THREE THINGS YOU MIGHT NOT NEED

Gore-Tex

When it comes to waterproof/ breathable membranes, Gore-Tex is the gold standard. And frankly, it is bloody good. But it also ups the cost of any product it’s used in, so a lot of brands aim to reduce the cost by developing their own in-house alternatives. (Some will offer an in-house membrane on cheaper items, and Gore-Tex on premium kit.). Rohan’s Barricade, Berghaus’ Hydroshell (on jackets) and AQ (on footwear) and Sprayway’s HydroDRY are all good examples of cheaper membranes that give Gore-Tex a run for its money.

Heavy boots

Probably because of TV stereotyping, it can seem like ‘going for a walk’ translates as ‘I need big clodhopping leather boots’. But not so. Lighter, nimbler boots or shoes that use more flexible synthetic fabrics can be just as reliable, and often less cumbersome to wear.

A super-thick duvet jacket

Yes it’s Big Coat Weather right now. But walkers don’t need the biggest, thickest coats because we generate our own heat as we move. An insulated jacket is great (using either natural down or a synthetic filling that mimics it), but you want it to be adaptable and lightweight. The really super-thick duvet jackets are more aimed at people who sit still in the outdoors a lot, like anglers, birdwatchers and photographers.