By: Rhiane Fatinikun
I teamed up with Vivobarefoot this winter to help show accessible nature is and how together we can make it more inclusive.
The world is going back into lockdown but it so important to get outside and moving for our mental and physical wellbeing. Whether you’ve never hiked before or wanting to get back into it I have shared some of my best tips to do so!
If you want to join any of the #VivoOutsiders hikes hosted through the winter visit the Vivobarefoot Instagram to find out how to sign up!
The essential hiking kit
Kit is important for any hike! It’s so important to keep warm and dry. But don’t get put off by the endless kit on offer online – my bare essentials are: Vivobarefoot Tracker FG’s (or Primus Trail’s if it’s flat terrain), my Berghaus Parvati waterproof and Leylur trekking leggings.
How to stay active in lockdown
Getting outside is so important during lockdown, both for your physical and mental wellbeing. Be sure to check what your local restrictions are on meeting others. In the UK you can currently exercise outside with the people you live with, your support bubble or 1 person from another household.
You will be surprised how many local trails and routes you can find right on your front door. Now is a perfect opportunity to explore your local parks and green spaces, and the perfect season for woodland walks.
Where to go
There are numerous apps you can use to find and plan routes, I currently use OS Maps and Komoot for their ease of use. They’ll show you what routes are in your area and you can also filter them based on distance and difficulty. They also show you when you’re off track, which is always a bonus, much easier than a paper map!
How to make adventure friends
The thought of venturing out alone can be quite daunting, so where do you find hiking friends? Social media is a great tool to find hiking events, make hiking friends and follow groups such as Black Girls Hike who host meet ups across the country. You can also find events on platforms like the Meet Up app or Eventbrite, most are free to attend, and the hiking community is so welcoming.
What to take on a hike
So now you’ve got the kit, a hiking buddy and a route planned you need to make sure you’ve packed the essentials. In my backpack you’ll always find: A map, food & water, a first aid kit, my waterproofs and a powerbank. Always make sure you check the weather too, as you may need to adjust your kit.
