What equipment do I need?
It is important that you have adequate kit for the kind of walk that you intend to take part in. This does not mean that you have to go out and spend hundreds of pounds on new gear. Nobody will care whether your waterproofs cost £20 or £200. What really matters is how comfortable you want to be. Having said that, if you intend to go up a mountain you must have good waterproofs and boots amongst your kit. Your life may depend on it. See below for a list of things to pack.
If you talk to the organiser of the walk you will be able to find out what to expect on that particular walk and you will be able to make a more informed decision as to whether you and your kit are up to it. We do try to cater for everyone on the majority of our walks but there are a few walks that are up mountains that do require a certain level of fitness and reliable walking gear. The weather can change very quickly and with very little shelter your life could well depend on keeping warm and dry.
On a lighter note, for a low level walk in Leicestershire you could waik in jeans and trainers. You may well receive a few comments about your unwise choice of attire but you will be very welcome to join us. Trainers offer little support for ankles but some of the more boot like styles could be adequate for many low level walks. If it rains, even a short shower, you will probably have wet jeans for the rest of the day as denim is very thick and it retains water extremely well. Denim also shrinks when it is wet and as well as being a very course material, so you could end up being very sore if you wear jeans. Cotton trousers are much more suitable, or leggings. it is advisable to pack waterproof clothing and it doesn't have to be the top of the range. You have to consider how much wear it will get and what kind of walks you are likely to take part in.
If you do intend to buy new items for outdoors Canyon Mountain Sports on Granby Street have a wide selection of all kinds of footwear, clothing and accessories and what's more the staff know what they are talking about and are willing to help. They also offer a 10% discount to YHA members.
