I know that there are a lot of us with the wherewithall to buy whatever clothing we choose, but for someone coming into this with little in the way of ....well, let's be honest, more hard wearing outdoor clothing, not so much the designer stuff that's pushed at hillwalkers, skiers and the like....there are other options.
Army surplus can be very good, it's intended to be robust, but do we really need robust enough to trog across the Falklands, for a walk through a woodland with briars or a heather moorland ?
Good around fire is a whole other ballgame.
I think we need layers, we need stuff that's good in our sodden wet, but easy to put on or pull off....and if we can do it without breaking the bank, I count that as a win
We don't always brag about wearing 'cheap' clothing, but honestly, if it's doing a sterling job, why not ?
So, what did you buy and have worn or wear, that surprised you with how good it was / is despite being cheap ?
My own first up is a pair (I have little feet, sort of a four fits fine) of Hi-Tec kids plain black leather boots. Cost me under thirty quid and lasted over five years.
The salesman said to me (He knew me, at that time I was buying outdoor kit for four family menfolks and myself) "Mrs C, if you can wear these done in three months (which was my usual wear out of hiking boots, archaeology kills clothes) I'll give you your money back and a new pair too."
Game on, I thought
Hah! He won
I still have those leather boots, they're still sound, still comfortable, just no tread. I am giving serious consideration to having them re-soled....which will probably cost more than the boots did, but these are worth it.
Army surplus can be very good, it's intended to be robust, but do we really need robust enough to trog across the Falklands, for a walk through a woodland with briars or a heather moorland ?
Good around fire is a whole other ballgame.
I think we need layers, we need stuff that's good in our sodden wet, but easy to put on or pull off....and if we can do it without breaking the bank, I count that as a win
We don't always brag about wearing 'cheap' clothing, but honestly, if it's doing a sterling job, why not ?
So, what did you buy and have worn or wear, that surprised you with how good it was / is despite being cheap ?
My own first up is a pair (I have little feet, sort of a four fits fine) of Hi-Tec kids plain black leather boots. Cost me under thirty quid and lasted over five years.
The salesman said to me (He knew me, at that time I was buying outdoor kit for four family menfolks and myself) "Mrs C, if you can wear these done in three months (which was my usual wear out of hiking boots, archaeology kills clothes) I'll give you your money back and a new pair too."
Game on, I thought
Hah! He won
I still have those leather boots, they're still sound, still comfortable, just no tread. I am giving serious consideration to having them re-soled....which will probably cost more than the boots did, but these are worth it.
