Clothing for Autumn Walks: Are You Ready to Ramble?
As temperatures drop, the air freshens and leaves begin to fall, walkers across the land rub their hands with glee, and look forward to brisk walks across colourful, autumnal landscapes. But are you autumnal-walk-ready? Did you promise yourself a new pair of leather boots the last time you walked in rain? Are there enough layers in your walking collection to get you through this changeable season? BCH Camping supply all the clothing and footwear you need to enjoy autumnal walks across our stunning British countryside.
Let’s face it, you will walk in rain. Even if the forecast looks dry, it’s highly advisable that you pack waterproof clothing. There can’t be many things worse than walking in soggy clothing, shivering and experiencing mirages of pubs in the distance.
So, what does waterproof mean? The definition of waterproof is that the item must be impervious to water. Waterproof fabrics are inherently resistant to penetration by water and wetting, or they have been treated to become as such. They are usually natural or synthetic fabrics that have been laminated or coated with a waterproofing material such as rubber, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyurethane (PU) or wax. If it is claimed that an item is waterproof, by law it must be 100% waterproof.
BCH Camping stock a wide range of women’s and men’s waterproof jackets of different weights, for all weather and hik
e requirements, from brand names such as Paramo, Berghaus, Mountain Equipment, Jack Wolfskin, Rab, Craghoppers and Target. Here are some examples:
The lightweight women’s waterproof Rab Spark jacket, is a minimalist stretch waterproof jacket, designed as a fast-and-light climbing or adventure racing jacket that weighs just 267g/9oz.
At 702g/25oz, the heavier Paramo Alta III is one of our best-selling women’s jackets, designed for walking and hiking in the hills and mountains, with a reinforced back for use with a rucksack.
The Mountain Equipment Men’s Lhotse Jacket is one of our hardest wearing, lightweight and best-selling Gore-Tex mountain jackets. It weighs just 515g/6.7oz, and has an Alpine fit with articulated and pre-shaped sleeves.
The versatile Mens Paramo Alta III jacket weighs 805g/28oz, and is designed for use in the mountains and hills where protection from the elements with great ventilation features, is vital.
All of the waterproof trousers from BCH Camping are 100% waterproof and breathable. Whether worn throughout the day or as overtrousers, they’re ideal for hiking, rambling, dog walking, cycling, golfing and many other outdoor activities. Easy to pack away and lightweight, they should be packed near the top of your rucksack, just in case!
Paramo’s Women’s Cascada II Trousers can be worn throughout the day rather than as an overtrouser due to the Directional Nikwax Analogy waterproof fabric, and the extensive vents that allow for temperature regulation.
With the waterproofing Pertex Shield, the Rab Men’s Downpour Plus overtrouser has Full YKK zips to get them on and off quickly, while the elasticated waistband with drawcord provides added comfort.
The Target Dry Unisex Horizon overtrousers in a regular leg (31”) are breathable, crafted from tough ripstop woven fabric, and blended with waterproofing technology.
For walking and outdoor activities, layering is a practical system that keeps you warm by adding or removing layers to suit the temperature and conditions of your walk. The idea is to wear some layers and carry others in a rucksack to wear as and when needed. Any layers you wish to take with you should be lightweight and easy to pack.
Mid layer – to trap your body heat
Outer layer (shell) – for protection against the elements
Here is an example of each from the BCH Camping clothing range:
The base layer is worn next to the skin, and can be tops, pants or thermal liners. The Icebreaker Womens 260 Tech long sleeved crew neck base layer is comfortable, warm, breathable, odour-resistant and moves with you. It’s the ideal base layer for adventure and snow sports.
The function of the mid layer, often a fleece, is to trap the body heat and allow sweat vapour to carry on moving through the layering system. The Paramo Bentu Men’s Fleece Jacket comes with two zipped hand warming side pockets and a handy chest pocket. The fabric has a slight stretch too, for added comfort and ease of movement.
The outer layer should protect against wind and rain, whilst still allowing sweat to leave the layering system. Ideally it should be as lightweight as possible, and pack down easily. The women’s Paramo Alize Ultra Light Windproof Jacket is highly breathable to prevent moisture build-up, and packs into its own pocket.
Full grain leather walking boots are naturally waterproof and breathable, extremely durable and highly effective on abrasive terrain. Nubuck leather walking boots are made of full grain leather that has been buffed down which reduces the durability, but produces a more flexible boot that is still water and abrasion resistant.
Fabric or synthetic walking boots are made from a variety of synthetic materials such as nylon, polyester and polyurethane. They offer less protection to the foot because they are not as sturdy, although a waterproof membrane is used to keep feet dry in wet conditions. Fabric or synthetic walking boots may be preferred to leather when looking for a more flexible, and therefore comfortable, boot.
The Zamberlan Vioz 996 GTX Wide Last men’s full grain leather boot is an ideal choice If you regularly go trekking and hiking on rough terrain, perhaps while carrying heavy loads. The Hydrobloc treatment on the full grain leather provides essential climate control in humid conditions while the GORE-TEX lining is waterproof and breathable.
The Berghaus Womens Explorer Trek Plus GTX fabric boot has a tough, yet breathable, suede and mesh upper. The 100% waterproof GORE-TEX performance lining keeps the rain out but allows perspiration to escape for greater comfort. This versatile boot appears on the Duke of Edinburgh Awards recommended kit, so is great for experienced and novice walkers alike.
Clothing for autumn walks
Waterproof clothing
Let’s face it, you will walk in rain. Even if the forecast looks dry, it’s highly advisable that you pack waterproof clothing. There can’t be many things worse than walking in soggy clothing, shivering and experiencing mirages of pubs in the distance.So, what does waterproof mean? The definition of waterproof is that the item must be impervious to water. Waterproof fabrics are inherently resistant to penetration by water and wetting, or they have been treated to become as such. They are usually natural or synthetic fabrics that have been laminated or coated with a waterproofing material such as rubber, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyurethane (PU) or wax. If it is claimed that an item is waterproof, by law it must be 100% waterproof.
Waterproof jackets
Waterproof jackets are available as packable, lightweight jackets, or as heavier, winter jackets which are obviously warmer.BCH Camping stock a wide range of women’s and men’s waterproof jackets of different weights, for all weather and hik
The lightweight women’s waterproof Rab Spark jacket, is a minimalist stretch waterproof jacket, designed as a fast-and-light climbing or adventure racing jacket that weighs just 267g/9oz.
At 702g/25oz, the heavier Paramo Alta III is one of our best-selling women’s jackets, designed for walking and hiking in the hills and mountains, with a reinforced back for use with a rucksack.
The Mountain Equipment Men’s Lhotse Jacket is one of our hardest wearing, lightweight and best-selling Gore-Tex mountain jackets. It weighs just 515g/6.7oz, and has an Alpine fit with articulated and pre-shaped sleeves.
The versatile Mens Paramo Alta III jacket weighs 805g/28oz, and is designed for use in the mountains and hills where protection from the elements with great ventilation features, is vital.
Waterproof trousers
All of the waterproof trousers from BCH Camping are 100% waterproof and breathable. Whether worn throughout the day or as overtrousers, they’re ideal for hiking, rambling, dog walking, cycling, golfing and many other outdoor activities. Easy to pack away and lightweight, they should be packed near the top of your rucksack, just in case!Paramo’s Women’s Cascada II Trousers can be worn throughout the day rather than as an overtrouser due to the Directional Nikwax Analogy waterproof fabric, and the extensive vents that allow for temperature regulation.
With the waterproofing Pertex Shield, the Rab Men’s Downpour Plus overtrouser has Full YKK zips to get them on and off quickly, while the elasticated waistband with drawcord provides added comfort.
The Target Dry Unisex Horizon overtrousers in a regular leg (31”) are breathable, crafted from tough ripstop woven fabric, and blended with waterproofing technology.
Layered clothing for maximum comfort
For walking and outdoor activities, layering is a practical system that keeps you warm by adding or removing layers to suit the temperature and conditions of your walk. The idea is to wear some layers and carry others in a rucksack to wear as and when needed. Any layers you wish to take with you should be lightweight and easy to pack.
The three stages of the layering system
Base layer – to regulate your body temperatureMid layer – to trap your body heat
Outer layer (shell) – for protection against the elements
Here is an example of each from the BCH Camping clothing range:
The base layer is worn next to the skin, and can be tops, pants or thermal liners. The Icebreaker Womens 260 Tech long sleeved crew neck base layer is comfortable, warm, breathable, odour-resistant and moves with you. It’s the ideal base layer for adventure and snow sports.
The function of the mid layer, often a fleece, is to trap the body heat and allow sweat vapour to carry on moving through the layering system. The Paramo Bentu Men’s Fleece Jacket comes with two zipped hand warming side pockets and a handy chest pocket. The fabric has a slight stretch too, for added comfort and ease of movement.
The outer layer should protect against wind and rain, whilst still allowing sweat to leave the layering system. Ideally it should be as lightweight as possible, and pack down easily. The women’s Paramo Alize Ultra Light Windproof Jacket is highly breathable to prevent moisture build-up, and packs into its own pocket.
Footwear for autumnal walks
The first question to ask yourself when choosing footwear for your autumnal walk is whether you should wear leather or fabric walking boots. The answer may come down to terrain and conditions, or it could simply be about your personal preference.Fabric or synthetic walking boots are made from a variety of synthetic materials such as nylon, polyester and polyurethane. They offer less protection to the foot because they are not as sturdy, although a waterproof membrane is used to keep feet dry in wet conditions. Fabric or synthetic walking boots may be preferred to leather when looking for a more flexible, and therefore comfortable, boot.
The Zamberlan Vioz 996 GTX Wide Last men’s full grain leather boot is an ideal choice If you regularly go trekking and hiking on rough terrain, perhaps while carrying heavy loads. The Hydrobloc treatment on the full grain leather provides essential climate control in humid conditions while the GORE-TEX lining is waterproof and breathable.
The Berghaus Womens Explorer Trek Plus GTX fabric boot has a tough, yet breathable, suede and mesh upper. The 100% waterproof GORE-TEX performance lining keeps the rain out but allows perspiration to escape for greater comfort. This versatile boot appears on the Duke of Edinburgh Awards recommended kit, so is great for experienced and novice walkers alike.
