Kit Up For National Walking Month This May
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Since spring is here and National Walking Month is around the corner, there’s no better time to head outside and explore your local area on foot.
Whether you’re wanting to explore bluebell-filled woodlands or challenge yourself with incredible hill walks, the best walking adventures start with the right outdoor kit.
To help you make the most of your time outside, we're sharing our Cotswold Outdoor quick kit checklist so you can get out and explore with confidence knowing you’re well-protected from the elements.
Is Your Footwear Up To Scratch?
First things first, a comfy pair of boots is essential for walking most trails or footpaths. In some cases, wearing older, worn-out footwear may prevent you from finishing your walk if they can’t effectively protect your feet.
The tell-tale signs that it’s time to replace your boots:
- Worn down soles and lugs
- Frayed laces
- Cracked midsoles
- Broken eyelets or lace hoops
- Leaking
If these signs sound familiar, it could be time to invest in a new pair of boots for a fresh season of walking.
Time For A New Pair Of Boots?
Set off on an unforgettable day out in the perfect walking boots or shoes, chosen just for you by our in-store Cotswold Outdoor experts. Book your boot fitting with us in-store to ensure you're fully prepared for wherever you're headed next.
Our in-store experts will find you the right boots by measuring your foot shape, arch type and walking style. They’ll also consider what you enjoy doing most outdoors and find you the best socks to match your boots. You’ll leave feeling prepared for many more adventures to come.
New Season Walking Essentials
Although May is typically warmer, spring showers can still appear out of nowhere. Likewise, when you’re walking in the hills or mountains, you may experience wind chill. If you plan on walking longer distances or in more difficult conditions, you might need to consider packing a few extra pieces of kit.
The secret to not being too hot or too cold is effective layering. Begin with breathable base layers, and then layer up with fleeces, jackets, and waterproofs to create a versatile and adaptable walking kit.
Additionally, it's helpful to keep essentials such as sunglasses, a sun hat, and a warm beanie on hand for sunny days or chilly evenings. By following these layering tips, you can stay comfortable and prepared for any weather conditions during your spring walks.
Plus, be sure to ask about Our Planet range. It features thoughtfully chosen products and brands that prioritise our environment.
Extend The Life Of Your Favourite Kit
Does your go-to waterproof coat have a tear or a broken zipper? Extend the life of your kit with our easy-to-use Repair & Care services. Simply fill out a form and post your kit to our repair team who are ready to help with everything from professional kit washing to technical clothing repairs.
Recycle Well-Loved Kit
If your outdoor kit is beyond repair or you simply don’t use it anymore, give it a second life with our Recycle My Gear scheme. Designed to help cut down on old kit being sent to landfill, so we can all do our bit to help protect our planet.
We’ve partnered with the world’s largest clothing re-wear and recycling company, SOEX, to help us collect, sort, reuse, recycle, and redistribute your used kit.
You can drop off any of the following kit in any of our stores:
- Clothes
- Home textiles
- Paired shoes
- Handbags
- Belts
- Garments that are ripped, have holes and permanent stains
Get the most from your walks in May and beyond with the right kit that will be with you for many adventures to come. For more expert kit advice or help finding the right fit for you, stop by your nearest Cotswold Outdoor store
- we’ll be happy to help!
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