Walking Clothing, Footwear & Equipment

Walking occurs on flat, even surfaces (e.g., pavements, treadmills) with predictable terrain, while hiking involves uneven, natural terrain like trails, hills, or forests. Hiking demands greater balance, muscular engagement, and cognitive focus to navigate obstacles like rocks or roots. It also requires specialised gear (e.g., hiking boots, backpacks), unlike walking, which uses casual footwear.

It depends on where you're walking. Boots offer more ankle support, which is great for rocky, uneven ground. Shoes are lighter and more flexible, making them perfect for flatter, well-maintained paths.

Without a doubt, a good pair of walking boots or shoes, a waterproof jacket, and some comfortable walking socks are the three most important things. Get those right, and you're off to a great start.

• Terrain navigation: Reading trails, using maps/GPS.
• Gear management: Proper footwear, hydration systems, and layering for weather.
• Balance and pacing: Adjusting strides for uneven surfaces and maintaining energy over long distances.

For beginners, 3–5 miles/day is manageable, while experienced hikers may cover 8–12 miles/day. Adjust based on terrain difficulty - steep trails reduce daily mileage. Prioritise consistent pacing and rest breaks to avoid fatigue.

Proper walking socks are a game-changer for preventing blisters. They're made from materials that wick sweat away from your feet, and they have extra padding in all the right places for added comfort.

You should have enough room to wiggle your toes, but your heel should feel snug and shouldn't lift up and down as you walk. It's always a good idea to try them on with the socks you'll be walking in.

The "three-layer system" is the way to go. Start with a moisture-wicking base layer next to your skin, add a fleece for insulation, and finish with a waterproof and windproof jacket as your outer shell. This lets you easily add or remove layers as the weather changes.

You can, but a proper walking rucksack will be much more comfortable. They are designed to distribute the weight evenly and often have features like a padded back panel and adjustable straps to make carrying your gear much easier.

They're brilliant for changeable weather. You can start the day in long trousers, and if it gets warmer, you can just zip the bottom sections off to turn them into shorts. It's like having two pairs of trousers in one.

As well as your waterproofs, you should always have some extra warm layers, a hat and gloves (even in summer!), plenty of food and water, a small first-aid kit, and your map and compass.