If you are looking for some ideas on outdoor gear to gift to someone new to the countryside, we’ve got you covered. If someone is moving from the city to the countryside not all of their city gear will work in the countryside. It is likely be spending more time outdoors thus be more exposed to the elements. To make outings in nature enjoyable having the right gear is key. Soaking feet, cold hands or being way too hot can put us off our next adventure.
In this article we list the most essential gear one needs to think of when moving to the countryside. With Christmas around the corner, this could be a great gift list for a friend or loved one making the move from the city to the countryside!
Wellington Boots
I made one of my first countryside outings in brand new white converse – what a rookie! Wellington boots are a staple in the countryside that will keep your feet dry and clear from mud.
You don’t need to spend a fortune. There is a wide range of quality and prices when it comes to wellies. If, however, you can spend a bit more and invest on quality you will feel it on a daily basis.
I’ve been wearing Muck Boots for the last two years and like that they are comfy yet hardy. I wear them to garden and to go on walks with the dog. Their thick soles really keep my feet warm during the cold months.
Before my Muck Boots I was waring ones of lower quality. They only lasted two years but the worse thing was that during the winter months my feet where freezing! It made gardening during autumn and winter a non-enjoyable task.
If you don’t have the budget for mid / upper-mid range, investing in good welly socks would make the difference during winter months. Mountain Warehouse sell good chunky welly socks – great stocking fillers! That’s what I did until my last lower quality wellies gave in.
My other half has gone very upper end and wears Le Chameau. They are comfier than mine – particularly as they are much more flexible.
With wellies I do recommend trying them on rather than buying them online as what feels comfy for one person is not the same for another. We went welly shopping with my other half and I found Muck Boots the best fit whereas he found they were too tight on his feet.
What wellies do you like wearing? Is there any particular make you would recommend? We would like to hear from you.
A proper jacket
It rains and a brolly won’t do the job. Combine that with brambles. You will need something that will keep you dry and won’t snag. Here comes the wax jacket!
As with wellies there are different ranges of quality and prices. From Barbour to New Forest Clothing or all the way up the range with Schoffel.
I started with a lower range one and I am yet to upgrade it. The zip is going though after two years of wearing it, so as with everything, if you can spend a bit more on quality, you will benefit in the long run.
I like wax jackets as they are tough so you don’t need to worry as much about tearing the fabric. Also, they are low on maintenance – just need to put wax on them every now and then.
They are not as waterproof as other jackets made with more modern material like Goretex so they won’t keep you dry in a downpour.
For dog walks I wear two different rain coats. In the winter they go over my wax jacket.
My Malvern waterproof from Jack Murphy keeps me dry from head to toe. It is an old fashioned look (it somehow makes me think of Sherlock Holmes!). If the people mucking out the horses in the field next to my house wear them, I figured it would be a great garment for dog walks and it hasn’t disappointed.
My second rainproof is a Helly Hansen yellow raincoat. Technically it is not countryside gear but more like a modern take on a fisherman’s raincoat. I like that it works well both in the city and by the sea so it is a bit of an all-rounder. It is also very light and windproof.
If you are into long country walks or hiking not matter the weather then a waterproof and breathable jacket that will stand the toughest weather conditions is the thing. My boyfriend swears by the Stormbird by Finisterre. It is a bit of an investment though!
What type of jackets do you like wearing in the countryside? We would like to hear from you!
A head torch
This is a must in autumn and winter as it gets darker pretty early. In most villages and rural areas there are no street lights so simple things like taking the bins out require a head torch!
It is particularly handy when walking the dog or gardening in the late afternoon. It means my hands are free and I can focus on the task at hand.
I love my Petzl one. They are powerful, waterproof and rechargeable.
They are great as a practical present. I got mine for my birthday when we moved to the countryside and I get to use it almost everyday during the darker months.
Do you also find head torches a must in the countryside? We would love to hear from you!
Mud remover.
Everything gets muddy. Especially wellies and dogs!
An outdoor tap can help get rid of the mud and wash the dog but it isn’t portable. After we got Whisky we soon discovered Mud Daddy portable washers.
They are particularly good for washing the dog outdoors. I love the brush as it helps getting rid of the toughest bits of mud. It’s compact size also makes it great for taking it in the car.
Do you have any outdoor gear to keep the mud in check and your four-legged friends clean? Let us know!
