Kit (Equipment)

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Kitchen Sink, anyone?

Neither having masses of kit nor the most expensive are routes to a pain-free, easy trek, but it can be easy to believe both are true.

I’ve had many different types of kit in each category over the decades. When I decided to ‘get serious’ and prepare to walk the South Downs Way in 8 days, plus the 2.5 weeks of hiking in Northern Sweden some months before, I did take a step back, (bad pun), and decided to look at and adopt the ‘right’ kit for me.

Below, you will find my notes on what worked for me and what didn’t; each to their own, but I hope these might help you make your own decision.

Footwear

‘Keep it simple. You've got your boots on. You're gonna walk into combat. Let's go.’

Heartbreak Ridge (1986)

The great Clint Eastwood might not be hiking or trekking with you in person, but the sentiment is profound.

Inadequate, poorly fitting or improperly worn-in footwear or poorly chosen socks can turn a short walk or a multi-day trek into a painful, slow form of torture.

I have suffered from Plantar Fasciitis for many years, so preparation, footwear, etc. and post-walk pain relief are both crucial and particularly close to my heart.

Socks

One area I did not need to update or renew was my choice of socks.

I’ve been walking, sometimes jogging, doing HIIT, and cycling for many years and have settled on an excellent sock solution: toe socks.

Yes, those wonderful items that bring joy to many people around you when they see them being worn (it’s so lovely to get that type of laughter, oh sorry, joy from people….. 🤔)

I have both the shorter mid-crew and the crew longer cut pairs, and since starting with them in 2020, I have never had a blister or bad hot spot (I’ve tempted fate now), which is a first compared to all the years of hiking before then.

While a single layer has worked for me when walking, jogging, cycling, and doing HIIT, I’ve always used a double layer when wearing boots of various types, especially for long distances.

After some false starts, I tested a few and chose good-quality Merino wool outer socks with elasticated arch support and ventilation panels.

Combining these two types of socks ensures that a walk is as comfortable and cool as possible whilst giving great support and staying ‘in touch’ with the terrain underfoot.

Interestingly, whilst my feet get hot and sweaty, even in 30+ degree weather, these, combined with the boots, have enabled me to avoid my feet becoming UN-listed Weapons of Mass Destruction, even after many hours 😉.

Walking Sandals

Boots

Insoles & Heel Protection

I had a Doh! moment recently, after posting about the significant issues and pain I have been having from my Plantar Fasciitis on a Facebook group.

I have awesome socks, have been taking care of my feet, and wear great, well-worn-in boots, yet….I totally forgot to use my special supporting and shock-removing insoles in any of my footwear; how mad was that!

I have now put them into all my shoes and boots and hope to soon experience much-needed relief from that issue.

I have used many types over the years but seem to have come back to the same 2 manufacturers even after years.

Both insoles have high arch support and impact shock-reducing protection under the heel and ball of the feet.

I did remember to remove the original insoles from my shoes etc, before putting the PF-reducing insoles in, so clock one up for the memory ;)

Kit (Equipment)