Picture the scene: the same trail, two very different hikers. One is clad in time-worn leather boots and a weather-faded Paramo jacket. The other bounces along in neon Hokas, tracking every step on their smartwatch while their Salomon rucksack gleams in the sun like a beacon of the future. Welcome to the great divide: Old School vs New School hiking.
The Old School Rambler: Brew in the Flask, Wisdom in the Steps
You’ll spot the traditional hillwalker by their well-loved boots – likely leather, scarred and supple from years of faithful service. Their kit list reads like a love letter to British outdoor brands: Paramo, Buffalo, Keela. These aren’t just clothes, they’re family.
Their pace is steady. Measured. Occasionally punctuated by a tea break and a digestive biscuit (always McVitie’s, naturally). Their rucksack might weigh a bit more because of the wooden frame, but it’s filled with essentials: a paper OS map, an extra layer or several, and a Stanley Thermos that’s older than Instagram. “Prepare for the worst hope for the best” is their mantra.
Pros:
- Kit built to last decades.
- Strong community vibes; they walk in a rable, not alone.
- No nonsense, low faff, high function.
Cons:
- Heavier kit that’s not always the most packable.
- May scoff at GPS and rely on the stars (or just the same route since 1996).
The New School Strider: Fast, Light, and Filtered
Then there’s the modern breed of hiker: tech-savvy, gram-counting, often colour-coordinated. Their trail-running-inspired gear is a rainbow of innovation – Hoka trail shoes, ultralight Salomon vests, breathable shells that pack down smaller than a flapjack.
They hike fast and solo, sometimes even uphill while live-streaming. They know their VO2 max, heart rate zones, and average pace. Their energy gels are artisanal and their stories come with hashtags. “Last to the top buys the IMPOSSIBREW’S!”
Pros:
- Lightweight gear = faster, easier ascents.
- Real-time navigation and performance tracking.
- More fashionable than a Berghaus in 1993.
Cons:
- Performance focused kit that may not survive a true British bog.
- Can be a bit… stat-obsessed (“What’s your average BPM on Glyder Fawr, mate?”).
The Winners?
In truth, both styles have their strengths – and both hikers love the hills. Whether you’re rambling with your mates and a flask of Yorkshire Gold or trail-blazing solo with Spotify and a softshell, the outdoors has room for everyone.
If you want the best of both worlds? Mix and match! Pair your old school wisdom with some modern kit upgrades from www.cribgochoutdoor.com – perhaps a classic Keela jacket with a Salomon Aerotrek Rucksack? The mountain doesn’t care what you wear, just that you respect it.
So raise your Stanley Thermos (or your collapsible silicone mug), and let’s toast to all the weird, wonderful, and wildly different ways we walk the wilds.
Ready to upgrade your gear or honour the classics? Explore our handpicked range of outdoor kit at Crib Goch Outdoor – because whether you’re old school, new school, or somewhere gloriously in-between. We’ve got something to fit your adventure.
