IS IT TOO TECHNICAL?
Mountain-ready kit looks zingy but a) costs more and b) might be more than you need. Some quick factors will tell you if a product is designed for casual country walking or more advanced mountain hikes.
BOOTS: A mountain boot is generally stiffer and chunkier than an all-rounder. For everyday walks look for something more forgiving and flexible. And check the outsole: a grippy, gnarly sole with a pronounced heel breast is designed to perform best on rocky mountain paths. A flatter, more rolling sole is fine for gentler paths through field, farm and woodland.
JACKETS: A shorter back length is a sign that the jacket is meant to give maximum freedom of movement when scrambling up rocky crags; a longer length gives more luxurious coverage (especially over your bottom) for everyday walks. If the hood is strangely oversized, it’s meant to go over a climbing or cycling helmet.
RUCKSACKS: If there’s an assortment of loops and straps whose purpose isn’t immediately obvious, you’re probably looking at a more climbing-centric pack that wants to carry an ice axe and a climbing helmet.