Hiking boots

It goes without saying that breathable, waterproof, lightweight hiking boots with decent ankle support are essential for dealing with our lovely British weather variants and more rugged terrain. As a hiker, looking after your feet is the top priority – it’s hard to enjoy anything when you’re uncomfortable right? You’ll usually catch me in my Berghaus Expeditor Ridge 2.0 Boots. They’re super light and comfy with shock-absorbing EVA (rubber-like) midsoles for that extra cushioning.

Merino wool top

You know how I said grey tops don’t love me in summer? Well, neither do cotton ones. The cotton absorbs moisture, making your clothes damp and heavy. There’s nothing worse than getting caught in the wind in a damp top. Look for tops made from wicking fabrics (usually synthetic but merino wool is a good natural alternative) that draw the moisture to the outer layer and dry quickly. That stops the fabric from becoming saturated, helping you stay cool while active.

Waterproof jacket

And finally, even if it’s forecast to be sunny all day, we all know how unpredictable the weather can be, especially if you’re up on the hills. A decent waterproof jacket should always be in your rucksack. For me, the most important thing is the hood. I change my hair a lot – there’s volume and I need room. I like to look out for jackets with peaked hoods that are ‘helmet compatible’ so I can fit different hairstyles and hats under it. Make sure it’s waterproof and not just water-resistant; if you get caught in a downpour, you’ll learn the difference the hard way! It also needs to be breathable; you don’t want to feel like you’re wearing a plastic bag once you start sweating.

There are a lot more items you could add to your list such as waterproof trousers, walking poles, hat and gloves, but this is enough to get you started. Start off with an easy hike on mostly flat terrain which will help you break in your hiking boots and get you acquainted with your kit. Many new hikers get overwhelmed by clothing options, but my advice is to grab the essentials and get going. Experience is the best teacher, and you will soon learn what other items you want to add. Oh, and don’t forget to take a bottle of water; whatever the weather, hiking can be thirsty work.

Black Girls Hike: how to choose the best clothes and kit for walking, according to an expert