Your Walk-In Wardrobe

Put Comfort First

The most important role that a walking outfit plays is to get you out the door. It should be quick to throw on, easy to wash and so comfy that you spend your whole working day looking forward to your evening walk. But unlike your old jeans, ugg boots or husband, you can’t pummel walking gear into your comfort zone through overuse. Make comfort your first step, and you’re setting yourself up for success.

Autumn Layers

Lightweight layers are the secret to an unpredictable Aussie autumn. You want to build a system that both traps body heat when the thermostat drops and allows you to release warmth and moisture as you pick up the pace. Having two or three layers on hand means that, whatever the forecast, you’re ready for anything. 1. Base Layer The clothes that lie directly against your skin are the most important. The primary role of a base layer is to transfer, or ‘wick’, moisture (your hard-earned sweat) away from the skin. If you tend to ‘glisten’ heavily, look for lightweight synthetic fabrics for your base layer; cotton tends to absorb moisture and can cool rapidly, so avoid cotton, especially if your walk is long or in a cold climate. 2. Mid Layer There’s nothing more satisfying than working up a little body heat against a chilly morning’s nip. A good mid-layer will trap enough of that warmth to keep you in a comfortable cocoon. But make sure it breathes as well as insulates, or you’ll end up trapping the moisture that the base layer is wicking away from your skin—you want it to evaporate. A light wool knit is a great mid-layer choice, as are lightweight polyester fleeces. 3. Outer Layer An outer layer should protect you against either wind or rain, but preferably both, again without locking in the moisture and heat you generate as you walk. There are lots of great looking, high-tech, lightweight jackets that are designed to build on the breathability of your inner clothing layers, minimise your sweating and remain waterproof; look for them at outdoor and bushwalking stores. They can be expensive, but if you have long-term walking goals, they’ll keep you warm and dry for years. Gore-Tex is generally regarded as the benchmark fabric for outer layers, but many other weather-defensive brands of high-tech gear also justify the investment.

More

• Choose the right walking shoes Choose the right walking bra