Winter clothes. Keeping warm

When I walk in the summer, I find I can wear anything I want, without particularly bothering about specialist walking gear. However, in autumn/winter, it is much more difficult. The challenge is to be warm enough when starting off, but to keep ventilated, and dry enough to avoid sweating when walking at a reasonable temperature.

It is definitely overheating which is the main danger in winter, because it leads to damp clothing which can quickly chill you. Cotton stays damp for ages.

So, here's a look at my base layers:

I have three similar ones of these, bought from Aldi - yes, Aldi - for £4 about 6 years ago. Crane Sports. They are shiny, synthetic, items but they are wicking and  actually extremely good. Not exactly a fashion item, but they do dry very quickly and do a great job of keeping away the damp and cold.

 The neckline is just a basic crew style

This is the next version up! Also from Aldi/Crane Sports, but this one was designed for cycling and has a zip neck which is warmer, but can also provide better ventilation. It was more expensvie - about £6(!) but I'd go for this if there a choice, because of that extra ability to control temperature.

This is a long sleeve Craghoppers top which was £30 ten years ago. It's made from Solardry material, and does dry instantly, but these days only seems to be used for summer gear trousers or shorts. I've used it loads and would be sorry to lose it. I'll investigate modern replacements soon. But the amount of wear which I've got from this over ten years makes it a real bargain.

Finally a mention for this shirt. Aldi again. The naffest of polyesters, and it makes you look like something out of the Youth Hostelling Handbook from 1955, but IT DOES THE BUSINESS! Warm and dry - that's the way to go.

There are even useful zipped pockets.

Obviously from the great age of these items, they are probably (definitely) no longer available, but I hope you can see that the right gear doesn't have to cost you a fortune. Walking is so enjoyable to do that it doesn't absolutely matter that you don't look like a fashionplate!

However, I have something from the other end of the price spectrum to show you tomorrow!!!!

(And I'll keep an eye out for the next lot of Aldi walking equipment (usually around February/March time)