IT IS the first Sunday of Advent and a walk round the shops is beginning to take precedent over the countryside. Whether you are buying for a devotee of Scotland's outdoors or dropping hints as to what you hope Father Christmas will bring you, it is important to think carefully before handing over your cash.
Some walking gear is expensive and intended to last for more than a year, so careful consideration is vital. My usual inclination in shops is to get in and out as quickly as possible, but if you are buying walking boots, for example, it is a good ide
a to visit several outlets, as you can't go back and change them very easily when you're 3,000ft up on a windswept ridge.
BOOTS
These are the most important purchase for any walker. Without boots, or with an ill-fitting pair, you won't get very far in open country and you could put yourself at risk.
To advise on one make is not appropriate, as different brands suit different shapes of feet, and some manufacturers even change designs, so you may find one type is ideal for a while and then two years later they suddenly become narrower or wider.
Go to a specialist outdoor shop to buy boots, where you will get expert advice on what type is right for you. I have found the staff at all the major outlets to be extremely helpful. They will tell you which boot is right both for your feet and for the type of walking you intend to do. For example, some boots have steel in the sole to give grip on rough, mountainous terrain - this makes them heavier and not really suitable if you usually walk along canal towpaths or beaches.
Finally, once you have made a choice, wear the boots around the house for a few days before heading outside. This will make the leather more supple and reduce the risk of blisters when you're supposed to be enjoying the great outdoors.
WATERPROOFS
The job of the waterproof is to keep out wind as well as rain. For years, my full-length Peter Storm cagoule was the best thing I owned, but two years ago it was totally worn out.
Berghaus came to the rescue with a warm, breathable (in other words, you don't sweat so much), waterproof coat. Try its Cornice jacket for men or the Glissade for women - both reasonably priced at around £150.
In Scotland, thanks to a nip in the air all year round, you can normally wear a jacket outdoors all day. I would advise a very lightweight jacket for this weather, which can be stuffed into a rucksack - try ski centres such as Glenshee in March, when such items are often sold off quite cheaply.
CLOTHES
Layering is, I am told, fashionable at the moment and for outdoor wear it is also a brilliant idea, as it allows you to adapt easily to the temperature.
Base-layers, soft-shells or fleeces - whatever the terminology, it is comfort that counts. If the weather is icy cold, start with a pair of leggings. Helly Hansen is selling good-value pairs made from its fancy Lifa Sport material. On top of these, a good pair of trousers is essential - I like lots of pockets to carry a notebook, map, wallet and so on. Try Craghoppers for good value.
For the next layer, you will need some overtrousers. There are many versions, ranging from ones that are virtually trousers in their own right to a basic outer layer. Go for comfort and ease of putting on - they might look nice but if you are in a howling gale and driving rain, you don't want to struggle for fashion's sake.
On the top half, start with a good base-layer - again, Helly Hansen is offering great value at the moment. On top of this, a T-shirt, shirt and thin jumper are a good idea, followed by a fleece.
Finally, a warm hat is a must, and a close-fitting woollen one is perfect. All outdoor-clothing manufacturers make them, so just go for the style you like best.
RUCKSACKS
This is another purchase that will stay with you for a long time. Don't get one too big (unless backpacking) or too small (unless going only a short trip). The Karrimor Hotrock is well priced.
MAPS
You can borrow these from the library, but it's nice to have one to look back, or ahead, with while sitting at home. Try Amazon for both Landranger and Explorer maps.
GADGETS
A torch is a great idea in case you spend too much time lingering over the view from the summit. Maglite has been leading the way, but there are now a range of wind-up torches on the market, meaning you'll never run out of batteries.
Compasses are not just for Boy Scouts - they can save your life and they make great stocking-fillers. Silva has long been the brand of choice. Another stocking-filler is a first-aid kit - you can get small ones from pharmacies as well as outdoor shops.
And so to GPS. There are so many such devices on the market, it's hard to know where to start. Garmin is the favourite but which one depends on how much you want to pay - the most up-to-date can cost £500.
THE PERFECT GIFT
It doesn't matter how much you spend on gear, as it's the going out and doing a walk that is the main objective. So find out where your loved one would like to go, book a hotel, B&B or campsite in the area and take them there. Then there will be no talking about it, no doing something "more important" and no miserable faces - just get out and enjoy it.
The full article contains 974 words and appears in Scotland On Sunday newspaper.
