Your safety when walking in the hills and mountains is something you probably think about every time you head out but do you realise that your clothing also contributes to your safety?
What you choose to wear on your day out is crucial to staying safe. We’re seeing an increase in ‘dull colours’ such as blacks and greys among hikers. Walk into any outdoor shop and it seems like you’re met with a barrage of ‘miserable-looking’ outdoor gear. OK we get it. Perhaps you’re looking for a jacket that you can wear to work as well as in the mountains and maybe you don’t want to be stood at the train station in a bright red top. But take a moment to think about how important being seen is when walking in the mountains.
Take the photo above as a brilliant example. If Simon (left) and Matt (right) were lost in the mountains in poor visibility and were waiting for help to arrive, who do you think would be spotted first?! Simon in his fetching bright yellow fleece and red trousers or Matt dressed all in grey?
There’s a reason most outdoor professionals dress brightly. It’s so they can be seen easily by their clients but also in case of emergency, they’ll be spotted quickly by mountain rescue services.
So next time you’re shopping for new outdoor gear, think about being seen.
(Thanks to Matt for being a good sport and letting us take this photo!)
