Participants should wear and carry the appropriate gear and individuals should be prepared at all times for unexpected weather and events.
1. Rain gear:
A waterproof jacket and over-trousers are always needed.
2. Walking shoes:
Sturdy walking shoes/sandals are fine for short walks. Consider boots for off-road walks.
3. Clothes:
Multi layers work well:
(A number of light layers are better than 1 heavy layer)
- a baselayer,
- fleece
- Walking Trousers (trousers with lots of pockets are really handy for gloves, lipbalm, tissues, sunscreen etc.) – no jeans
- Gloves
- A warm hat
- Woolly Socks are great to keep your feet warm even if they get wet (a thin pair of socks under the woolly socks work well to prevent blisters)
4. Other items:
- High visibility vest
- Water is essential on all walks
- Bring a snack if you need it/feel like it
- A small First Aid Kit.
- Walking sticks are helpful to take the weight off your knees if you have a preference for them.
- Don’t forget the sun block, sunhat and sunglasses (for sunny days)
- A rucksack to carry it all
- Water proof liner to keep the items in your rucksack dry
- A change of clothes and shoes at the end of the walk for the pub! (if the weather is bad)
- Plastic bags to store wet gear in (to keep the car you travelled in nice and dry!)
- Mobile phone and ziploc bag to keep it dry
- Insect repellent/citronella/deet for ticks
- Any personal medication
Cotton retains moisture, making the wearer cold and may lead to hypothermia, so, NO cotton please. This applies to trousers too. Bring something extra, like another fleece – remember you could get cold and a spare hat and gloves in case yours get wet
We need to emphasise the wearing of non-cotton clothing; cotton absorbs and retains moisture and isn’t suitable for strenuous sports.
Galway Walking Club 