The 5th of April marks national walking day so we've collected our top picks to make sure nothing holds you back on the trails.
Boots For Walks
Boots undoubtedly should be your first concern when building out your walking gear as they are the item that will see the most action, so you'll notice when you haven't picked the right pair for your walks.
Main features to look for in walking boots:
- Supportive
- Waterproof
- Breathable
- Comfortable
When looking for boots your personal preference will also come into the decision when deciding between mid or high sided boots, depending on the level of ankle support you want/need for long or short walks. This then leads to further decisions such as getting a side zip for high boots for easy on/off. Another personal decision is the socks you'll be wearing. Its recommended to wear a thick pair of socks to reduce the likeliness of blisters from rubbing, so you'll have to think about the sizing of your boots as they may jump up a half size.
First up is the fan favourite, the Bates Tactical Sport 2 Tall Side-Zip Dryguard Boots, also available in mid depending on preference (Bates Tactical Sport 2 Mid Dryguard Boots).
These boots are an updated version of the tried and tested Tactical Sport boots which have the previously mentioned high profile ankle support, with a side-zip for easy on/off for less hassle. Coming equipped with DRYGuard waterproof membrane that keeps your feet dry and moisture-wicking lining to pull any moisture away from the foot, these boots are built for whatever element your walks will throws your way.
With athletic Strobel construction allowing for full movement and flexibility, this boot won't struggle with uneven surfaces along a trail, especially when paired with TacTRACTION rubber outsole.
Another great option is the 5.11 A/T Mid Boots which definitely score high on design. They aren't only aesthetically pleasing though, as they offer great traction through their A.T.L.A.S (All Terrain Load Assistance System) out sole technology and even have a waterproof version for a little extra money, allowing you to choose whether you need it or not.
Equipped with an Ortholite® foot bed allows you to walk for longer without feeling the weight of your gear or the rough terrain below your feet.
Trousers
Trousers may not seem the most important item for a walk, but in terms of comfort they may be the most important if not just behind shoes. Just like you wouldn't go out for a hike in sandals, you wouldn't go out for a wet walk in some skinny jeans either.
This is where the main factors of a good set of walking trousers come in:
- Comfortable
- Water resistance & fast drying
- Breath-ability
- Movement
- Pockets
A newcomer, the 5.11 Meridian Trousers, would be a perfect pair of walking trousers
With 6 pockets of different types and nylon herringbone webbing, the 5.11 Meridian Trousers are the perfect cargo trousers for transporting your essentials and being rugged enough to brave the hills.
The lightweight construction paired with a comfort stretch waistband make the Meridian trouser an agile, non-restricting feel that stays fit to you. Perfect for a comfortable walk and fit for any movements you may do whether clambering rocks or just a peaceful stroll.
Need a cargo pant? The Icon is that and a ton more. Let’s start with sturdy utility: You've got cargo pockets with internal dividers to keep things separated. You've got front utility pockets and hand pockets, too — all reinforced with mega-strong nylon 6 fabric.
You have a gusset and knee articulation to add range to your motion. And what about the materials, breakdown of this pant? It's flexible and tough, with an 80% polyester, 20% cotton Flex-Tac® ripstop with Teflon™ finish. Bring on the spills, the oops, and the stains, the Icon is ready to handle it all.
Jackets
Depending on the time of year, a bad jacket (or no jacket at all) can ruin your walks when you're left soaking wet with no change of clothes. This is where a waterproof breathable jacket comes in use, preferably one that can be stored away when not in use.
The main factors you should look for are:
- Water resistance
- Comfort
- Quality
- Breath-ability
- Pockets
For the heavy duty, no nonsense water proof coat, the 5.11 XPRT Waterproof Jacket comes in a undoubted first place.
With a 3L Nylon hardshell exterior with eVent waterproof breathable (20K/15K) membrane, which is even resistant to blood borne pathogens, let alone rain.
For a more lightweight down jacket, the 5.11 Acadia Down Jacket is perfect to keep you warm in the worst of conditions a walk can throw at you.
Filled with 100% down insulation throughout & easily packable into an accompanying stuff sack, this jacket makes for an easily transportable jacket to whip out your backpack when needed to shield you from the elements. This jacket comes with unbeatable protection with a tough woven polyester body, as well as being coated in durable water repellent finish to keep you fully protected.
With concealed chest zip pockets and internal zipper pockets with a media port, your phone can stay connected & your EDC can stay safe.
Bags
Whether its a quick 45 minute trail or you're planning on camping out for the night, you need a bag which is going to match the task at hand. This is where the decisions between a hefty 5.11 RUSH100 and a compact 5.11 RUSH MOAB 10 depends on what you plan to do.
The main factors you need to look for are:
- Size & capacity
- Durability
- Organisation & compartmentalisation
- Water resistant
- Comfort
- Support
These factors, paired with what you need the bag for, will guide you to the perfect bag for your walking adventure.
If you're planning on taking a lot with you, support and weight distribution are key to keeping your fatigue at a minimum while carrying everything you need. This is where the 5.11 RUSH100 excels.
It's detachable side pouches can be used to spread the load, and load bearing belt and padded shoulder straps to maximise comfort and stability. It also contains a custom aluminum and fiberglass frame for transferring load into the waist belt, allowing you to spread the weight of the bag effortlessly.
It can hold 60 litres & has multiple compartments to effectively organise everything you need, with MOLLE compatibility for optional add ons. Another accommodation of add ons is hydration pack storage built into the bag, allowing for easy integration. All this being protected by 500D Nylon on the main bag, with an extra reinforced base with 1050D Nylon to keep all your items safe from the elements and any branches/rocks that it might come in contact with.
If you want to keep it light and only carry a few essentials then a more compact pack, such as the 5.11 RUSH MOAB 10, is perfect for a more refined & agile setup.
Its ambidextrous one strap, cross-body shoulder system allows for increased mobility and easy access to the contents of the bag while on the move, hence the name Mobile Operations Attachment Bag. This bag also comes with MOLLE compatibility allowing for additional add ons.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when it comes to preparing for your next trek, it's important to have the right gear for a comfortable and safe journey. The selection of boots and trousers are two of the most important items to consider while selecting gear, with bags & jackets selection depending on the type of walks. Overall, investing in quality gear can make all the difference in enjoying your trek and celebrating National Walking Day on April 5th.
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