It's time to lace up your boots and hit the trails on National Take a Hike Day.  

National Take a Hike Day is coming up on the 17th of November, and it's all about celebrating the joy of hiking and all the benefits it offers. Hiking not only gets our hearts pumping and our muscles moving, but being outdoors and experiencing the majestic views, are good for our minds too. Hi-Tec has curated the ultimate hiking packing list, so you can gear up for your next hiking adventure with confidence. 

When tackling the trials, it is very important to protect yourself and your skin from the sun as it's particularly strong at high altitude. The Rain Forest Widebrim hat is just what you need as it shields you from the harmful rays of the sun especially the back of your neck which is generally a vulnerable area. Aside from protecting your skin, it also keeps glare out of your eyes. To keep your hands free while exploring is just as important, so a hiking backpack is beyond essential and on top of the list.  

The wrong pants can turn your hike into a sweaty, chafing nightmare. Being comfortable and moving easily is crucial and with the right pants, hiking can be a breeze. For the ladies, the Hiking Pants Balsam Green are lightweight and gives you the breathability you need. As for the men, the Men’s Trail Zip Off Pants, are  two-in-one pants which can be worn as a long fit or a pair of shorts, giving you the flexibility you need. It also has plenty of pockets to store your essentials such as your keys, cell phone and even your hiking permit. 

There are two types of footwear for hiking: a hiking boot and a hiking shoe. The ultimate difference between the two is the weight of the shoe. The hiking shoe is lighter and gives you the freedom of movement since they are less bulky and less heavy. On the other hand, the hiking boot is slightly heavier but gives your ankles stability and protection for the big climbs. The Altitude V Ultra Hiking boot provides durability and comfort for the most challenging hikes and can transform a beginner hiker to an ultimate one. The perfect footwear depends on the intensity of the hike, and the ‘sole purpose’ thereof.  Hi-Tec offers you the best of both and it can be explored on their website. While you are scrolling to find your best pair of footwear, do not forget that good socks are part of your base layers to prevent blisters.  

Whether you’re casually hiking to your favourite waterfall or summiting a challenging peak, your essential Hi-Tec hiking gear is one click away.  You can shop online at www.hi-tec.co.za, or alternatively visit a shop near you.