I like the idea of a warm merino wool on very cold days as a base layer plus a light weight hooded fleece as a mid-layer. I have tried it and it works well.
Hi Alex, that was a brilliant informative video, clearly explained and well presented. Made me smile to see your Dad appear in the garden briefly at one point! I hope you have a great Christmas time and look forward to the next video. Needless to say, I have already booked some further Peak District holidays for 2024 😁 and I hope to stay with my friends in Penrith too. Plans are afoot for some adventures abroad as well.. I cannot wait!
I've got the Sealskinz waterproof socks, and while they do what they say (keep your feet dry), find them too thick for most of my mountaineering & hiking boots. I prefer a thin liner paired with Darn Tough merino socks for most outings as they fit snuggly into Scarpa or La Sportiva boots.
I completely agree, they can definitely be too thick for some footwear. I avoid them with some of my shoes, but they seem to work well in my La Sportivas as they’re a bit too big for me! I would love it if they brought out a thinner version.
Great video, last year my hubby and I invested in a couple of the down jackets from Decathlon and some gortex trousers. I think the only slightly confusing thing in this video was your description of a softshell, to me thats my waterproof windproof north ridge jacket that is my last layer over either my Rab Power Stretch Pro hoodie or my down jacket or both if I'm feeling the cold.
I think softshells vary a lot in their ability to act as as final outer layer. I have 5 different jackets, of various types, which I use depending on the likely weather. My softshell seems to take on a bit of water on the surface but it doesn’t seem to penetrate to the inside and still keeps me warm. I treat it with Nikwax every now and then.
Another brilliant video Alex, thanks. Can you let us know exactly what that Helly Hansen base layer is please. Hope you have a great Christmas, looking forward to more quality content in the New Year.
Hello Alex, I've been watching your videos for a while I'm wanting to get into hiking. Do you have any routes/hikes in the Peak District you recommend for beginners?
Hi, the nice thing about the Peak District is it’s very beginner hiker friendly. Lots of very well sign posted routes, with well trodden paths. Mam Tor/ The Great Ridge is always a good one if you want a taster, Curbar Edge, Stanage Edge are good options as well. Just make sure it’s good weather up there as it can get bad especially if it’s windy. Lots of nice lower level walks in the White Peak as well.
There are lots of guide books out there with walks to get you going, also learn to read a map and take it with you. Mam Tor and the Great Ridge is also one of my favourites like Alex. Make sure that you have good footwear and a waterproof jacket as a minimum - and no jeans if there is any chance of rain (they get wet easily and cling to your legs and make you cold). A pair of even cheap synthetic walking trousers are far better than jeans! As Alex said, avoid cotton!
Unless I'm doing seriously sketchy mountains or winter mountaineering, I mainly use La Sportiva trail runners for the large majority of my outdoors adventures. Usually ultra running specific shoes with the added cushion/comfort for longer distance hikes. Have done a lot of fell running over the years and I just feel a lot more comfortable wearing them for hiking as well now. However, walking boots are definitely much more appropriate for a lot of the terrain in the Peak District, Lake District, Snowdonia etc. they offer better support, stability, durability and are overall safer. I guess it's more personal preference. I sell walking boots for a living and I'm a huge fan of them, just not for me most of the time 😂
@@alexcripps.outdoors thanks for your reply Alex. Mostly snowdonia hikes for me it’s only 1.5 hour drive away for me. I’ve heard mixed things about waterproof boots what’s your opinion on them because some people have said they are pointless as they take too long to dry out?
Great video Alex. I’m due a new 4 season jack which will look to buy in the next few months. If price was no issue, which jacket would you pick and why? Stick to mountain Equipment? Or Arcteryx?
I like the idea of a warm merino wool on very cold days as a base layer plus a light weight hooded fleece as a mid-layer. I have tried it and it works well.
Layers are the best way to go totally agree … footwear is one of the most important can you do a vlog on that …. Keep them coming
I like to use a softshell jacket, the Rab Borealis, as a hard-wearing outer layer to take the wear and tear from running packs, brambles etc.
Hi Alex, that was a brilliant informative video, clearly explained and well presented. Made me smile to see your Dad appear in the garden briefly at one point! I hope you have a great Christmas time and look forward to the next video. Needless to say, I have already booked some further Peak District holidays for 2024 😁 and I hope to stay with my friends in Penrith too. Plans are afoot for some adventures abroad as well.. I cannot wait!
Fantastic presentation, you are well prepared for any weather and challenge it seems! 👏👏
Thank you very much! 😊👍
Great info Alex. At least I know I'm getting there.
Thank you Chris! 👍😊
Another fantastic video! Have a brilliant Christmas!
Thank you! 👍👍
Also loved seeing your dad in the background 😂
I've got the Sealskinz waterproof socks, and while they do what they say (keep your feet dry), find them too thick for most of my mountaineering & hiking boots. I prefer a thin liner paired with Darn Tough merino socks for most outings as they fit snuggly into Scarpa or La Sportiva boots.
I completely agree, they can definitely be too thick for some footwear. I avoid them with some of my shoes, but they seem to work well in my La Sportivas as they’re a bit too big for me! I would love it if they brought out a thinner version.
Great video, last year my hubby and I invested in a couple of the down jackets from Decathlon and some gortex trousers. I think the only slightly confusing thing in this video was your description of a softshell, to me thats my waterproof windproof north ridge jacket that is my last layer over either my Rab Power Stretch Pro hoodie or my down jacket or both if I'm feeling the cold.
I think softshells vary a lot in their ability to act as as final outer layer. I have 5 different jackets, of various types, which I use depending on the likely weather. My softshell seems to take on a bit of water on the surface but it doesn’t seem to penetrate to the inside and still keeps me warm. I treat it with Nikwax every now and then.
Great video you must have huge wardrobe for that lot lol , can we just say that cactus is fantastic , stay safe, have a happy Christmas 🎅🏼 🎄
Thank you!! The cactus has been going strong for many years 😂 have a great Christmas! 😊
Cheers Alex brilliant video and very helpful thanks for sharing 👍
Thank you very much! 😊
Loved this super knowledgeable and helpful!
Another brilliant video Alex, thanks. Can you let us know exactly what that Helly Hansen base layer is please. Hope you have a great Christmas, looking forward to more quality content in the New Year.
Thank you very much! The HH base layer is in their Lifa Active Base Layer range 👍
Great video Alex. Layers, layers, layers! The way to go. Wishing you a Happy Christmas and a fit and healthy New Year. 👍😀
Some good tips Alex, looking forward to many outings this year. Loving the videos
Great vid Alex, very interesting and informative, don't tell your dad he was in it, he'll be wanting royalties!
Cheers Hugh!! He’s already called me out on that 😂
super useful video, thank you!
Love that tee Alex, where can I get one in XXL?
Please, can you provide details of you Gore-tex fingerless gloves with mitt/cover? Brand? Source? Thanks!
Excellent video! Great information. Thanks for your efforts!
Thank you! 😊
Cracking video mate 👍 what tent do you use for wild camping? On the hunt for a 3 man tent with a £200 budget. Is there anything you'd recommend?
Great interesting video.
Thank you very much 😊
What are those morton’s that goes finger less ? Very good video
Do u know what the best beanie is
Any thoughts abour Buffalo gear?
Hello Alex, I've been watching your videos for a while I'm wanting to get into hiking. Do you have any routes/hikes in the Peak District you recommend for beginners?
Hi, the nice thing about the Peak District is it’s very beginner hiker friendly. Lots of very well sign posted routes, with well trodden paths. Mam Tor/ The Great Ridge is always a good one if you want a taster, Curbar Edge, Stanage Edge are good options as well. Just make sure it’s good weather up there as it can get bad especially if it’s windy. Lots of nice lower level walks in the White Peak as well.
There are lots of guide books out there with walks to get you going, also learn to read a map and take it with you. Mam Tor and the Great Ridge is also one of my favourites like Alex. Make sure that you have good footwear and a waterproof jacket as a minimum - and no jeans if there is any chance of rain (they get wet easily and cling to your legs and make you cold). A pair of even cheap synthetic walking trousers are far better than jeans! As Alex said, avoid cotton!
What outdoor shop do you work in?
Footwear? Do you prefer boots or trail runners?
Unless I'm doing seriously sketchy mountains or winter mountaineering, I mainly use La Sportiva trail runners for the large majority of my outdoors adventures. Usually ultra running specific shoes with the added cushion/comfort for longer distance hikes. Have done a lot of fell running over the years and I just feel a lot more comfortable wearing them for hiking as well now. However, walking boots are definitely much more appropriate for a lot of the terrain in the Peak District, Lake District, Snowdonia etc. they offer better support, stability, durability and are overall safer. I guess it's more personal preference. I sell walking boots for a living and I'm a huge fan of them, just not for me most of the time 😂
@@alexcripps.outdoors thanks for your reply Alex. Mostly snowdonia hikes for me it’s only 1.5 hour drive away for me. I’ve heard mixed things about waterproof boots what’s your opinion on them because some people have said they are pointless as they take too long to dry out?
I mate do you work at Cotswold outdoors in bakewell
you seem to forgot about underpants for men's and women that are at wicking sweat away, especially for men.
Great video Alex. I’m due a new 4 season jack which will look to buy in the next few months. If price was no issue, which jacket would you pick and why? Stick to mountain Equipment? Or Arcteryx?
Good review Alex but loose the cap in doors it’s not cool