By Huw Lewis MBE, CEO, Black Mountain Clothing 

As Ranulph Fiennes famously said: "There is no such thing as bad weather, only inappropriate clothing."

The call of the hills

As busy businesspeople, we all need a break. Walking is great for mental and physical health and getting away from it all. It's a chance to unwind with family and friends and connect with nature.

There's something elemental about walking. Whether you're striding across wind-swept moors, rambling through forest trails or tackling a steep summit with nothing but your breath and the skyline for company, walking connects us to something simple, grounding and deeply human.

But anyone who's faced a British downpour halfway up Pen y Fan or Cleeve Hill knows one thing: nature doesn't always make it easy. In the UK, weather can shift from sunshine to sleet in an instant. That's why being properly prepared is about more than comfort. It's about confidence, safety and making sure your adventures are memorable for the right reasons.

At Black Mountain Clothing, our mission is to equip you for that journey, to elevate your experience, not just your brand. So, whether you're an occasional hillwalker or a seasoned adventurer, here's everything you need to know to walk well, stay safe and enjoy every step of the way.

The science of staying dry

Rain is inevitable, but being soaked to the skin isn't. Understanding what makes a jacket truly waterproof can transform your time outdoors.

At the heart of weather protection lies the Hydrostatic Head (HH) rating. It measures how tall a column of water a fabric can resist before leaking. For light showers, 1,500-5,000mm will do. But if you're serious about the hills, you'll want to aim higher - 10,000mm and above for reliable all-day protection, or 20,000mm if you're heading into mountain territory.

Equally vital is breathability. Trapped moisture inside your jacket can leave you just as drenched as the rain outside. Look for a high Moisture Vapour Transmission Rate (MVTR) - 10,000-20,000g/m² is ideal for active use. And for high-output days, pit zips provide welcome ventilation.

Then there's the all-important difference between waterproof and water-resistant. A simple water-resistant layer might shrug off drizzle, but for hillwalking in the UK, only fully waterproof jackets with sealed seams and a DWR coating will stand up to sustained rain.

Black Mountain Tip: Always check both HH and breathability ratings before you buy. Comfort is as much about what gets out as what stays out!

Design details that make the difference

The small details are what separate a good jacket from a great one:

• Hoods: Look for adjustability, a stiffened peak and helmet compatibility if you're climbing.

• Zips and seams: YKK AquaGuard zips, taped seams and storm flaps are signs of quality.

• Pockets: Chest or hand pockets that you can reach while wearing a rucksack harness are invaluable.

• Adjustability: Hem drawcords and cuff tabs help lock in warmth and keep out wind.

These features might seem minor, but together they create a system that moves with you, not against you - allowing you to focus on the view, not your gear.

Mastering the layering system

Good clothing isn't just about what's on the outside, it's about building a system that adapts as conditions change.

1. Base layer - The unsung hero of comfort. It wicks moisture away from your skin to prevent that clammy, chilled feeling. Choose merino wool for natural warmth and odour control, or synthetics for quick drying and durability.

2. Mid layer - Adds insulation without sacrificing breathability. Fleece, down or synthetic jackets each have their place: fleece for versatility, down for warmth-to-weight and synthetic fill for wet conditions.

3. Outer layer - Your shield from the elements. Waterproof, windproof and breathable - it's your first line of defence when the weather turns wild.

Think of layering as a flexible toolkit, not a fixed formula. On a mild spring climb, you might only need two layers. In winter, every piece earns its place.

From the ground up: The right legwear and footwear

Ask any walker: comfort starts at your feet.

Walking trousers made from quick-drying, stretchy and breathable fabrics will move with you while resisting rain and abrasion. Avoid heavy denim - it stays wet and cold!

Instead, look for reinforced panels, zip-off legs and moisture-wicking fibres designed for all-day wear.

When it comes to footwear, the right choice can make or break your day. Here's how to decide:

• Walking boots - Sturdy and supportive for rocky or steep terrain.

• Approach shoes - Lighter, flexible, ideal for gentler trails.

• Trail Shoes - designed for speed and agility, with great grip.

• Sandals - Perfect for summer riverside walks, although best kept for dry days!

Good walking shoes provide comfort, protection and performance. They should support your arches, cushion every step, and shield you from rocks, roots and uneven ground.

Black Mountain Tip: Fit is everything. Try on boots at the end of the day when your feet are slightly swollen - it's how they'll feel on the trail.

The ultimate hillwalking kit list

Preparedness is the mark of a confident walker. Whether you're out for an hour or an entire day, pack smart:

Clothing essentials

• Waterproof jacket and trousers

• Base and insulating layers

• Hat and gloves (even in summer, weather can change fast)

• Extra socks - because wet feet ruin hikes

Footwear

• Boots or sturdy shoes, chosen for terrain and comfort

Navigation gear

• Map and compass (and know how to use them!)

• GPS or smartphone for back-up

• Power bank for recharging

Safety and emergency

• First aid kit (include plasters, painkillers and personal medication)

• Whistle and head torch

• Spare warm layer

• Lightweight emergency shelter

Food and hydration

• High-energy snacks - nuts, bars, dried fruit

• Packed lunch

• At least 1 litre of water or more in warm weather

Additional essentials

• Rucksack (25-35l) with rain cover

• Trekking poles for balance

• Sunscreen and sunglasses (yes, even in the UK!)

• Rubbish bag - because leaving no trace matters

Seasonal extras

• Winter: crampons, thermal layers, ice axe

• Summer: insect repellent for midge season

Preparation isn't about paranoia - it's about peace of mind. The better you plan, the more freedom you'll find on the trail.

Why walking matters more than ever

Walking is one of the most accessible, rewarding ways to improve wellbeing. It demands little, yet gives so much. Physically, it strengthens heart, lungs and legs. Mentally, it offers clarity, calm and creativity. And socially, it brings people together - families, friends, communities - quite literally on common ground.

But beyond all that, walking reconnects us with the world. In an age of screens and speed, it slows us down, invites reflection and reminds us that nature doesn't rush - and neither should we.

As Winnie the Pooh so wisely put it: "When you see someone putting on his big boots, you can be pretty sure that an adventure is going to happen."

So go on - lace up your boots. Adventure is waiting!

Final thoughts: Gear you can trust

Being well-prepared for the unpredictable British outdoors can make the difference between a memorable day and a miserable one. At Black Mountain Clothing, our goal is simple: to equip you with reliable, high-performance gear that helps you enjoy the great outdoors safely, comfortably and confidently.

From performance jackets to expertly engineered layers, every item we make is designed to withstand the elements, so you don't have to.

Because when it comes to facing the wild, confidence starts with the clothes you wear.

For more information, go to www.black-mountain.co.uk, email info@black-mountain.co.uk or call 01989 566364.