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A TRIO of local hiking spots<br />
You don’t need to escape our northern suburbs to find some<br />
really lovely hiking trails that’ll lead you to breathtaking views<br />
of the city. Keep your phone handy ... you’re sure to find some<br />
really Instagrammy sightings of pretty plants and fascinating<br />
creatures along the way.<br />
One such spot is the Melville Koppies Nature Reserve and<br />
Heritage Site. Gather your family or a group of friends for a<br />
refreshing Sunday morning hike along one of the many paths<br />
that criss-cross the koppies. You’ll be given a trail map before<br />
you begin so you can choose a route to suit, and an info sheet<br />
will highlight things for you to spot along your way. If you were<br />
to tread on every path, you’d have hiked almost 7km. A walk<br />
around the inside perimeter of the reserve will add another<br />
2.5km to your hike. There are some steep inclines as well as<br />
grassy slopes and forested areas by the Westdene Spruit. The<br />
reserve’s open on Sundays from 8am to 11.30am.<br />
Details: 011-482-4797 or mk.org.za<br />
There’s nothing boring about a hike at The Wilds Municipal<br />
Nature Reserve. Gorgeous greenery. Impressive views. And<br />
some extraordinary artworks. Artist and eco-activist James<br />
Delaney has lent a helping hand to rejuvenate this space. The<br />
reserve runs along the ridges between Houghton, Parktown<br />
and Killarney. It’s open every day, but on Sundays you can<br />
often catch a guided walk.<br />
Details: Friends of The Wilds, Johannesburg on Facebook.<br />
If it’s a 360-degree view of Joburg you’re after, then you need<br />
a hike at the <strong>North</strong>cliff Ridge Ecopark. According to the<br />
<strong>North</strong>cliff Ridge Ecopark Facebook page, birds are abundant<br />
in summer ... so birdwatchers, make sure you take along your<br />
binocs. It also says there are ‘amazing sunset moments’, so<br />
make sure to plan your hike for the late afternoon ... and get<br />
Instagram ready! Apparently cyclists enjoy the challenge too.<br />
Details: <strong>North</strong>cliff Ridge Ecopark Facebook page.<br />
4of the best backpack<br />
collections to choose from<br />
The Thule AllTrail collection is a must for a day hike,<br />
as it gives you a singular pack for all your hiking needs.<br />
An adjustable torso fit is built into the back panel and<br />
combined with breathable shoulder straps, hip belt<br />
padding and a back panel to make even the toughest<br />
day hike extra comfortable – and allow you to stay cool.<br />
All your gear is within reach thanks to the easy access<br />
side zippers and front shove-it pocket. The dedicated<br />
hydration sleeve frees up space for other essentials<br />
like keys and snacks. There’s even an integrated rain<br />
cover. This versatile all-rounder is available in men and<br />
women-specific models and comes in various sizes for<br />
you to choose what works best.<br />
For something more lightweight, look at the Thule Stir<br />
range. A simple, clean design offers quick access via<br />
the top-zippered mesh pocket, and uber-organisation<br />
for all your items. If you want it even more streamlined,<br />
simply remove the sternum strap and hip belt. Stash<br />
water bottles and other essentials in the expandable<br />
side pockets. With a weather-resistant-coated nylon<br />
fabric and the breathable back panel and shoulder<br />
straps to keep you cool, it is a bag that will see you<br />
through all seasons of outdoor adventures. Again,<br />
different sizes and men and women-specific models<br />
are available.<br />
For the ultimate in comfort, opt for the Thule<br />
Capstone collection. The tensioned mesh back<br />
panel provides unparalleled breathability, keeping<br />
you cool on your trail, while the high-visibility rain<br />
cover keeps your gear dry during storms. There’s<br />
even a customisable hip belt that is compatible<br />
with interchangeable VersaClick accessories (sold<br />
separately). There are a host of pockets – on the top<br />
and the side – to keep all your items for the day, no<br />
matter how many family members you are keeping<br />
things for. You can even lash gear to the front of the<br />
pack using the durable buttonhole webbing.<br />
If you’re hiking with young kids the Thule Sapling<br />
(and Sapling Elite) is an absolute lifesaver. This child<br />
carrier is safe and comfy, plus quick and easy to adjust<br />
to fit both parents, so you can take turns carrying.<br />
On-the-go adjustments are made even easier, as<br />
you can load your child from the top or the side of<br />
the carrier. The deployable sunshade means that<br />
your precious cargo is protected from the harsh sun.<br />
Store water, nappies, clothes and other bigger items<br />
in the zippered compartment and use the extra<br />
roomy zippered mesh pockets for emergency items<br />
like snacks, toys and keys. The ergonomic seat is<br />
height adjustable – the Elite model even comes with<br />
removable stirrups for your little one to rest their feet<br />
on and a viewing mirror – and a breathable padded<br />
backpack and support at critical contact points for<br />
you. All this means a cool and comfortable trail for<br />
everyone. Details: Available online from thule.com<br />
<strong>Nov</strong>ember 20 Get It Magazine 39
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