Hi the Missus has decided we are going to take up hiking this yr, i think because her new friend at work does some.
I use forums for my hobbies - cars. so i know these are the best place for advice and help
my ususal camping is drunkly 2 nights loada blokes in 2 man tents during summer parked next /near to the car
After they went off shopping last weekend wha is good brands to use and trust before i'm sent trugging round stores
So far from her browsing last weekend
Blacks was shocking , small range and seemed expensive even with sale
Cotswold ok but same buy / look for range through catalogues, small sale
Decathlon- Big store but who what is quencha is it any good
GoOutdoors she came back raving about, esp as we could try out the tents for sizing, huge sale on , what is a good brand i know north face are meant to be good, money is no worry as goona need most things although would ask maybe for help in but any help before i get there is good
Quecha is Decathlon's own brand. Most of the weird sounding brands that they sell are their own. They're usually pretty average; some of their stuff is quite good (their softshells, for example). Don't assume that unbranded or own brand implies 'crap'. I've had lots of unbranded gear made from unbranded fabrics in the past... still have some of it. It was all quite adequate, and pleasingly cheap.
I've always been a big fan of independant outdoors shops (as opposed to the big chains you've listed), but no-one can recommend you one unless they've got a better idea of where you're based!
Also, I'd venture that there's no need to go overboard buying loads of new kit. Once you've got the basics (waterproofs, fleece, map, boots or trail shoes) you're pretty much set for day hikes. I wouldn't worry yet about buying super fancy expensive kit either; a) you don't know if you need it yet and b) you might get bored of your new hobby, so it might be a good idea not to waste money just yet!
if you want tio take up hiking with yiour missus, may i suggest you skip on the camping and stay in a nice b and b. Its simpler and you dont have to cart loads of stuff and you can have a meal and a drink in the bar at the end of the day. once you've done some day hiking, you can build up to backpacking at your own pace.O
there are some nice classic routes close to very comfy inns such as the Fairfield Horseshoe from Ambleside or Kinder Scout from Edale. These day walks are quite challenging already and you both need a reasonable level of fitness and sympathetic weather to start.
The amount of times I've spoken to people who have 'decided to get into hiking' and then go out and buy loads of expensive gear. 4 season boots, down jackets, big fleeces, full waterproofs etc etc, then they only use two or three items.
See if you can borrow some gear or get cheap stuff online. As Serriadh says, get a basic waterproof, fleece and boots and you'll be fine for most stuff. Then after a walk think about what could have made it a bit more comfortable. Rather than buy a load of gear and then think about what you aren't using, which will be most of it.
Hi thanks for advice so far, went into the Go Outdoors in Basingstoke yesterday, wow nice store there got, ourselves some rightbargains
Mrs got Hanwag boots for £45, bergahus torrey jacket £50 was a green for £25 but she didnt like the colour
Got me some hitec krugers for £19 bargain, torrey jacket also for £50, softshell jacket for £30
Also didnt know they did running gear so got 2 new pairs of shoes under £65 bargain asics and la sportiva - i know these are mant to be good from amate.
Best bit was given a voucher sheet at tills to come back next week for further 15% off sale prices next weekend same these were more of these bits would of left them bought cheaper nextweekend
But gonna go back nxt weekend as bag will be a bargain and look for some other crackers
Must say from what i seen on here, thought they were very helpful and polite. Used to my merchants at work where builders talk to slightly differnet,lol
