GPS Systems

There are hundreds of GPS systems on the market. Some that simply tells you your grid reference, bearing and next checkpoint and others that include fully functioning OS maps. If you looking for a GPS device for your next walk shop around for the system that best for you but don’t forget that there a map and compass don’t need batteries.

Self Heating Foods

Based on military ration packs self heating foods are ideal for someone who wants to eat a hot meal when they are out in the wilderness walking. Using a chemical reaction the food is heated up to a near boiling temperature ideal for those winter walks or hikes. Be warned though they are quite expensive and can cost anything from £5 to £15.

Pedometers / Calorie Counters

How far have you walked? How many calories burnt off? and much more. These little devices can be attached to your wrist, measure heart rate and tell you just how well you’ve done on your walk.

Combi Tools

OK not exactly hi tech but a combi tool, often by Leatherman or Gerber, is an ideal replacement for your old pocket knife. With everything from a tin opener to a pair of pliers it makes a really handy tool for any walker.

Next time you are looking for great value outdoor clothing at discounted prices visit www.outdoorlook.co.uk.

Many people get scared by a map – often they can seem very confusing so here are a few hints and tips that may help you next time you head out into the great outdoors.

A map is a bird’s eye view of a piece of ground drawn to scale

This simple definition can help you understand where you are on a map. If in doubt head to high ground with a clear view and using the map identify points and locations. This can include hill tops, power lines, roads and streams. Once you’ve identified a few points on the map and compared them to what you see it’s very easy to establish where you are.

Read the Contour Lines.

The thin red lines on an ordinance survey map show the height above sea level.  By looking at these lines you can see the height that you may have to climb or walk down. Don’t forget the closer together they are the steeper it will be.

Orientate the Map

Next time you look at a map make sure you orientate it correctly. By pointing north it is easier to understand where you are on your walk and where you are heading to.

Read the Key

The key on the side of your map is a critical part of any walker’s dictionary. Understanding what all the symbols mean enables you to look at where you are on the map and understand what you are seeing on the ground.

If you’re interested in getting out into your local countryside, heading for the Lake District or simply getting fit you need all the right outdoor clothing and a map. That’s why so many walkers come to outdoorlook.co.uk.

Our friend Alex  at Discovery Travel has been putting the Regatta Action Trouser through its paces by hiking, gardening and even building his new house in them!
“I’m in the process of building my new home in the English Yorkshire Wolds. The rolling hills, picturesque villages, quiet country pubs and proximity to the coast not to mention the dry climate, make this a walkers paradise and I have spent the past couple of months putting my new pair of Regatta Action Trousers through their paces.
The trousers are designed with functionality in mind as my pair fit very well thanks to the partially elasticated waist and they fit nicely over my substantial walking boots; there are also plenty of deep pockets and zips so you can keep all your essentials such as wallet and map etc without fear of losing them. Out on the trail I never felt cold as the durable polycotton fabric protects you from the wind as well as being shower proof, but even after climbing a steep hill I was never too hot either as the fabric is light enough even on warmer days.
The trousers have also had to put up with various scrapes as I took a short cut through a hawthorne hedge, they’ve been covered in cement and been a little too close for comfort to a couple of bonfires where they performed admirably! And once washed have come out the other side still looking remarkably good.
These trousers are certainly aimed at the beginner/budget end of the market as they don’t come with many of the bells and whistles you would expect with more expensive kit, but that said for the price of less than £15 I’m not sure you can go far wrong with these and I’ll certainly be hanging on to mine.”

Of course a long hike or walk may mean different things to many people. For some it means a 10-mile hike on a local trail, others may see it as six months and two thousand miles of walking through the Appalachian Mountains. Whatever your route make sure your body is up for the challenge, remember the more physical conditioning you can do before the hike, the easier and more enjoyable the walk will be.

So what should I take?

The secret for packing for a hike is weight, or lack of it. Try and limit your supply to the essentials only, if you can do without it then don’t bring it. Foods with high nutritional content, water – 6 litres a day is the recommended intake for regular activity levels, a sleeping bag, and toiletries should also be the priority; an extra set of walking shoes, and spare outdoor clothing is also recommended. Even with the essential supplies there are still ways of lightening your load, for example you can reduce weight by removing the cardboard core out of toilet rolls!

Remember to plan your journey ahead of time and travel in increments, take things one step, mile or day at a time. Perhaps the best advice on hiking comes from the Boy Scout’s “Be Prepared”.

Well not exactly! Camping in hot weather can be just as troublesome as camping during a rainfall, factors such as heat exhaustion; de-hydration and heat stroke must be taken into account, remember there is nothing worse than trying to sleep with a bad sunburn. However, wearing sensible outdoor clothing can make a world of difference.

Here are a few tips to make sure your summer camping session steers clear of any problems.

Pick suitable summer outdoor clothing:

• Light-colour, breathable fabrics that don’t absorb heat. Leave that black t-shirt at home!
• Nylon or polyester shorts and shirts are always good. The fabric is cool, durable and will dry quickly when you perspire
• Wear a hat. Not only for shade, but to ward off sunstroke and over heating

If you prepare well and follow these tips you will have an enjoyable hot weather camping experience. If done right the “under the stars” sleep out can be a totally unique time that you will never forget. Happy camping!!

The Countryside Code is designed to help us respect, protect and enjoy our countryside and while most of it is just common sense, it helps to know the rules and regulations when out and about in the peaks and plains.

1. Be safe, plan ahead and follow any signs

Even if you are heading out to your local area, it is good practice to find out the latest information about where and when you can go. Your right of access to some parts of the countryside may be restricted during breeding seasons or while work is being carried out. Follow local signs and be prepared for the unexpected.

2. Leave gates and property as you find them

Farmers will usually leave gates closed to keep livestock in, but may sometimes leave them open so they can reach food and water. For this reason you should always leave gates as you find them. Always stick to paths in crop fields and use stiles and gates rather than climbing over walls and hedges – your actions could damage the farmers property and lead to his animals escaping.

3. Protect plants and animals and take your litter home

Dropping litter not only looks messy, but can be dangerous to wildlife and can spread disease so always take your litter home with you. Put your rubbish in the pockets of your outdoor clothing or in your backpack and bin or recycle it when you get back home. Be careful not to remove or destroy rocks, plants and trees as these provide a home and food for our wildlife. Take care with the use of fire and be aware of the damage a discarded cigarette can cause – the effects of an out of contol fire can be devastating.

4. Keep dogs under close control

By law, all owners must control their dog so that it does not disturb or scare farm animals or wildlife. It is every owner’s responsibility to make sure their dog is not a danger or nuisance to farm animals, wildlife or other people and farmers are legally entitled to destroy a dog that injures or worries their animals. It is also important that any dog mess is cleared up and taken away by the owner to prevent the spread of infection and disease.

5. Consider other people

Showing consideration to others makes the countryside a more enjoyable place for everybody. Drive carefully and slowly, particularly through villages, and leave the car at home and use public transport if possible to reduce the number of vehicles on the roads. Don’t block driveways or gates and respect the needs of other people. When driving or riding a bike, slow down for horses and other animals and try to support the rural economy by purchasing supplies  from local shops – well pocketed outdoor clothing or a backpack is useful for carrying home any treats you buy along the way.

Here’s our simple guide to navigation to help you on your way….

Equipment

Before you set out you need to make sure that you have a good orienteering compass and an up to date Ordnance Survey map for the area you will be covering. Wearing combat trousers or a jacket with lots of pockets as part of your outdoor clothing will help you carry and access these items conveniently. GPS units work well but can be expensive and you will need to take extra batteries with you. Don’t rely on technology because if it fails, you will come unstuck. Make sure you have at least basic navigation skills to fall back on.

Map Reading

Your Ordnance Survey map will be divided into squares, each of which represents one kilometre. Features such as farms and churches are shown via a key while contour lines show the gradient of the land. By pinpointing the features around you and locating them on your map, you will be able to find out what your position is using the squares on the map.

Taking a Bearing

This is a very simple skill to learn and will enable you to find your way to your destination. First, find the two points on the map that you want to travel from and to and align your compass along the route. Next, rotate the compass housing until the orienteering lines in the centre are pointing towards the top of your map. Now rotate the dial until the North pointer lines up with the index line. The bearing at the bottom of the direction-of-travel arrow at the index line, is your bearing. To head in the right direction you will need to re-orientate your compass by turning it around until the magnetic north needle points in the same direction as the orienteering arrow. The direction-of-travel arrow will now be pointing to the direction you need to walk in to reach your destination.

Using a Compass

A compass should be quickly and easily accessible from your pockets, so pick the right outdoor clothing. Your compass needle will always point to Magnetic North – this is different to what is shown on your map which is known as Grid North. Take your bearing from the Grid North on the map, and make your adjustments. Once you’ve done that, use your compass to establish north on the ground, then follow your bearing.

Remember, practice makes perfect so get navigating!

Mere ordinary clothing is not sufficient, as the risk in hiking and other adventure sports increases the safety and comfort needed from outdoor clothing also increases. There are many clothing brands which operate exclusively for outdoor clothing. These brands have large research and development teams constantly updating and improving the functionality and safety of hiking gear and outdoor apparel. Clothes manufactured by these extraordinary brands are famous for the comfort and safety of their products.

There are many brands out there, but I’ve outlined a few of my favourites below.

Regatta is a leading manufacturer of clothing materials which are worn by hiking and outdoor enthusiasts. The clothing material produced by this brand is famous because of its sleekness and its quality of purpose. Regatta do a full range of clothing and footwear including jackets, trousers and base layers. They are particularly well known for their popular Regatta action trousers which come in both mens and ladies varieties. I personally am a big fan of Regatta walking boots as they are long lasting and great value for money.

Craghoppers have their stores all over Europe and Asia. They are one of the leading manufacturers of outdoor clothes, footwear, rucksacks, tents and sleeping bags. Craghoppers offer a huge range of fabrics to support you in all of your outdoor activities, offering you waterproofing, wind proofing, breathability and comfort. The clothes manufactured by Craghoppers, whilst designed for outdoor clothing, can also be worn under normal conditions because of the added luxury and attractiveness of the clothing.

Helly Hansen began life producing fishing clothing. They now do a large range of quality outdoor clothing items. Helly Hansens outdoor clothing items include walking shoes and boots, jackets and trousers, but probably most impressive in my view would be the large and quality range of base layers they offer.  Helly Hansen base layers will be your ‘second skin’ because they fit snuggly to the body and offer the great breathability and comfort needed for outdoor activities in cold weather.

Please feel free to share your views on some of your favorites outdoor clothing brands or items of clothing you simply couldn’t do with out.

You will need to be well equipped and well prepared however, to ensure that you stay safe and avoid getting into any difficulties.

Navigation

Navigation is key on any hike but to attempt night hiking, you need to be confident that your navigation skills are completely up to scratch. Make good use of line features – following these can lead to danger if the feature is a stream which leads steeply downhill. If you’re nervous, avoid water altogether and if you do intend to follow a stream, study your map well before you leave, looking out for any waterfalls or crags. If you think your navigation skills could be better, get in lots of practise during day hikes first or enrol on a quick re-fresher course.

Equipment

Head torches are crucial. They leave you “hands-free” to study your map and provide a good source of light to see where you are going. LED torches are best – they have less of a tendency to eat batteries and provide a gentle moon-like glow which is ideal for observing your surroundings. On extremely dark nights, night-vision goggles may be beneficial. You’ll also need your usual hiking survival kit including food, water, a first aid kit, a map and compass, waterproofs and warm clothing, a mobile phone, torch and whistle for communicating.

Preparation

You need to plan your walk with even more care when setting out at night. Keep an eye on weather forecasts right up to the last minute and check tide predictions if you are walking near beaches. When planning your route try to stick to good paths and tracks for night hikes and save the exploring for the daytime. Even if you are walking in a big group, let somebody at home know when you are leaving, where you will be going and when you hope to be back and pack your rucksack early in the day to give you enough time to go out for supplies of anything you’re short of.

Follow our simple guide to make sure you pick the perfect pair of boots for your adventures….

The Perfect Fit

You need to be sure that your boots fit perfectly, are completely comfortable and your socks are thick and of good quality. Your walking shoes should have a finger’s width of length between the end of your toe and the end of your shoes to allow your feet to expand while walking. Proper hiking socks will reduce the amount of friction between your feet and your boots helping cut the risk of blisters.

What’s Your Type?

For shorter hikes over easy terrain lightweight shoes are the best choice. Made from breathable fabrics they offer ultimate flexibility and comfort on shorter walks.

For backpacking and longer hikes you should choose hiking boots with ankle support. Heavier than a lightweight shoe, hiking boots are designed for longer distances when you may be carrying a light backpack.

For serious hikes over rough terrain, mountaineering boots are the ideal choice. They are specifically designed to provide support for carrying heavy loads over multi-day trips and are constructed of a more rigid material to provide optimum support. Crampons can also be attached to mountaineering boots when hiking on snow and ice.

Material Matters

Leather and synthetic boots each come with pros and cons. Leather is more hardwearing and will last much longer, however they can take a while to break in. Boots made from synthetic materials will become comfortable more quickly, but you may find yourself having to replace them sooner that you expected. Some boots are made from a combination of both, which usually provides the best choice. Waterproofing is essential so make sure you choose a brand that features a water resistant layer as part of the construction to keep your feet dry throughout your walk.