sea to Summit compression dry bag for the serious low temps or for when I'm taking five, with spare wool baselayers in the daysack. Keela Monro hardshell, Rab Gaitors and Altberg Tethera boots. Generic milspec trousers with braces (because of the poor cut) and Decathalon over trousers as I've ruined to many expensive trousers to bother with the more expensive stuff. Rab liner gloves as my hands get hot, but on serious days out Huber Dachstein mitts live in the daysack. Lastly on headwear. Met a walker recently who swore by his new wool deerstalker hat (like Sherlock Holmes). He said it was the best bit of headwear he'd ever owned. A baseball cap, but with ear and neck protection. Lastly on trousers. I've never worn Fjallraven but I was in Outdoor Action in Blackburn recently and came across Keela Heritage Trousers which looked a serious piece of quality kit. If your wanting to spend money on a pair of outdoor strides, maybe look at Keela as well as Fjallraven.

[@PreparedPathfinder]

Yeah I use Merino wool baselayers and snood too.I didn't talk so much about materials as there's lots of choices out there, I wanted to keep it generic.

[@therovindieshard]

The compass I currently use is a Silva that someone else dropped on the mountain. Sometimes it’s the small things that people overlook that can easily be their undoing. I’m also a fan of the ortlieb map cases. Underrated item. Great advice Tom as usual!

[@PreparedPathfinder]

Cheers!

[@nothinglessness]

I did the Summer ML back in 1999 and the winter a couple years later as needed it for my job as an outdoor instructor. A mate of mine had a stag do here in the Lake District so we all went over to West Lake District and decided to climb Scafell but the remit was you had to wear clothes from a bygone age ie no modern kit like goretex etc. I wore canvas trousers and wool under layer and outer layer and hat. It rained a lot and vis was poor but the wool was surprisingly good and weather resistant. It was hilarious seeing a group of 25 ML’s, MIA’s and MIC’s wearing knitted roll neck sweaters and tweed trousers 😂. One guy brought a pub sized bottle of cheap scotch in his canvas rucksack which we broke out on the summit in the mist and rain. There were some fully kitted out walkers looking at us horrified they thought we were a bunch of clueless amateurs! The stag even carried a rolled up hemp rope for a joke. Class. Knowledge and skills trump kit but kit makes life in the hills so much easier.

[@PreparedPathfinder]

Mega, love it 😂

[@gregoryvela7549]

Cool. I always like a thin skull cap or baseball hat when moving and for socks, I always use a thin polypropylene base layer for my feet too. It makes a world of difference while walking and standing in snow for a long time. I also don’t mind plowing through thick brush so another thing I consider is abrasive resistance of clothing too. As always, thanks for the cool video and content. Gung Ho

[@patrickvennard838]

The Jay Jay base layer looks good and he is not too far from me. This year, in the loft, I found an original Survival Aids Norgie shirt circa 1985 in new condition. I have worn it all winter with a merino wool base and just a soft shell on most days.

[@SteveMaguire-w3x]

Good video Tom. Definitely agree with the layer system I find it stops Bergen rub. Also in winter always have a hat and gloves in your smock/ jacket the amount of people I see ferreting through their Bergens half way up a hill trying to find warm kit.🤟

[@Ellanvanninadventures]

Good advice there Tom. I lost a map once as I had it tucked into my rucksack waist belt and I hadn't realised that I had dropped it. Luckily I knew where I was, and was on a circular route.

[@DarkFire515]

Really useful practical guide, thanks for recording this for us all.

[@MrSamuelatkinson1]

You explain things so well, I find your videos simple to follow. Cheers

[@PreparedPathfinder]

@@MrSamuelatkinson1 thanks mate.

[@juanyakimenco7890]

Exelente video camarada. Vestirse por capas es lo más aconsejable y más teniendo en cuenta el cambio climático, no es necesario salir al campo o la montaña para usar esta táctica personal, a veces basta ir a dar un paseo corto para pasar de un día soleado a uno lluvioso con viento. Saludos desde Uruguay!!!

[@peasant1381]

Quite a timely video Tom. I'm doing the Tongariro Alpine Crossing in May this year. That's mid autumn in NZ. No telling how the weather will be. Could end walking it in shorts and a windproof or full on longs and three layers. Will be taking some merino thermals, fleece and a poncho just in case. I have your original day pack loadout video saved to favourites so looking forward to seeing the new one. Cheers

[@PreparedPathfinder]

Cheers mate, and good luck with the exped.

[@ednigma6526]

That's a great walk.

[@timec2002]

An excellent video Tom. This info can’t be emphasised enough, so many incidents occur due to poor kit choices and inadequate preparation for the environment. My wife and I saw this last year in the Yorkshire Dales, people in trainers and other inappropriate clothing with no decent wet weather and basic subsistence items on them. On one day we left in warmish sunshine, the return leg was well over 2hrs of rain and it had got pretty breezy, needless to say we had to change kit as the weather deteriorated. Looking forward to the next part of this. Interested to see how it maps on (pun intended 😉) to what I carry. 👍🏻

[@mvis]

Nothing else to say but that I totally agree with you on this one! Decent gear doesn't come cheap, but becoming unalive is always worse.

[@PreparedPathfinder]

Absolutely! You don't have to spend a fortune, but if you buy your gear from Aldi you'll pay the price in other ways!

[@mikel6517]

My comment yesterday was good timing. Thank you for the clothing update, going to look at updating my top half. I usually like a light weight pair of trousers. Still use an admin line I was taught years ago and have an ortlieb mapcase, millions times better than the rubbish ones used in the 80’s ( a friend in 2 para recommended them about 25 years ago to me) but I do need to re think my upper body clothing Great tips😊

[@PreparedPathfinder]

Cheers mate. Yeah I normally wear lighter weight trousers, not in the weather we're currently getting though. I discovered Ortleib map cases and dry bags when I was on the 1 Para Patrols Cadre in 1994, perfect for January in Sennybridge!

[@jasonprairie9968]

Only thing I would add is a snack in my pocket. Just in case and it's easy to grab on the go. Nice video👍👍

[@PreparedPathfinder]

Cheers, I keep my snacks in my pouch on the waistband of my pack.

[@Adaptive_Citizen]

i love how simple and easy to understand this video makes layering. as always, awesome job Tom!

[@PreparedPathfinder]

Cheers!

[@davidjacobs828]

Layering is bollocks.( uk ) When compared to the BUFFALO. Special 6. Shirt and trousers . Makes sweating irrelevant, Whistle..500m max . Map and compass ESSENTIAL. BAGGY TROUSERS ( user's choice) ON TOP OF THE BUFFALO.l trousers ( winter ) Agree with the boots . .

[@PreparedPathfinder]

@@davidjacobs828 no it’s not bollocks, it’s the way to go. The buffalo shirt is ok but you might find yourself overheating if you have it on all the time.

[@davidjacobs828]

@PreparedPathfinder Fair point . I should have added " winter " Thanks for taking the time to reply.

[@SurvivalScoutOutdoors]

Thanks for a great video! Solid tips!

[@saltydog3394]

Thanks Tom for the video and suggestions for keeping ur giblets warm n cozy!

[@craig2795]

Some great advice there. Especially on the layering systems. Can’t beat a pair of fjallravens, pricey but worth every penny so if your think you are going to get into the outdoors more, invest in a pair. Maybe getting a pair of gaiters. When you are trudging through wet or muddy ground, especially this time of year. Finally foot care - perhaps you could do a separate video on this one? It’s worth its own video.

[@PreparedPathfinder]

@@craig2795 roger that ref gaiters, l do use them in very wet conditions. Good idea ref foot care 👍

[@craig2795]

@@PreparedPathfinder- gaiters also saves me a good nagging off the wife when I get back home, it’s now boots and gaiters off outside and I don’t get grief over walking into the house with mud up to my calves on my Fjallravens walking into the house 😂.

[@SpudUna]

I recently discovered mesh base layers. Can’t wear anything else now. Fantastic gear. Both merino and plastic versions

[@craigrobertson6082]

Great breakdown, Tom. Happy to see we think the same.

[@GruntProof]

good stuff man

[@PreparedPathfinder]

Cheers mate!

[@neoaliphant]

Ive got a smililar admin line and the same jet lighter, ive added a repair bundle of a hot glue stick with 2 zip ties bent over wrapped in duct tape with safety pins, needle and thread inside...makes a tiny packet with loop for attaching to keyring...gluesticks are great with jet lighter...

[@PreparedPathfinder]

Roger, I keep my repair kit in my pack. I don't find the need to have it immediately to hand.

[@neil_castell]

i might not be wearing them, but would certainly carry in a dry bag would be a softie type jacket and wool gloves,

[@PreparedPathfinder]

Yep, standby for part two.

[@theodorossarafis7370]

as always great job .

[@PreparedPathfinder]

@@theodorossarafis7370 cheers!

[@MICHAEL-wg2lh]

Excellent as per mate 💪🤙

[@PreparedPathfinder]

@@MICHAEL-wg2lh cheers 👍

[@ELUSIVEDARTMOORSURVIVAL]

nice video 👌👌

[@RedDevil5081]

Thanks for sharing Tom! 🥃🍻🪂🫡🏴‍☠️🇺🇸

[@FaceSmushEvil]

Going to look for deer sheds with improper footwear😅. Its on the list!

[@PreparedPathfinder]

😂

[@dazbbgful]

I'm pretty sure you'll have a storm shelter tooked in somewhere too Tom. What were the lockable carabiner you are using, they looked neat. I've always looped my paracord round a strap on my pack. 👍

[@PreparedPathfinder]

It's a Nite Ize slidelock caribiner.

[@dazbbgful]

@PreparedPathfinder cheers mate. Much appreciated 👍

[@A14b19]

I like the American ww2 wool hat with brim all else the same …🎉🎉🎉

[@mathiasschumacher7321]

You have come a long way since your first Videos.

[@PreparedPathfinder]

Cheers. It's all a learning process.

[@mathiasschumacher7321]

@PreparedPathfinder I am with you since the beginning, and even the first steps were interesting, a good approach, and I watched every Single Video. Keep them coming.

[@PreparedPathfinder]

@ thankyou, appreciate it. 👍

[@Jedwoods]

only things I feel you missed: sunglasses, gloves and socks!

[@PreparedPathfinder]

@@Jedwoods l actually spoke about sunglasses but edited it out! I thought socks were kind of obvious, gloves l’ll cover in part two.

[@jimbrace5102]

Great video. Have you tried those Bearskin jackets that are supposed to be warm and waterproof. Keep on seeing them advertised, but look like a costly gamble if they don't come up to standard. 👍 Cheers.

[@jimbrace5102]

@Smatnm Cheers. I must admit they do sound too good to be true . 👍

[@Smatnm]

@ The reality is, nothing will really stop you getting wet, be it through rain or internally generated moisture. Goretex/PTFE membrane type jackets are waterproof or breathable but never both at the same time…..anything that claims to do both simultaneously is pretty much lying. It’s all got its place and I’m not saying they’re not useful but everything is a compromise and that company claiming what they do instantly makes me discount them as a reputable brand/piece of equipment. I could be wrong though 🙂

[@PreparedPathfinder]

Never tried one, they look ok, but there's plenty of tried and tested outdoor brands out there. Baerskin look more like a fashion brand to me.

[@zooombaa]

My experience with Ortlieb map cases is that you can puncture one just by giving it an evil eye…

[@PreparedPathfinder]

I've beeb using them for over thirty years and I've never had a problem with them.

[@zooombaa]

@ i am jealous!

[@PreparedPathfinder]

@@zooombaa 😂

[@Airsoftdesde1996]

La traducción al español es un poco mala, pero bueno🤙🏻

[@Mugwumps107]

Great experience earned advice, i particularly like your advice about attaching your important kit items to your person, i have done the same with my pocket knife SAK and car keys for along time as part of my EDC. When out in the wild places though my keys go in my pack. Your advice here has made me think 🤔 of attaching other items to my person when out in nature now as well though and not stow them in my pack👍🏻 Also like you i myself prefer a BB Cap as i tend to run on the warm side, however i do carry two hats. I use the BB Cap mostly but i stow a warm beanie in my pack which i’ll put on when/if i stop moving-having some snap and so forth if the weather is colder. Great advice as usual Tom “ Semper Primus “ 🫡

[@PreparedPathfinder]

Cheers, appreciate it. Yes I put a beanie in my pack too, will be shown in part two.