Last week I wrote about how to hike in style. However, if your team lucky enough to have drawn a spot this year with the Trailwalker, the notorious round the island hike which lasts around 12 hours to 40 hours depending on how quickly you walk, you will need more than just good looks. Instead of opting for cotton wear, you will have to go with the quick dry material that doesn't absorb sweat as much, so that you don't smell like a hog after the race. Let's see what will make the trail more bearable!
Watch
Getting a bit hard core and want to know your tracks and pace? Invest in a Garmin Watch with GPS and all the gizmo! I love how it can tell you approximately where you are now for orienteering purposes, as well as looking back at your tracks on the laptop to analyse your cadence and endurance. Wow your pals on the trail and be the leader of the pack by getting one from any major sports shops in Hong Kong such as Gigasports.
Head Lamp
Trailwalker takes you way past sunset, and having a torch that keeps your hands free is pretty important. Pack a Black Diamond head lamp just in case, because you can adjust the variety of brightness, so that you don't put your foot in the wrong place. It is tiny and won't take up much space in your bag during daytime either. Get your very own from Overlander!
Walking Stick
Sometimes when the hike gets rough, you are better off with something to lean on. Mont Bell walking stick, which is also available from Overlander, is light and compact so you can keep it out of sight and out of mind when you don't need it. I love how it can be folded and shoved inside your backpack. You must try out the grip first to see how you like it. Some like the "7" shaped handle, while some prefer the "1" shaped ones, so it is really a personal choice.
Hydration System
How can you hike without any water? Get your own Hydrapak from Escapade Sports, and carry litres with you gracefully. I love how, with this gadget, there will be no more fumbling with bottles and caps! All you need to do is sip from the straw attached with the water bag, and voilà! You must, however, check where you are up to every so often, because you can't see where you are up to, and you might be finished with your drink without noticing.
Towel
Towels are a must for hiking, because you don't want sweat and muck to stick onto you. Bring along a Sleep Naked Towel and enjoy some luxury in the middle of the mountain. Sleep Naked Towels are extra gentle on the skin with their thick 650 gsm waffle, making it feel like you have carried a five star hotel along with you. Sold on their website, it delivers very swiftly just in time for the upcoming race.
Meal
Hiking on an empty stomach really sucks, so get yourself some high quality food on the go from Racing the Planet. They specialise in making concentrated food for people racing in deserts, so you can be sure they know what they are doing. Made of all-natural, organic ingredients, their energy bars both taste great and are very nutritious, making it the ideal choice for your Trailwalker hike.
Sun Screen
Clarins are famous for their sun products for decades because of its quality, so get your high protection sunscreen from them and protect your skin. I like it because it works with applying once per day, therefore you don't have to carry it around during your race. It is available from all its counters, so just go into a mall in Central and you will find it.
Mosquito Repellent
The fun of hikes can vary depending on how attractive you are to mosquitoes. I am like a mosquito magnet, so hiking in the woods requires some desperate measures. Get some repellent that is catered for walking in the woods from Mannings, which is so heavy duty that those pesky things won't disturb your quality time with nature.