SILVER TRAINING CLOTHING DUKE OF EDINBURGH HILLARY AWARD

CLOTHING Clothing should be -Comfortable -Lightweight -Fast-drying Seams and waistbands can cause chafing It’s not pleasant being cold and wet You need to carry it! Consider the weather you will get warmer while you are walking you will need warmer clothes for after the tramp

CLOTHING - UNDERWEAR -Comfortable -Supportive -Fast-drying Consider seamless underwear sports bra support singlet Have you tried the new seamless microfibre underwear? Not yet!

CLOTHING - SOCKS - preferably woollen to keep feet warm and dry If you suffer from blisters, try a pair of very thin socks or nylons under your hiking socks Putting plasters on BEFORE you tramp

CLOTHING – LONGS - fitted and comfortable -warm -fast-drying Polyprop / merino Can be worn after walking and as PJs Remember – even in warmer weather it is important to keep your muscles warm after exercise!

CLOTHING - SHORTS -comfortable and non-restrictive Watch out for waistbands – the waist strap of your pack can cause chafing and bruising Just above the knee will be non-restrictive but protect from the sun It is better to wear shorts than longs in the rain

CLOTHING – OVER-TROUSERS Over-trousers are usually robust and water-proof or water-resistant pants which are worn over your other clothing. They may be in the form of dungarees Consider are they necessary? are they just going to add unnecessary weight? probably not necessary for normal tramping

CLOTHING – SHORT-SLEEVED TOPS Camping shops sell outdoor t-shirts with wicking - directs dampness away from the body (sweat and rain) Can offer sun protection / warmth

CLOTHING – WARM TOPS Merino / fleece / Polyprop Fleece vests can be useful over a t-shirt Consider bulk / weight – remember you have to carry everything AND you can fold your jersey up to use as a pillow

CLOTHING - JACKETS Consider the conditions you will be tramping in Watch for weather forecasts – but remember they can be wrong) Should keep out wind and rain Light-weight and durable Long enough to keep you dry Avoid down / ski jackets (absorb water when wet)

CLOTHING – HATS AND GLOVES Polyprop / merino / fleece. Can make a considerable difference to body temperature, especially in an emergency Consider bulk and function

CLOTHING - GAITERS Very good in - wet weather – keeps your socks dry - long grass / bush - protects legs from scratches

CLOTHING - LAYERING Several thin layers are better than one thick - traps warmth and you can remove layers Core layer can be - polyprop/polyester/wool/cotton, fitted but not tight

CLOTHING - FOOTWEAR Should be lightweight water-proof fast-drying supportive Leather: good support; but can be expensive, and heavy when wet Gore-tex: good support, insulated and waterproof; but expensive Synthetic: light, comfortable and cheaper; but less waterproof / support