Hiking in Ireland (gear question)

frankdrebin

Hey

I have done some hiking abroad, mainly the US and East Europe where conditions are usually mild. Ireland is a different story and was wondering could anyone recommend the appropriate attire?

I was thinking I need waterproof boots and pants with a light jacket plus under fleece?

Also, being a bit of a novice, I am uncertain as to the best brands. I dont mind paying for quality but am not going to spend 100 extra just for a label.

All advice will be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

cavedave

There are three dangerous things in hiking
1. Navigation
2. Gear (clothes and food)
3. Locations (certain routes are dodgy etc)

You usually need to make mistakes (be unlucky?) with two of these to get into trouble. This is a long way of saying take all advice with a pinch of salt and do easy routes in good weather till you get used to Ireland.
Hiking I bring
a change of clothes in the car.
Hiking boots
two pairs of socks (one in the bag for if the first one gets wet).
Gators
pants (not jeans)
wicking t-shirt
fleece
jacket
hat
walking poles
map
gps
compass
loads of food
mobile phone
bivvy bag

Most of these you can get in Millets. Gps is overkill if you are just out for a walk.

Evil Phil

Gloves are important for comfort too, I prefer absorbant ones mostly for a runny nose than anything.

Alun

Also don't forget ...

Whistle
Waterproof trousers

Evil Phil

A little headtorch is always a good idea too, as is a good drinking vessel. The camelbacks (if that what they're called) are good apparently, personally I prefer a stout water bottle like a Nalgene. Although the ballygowen sports bottles are cheaper .

BeardyGit

Hey,

I can tell you for a fact that it's a lot easier to find someone who's after getting stuck out after dark if they've had the good sense to pack a torch.

Don't leave home without one if you're going hillwalking - At any time of the year. Nobody ever plans on getting stuck on a hillside after dark, but it happens year round, all around the country. I'd also add a Bivi-bag, a spare sandwich, chocolate/nuts and some extra water too. Keep the grub and water in the bottom of your bag until you're back to civilisation - Just in case.

That's not scare mongering - It's all common sense. It's been a quiet winter for our MRT's so far - Let's keep it that way and we'll all have more fun in the long run

Cheerio,

Gil

oconn

anyone ever buy the gear in ALdi ...its out agian on thursday...Im just a beginner so may stock up gets ok reviews
http://www.outdoorsmagic.com/news/article/mps/UAN/3801/v/1/sp/

Evil Phil

I'm going after one of the aldi softshells anyway.

The Machine

Hi all,

I was looking at getting a pair of the Aldi Walking Boots. Has anyone bought a pair of these before? If so are they any good? I would intend using them for small/medium length walks/hikes....