Invest in a pair of waterproof socks that live up to their name. Brands like DexShell, SealSkinz and Bridgedale are some of our favourites when it comes to providing 100% waterproof, windproof and breathable socks.
Read more: The 5 Best Waterproof Socks For 2021 →
You want to look for anything that’s made from Merino wool (known for being moisture-resistant) or has a GORE-TEX or Porelle® membrane (a built-in layer that stops water from coming in, but lets sweat and excess moisture out).
Merino wool alone won’t save you completely as it’s not waterproof. But it’s water-resistant and fast-drying, so it’ll slow the process down and help keep you warm - meaning you can go longer without feeling the moisture start to soak in.
Top tip: choose thinner Merino wool socks, as they absorb less water than thicker socks.
However, socks with a GORE-TEX or Porelle® membrane (like these from Aquaproofs) are designed to be 100% waterproof yet breathable, giving you complete protection whether you’re wading through rivers or walking through wet grass.
And it’s always a good idea to carry a spare pair of wool or waterproof socks to change into. Or even wear lightweight sock liners under your normal socks to prevent blisters and help wick moisture away. Plus if it’s not raining, you can hang your wet pair off your rucksack to let them dry out naturally.
So try wearing non-waterproof shoes that drain and dry out quickly. They’ll help reduce the amount of puddling in your shoes that bathes your feet in moisture (which can lead to things like blisters, athlete’s foot or trench foot). Instead of being bogged down by heavy boots that hold all the water for longer, you’re free to continue your hike with lighter, more comfortable shoes.
Nowadays most hiking shoes have a super breathable mesh fabric which is great for draining water, as well as ventilation. Your sweat has actually got somewhere to escape to, rather than just sitting in your boots.
A lightweight pair of insoles can be a helpful barrier between your wet footwear and your dry socks. We recommend wearing a pair while you’re walking, and having another pair ready for when you’re done for the day.
If you’ve got a midday rest stop that’s longer than 20 minutes (and it’s not raining), take off your socks and shoes to let your feet air dry. Wring out any excess moisture from your socks and reapply a good amount of foot balm again to help combat any discomfort.
Then after your walk, stuff paper towels or newspaper in your shoes to soak up as much moisture as possible. Then before you leave for the evening, put on a dry pair of Merino wool socks and insert a fresh pair of insoles in your shoes. Within a few hours, your shoes should be mostly dry.
This only works if you’ve got a spare pair of socks (which, let’s face it, you should). First you need to remove your wet socks and shoes, air dry your feet, and pop on a dry pair of socks. Next, take a plastic bag and wrap it around your foot, then slide it into your boot.
Job done. The plastic bag separates your foot from the wet boot until you can dry it out.
It’s not breathable - or particularly ideal - but when you’ve got nothing else, it’ll help keep your feet dry in wet shoes. And plastic bags are small and lightweight enough to easily carry around with you.
Department for Transport (2020) Gear Change
Department for Transport (2018) National Travel Survey
Department for Transport (2019) Walking and Cycling Statistics
Fields in Trust (2018) Revaluing Parks and Green Spaces, Measuring their economic and wellbeing value to individuals
Fields in Trust (2020) Green Space Index
Forestry Commission (2019) Public Opinion of Forestry 2019, UK and England
Natural England (2018) Monitor of Engagement with the Natural Environment 2018, The National Survey on people and the natural environment
Physical Activity for Health Research Centre (PAHRC) (2019) Barriers and Facilitators to Recreational Walking: An Evidence Review
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Buy now from Amazon (£24.99)
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Buy now from Aquaproofs (£35.00)
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Buy if: you’re a winter rider who wants an affordable overshoe that’s super robust, hard-wearing and easy to get on
Great for regular winter riding, DexShell’s Heavy Weight Overshoes provide (as the name suggests) heavy duty protection. Tougher than DexShell’s lightweight version, these cycling overshoes offer pretty much everything you could want from an overshoe: they’re durable, water-resistant, warm and, best of all, easy to get on. Literally built for when you’re caught in a downpour or roughing it on a muddy trail.
Made from a robust yet comfortable neoprene fabric with a thermal rating of 3 out of 5, DexShell’s Heavy Weight Overshoes not only hold in the heat, but they’re truly abrasion-resistant. The usual scuffs and marks you’d get on most overshoes don’t appear on these due to their stiffer, reinforced fabric panels along the entire toe area and middle sole. Featuring a water-resistant, reflective zip at the back, pulling them on and off is a breeze. As well as giving you that extra bit of visibility, the elastic cuff band with silicone gripper is a nice addition to ensure a snug, slip-free fit.
It’s hard to find fault with these overshoes, but one thing worth noting is the sizes tend to come up small, so either make sure you measure before buying or perhaps order 2 different sizes. But we can forgive DexShell for that.
Buy now from Wiggle (£62.95), Bikester (£60.99)
Buy now from Wiggle (£47.49), Chain Reaction (£47.49), Merlin Cycles (£49.99)
Buy now from Wiggle (£65.00), Sigma Sports (£65.00)
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Buy now from Tredz (£19.99)
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Buy now from Aquaproofs (£35.00)
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Buy if: you want something warm and waterproof that’s not restrictive for everyday use
Designed to protect your hands from the wind, rain and everything else Mother Nature throws at you, DexShell Thermfit Waterproof Gloves are our best everyday gloves. Their snug, non-bulky fit is thick enough to keep you warm and dry, yet slim enough to not feel restrictive - making them ideal for a wide range of activities.
Their strong yet flexible Porelle® membrane layer and insulating Thermolite® technology make them 100% waterproof and highly breathable, keeping you warm and sweat-free all day. And for even more control, they feature grip dotting on the palm to give you the dexterity you need for cycling, MTB or simply getting something from your coat pocket. And the price isn’t bad either.
Buy now from Sealskinz (£40.00)
Buy now from Rab (£45.00)
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Buy if: you want high level, durable protection and don’t mind the bulkiness
These hardy waterproof gloves are ideal for high-energy hikes, strenuous scrambles and heavy downpours, ensuring you stay protected no matter how challenging it gets. Thanks to their waterproof Porelle membrane, they’ll keep you bone-dry and super warm in rain, wind, ice and snow, making sure to wick any sweat away when things get intense.
With their extreme mountain protection, advanced breathability and easy-carry weight of 152g, Rab’s Storm Gloves are your go-to for all-weather, every-season use. The negatives? They may be too bulky for some and they’re not the cheapest, but they certainly perform well.
Buy now from Sealskinz (£50.00)
Buy now from Gaynor Spots (£14.99)
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Buy if: you want a no frills, affordable pair of waterproof gloves for milder weather
While Regatta’s Transition II Waterproof Gloves aren’t the cream of the crop, they give you everything you need for an affordable price: waterproofness, insulation and the added extra of touchtip technology for easy smartphone use. Great for those with a limited budget, these gloves will see off rainfall, keep you warm (to a degree) and protect you in cold, windy weather. Featuring a textured PVC layer across the palm and fingers, they’ve got a good level of grip and control, while the adjustable cuff ensures a secure fit.
But for regular users or anyone heading to the Scottish Highlands in winter, you’ll probably benefit from upgrading to a better-performing set of gloves. They also only come in two sizes which might be limiting for some. But overall they provide great protection against the elements for a price that won’t break the bank.
Buy now from Aquaproofs (£25.00)
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Buy if: you want something super warm with a classic winter design
Built for winter and knitted in a timeless fair isle design, DexShell’s Waterproof Beanie is as cosy as it looks. Whether you’re taking the town or the trail, this waterproof hat will keep you warm however cold it gets. Meaning no more aching ears. Its waterproof yet breathable Porelle® membrane layer keeps rain out, while its soft microfleece lining will protect your head and ears from even the harshest winds.
We’ve got nothing negative to say about this beanie. It does exactly what it says on the tin and stands by its waterproof claims, even in downpours. And the wintery fair isle design is just an added extra, proving that outdoor accessories can look as good as they perform.
Buy now from Sealskinz (£20.00)
Buy now from Randy Sun (£20.83)
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Buy if: you’ve got a limited budget and prefer a more relaxed, slouch style beanie
With a hand-knitted feel, the Randy Sun Slouch Waterproof Beanie is completely waterproof, windproof and breathable - everything you need to enjoy a range of outdoor activities. Designed for all climates and conditions, this beanie is versatile enough to be worn all year round and is crafted in a more relaxed, slouch design for easy-wear. Even better, it packs a lot of performance into one affordable hat.
While its waterproof barrier stops rain and water from coming in, its anti-static fleece interior ensures your hair stays put, even during more vigorous activities like running. Whether you’re hiking in the wind or cycling in the rain, you’ll stay warm and dry. Although this isn’t the warmest hat we’ve come across, so we wouldn’t recommend it for extreme cold weather. But other than that, it’s got enough going for it to make our top 5 list.
Buy now from Sealskinz (£30.00)
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Buy if: you want all-round protection against extreme cold weather
Designed for extreme cold weather, Sealskinz’ Waterproof Cold Weather Roll Cuff Beanie Hat will keep you toasty warm no matter how rough it gets. With a snug fit and comfortable microfleece lining, it stays in place and doesn’t move around, all the while keeping you dry and cosy. Rain, snow, sleet, wind - you’re protected from it all thanks to its waterproof barrier that stops any water from penetrating the fabric.
The double roll cuff brings both style and a close-fitting feel, but we still found the sizing to come up a bit big, so make sure you measure twice or possibly size down. And it’s not the cheapest hat on the market. You’re paying for a higher level of performance, so it just depends on your budget. But Sealskinz does give you the gift of choice with this beanie. Crafted in 4 different colours (black, grey, navy and red), you’re not limited to just one. Plus there’s no complicated care instructions - simply throw it in the wash and drip dry.
Buy now from North Face (£29.00), Cotswold Outdoor (£29.00)
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Buy if: you want a stylish, everyday beanie that’s beyond comfortable (and you don’t mind paying a bit more for it)
The North Face Salty Dog goes above and beyond for everyday comfort and warmth. Designed with a wide rib stitching and a soft jersey cotton liner, it’s a thick and cosy hat that stays comfortable all day without feeling constricting. And when the temperature drops below zero? You’re kept toasty warm, without a doubt. Featuring a classic yet stylish design that’ll keep you looking good winter after winter, you can expect compliments with this one.
However, while it can certainly hold up to the elements, if the inside gets wet or you sweat excessively, the jersey cotton liner doesn’t have the wicking effects of wool or synthetic materials and can stay wet much longer. So we wouldn’t wear this in extreme weather, making it better suited to more everyday wear. Stretchy enough to fit most people, some might struggle with it being only one size. But otherwise, this is our go-to beanie for both the city and the countryside.