You've done a few walks in the outdoors or seen photos on social media and would like to give hillwalking ago. Most people will have the basics or can borrow off a family member or friend. But then you'll want your own or your lender will start getting a little grumpy continously borrowing their gear.
Boots
A good inexpensive pair of boots is where I started. Karrimors bought in Sports Direct on Union Street Aberdeen for £45 described as waterproof hiking boots, great boots for what I needed but certainly not waterproof. Even still I purchased another pair the following year because of the cost.
There are so many choices of boots on the market plus options. Very expensive and budget. The budget been around the £65 mark now. A lot of outdoor gear is marketed that it has to be lightweight but this also comes with heftier price. Choose what suits your pocket you might not like hillwalking after a while especially if you have a couple of bad days on the hills this can put people off it for good.
Personally I prefer leather over material boots. If you are worried about weight which I'm not these boots weigh more, but not that much. Fair enough if your in an ultra race but out hillwalking with friends your not going to really notice the difference. My reason is they have lasted longer then the material boots I had, I find them more robust and easier to clean. Just wipe them down and put some protection on the leather. With the material boots it's said grit and dirt gets in between the layers and the friction caused eventually destroys the waterproof membrane. A good sole is a must I go for Vibram most of the time. It lasts a long time and has a good grip or traction on most terrain plus a lot of the top manufacturers use it, but it does come at an extra cost. You might feel the Vibram sole a bit stiff but you can wear the boots around the house before hitting the hills too get used to them. I say around the house and not outside because if you feel them too uncomfortable after a few days you can return them. The height I go for is just above the ankle if they are too high I find them uncomfortable another good reason to wear them in the house before going onto the hills. Once I knew hillwalking was for me I then started to buy more expensive gear, the boots I go for outside of winter are Scarpa Terras.
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