Rhiane Fatinikun MBE, an adventurer, presenter, and the founder of Black Girls Hike, is the new ambassador for Mountain Warehouse. In July 2024, she launched her debut book, Finding Your Feet — a hiking guide for women featuring tips on mental and physical wellbeing in the outdoors. Below, we share an excerpt from her book on how to choose the right gear to begin hiking. Plus, you can shop Rhiane’s edit!
Do you know the difference between sweat-wicking, Gore-Tex and antimicrobial fabric? No? Good – it doesn’t matter! I know just how confusing and overwhelming it can be – when I first got into hiking, I had to Google half of the kit I was told I needed for a training weekend. But for beginners, a lot of this is pretty unnecessary. In addition to a comfortable small rucksack and, of course, water and snacks (treat yourself here, you will have earned it and high-quality nutrition is important), there are really only three things you need to get started.
Looking after your feet should be at the very top of your list. It’s hard to enjoy anything when you’re uncomfortable and in pain. Ideally, so you can deal with all the British weather can throw at you, these will be breathable, waterproof and lightweight with good ankle support. As hiking in rural areas means that you will encounter a variety of different conditions underfoot, you want to make sure you’re not likely to twist an ankle or slide off that slippery rock. Look for a pair that are super-light and consider shock-absorbing midsoles for extra cushioning. And remember to BREAK THEM IN!
It’s counter-intuitive to say you need wool in the summer but cotton absorbs moisture, making your clothes damp and heavy. Then the wind gets up and you’re stuck in a damp top and suddenly you’re very chilly indeed. The magic words are ‘wicking fabric’ – this can be synthetic but merino wool is a natural alternative. ‘Wicking’ means that the fabric draws sweat to the outer layer and dries quickly. So, your top doesn’t become saturated with moisture, helping you to stay warm. Clever!
But not just any jacket – you’re looking for specific features that will make it a permanent addition to your backpack. You need one that’s ‘breathable’, which means you won’t sweat in it like you’re wearing a plastic bag.
Don’t forget a hood – I look for a hood on my jacket that is ‘helmet compatible’. This means that if I change my hair so that it has more volume, I can fit my hair under it, with perhaps a hat on as well. I like a peaked hood, too, to keep the rain off my face.
Finally, make sure your jacket is waterproof and not just water-resistant. These terms are not interchangeable! If you get caught in a downpour, you’ll learn the difference the hard way, believe me.
Credit: Finding your Feet
Put your water bottle, waterproof and snacks into your backpack and get going! The choice of equipment and walking routes can be overwhelming, so don’t over research. Try not to overthink it, or you might never get out of the door. If it’s the middle of winter, you may want to add a warm jumper, hat and gloves to the list above, but none of these things needs to be ‘special’ – just have look at what you would wear every day.
When picking your route, try to stay local. Exploring your immediate area can be fascinating, and the green spaces on your doorstep can be more beautiful than you ever imagined! Choose somewhere flat with marked footpaths specifically aimed at walkers so you don’t have to worry about where you are going or getting lost. For your next adventure, you could try to plan a new route but, for now, you want to break in your boots gently, so don’t overdo it. If you do stray too far – perhaps even get dreaded blisters – you’ll be glad you stayed close to alternative transport options to get you home.
Remember – experience is the best teacher! And you could always join a group like BGH so that you don’t have to worry about the direction you’re taking and can simply enjoy your surroundings. You will soon learn what extra items you wished you’d brought – make a note of them. This is you building a kit list. Soon you’ll be ready to take on longer and more complex hikes and – just like that – you’re a hiker!
Shop ‘Finding Your Feet‘ on Bloosmbury. Follow Rhiane on Instagram @rhianesworld.
Rhiane Fatinikun MBE is an adventurer, TV presenter and advocate who champions the positive impact of the outdoors on mental health, and is committed to breaking down the barriers that restrict marginalised communities from accessing open spaces.
In 2019 Rhiane founded the UK’s largest Black female-led lifestyle and outdoor collective Black Girls Hike, formed in response to a lack of safe spaces for Black women in nature. Rhiane is also an Ambassador for the Wildlife Trusts and Mountain Training, and in recognition of her work she is a recipient of the RGS Geographical Award. Acknowledged as a Positive Role Model for Gender at the National Diversity Awards, listed as one of Forestry England’s 10 most powerful women in nature, and named Campaigner of the Year by The Great Outdoors Awards, in 2024 Rhiane was awarded an MBE for services to nature and diversity.
