His & Hers Walking Essentials for Autumn 2025
By Alex and Steve Crabtree
As autumn creeps in across Yorkshire and beyond, the miles become cooler, the paths feel quieter, and the kit matters more. Layers need to work harder, footwear needs to grip on wet stone, and the essentials in your pack can make the difference between cutting a walk short and staying out longer.
Husband and wife Steve and Alex have pulled together their recommended His & Hers Walking items for Autumn 2025: Practical and fashionable pieces they’ve been wearing, and other essential items they’ll be using over the next few months as they rack up the mileage…
Get on your feet…
Women’s Zionic NXT Waterproof Hiking Shoe
Alex says: “I’ve owned Keen shoes for walking before – I love the fit, the style, the grip…they’re a really good choice for walking footwear. The Zionic NXT are perhaps my favourite pair yet, with a solid grip across all terrains, all slopes, and they feel almost durable-cross-trainer-like. These are springier than I expected. A thicker and bouncier heel is probably the reason for that – and I feel that gives me a bit more energy when I’m out on a jaunt. Lovely colour and styling too!”
Keen say: “Next-level Zionic agility is here. Same fast and light fit and feel you love for the trail, updated with longer-lasting, high-rebound cushioning that stays springy.”
Women’s Zionic NXT Waterproof Hiking Shoe is available to buy from keenfootwear.co.uk – RRP: £150.00
LOWA Maddox Pro GTX Lo
Steve says: “Like Alex, I’ve been a fan of Keen footwear over the last few years and have walked thousands of miles since Covid in at least three trusty pairs. However, checking out this pair of LOWA’s I’ve realised that change can be good. I’m super impressed with the Maddox Pro GTX Lo. They’re a sturdy but flexible pair of shoes, they look really good and they certainly perform. My grip through the woods and up the rougher tracks of the Calder Valley
Lightweight and supple, the Maddox Pro GTX Lo provides a low-to-the-ground feeling for outstanding control when moving at pace. Built on LOWA’s new Fast Hiking sole, the Maddox Pro features best-in-class cushioning and a flexible midsole that supports the foot’s natural rolling properties. Developed by LOWA, its bi-directional tread pattern provides added grip, transitioning seamlessly from the city to the peaks. The Maddox Pro also features LOWA’s support frame, enhancing lateral stability to prevent injuries.
LOWA Maddox Pro GTX Lo is available to buy from lowa.co.uk – RRP: £170.00.
1000 Mile All Terrain Walking Socks
“I love a decent walking sock” Steve says. “They’re essential for protection and comfort. But I also don’t feel right in a pair of walking shoes unless I’m wearing good socks. As the temperatures begin to dip out of summer, my go-to socks are 1000 Mile. Not too thick, but nicely lined so your feet are nice and warm. They always look good too. These socks have proved to be the 1000 Mile standard for me – they last for miles, and as a bonus they double up as a something nice to slide your feet in around the house during autumn.”
Alex added: “I got a pair of these too, and they’re my first pair of 1000 Mile socks. I’ve been a little jealous that Steve had a few pairs already and I didn’t. Now, after trying them out myself, I can see what the fuss is all about. A really comfy sock, you feel like your feet are going to be safe in these. I’ll probably use them more in the winter as they do keep your feet very warm, and for me I like to feel the benefit when the temperatures really drop. Such a good quality sock, and so pleased to finally own a pair!”
1000 Mile say: “Double-layered to reduce the chances of blisters, REPREVE fabric content means you tread lightly on the planet while arch bracing offers a secure fit to reduce foot slippage.”
1000 Mile All Terrain Walking Socks are available to buy from 1000mile.co.uk – RRP: £14.00.
Hanwag Trek Merino Sock
With another pair of socks to talk about, Steve said: “As I’ve just mentioned, I love a decent walking sock and these are an another good quality pair. They’re a single layer sock, lighter in weight and feel, but with nice heel padding and extra padding throughout for extra protection. I think they’re comfy, and I think they look decent too – 52% wool and a very nice design.”
What Hanwag say: “Snug-fitting and functional – the Trek Merino Socks are the ideal base layer for your feet on extended, multi-day hikes and treks.”
Hanwag Trek Merino Sock is available to buy from hanwag.com – RRP: £25.00
The outer layers…
TOG24 Denton 3-in-1 Mens Waterproof Coat
Steve’s a huge fan of this one. He says: “My TOG24 collection of outdoor wear is steadily building. I have a number of t-shirts that have last years, a waterproof jacket that serves me well when I’m walking the dog, hiking up Mount Snowden, or enjoying a open-air gig when the skies aren’t as kind as they should be in the summer. I even picked a ski jacket from them when I went to Tignes in January 2025. But this latest coat is my favourite of the lot. I’ve only tried the inner layer as the full 3-in-1 will be a bit too warm in the summer to autumn months, but the fit and feel are exceptional. It’s a really nice looking coat that I’ll be able to wear on walks and whenever else I might need it in the colder weather. The outer layer waterproof is a lovely red clay colour, with the inner light quilted jacket a stunning jet black. A great coat – where practical and looking good combine perfectly.”
TOG24 say: The two piece set teams a fully waterproof coat with a detachable quilted jacket. Layer up and wear this versatile combo as your warmest of winter coats, or use each one separately. When we say waterproof, we really mean it. High performance fabric won’t let in a drop, all the seams are taped and for good measure we’ve also given it a water repellent coating. A high neck keeps you warm and gives a chunky look when you’re zipped up. The 3-in-1 concept makes it so easy to adapt to changing temperatures and conditions so you’ll never be caught out at any time of year.
TOG24 Denton 3-in-1 Waterproof Coat is available to buy from tog24.com – RRP: £250.00.
TOG24 North Padded Ladies Jacket with Hood
Alex says: “I have to confess, I’m wasn’t a fan of the quilted look when it came to ladies jackets. Just subjective thing. But I have to say that when I tried on the TOG24 North jacket, I really liked how it looked. A fan of the colour (blue stone), it’s really light considering it’s an insulated coat. And it’s a good fit too. I haven’t been able to try it out in colder weather so I can’t say if it keeps you as warm and toasty at TOG24 say, but I’m convinced that it’ll be a godsend towards the end of the autumn season when the bite gets in the air and winter announces its imminent arrival”
TOG24 say: Say hello to winter with the North down hooded jacket featuring duck down. If it’s high-quality and supreme warmth you’re after, then the women’s North hooded down jacket is a smart choice for those outdoor adventures. Featuring our most premium insulation made from duck down, this jacket feels toasty warm and cosy and yet equally feels breathable and lightweight. Designed with the adventurer in mind, practicality and space-saving genius is an absolute must.
North Padded Jacket with Hood is available to buy from tog24.com – RRP: £180.00.
Pants, pants, pants…
TOG24 Silsden Women’s Waterproof Trousers
Alex says: “Now these are fantastic! A really nice fitting pair of walking pants and the stretch in them means you’ve got a comfortable walk ahead of you when you slip these on. I’m keen on these because you can wear them casually as well. They’re not blatantly obvious walking pants – so if I don’t fancy changing back out of them straight away and want to nip out to somewhere I’d rather look a bit smarter than if I were in walk-wear, these look neat and tidy enough to get away with. Great pockets for phone, poo bags, keys and the like!”
TOG24 say: “Comfortable and shaped to fit in all the right places, TOG24’s Silsden women’s trousers look just like ordinary walking trousers, but are also fully waterproof, windproof and breathable, so they will keep you warm and dry in the wildest weather. Designed to be worn all year round, these versatile trousers have a soft, stretchy lining and a comfortable waistband that fastens with a branded button plus a hook and bar. There are darts at the knees so they move with you, two angled zip-up hip pockets and a zip-up pocket at the back to keep all your valuables safe.”
TOG24 Silsden Women’s Waterproof Trousers are available to buy from tog24.com – RRP: £70.00
Crossfly PRO 7 Inch Boxer Shorts
Steve said: “I took these out of the box, and my first impressions weren’t great. The look of them were one thing, and the feel of them another. As a thick cotton boxers fan, the lycra-esque material didn’t appeal to me at all when I held them up. But then I put them on, and straight away my views changed. The fit and feel of these are on another level. Very comfy, very secure, and the stretch and mobility you get in them is actually fantastic. I probably need more pairs of these!”
Crossly say: “Crossfly PRO 7 Inch Boxer is built to work with your every movement and crafted with 3D breathable, fast drying panels that ensures maximum comfort. The Pro 7 also features our patent pending technologies; the Coccoon and X-Fly. This is your ultimate workout partner.”
Crossfly PRO 7 Inch Boxer is available to buy from crossfly.com – RRP: £24.99
Accessories & essentials
Pocket Mountains Walking Guidebooks
Alex really likes these! “Ah, fabulous accessories and they’re great value for money too” she said. “We’ve got the South Pennines and North York Moors books, and it’s the Yorkshire Dales book we’ve picked up and used. Each one has 40 favourite walks in them, and even if you’re not using it for the map and handy hints and tips about each walk, they’re just a brilliant read. We decided to follow its recommendation of the Askrigg and Mill Gill walk (p78!) and it proved to be a handy guide for a substantial 2 hour, 5km walk. Really nicely put together by Alistair and Matthew Ross.@
Pocket Mountains say: “Pocket Mountains publish accessible and inspiring pocket-sized guidebooks for anyone who likes a bit of an adventure. You’ll find our books in high street book shops, outdoors shops, gift shops, cafes and visitor information centres around Scotland and the rest of the UK.”
The range of Pocket Mountain Walking Guidebooks are available to buy from pocketmountains.com – RRP: £6.99
Strive – Mountain Pack 17+3
Steve loves this. “I’ve been crying out for the perfect backpack for walking and hiking, and I think we’ve found it” he says. “Lightweight and portable, but expansive for the essentials. This wraps around you like it isn’t there. No strain on my back or shoulders, and a really useful addition to the walking kit.
“I totally agree” Alex chips in. “It’s perfect for what we need it for, and the fact you barely notice you’re wearing it is really important. I won’t revert back to any other backpack now.”
What Silva say: “Silva Mountain Pack 17+3 is your perfect expedition pack partner. Planning for an adventure, a mountain marathon, or longer self-sufficient running adventures? This backpack is lightweight yet comfortable with the unique Silva Embrace System developed for a great fit when walking or running many hours with heavy packing. Comfortable backpack for adventures as well as commuting.”
Strive – Mountain Pack 17+3 is available to buy from silvasweden.uk – RRP: £89.99.
Smini Headlamp from Silva
Alex tried this out. “Well, the dark nights have started to creep on us now. And I got caught out on an after-work dog walk in the woods near to where we live. Fear not, though. I’d packed this in my pocket. And, the last few minutes of mine and Milo’s eight miles were bathed in bright lumen! It’s light and it’s bright. And it’ll prove to be an essential piece of kit over the next few months as we work through day light hours and walk through darker early evenings!”
What Silva say: “The Smini headlamp strikes the perfect balance between weight and brightness. Weighing only 53 grams and boasting 250 lumens, Smini is truly a light experience. The headlamp features a red light that preserves your night vision and the double light beams of Silva Intelligent Light technology. Combining long-reach spotlight and close flood light prevents tunnel vision and helps you maximise speed and performance.”
Smini Headlamp from Silva is available to buy from silvasweden.uk – RRP: £49.99
Neal’s Yard Remedies Natural Defence Hand Rub
Steve and Alex both like this a lot. “We don’t realise just how grubby and mucky our hands get on even the cleanest of walks” says Alex. “Holding on as you climb over a stile, steadying yourself on a rock or branch, or just re-tying your shoe! So, we usually have some hand sanitiser with us for a small clean up of our hands. But this one is lovely. Really refreshing smell, and you actually feel like you’ve cleaned your hands with it, rather than just sanitised them.”
Neal’s Yard Remedies say: “A must-have for clean hands on the move. This 70% organic alcohol formula is boosted with purifying essential oils like thyme and lemongrass, helping to protect and refresh without drying the skin.”
Neal’s Yard Remedies Natural Defence Hand Rub is available from nealsyardremedies.com – RRP: £4.95
Silva Walking Poles
Steve said: “I’ve never used walking poles before, but people have told me they make a difference to a hike. So, my first outing with them I expected a faff. Instead, I was surprised how natural using them felt. The obvious benefit was that climbing was steadier. Descents were kinder on my knees too. They took weight off my shoulders and gave my stride a rhythm that I kind of didn’t know was there. Simple kit, but a big upgrade, I’m definitely converted and they’ll be coming with me on every big walk now.”
Silva say: “With these walking poles you can challenge the weather regardless of the season. Removable snow baskets are included as well as rubber paws that are shaped for smooth contact with asphalt or hard surfaces, and to follow your natural movement. The carbide tips are concave for good grip on easy trails. These poles are really made for walking, just like you!”
Silva Walking Poles are available to buy from silvasweden.uk – RRP: £34.99.
So, there we have it. Some of the nicest, and most needed kit and accesories for walking and hiking this autumn. And remember the golden rule of walking: Dress for the walk, not for the weather..!
