As the weather starts to clear up, you only need to look out your own front door for a fun outdoor activity. Whether you don’t have the time to escape the city or just want to see more of your hometown, an urban hike is a great weekend activity. Within the relative safety of the city, you can hike solo, take the pram or even make it a group outing!
We’ve broken it down into two easy steps to help you start planning a great urban hike:
1. Find your route
You may live near an established coastal walk, or you might want to plan an inner-city route. Sit down with a map and work out some key views or destinations, a lookout or a popular café both work well. Once you've established what you’d like to see, start mapping out a route, try to include some hills or stairs if you’re up for a challenge! Don’t be afraid to rely on public transport, a mid-journey ferry can offer a short breather while you take in a whole new urban perspective. Unlike bush-walking, it’s okay to leave the trail on an urban hike. Allow for some time to wander off your route and explore what’s on offer locally. Don’t forget to plan a good spot for lunch, try to reach a good view or big park for a memorable meal.
2. Pack a Backpack
A durable, lightweight bag like the Fjallraven Kanken no.2 is perfect for an urban hike. With enough space to carry anything you might need without weighing you down, the Kanken no2 is practical for everyday use. Featuring adjustable straps, waxed G-1000 HeavyDuty fabric and leather details, the backpack is as fashionable as it is functional. With a spacious main compartment, zippered front pocket, open side pockets, the Kanken no.2 also has a padded seat pad, preventing the bag’s contents from pushing against you as you walk and easily removable for use as a cushion wherever you want to stop and sit.
RRP: $249.95
Klean Kanteen TKWide 64oz (1900 ml)
Fill up your TKWide with ice cold water in the morning and enjoy it all day with the increased thermal performance of the TK closure. Or, leave home with hot tea and know that when you fill up with water later your TKWide won’t retain or impart any flavours. Backed by the lifetime Strong as Steel guarantee, your TKWide also features a chip-resistant Klean Coat ™ powder coat finish. This food grade stainless steel drink bottle can be safely carried in any backpack without worry, with its leak proof vacuum insulated Wide Loop Cap with Swing Away Loop.
RRP: $99.95
POWERTRAVELLER Swift 40 Power Pack
Take as many selfies as you like on your urban hike when you carry the Swift 40 Power Pack. It recharges smartphones, action cameras, smart watches and most 5V electronic devices with 5 LED battery indicators, a built-in Micro USB cable output and a built-in Lightning USB cable output. At under 300g, you won’t even notice the Swift 40 Power Pack in your backpack. Hike through the city or along the coast all day knowing that your phone will still be charged when you need it most.
RRP: $109.95
Nite Ize Runoff Waterproof Pocket
Keep your valuables safe and organised with the Nite Ize Runoff Waterproof Pocket. With built-in attachment points and an integrated belt loop, conveniently clip the pocket to straps or attach it to your belt for quick and easy access. The unique and patented Tru ®Zip technology creates a water and dust proof seal that’s snag-proof. The translucent front window helps you easily see and find your items while providing tough protection. Feel confident that your electronics will be protected from both rain and total submersion in the Runoff Waterproof Pocket, with durable TPU construction and RF-welded seams for ultimate reliability.
RRP: $52.00
3. Stay Safe
Make sure you’re wearing bright, weather-appropriate clothing when you’re on your urban hike. If you’re planning to start or finish when it’s darker out, make sure cars and bikes can easily see and avoid you. Wear a hat, sunnies and sunscreen no matter how cloudy it is outside to protect from UV damage. Ensure you adjust your pace to your ability, familiarise yourself with the symptoms of dehydration, sun stroke and hypoglycemia and pack plenty of water, sun protection and little snacks to prevent them. Wear good quality shoes and socks that are supportive and will prevent blisters, concrete is harder on the joints than grass and dirt so be careful to keep your bag light and avoid overpacking.
For more tips visit www.gearsupply.com.au