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:
- 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.
- 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.
- 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 …
- Comfortable shoes and socks
- A hat which covers your face and the back of your neck
- Sunscreen – the higher SPF the better
- Water
- Snacks or a light lunch
- A Thule hiking backpack and accessories
Five of the best hiking trails we can do in and around Joburg
Taroko Trail Park, Modderfontein Nature Reserve
The reserve is home to a number of animals, including steenbok, reedbuck, duiker, black-backed jackals, Cape clawless otter, hedgehogs and four varieties of mongoose. One of the reserve’s highlights is its abundance of bird species. Over 250 species have been recorded. These include fish eagles, long-crested eagles, jackal buzzards and crimson-breasted shrikes. Dense vegetation and the large bodies of water provide perfect habitats for a large number of bird types, as well as for the near-threatened spotted-necked otter. Well worth a visit offering hiking trails from 2km to 14km. Details: 081 351 1223, www.tarokotrails.co.za
Thaba Trails
This is one gem you need to discover. It offers you nature at its best with a reminder of the bushveld. When you take a breather, you will spot black wildebeest, impala, springbok and blesbuck. On a really lucky day, you may just see duiker, porcupines, hedgehogs or jackals. Trails are enjoyed by hikers, cyclers and runners. You can choose from the 5km trails for the not-so-fit beginners and then advance to the 13km or 20km trials. Thaba Trails is open from 7am to 5pm, seven days a week. Cost for hikers and runners is R20 per person and R50 for cyclists. Multi-entry discounts are available. Details: Wendell on 082 900 0749.
Klipriviersberg Nature Reserve
First-time visitors are surprised by this beautiful natural asset so close to the hubbub of the city. It is aptly referred to as Johannesburg’s Jewel of the South. You can expect to stumble upon larger game, such as zebra, red hartebeest and black wildebeest. There are also items of botanical, geological, archaeological, historical and cultural interest. Red data listed and other protected species are also to be found. The reserve is rated by many as a birding hot spot, where approximately 230 bird species have been identified. Hiking is the main activity in the reserve. The reserve is open to the public from sunrise to sunset seven days a week. Details: www.klipriviersberg.org.za
Rietvlei Trails
Located on a beautiful farm called Rietvlei Zoo Farm, Rietvlei Trails offers a choice of six hiking, walking, running and cross-country trails, which include a 5km, 10km, 15km, 5.4km as well as a 2.3km sunset trail. All trails are open from 6am to 6pm, under strict procedures and rules. Dogs on leads are allowed. All trails are marked with signs and distances. Please note, there has been no maintenance on the trails for the past two months so expect some obstacles. Details: www.rietvleilifestylecentre.co.za
Melville Koppies
A morning exploring the Melville Koppies Nature Reserve and heritage site is popular among Joburg residents. Melville Koppies East is a 10ha section and is open daily from dawn to dusk. The views from the rocky outcrops are stunning and you can explore the very visible trails at your own leisure. Socialised dogs are welcome. Entrance is free. Melville Koppies Central is the protected, access-controlled nature reserve and Joburg heritage site. They are still offering self-guided trails but people don’t have to pre-book, they can just arrive. It’s open from 8am to 11.30am. For more information, email [email protected]. Adults are R80 and learners R40. All funds are used for the maintenance of the koppies. Security is provided. Details: 011 482 4797 or www.mk.org.za
Four 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 organisation 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
