okay this is very uncool coming up. I like the idea of a skirt but what I don't get is how everyone seems happy to have wet feet. I like to keep my feet dry if poss (which a skirt can't do) as when my foot skin gets wet and therefore soft and pruney I'm prone to blisters. I've read so many posts from people who prefer wet feet to goretex liners, but I just don't get it. Why don't you get blisters with wet feet?
Its not uncool. or if it is i'm very much in the uncool club too Clare.
Yes my feet get sore too, if i walk very far with wet feet, i guess it's different skin type.
I generally only use a rain-skirt on summer trips to cope mainly with sudden afternoon downpours, not to walk in all day, as they do somewhat restrict the view of your feet, and don't offer whole leg protection - but if its relatively warm you can hitch up your trews, or wear a skirt, or shorts underneath, depending on conditions. Wet calves dry out quickly, its your thigh muscles that really suffer if they get cold.
(and for this same reason i have three quarter leg length, waterproofs for cycling too)
For all day winter conditions, and at work i will wear wp trousers, as they are warmer, but heavier, and are certainly more faff to get on and off.
Back to the feet - i still wear unlined trail shoes for Scottish type conditions, but also take a pair of waterproof socks which are pretty comfy, to avoid the dreaded 'prune foot' and associated discomfort.
This seems to work better than a goretex liner which can a) break down pretty quickly anyhow b) make your feet too hot on the warmer days and c) means that your shoes take longer to dry out once they have got wet inside.
Please don't tell anyone else on here Clare, but i have also been known to do multiday trips wearing walking wellies (Nokian) - Yes I know !! - and there you were thinking
you were uncool