Hiking

Hiking
 Walking in nature as a recreational
activity.
 Especially among those with
sedentary occupations, hiking is a
natural exercise that promotes
physical fitness, is economical and
convenient, and requires no special
equipment.
 Because hikers can walk as far as
they want, there is no physical strain
unless they walk among hills or
mountains.
Types Of Hiking
 Easy walks and hikes are EASY WALKS AND
what they say they are: a
selection of trails that
HIKES
involve little or no uphill
and downhill.
 You’ll still enjoy
panoramic views and great
fynbos, and most trails are a
mix of single track and
gravel roads.
 Moderate hikes need a bit of MODERATE HIKES
fitness and head for heights.
 There’s little or no
scrambling on moderate
hikes (using your upper body
strength) but there will be
some steep sections and
maybe a downhill descent.
 Challenging hikes are so-called
because they involve some CHALLENGING HIKES
scrambling (but not climbing with
rope) and very steep hiking up and
down.
 Or they are challenging in their
distance – larger routes of over 20
kilometres (12.5 miles) for
example. You’ll need to be fairly fit
(but not outrageously so) and have a
head for heights.
 Multi-day hikes range from simple
overnight hikes on Table Mountain
to multi-day wilderness camping in MULTI-DAY HIKES
remote mountain ranges.
 Accommodation varies from well-
appointed cottages with bedrooms
and bathrooms to self-catering
tented camps and camping in tents.
 Multi-day hikes require a good level
of fitness and appropriate clothing
and equipment.
 The head of the group is also usually
the one who organizes the climb and The Pack Leader
stands as the alpha in the pack.

 Oftentimes, you will feel secure and

in great hands with these people
because you know that they have
been tested by time and experience.

 They often do the talking with the

locals, do the logistics and discuss
expectations and make crucial
decisions in case of emergency.
 This type of people often climbs
mountains every chance they get.
The Hardcore
 Whether it means going out every
Climber
weekend or to different provinces
every time does not matter because
they will go and conquer that place.

 They are often the fittest people in

the group and usually time
themselves, sometimes to see if they
can beat their previous times.
 Somewhat similar to the Selfie Expert is
The
the photographer.
 Although both are trigger happy when
Photographer
they go climbing on mountains, this type
of climber usually takes pictures of
others or of the view instead of focusing
on themselves.
 When you climb with them, you are sure
to get bombarded by a huge number of
tags on photos posted on social media.
 Oftentimes, this type of people
are novices in the mountain
The Casual
hiking and climbing scene which Climber
is why they usually do not have
complete gears and apparel, to
begin with.

 You can see them in their casual

attire — tank tops and
sometimes jeans and a pair of
sneakers.
 The Girl/Boy
 Everyone loves the girl/boy scout in the Scout
troop because you know that they have
all the essentials that you think you
won’t need but you eventually will
during the climb.

 They have a complete first aid kit, trail

food and everything else that you will
most likely need, emergency or not.
 These can be very annoying people The Whiner
to go climbing with and they rant
and complain the hike for the entire
duration of it.
 Nobody really wants to be with
these people because they send off
negative vibes and also make you
lose motivation and momentum.
Equipments for
Hiking
 When buying a pair of hiking
Hiking Boots always remember to check the
size with and without a decent
pair of hiking socks on, boots
that fit perfectly in the shop
can suddenly rub on the
mountain when you’re rocking
thick technical socks.
  Any long hike has needs a good
pair of hiking socks.
 All those hours of stomping,
Hiking Socks heating up, getting cold – your feet
are bound to start to rub is you don't
have a pair of socks up to the job.
 Hiking socks contain technology to
give support and durability and let
your feet breathe.
 The best socks out there will target
the area of your foot that you use
the most and give them extra
support.
 The best rain jackets are
Waterproof Jacket lightweight, super waterproof
and packable, so you can forget
you even have it when the sun
makes an appearance. Make
sure you choose a jacket with
good breathable material, it can
be hot work climbing up those
steep trails!
Hiking Torch Don’t mess about with your
torch. It’s great to bring both
a battery-operated, heavy
power torch that operates to a
high standard as well as a
wind-up torch back up for if
the batteries die.
Hiking Backpacks Choice a right type of pack
for a long hike. Focus on
getting the right weight
distribution for you’re shape
and posture and make sure it
has the right storage volume,
and a good hydration system.
Hiking First Aid Kit Hiking first aid kits are an
imperative addition to your
rucksack. Whether you’re
hiking alone or note, your
survival first aid kit could be
what keeps you alive at the
end of the day.
Lip balm
to prevent your lips from chapping.
Emergency shelter
this can be in the form of a tent, a
bivy, a storm shelter or even just an
emergency reflective blanket.
Whistle
this can be life-saving if you get lost
and need to get attention.
Piece of cord/rope
you will undoubtedly find a use for this, whether
it’s a new shoelace or tying your whole shoe back
together.
Other Equipment's
for Hiking
Spare batteries – in case your headlamp runs
out of juice.
Water filtration system – this will be useful
if you run out of water supplies.
Sleeping bag – in case you get caught in low-
light and need the camp the night out.
Insect repellent – very useful for when the
midges come out to play.
Binoculars – you may be able to see an escape
route that you can’t see with your naked eye.
Trekking poles – these can be used for
stability while walking while also making
great splints should there be any injuries.
Rubbish bag – remember – Leave No
Trace!
Blister kit – this will be your best friend
when those little blisters start to form.
Toilet paper – you never know when nature
will call on the trail!
Itinerary of your hike – leave one in
your car at the trail head and one with a
friend so people know where you are.
Emergency contact info – have a
piece of paper on you with this
information, and also any medications you
may need to take.
Benefits of Hiking
 Lower your risk of heart disease
 Improve your blood pressure and blood sugar levels
 Boost bone density, since walking is a
 weight -bearing exercise
 Build strength in your glutes, quadriceps, hamstrings,
and the muscles in your hips and lower legs
 Strengthen your core
 Improve balance
 Help control your weight