Hiking thread

[squirtyflower]

We went up the month earlier with a couple who’d never been up before, she probably won’t ever again, wind rain, sleet and hail all in July!! She was traumatised by the end and we were all pissed wet through. Go a month later with another group to stunning weather. Always be prepared for ALL eventualities.

We went late July too. Started off hot and sunny in shorts, returned piss wet through in waterproofs. Although I couldn’t be arsed putting the pants on so came down is shorts, not the best idea I’ve had!

Living in Rossendale you have to be prepared for any weather and any idiot.

 

[squirtyflower]

Also easiest route down and you just can’t get lost is Llanberis path. Dear simple compared to the other routes.

We had to go down a particular path to be south of the mountain otherwise we wouldn’t have got transport to the site.

 

[inchy14]

We went late July too. Started off hot and sunny in shorts, returned piss wet through in waterproofs. Although I couldn’t be arsed putting the pants on so came down is shorts, not the best idea I’ve had!

Living in Rossendale you have to be prepared for any weather and any idiot.

Yes you get plenty when out and about hiking. Never forget Nevis one year, pissing down and a polish lad was up there in jeans a jumper and flip flops!! My mate, a captain in the Royal Marines went ape shit about it!

 

[Trevor Morley's Tache]

Thought it looked familia. We went three years back.
Started off sunny but by the time we got a mile from the top the rain started and boy did it rain.
Both the train and the cafe were closed, cheers ya Welsh miserablsits, only wanted a hot chocolate before setting down.

Not 100% sure of the route down as visibility was incredibly poor so followed a couple who knew where they were going.
Never been as wet when waiting for the bus to take us back to the campsite.

Most people follow the train line down (Llanberis path) as it's dead easy to navigate in sh*t weather, but it depends where you were headed. If you were headed to Pen-y-pass car park, then it was probably the Pyg Track (North off the summit for then immediately right down the zig-zags to the lake, with Crib Goch on your right hand side).

 

[squirtyflower]

Most people follow the train line down (Llanberis path) as it's dead easy to navigate in sh*t weather, but it depends where you were headed. If you were headed to Pen-y-pass car park, then it was probably the Pyg Track (North off the summit for then immediately right down the zig-zags to the lake, with Crib Goch on your right hand side).

We had south east and then south as we needed the road south of Snowden.

 

[Trevor Morley's Tache]

We had to go down a particular path to be south of the mountain otherwise we wouldn’t have got transport to the site.

Watkin Path then probably.

 

[idahoblues]

Wanted the orange as I’ll be found if I get lost up there!! Blue one I’ve got doesn’t stand out enough, my rain jackets blue though.....View attachment 7544

Orange is always a good call, helps for not getting shout out in the woods

 

[goatinho]

got my new micro spikes today but doesnt like i will be using them this year :(

 

[dickie davies]

I need recommendations for a good brand of waterproof boots
I'd prefer synthetic to leather
My current pair are these but they are falling apart

Moab 2 Leather Mid GORE-TEX®

Official Merrell Site - Shop mens Merrell Moab 2 Mid GORE-TEX hiking boots, made with GORE-TEX waterproof technology, supportive footbed, & Vibram traction

www.merrell.com

 

[worsleyweb]

Just a bump if anyone fancies setting up a blue moon walking club once we allowed back in the world?? Maybe do 2/3 walks over summer.

 

[squirtyflower]

I need recommendations for a good brand of waterproof boots
I'd prefer synthetic to leather
My current pair are these but they are falling apart

Moab 2 Leather Mid GORE-TEX®

Official Merrell Site - Shop mens Merrell Moab 2 Mid GORE-TEX hiking boots, made with GORE-TEX waterproof technology, supportive footbed, & Vibram traction

www.merrell.com

I bought a really comfy pair of Merrell boots and they fell apart within 6 months. Fortunately the shop I bought them from gave me a replacement new pair. These fell apart and were outside the warranty.
Bought a pair of cheaper, not a big name brand, leather pair and they have lasted me three years. The Merrell’s synthetic upper always came apart at the seam with the footbed. I looked for a pair where the upper and lower were joined with a third layer over the two of them.

 

[dickie davies]

I bought a really comfy pair of Merrell boots and they fell apart within 6 months. Fortunately the shop I bought them from gave me a replacement new pair. These fell apart and were outside the warranty.
Bought a pair of cheaper, not a big name brand, leather pair and they have lasted me three years. The Merrell’s synthetic upper always came apart at the seam with the footbed. I looked for a pair where the upper and lower were joined with a third layer over the two of them.

I bought the Merrell about three years ago and they were really comfortable as soon as I put them on
I've worn them plenty in the last year having time to walk due to furlough and I was going to recommend them to a friend until I read the reviews about them splitting. I checked mine this morning and they've done the exact same as the reviews stated
Reading about having to constantly treat leather boots has put me off them and which is why I'd prefer synthetic

Obviously I understand that a single brand doesn't suit everyone's feet
Is the stuff they sell in Sports Direct any good, Karrimor, Millet etc, or are these what you're saying I should stay away from?

Karrimor | Leopard Walking Boots | Walking Boots | SportsDirect.com

www.sportsdirect.com

Millet | Super Trident GTX Mid Walking Boots | Walking Boots | SportsDirect.com

www.sportsdirect.com

Stumbled across this website
Merrell are popular, but again the reviews on durability are scathing

7 Best Hiking Boots in 2025

The 7 best hiking boots based on extensive wear and lab testing. We award the best overall, best shock absorption, best for backpacking, best energy return, best lightweight, best stability and best leather boots.

runrepeat.com

 

[squirtyflower]

I bought the Merrell about three years ago and they were really comfortable as soon as I put them on
I've worn them plenty in the last year having time to walk due to furlough and I was going to recommend them to a friend until I read the reviews about them splitting. I checked mine this morning and they've done the exact same as the reviews stated
Reading about having to constantly treat leather boots has put me off them and which is why I'd prefer synthetic

Obviously I understand that a single brand doesn't suit everyone's feet
Is the stuff they sell in Sports Direct any good, Karrimor, Millet etc, or are these what you're saying I should stay away from?

Karrimor | Leopard Walking Boots | Walking Boots | SportsDirect.com

www.sportsdirect.com

Millet | Super Trident GTX Mid Walking Boots | Walking Boots | SportsDirect.com

www.sportsdirect.com

Stumbled across this website
Merrell are popular, but again the reviews on durability are scathing

7 Best Hiking Boots in 2025

The 7 best hiking boots based on extensive wear and lab testing. We award the best overall, best shock absorption, best for backpacking, best energy return, best lightweight, best stability and best leather boots.

runrepeat.com

The main thing to take from it is that boots are of a personal nature as everyone’s feet are different.

A couple of years ago I wanted a new pair with money no object. I tried on everything they had, including makes like Scarpa, but the only really comfy ones were Merrell.
Ended up buying the next comfiest for my feet which was a pair of Hi-Tecs (!) at half the price. They’re leather and you do have to look after them, but no more so than my synthetic boots did.

 

[dickie davies]

The main thing to take from it is that boots are of a personal nature as everyone’s feet are different.

A couple of years ago I wanted a new pair with money no object. I tried on everything they had, including makes like Scarpa, but the only really comfy ones were Merrell.
Ended up buying the next comfiest for my feet which was a pair of Hi-Tecs (!) at half the price. They’re leather and you do have to look after them, but no more so than my synthetic boots did.

Just so disappointed with the Merrell. They were well over £100

I've been doing some research and will more than likely end up with leather
I'm thinking of just going for a cheaper option and replace them annually if required. I can still use the Merrell in the dry

 

[squirtyflower]

Just so disappointed with the Merrell. They were well over £100

I've been doing some research and will more than likely end up with leather
I'm thinking of just going for a cheaper option and replace them annually if required. I can still use the Merrell in the dry

Me too, the best boots for my feet by a long chalk.
My son in law bought a pair and he thought they were great too, but his also came apart at the seam. As I said they need to cover the seam between the upper and the footbed.

 

[inchy14]

I need recommendations for a good brand of waterproof boots
I'd prefer synthetic to leather
My current pair are these but they are falling apart

Moab 2 Leather Mid GORE-TEX®

Official Merrell Site - Shop mens Merrell Moab 2 Mid GORE-TEX hiking boots, made with GORE-TEX waterproof technology, supportive footbed, & Vibram traction

www.merrell.com

La Sportiva are my preferred choice mate.. got these last year, lightweight, warm and sturdy. Waterproof too.

 

[Deleted member 77198]

I like a lot of the casual fashion of the hiking clothing brands.

Patagonia are always good, and even some lesser known like Passenger (https://www.passenger-clothing.com/?utm_source=Instagram&utm_medium=skedlink) who seem to be more of an ‘après-hike’ casual brand.

Anyone else into this sort of stuff?

 

[FCBarca]

Just so disappointed with the Merrell. They were well over £100

I've been doing some research and will more than likely end up with leather
I'm thinking of just going for a cheaper option and replace them annually if required. I can still use the Merrell in the dry

Give Meindl a try, ever since I tried these 6 years ago they are my go to brand for anything related to the mountains or hiking. For light hiking, I love my Texas 3000 GTX - incredible comfort & protection

Sportiva are the preferred choice of most Alpinistes but I find they run a bit narrow/tight and take some getting used to in terms of fit

 

[inchy14]

As we obviously can’t travel too far I went for a hike up Dovestones reservoir today... bloody freezing up top so thankfully I was well wrapped up for it, snow up to my knees at times walking along the top and really windy. A couple ahead of me and she was in Ugg boots.... better than his Rag backpack mind....

If going out hiking in this then dress properly ffs!!

 

[fulabeer]

Was there this morning myself. A bit slippy for running so did the stomp bottom to top reservoir etc.