HillWalks.Com

"Hill Walking in Safety"

Site last updated
8 January 2007

Kenny Morris gives the answers to some frequently asked questions.

 

Q. On a recent trip I slipped and fell into a pool. All my gear was soaked through and I spent a very uncomfortable night. What do you suggest?

A. Keeping the contents of your rucksack dry can sometimes be a problem and there is nothing worse, and potentially dangerous than all your gear getting soaked while out on the hills. Your rucksack can only take so much of being battered by the wind and rain, before letting the water seep through. Putting your warm clothing and essential items in sealed polythene bags will usually do the trick but if you have £15-20 to spend you could invest in a canoe bag. These are robust, have watertight seals, and are guaranteed to keep your kit completely dry. They are also very easy to open and close. Remember, what you carry in your rucksack has the potential to save your life in an emergency. Make sure these items are dry and functional.

Q. I bought new boots. How should I break them in?

A. First of all make sure that they fit you correctly. Wear them around the house for a few hours to confirm the fit is good. Most shop will happily exchange the size, as long as you have not worn them outside. Remember to wear the socks that you intend to use with your boots, while out walking. Some boots especially the material ones, can be worn straight out the box on a long walks and suffer no discomfort to the feet. Usually it's safer to break your boots in, and I find the best way of doing this is to wear them on shorter walks of 20-30mins. Try to walk over undulating terrain, Walk up and down, and across slopes to really break them in. Two or three sessions of this and your boots will be ready for longer walks.

Q. How can I stop my map getting wet and unreadable in the rain?

A. Always put your map in a map case. I find the sealable cases with velcro are the most reliable. Before starting your walk, fold your map to show the area that you plan to be walking in. A length of cord is normally provided with map cases, and this should be used to attach your case to your rucksack, or jacket if being worn. Maps can blow away very easily, a wet or lost one is of no use to you. Remember , maps are essential items - look after them.

Q. What can I do to stop chaffing between my thighs?

A. You seem to notice this more, when you step into the bath or shower after you get home. Chaffing can be quite painful and there are various ways from preventing it happening. Wet material will exaggerate this. If it's raining, keep you trousers dry by wearing waterproof over trousers. Choosing dry-flo underwear or cycling style shorts works for nearly everyone. A quick fix method, is to rub vaseline to the areas normally affected.

Q. I'm going hill walking for the first time. What should I wear?

A. Weather, time of year and terrain will determine the type of clothing and footwear that you will require to wear. As a general guide, here are a few suggestions. Thick woolen socks and sturdy footwear are essential. Proper hill walking boots are best, they provide good support, grip and protection. Avoid trainers, soft shoes or footwear with smooth soles. Tracksuit style trousers or leggings are comfortable and fairly warm, even when wet. Denims are not and will chaff your legs to bits. On your torso, a cotton t-shirt or dry-flo top. If it's cooler weather, wear two or three thin layers instead of one thick one. Wear or carry a waterproof jacket, even if it's nice. The weather can change very quickly on the hills. Warm hat and gloves completes the outfit. You may want to carry a spare warm top.

Q. Should I wear a rucksack when I go walking? If so, what should I carry in it?

A. In my opinion you should always wear a rucksack. For most of you it will be a small day sack. There are certain items that I would deem essential, and you need somewhere to keep them safe and dry. Walking up a hill with a can of juice in one hand, and a mars bar in the other is not the way that I would do it. Here are some item that I suggest you carry in you rucksack. Spare jumper or fleece, waterproof jacket if not being worn. Hat and gloves, map in waterproof case and compass (attach both items to jacket or rucksack). Your map and compass should always be easily accessible. Enough water that you will require for your walk. In warm weather you can drink around one litre of water per hour during brisk walking. If it is cooler weather and you are not losing fluids through sweating, your water consumption will be considerably lower. How many hours do you estimate to be walking for? Is there a clean source of fresh water on route to replenish your supplies? Take these considerations seriously, you don't want to run out of water. Food supplies energy to your body. Rolls or sandwiches with your favourite filling are good. As an snack, I prefer to munch on cereal bars or dried fruit, as opposed to sweets or chocolate bars. All your rubbish should be taken home for disposal. Don't leave any on the hill, or stuff your banana skins under a rock. It takes years for them to decompose. A few other items you may want to carry are, a small first aid pack, including a blister kit. A whistle and a torch. This is a suggested kit for day walks in fair weather. Group leaders, winter conditions or week end walks will require substantially more kit.

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