Energetic and challenging or slow and rambling, depending on your mood and fitness levels, there’s not much to beat getting outdoors and enjoying a hike.
Still suffering a little fear of going out? Definitely. Fear of heading to the great outdoors? Never. While the world’s topsy turvy, one thing will never change. The joy of getting out on gorgeous warm day, taking a hike, and enjoying one of the amazing hiking trails our country has to offer. Be a it a soul searching solo walk for a few hours, or a day out with the family, having fun without a screen or a digital device in sight, you’ll come back maybe a little stiff, hopefully a little tired, and certainly a lot happier and less stressed than when you set out. We chatted to Thule’s resident hike enthusiast, who gave the low down on the gear we need.
THREE THINGS TO LOOK FOR WHEN BUYING A HIKING BACKPACK:
1. A hiking backpack needs to distribute weight evenly. The most important factor to keep in mind is comfort. No matter how many cool features it has, if the bag does not sit comfortably on your back and shoulders, then it is not the right hiking bag for you.
2. Size does matter. The size of the backpack is all important – work out if you’d prefer a bag that is wider and shorter or longer and thinner. Obviously a bag that isn’t absurdly huge is first prize, but think about the duration of your hikes and how much you would practically need to take with you for a short day hike (snacks and water) versus a full-day hike (light lunch, water, additional clothes). Internal storage becomes a big component here, as it means the difference between having enough room or potentially having to take multiple bags.
3. Padding. The key to a comfortable backpack is a balanced load. Too little padding will not protect your body from the strains of weight and can cause painful chafing. Similarly, too much padding will cause awkward and uncomfortable pressure against your body, which might lead to soreness … or you standing in a strange way to ease the pressure. A decent backpack should have padding on the back panel, shoulder straps and hip belt strap.
Six hiking essentials …
1. Comfortable shoes and socks
2. A hat which covers your face and the back of your neck
3. Sunscreen – the higher SPF the better
4. Water
5. Snacks or a light lunch
6. A Thule hiking backpack and accessories
3 Great local hiking trails
We undoubtedly have some of the most beautiful hiking spots in the country right here in KZN. Here are some close by options and, of course, the spectacular Drakensberg Mountains are not too far away either …
Giba Gorge MTB Park The serious hiker will enjoy hiking upwards to the upper Mackintosh waterfall destination. This is a short 8.4km or 3-hour return hike and the rewards are bountiful. The extremist will add a few more kilometres and find another larger waterfall and perhaps even the early Rock Shelter predating all modern history in the area. Details: www.gibagorge.co.za
Amblers Hiking Club
Every person of any age group is welcome to join Amblers Hiking Club on Wednesday as well as Saturday mornings and on Sunday afternoons from 2pm to 5pm as they hike about seven kilometres, enjoying some beautiful scenery in and around the greater Durban area. Details: www.amblershikingclub.co.za
Phezulu Safari Park
With beautiful scenery and views, amazing animals and birds, you can feel the rhythm of Africa, face your fears and enjoy a day out with the family at Phezulu Safari Park. A Phezulu Hiking Pass is R50 and trails include: The Reptile Walk – a 1km Full Stop Rock Route; There & Back Trek – 2km; and the Game Reserve Loop – 3km. Two kid’s bike tracks are included. No mask, no entry and social distancing recommendations must be adhered to. Details: www.phezulusafaripark.co.za
4 OF THE BEST BACKPACK COLLECTIONS TO CHOOSE FROM
The Thule AllTrail collection is a must for a day hike, as it gives you a singular pack for all your hiking needs. An adjustable torso fit is built into the back panel and combined with breathable shoulder straps, hipbelt padding and back panel to make even the toughest day hike extra comfortable – and allow you to stay cool. All your gear is within reach thanks to the easy access side zippers and front shove-it pocket. The dedicated hydration sleeve frees up space for other essentials like keys and snacks. There’s even an integrated rain cover. This versatile all-rounder is available in men and women specific models and comes in various sizes for you to choose what works best for you.
For something more lightweight, look at the Thule Stir range. A simple, clean design offers quick access via the top zippered mesh pocket and über organization for all your items. If you want it even more streamlined, simply remove the sternum strap and hip belt. Stash water bottles and other essentials in the expandable side pockets. With a weather resistant coated nylon fabric and the breathable backpanel and shoulder straps to keep you cool, it is a bag that will see you through all seasons of outdoor adventures. Again, different sizes and men and women specific models.
For the ultimate in comfort, opt for the Thule Capstone collection. The tensioned mesh back panel provides unparalleled breathability, keeping you cool on your trail, while the high-visibility rain cover keeps your gear dry during storms. There’s even a customizable hipbelt that is compatible with interchangeable VersaClick accessories (sold separately). There are a host of pockets – on the top and the side – to keep all your items for the day, no matter how many family members you are keeping things for. You can even lash gear to the front of the pack using the durable button hole webbing.
If you’re hiking with young kids the Thule Sapling (and Sapling Elite) is an absolute lifesaver. This child carrier is safe and comfy, plus quick and easy to adjust to fit both parents, so you can take turns carrying. On-the-go adjustments are made even easier, as you can load your child from the top or the side of the carrier. The deployable sunshade means that your precious cargo is protected from the harsh sun. Store water, nappies, clothes and other bigger items in the zippered compartment and use the extra roomy zippered mesh pockets for emergency items like snacks, toys and keys. The ergonomic seat is height adjustable – the Elite model even comes with removable stirrups for your little one to rest their feet on and a viewing mirror – and a breathable padded backpack and support at critical contact points for you. All this means a cool and comfortable trail for everyone.
Details: Available online from thule.com
