Hi there

Im after some advice on what equipment i would need for my holiday at the end of the month. Im going to the Isle of Mull with family who are keen ramblers.

Im looking for some decent walking shoes and trousers on a budget as all i have are jeans and nice white trainers.

A few cheap shoes i found are:
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/MENS-FANTASTIC-HIKING-WALKING-SHOES-SIZE-11_W0QQitemZ280230807536QQihZ018QQcategoryZ63850QQ ssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Mens-Hiking-Walking-Shoes-Boots-Navy-2325-Size-11-45_W0QQitemZ120267715640QQihZ002QQcategoryZ63850QQ ssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

Also some cheap trousers..
http://www.gooutdoors.co.uk/1100000071686

Would they be sufficient do you think? Im also looking for a waterproof jacket but these seem expensive.

Thank you to anyone who can advise me.

Regards

Ben

Personally I wouldn't buy anything online, especially footwear.

You need to be able to handle boots and shoes, check the sole isn't going to disintegrate after a day and make sure the fit is totally right. Some brands are notoriously wider across the toes than others for example.

Go-outdoors (previously CCC) is the best place to go, try on stuff and make sure you get any advice going from the staff

MOuntain Warehouse have some cheap boots at the moment. Sports Soccer hold a range of Karimoor footwear from £20 a pair.
Similarly the outdoor stockists will do trousers as Taxman has already mentioned.

Decathlon, Decathlon and Go Outdoors.........!

Oh, and you can get a cheap waterproof for about £15.

thats great guys thanks for your time in replying. Im going to take a trip around those stores at the beginning of next week.

On one hand im pretty skint and need to get cheap items, whilst on the other id like to pay abit more for better quality so i can use them again especially being in Sheffield with all its wilderness! Ill definately have a chat with the staff and see what they recommend.

regards

ben

Ben - get shoes/boots that fit you. That's the one thing that you can't skimp on. You may be lucky and find that the cheapest pair are the perfect fit, but you may not be. In terms of footwear, you need to walk around a bit and check that they feel okay. You also need to, if possible, try them on a ramp. When walking down, you need to make sure that your feet don't slide too much, but also that your toes don't bang on the front. Badly fitting footwear isn't pleasant.

Don't assume that cheap isn't good quality. Obviously there is a certain amount of truth in the adage "you get what you pay for", but it is possible to get reasonable stuff cheap. The craghoppers trousers are fine, especially at that price.

The waterproof jacket is where you will have to make decisions. You can get a cheap jacket such as http://www.gooutdoors.co.uk/5020436488161 which will keep the rain off you as well as anything else. Where it suffers is that it isn't hugely breathable, so you will get hot easily and sweat in it. Also the rain will run off it, so you would benefit from waterproof trousers (although the cragghoppers are fairly quick dry). The good thing is that it packs down small, so if you are carrying it in case it rains, then it doesn't take up much room in your bag. A breathable jacket will set you back a bit more money, and will be worth it in the long run, if you do a lot of stuff outdoors (even things like walking to work can benefit from a good waterproof).

The other thing that I'd recommend is a thin fleece jumper - decathlon have them for about £7. These are lightweight, screw up in the bottom of your bag, but will keep you warm if you need it.

I would have a look in Decatlon. My OH has a pair of expensive walking boots & I have a pair of much cheaper Quechua Decathlon ones. We went walking over the bank holiday and he had to wring his socks out, where as my feet were bone dry!

great stuff guys thank you!

Im going to decathlon and go-outdoors on tuesday so will have a good luck around.

again, i appreciate you help! :)

ben

cool like the web links:)