Clothes when you start taking long walks

Short answer: Long walks are about chafing and about temperatures that change along the way. Socks matter more than anything else, and several thin layers beat one thick layer, because you can take them off and put them back on as you go.

The sock decides the walk

Blisters come from friction and moisture, and a sock that moves moisture away and sits smoothly helps with both. It must not fold under the foot or slip into the shoe. Choose by fit rather than thickness, and try it on short walks first. To see what other men choose, look at the most popular for men.

You warm up after fifteen minutes

In the first minutes you feel cold, and after that you stay warm for the rest of the walk. Many dress for the start and end up sweating. Dress slightly too light and bring a layer for breaks. Soft bamboo joggers for men are nice to change into when you are home and want to relax.

Breaks cool you down fast

Stand still for ten minutes with sweat in your clothes and you soon get cold. That is why a dry layer in your bag is useful to change into during a longer break. A light bamboo tank top for men takes up almost no room and works under a jumper or on its own on warm days.

Layers beat one thick layer

One thick layer is either too warm or too cold, while several thin layers let you adjust all the way. Start with a thin layer next to the skin, add a warmer layer and finish with a shell against wind and rain. You can remove a layer going uphill and put it back on at the top.

Check seams and edges

On a long walk even a small seam chafes if it sits in the wrong place. Check shoulders, hips and underarms, where the bag and your arms move most. Clothes with flat seams and soft edges are easier to wear all day. Always try new clothes on a short walk before taking them on a long one.

Shoes and socks must work together

A good sock does not help if the shoe is too tight or too loose. Try shoes with the socks you will walk in, ideally late in the day when your feet are a little bigger. Your toes need room, but your heel must not lift. Break shoes in at home and on short walks first.

Build up the distance slowly

Your body needs to get used to long walks, and so do your feet. Start with walks of one to two hours and add a little each week. That way you find out early where clothes and shoes rub, while the walk is still short. It is better to fix a problem after one hour than after five.

Pack light but smart

A small bag with a spare pair of socks, a dry layer, water and a snack covers most needs. Pack clothes in a bag so they stay dry if it rains. Heavy items belong close to your back. The lighter the bag, the less the straps rub, and the longer you can walk without sore shoulders.

Frequently asked questions

How many pairs of socks do you need

One pair for each walking day plus a spare in your bag. That way you always have a dry pair if it rains or your feet get sweaty.

What prevents blisters best

The right size of both sock and shoe, and keeping the foot dry. If you feel a sore spot, stop and deal with it straight away.

Should you change along the way

On walks over three hours a dry pair of socks makes a big difference. Change during a break when you are sitting down anyway.