“Hiking” Suits

“Hiking” is becoming the craze now. Last year we heard faint rumours of tramping, and sometimes we actually saw them, “booted and spurred,” on the great highways round our cities. We looked upon them with suspicion; we were critical and superior. We shook our heads and meditated upon the madness of men.

Now, everyone is doing it, and any office manager or employer will tell you how his week-ends are ruined by terrible fears that all his clerks will have sprained ankles, and his typiste will have fallen down the crater of Ruapehu! But Monday morning sees them once again at the office, full of vim, and even the most doubting business man is beginning to admit that work is “going ahead.” Perhaps it is due to “hiking.” So he forgives the whispers which float about the office of hair-raising week-end escapades, of steak grilled on open fires under the stars, of blisters and wild pigs and 'possums. He is even slightly envious.

Spring is here now, and with it the call of the road.

“I know not where the white road runs,
Nor what the blue hills are;
But a man may have the sun for friend,
And for his guide—a star.”

Hikers, get ready for your travels.

The chief thing to remember in your preparation is comfort; you must be able to tramp at ease, and not be worried by clothes; you must be clad suitably, and at the same time decoratively. We all know the traditional girl tramper—cause of amusement and derision, with her shorts. There is no need to be a “blot upon the landscape.' Therefore you must study your apparel just as seriously as you would a dance frock or tennis ensemble.

Here are a few suggestions for the wardrobe of the girl tramper.

Make a skirt—very few girls look even moderately attractive in shorts—and a pleated skirt is just as comfortable. Chose some light tweed material, and don't make it too long; you need freedom of movement to swing along the road or climb fences. A few inches below the knees is a convenient length.

Next, wear a blouse; a silk shirt always looks neat, and is surprisingly warm. Over this, slip one of your gay knitted jumpers—you will need it most of the time—and it is easy to carry.

Now, your legs and feet; the most important parts of the tramper. Rub the insides of your light woollen stockings with dry soap, and take at least two extra pairs. Don't wear boots unless you are accustomed to them, but good, heavy shoes, with wide toes and low square page 58 heels. A light rain-coat, a beret or a “Johnnie cap”—now you are ready for the road—but don't forget to slip in a pair of cosy woollen gloves for the mountains. Thus attired, you will feel perfectly comfortable and look extremely attractive, so that people will take off their hats to the girl-hiker!

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