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Since the summer of 1996 I've walked one day most weeks, whatever the weather. We were, and still are, supplying a local newspaper with a country diary style walk every week, and not supplying the copy is not an option. Sorting out discrepancies between what's on the ground and what's on our Ordnance Survey map sometimes means lots of standing around and the occasional about turn. As all this can take a while I tend to have plenty of layers to hand.
All my gear has been bought by me, mostly at shops in Leyburn, York, Pickering and Helmsley. No freebies.
Jackets
Lightweight fleeces by Campagnolo and Haglöfs. I have always walked in the full zip versions as find them more versatile than overhead versions. Until a couple of years ago I had a thicker Windstop or Windbloc fleece, usually Lowe Alpine or Berghaus but replaced my last one with a Haglöfs Jacket with Thermolite Micro Insulation. It's wearing well considering it's a bit fragile and I'm careful when getting through thickets. On the other hand it keeps out the wind, is showerproof, like my old windproofs, but is lighter to carry.
Waterproof jackets
Last one lasted well, a Berghaus Gore-Tex but when it became unreliable in bad weather I replaced it with a less bulky Mountain Equipment Gore-Tex. Can't see a model reference on it but it's just a shell with a mesh liner.
Hats, headbands and balaclavas
I have been known to wear all three at once. I hate cold ears.
Current hat is a Berghaus Mountain Cap. Keeps out the wind, rain and sun.
Assorted headbands but the one I treasure is by Extremities Clothing, a thinnish Polartec fleece, so it can been worn under hats, keeps off the wind, is ever so useful, was memorably expensive and has been well worth it.
Balaclavas. I like them of very thin material such as the one I have by North Cape, but it's being usurped by my latest acquisition in the spring of 2008, a thin tubular Buff, very versatile and great when walking or out on the bike. "stretchy seamless microfibre fabric"
Sunhats
Both have lasted for years. The smaller one for just in case of sunshine is a cotton Wynmaster Arizona, the more serious one is a cotton Tilley hat with a nice wide brim. Been ok in the rain with it and it washes well in the machine.
Gloves
As with the headgear, plenty of options. The most useful are a pair of SealSkinz 'waterproof and breathable'. They're a close fit and do keep the water out. I can write with them and use the camera. Would be a bit warmer with some liners. I'm using their socks for cycling and am very pleased with them.
Mountain Equipment DriLite gloves are warm and waterproof with a fleece lining but a little bulky for our job.
For chilly but dry I find thinnish fingerless gloves do the job.
Rucksacks
Karrimor with plenty of mesh pockets, probably around 30kg capacity. I prefer drawstring models rather than zips. Mine has light padding on the back.
Binoculars
Bought for identifying birds after a day at Bempton Cliffs, the RSPB reserve, but also very useful for finding waymarks, stiles, gates and hedge gaps. We have used Nikon Travelite V for years and they've withstood being out in all weathers and carried in a National Trust bag (camera bag?) together with the notebook.
Notebooks
Small notebooks and for writing in the rain, AquaScribe. Try and make sure I go out with 2B pencils.
Map Case
Ortleib, which can be tied around the waist as well as hanging from your neck, so it never flies up and hits you in the face.
A Silva Compass which just ties on to the mapcase.
Overtrousers
Lowe Alpine Womens Overtrousers, nylon, with a zip that goes above the knee so no need to take boots off.
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Walks: Descriptions 
