I’ve decided to try hiking! Living in Toronto, you may think the big flat city doesn’t have the hiking options my friends in Vancouver have. But, there are quite a few routes that can be fun and challenging, like High Park’s seven kilometres of nature trails and the West Humber Trail’s river valley. If you're looking for an alternative to the gym and want to spend more time outdoors, hiking could be something you'll really enjoy.
Before you jump into your first hike, here are a few things you’ll need:
Good Hiking Shoes
What’s my shoe of choice? Right now I am really enjoying my HI-TEC Apollos in pink (of course!). Their moisture-proof lining keeps your toes dry in case you come across any puddles and soft cushioning keeps you comfortable during long walks. Plus, the durable sole means you won’t have to throw these out after one season, they are built to last you many hikes.
A Practical Outfit
I am a big fan of Roxy’s outdoor fitness collection. The brand fuses fashion and athletic wear really well. When you are outside for a long time the elements can change, so make sure you’re dressed for whatever may come your way. Here is a look I put together from Roxy’s collection:
L to R: Get Going Half Zip Jacket ($58), Cut Back Tank ($44), Get Faster Capri Tights ($78)
Water Bottle
Everyone is talking about S'well's sustainable water bottles. The bottle has a grip so it doesn’t slip out of your hands when you start to sweat and it keeps your drink cold for 24 hours!
A Smart App to Track Your Hike
I currently use Nike+ Running App to track my runs and hikes, but there are many in the App store with similar features that track your speed, time, distance and more.
