Your Guide to Urban Hiking: Outdoor Adventure Is For Everyone
"The great outdoors should be enjoyed by everyone!
When you hear the word 'hike,' it’s easy to picture a gruelling ascent up a treacherous mountain, complete with oversized backpacks stuffed with freeze-dried food and camping gear.
While that may be an adventure in itself, here at Merrell, we’ve decided to redefine what it means to go on a hike. We firmly believe that the outdoors is for everyone, regardless of your busy schedule or fitness level!
The great outdoors isn’t reserved for athletes who spend months in training. This stunning natural canvas is there to be explored by anyone and everyone.
And that’s why we’re introducing you to the concept of the 'Urban Hike.'”
What Is An Urban Hike?
While the concept of an Urban Hike isn’t entirely new, we’ve decided to shine a spotlight on it as a way to encourage people to enjoy the great outdoors—no matter the form!
In essence, an Urban Hike involves walking and exploring within a city. Unlike traditional hiking, which takes place in natural settings like forests or mountains, urban hiking focuses on discovering the cityscape.
This form of hiking is often easier for people to commit to, as it doesn’t require long travel to remote destinations. It also offers the opportunity to uncover hidden gems right on your doorstep!
Whether you’re exploring historical landmarks in your city or simply enjoying a family neighbourhood walk, an urban hike is a fantastic way for everyone to enjoy the outdoors and get that much-needed daily dose of fresh air.
Benefits of an Urban Hike
- Makes hiking accessible to all: Not everyone is lucky enough to live near stunning natural landscapes or dedicated hiking trails. Urban hiking puts the power in your hands, allowing you to explore the outdoors and even create your own trails.
- Discover hidden gems in the city: It’s easy to overlook the beauty right in front of you. Embracing urban hiking gives you a chance to explore your city and uncover hidden gems you may have never noticed before.
- Less pressure to prepare for treacherous terrain: Hiking doesn’t always have to mean scaling mountains or chasing waterfalls. Sometimes, aiming too high can leave you feeling demotivated. Urban hiking takes the pressure off—just head home from work, throw on your hiking shoes, and start exploring your city. It’s that simple!
- Fun for the whole family: Urban hikes often lead to exciting adventures in local parks, making them the perfect activity for everyone—including the kids and even your furry friends!
Gear Up To Explore The City
Now that you’re excited about exploring your city, it’s time to think about your gear.
- Sun protection: On warm, sunny days, don’t forget to wear a sunhat and apply sunblock—your skin will thank you later!
- Layers: The weather can change in an instant, so always check the forecast and be prepared for windy or rainy days with appropriate clothing.
- Hydration: For longer hikes, water is essential. Staying hydrated is key to making your hike enjoyable and safe.
- Footwear: The right footwear can make or break your hike. There’s nothing worse than coming home with sore feet or bruised toes! Reliable footwear is a must to keep your feet comfortable and protected. For urban hiking, we recommend our Moab Speed 2—a lightweight hiker designed to keep your feet happy throughout your urban adventures. If you’re planning on tackling more challenging terrain, our Speed Strike 2 MID WP hiking boots are a great choice, featuring waterproof technologies and durable traction to give you the grip and stability you need on any surface.
Join Us For Our Urban Hiking Event!
In partnership with the amazing Jenni Gault—owner of Jenni Gault International Jewellery Design and outdoor adventurer—Merrell SA will be hosting an Urban Hike in Gqeberha on the 21st of March 2025.
Event Details:
- Registration: 7:00–8:00 AM
- Start Time: 8:15 AM
- Cost: Adults R100, Children R50
- Kids under 12: Free
We hope to see you at this event as we explore some of the beautiful landmarks of the city during our hike. This isn’t a race—it’s about enjoying the outdoors, connecting with others, and appreciating the beauty around us.
Hiking doesn’t have to mean chasing thrills in remote forests. Together, let’s redefine the hike and show that it’s an activity anyone can enjoy, anywhere.
Let’s get outside—because the outdoors is for everyone.
