Tips On How To Be Trail-Ready In The New Normal

Everyone missed being outdoors! With the restrictions due to the pandemic, we are mostly indoors for weeks on end and this has definitely challenged everyone’s physical and mental wellbeing.

It has also highlighted the underrated value to everyone of spending time outdoors be it just a walk in the park or a bike ride. According to a study published in the journal Environmental Research, prolonged exposure to green spaces show statistically significant decreases in incidence of diabetes, stroke, hypertension, asthma, and coronary heart disease, among others. 

For those ready and open to get some deeper R&R with nature, the mountains offer a welcome retreat from the constraints and anxieties at home and especially city life. Merrell, a leading outdoor lifestyle brand since 1981, shows you how to be trail-ready in the time of COVID.

Always plan ahead. With tourism slowly being opened in many green spaces, and one may assume that you can simply drive to the mountains and be on your way. However, because of constantly changing community quarantine statuses, depending on where you’re heading, some local government units (LGUs) might require additional documentation like permits, medical certificates, or booking confirmation with tour groups in charge of your destination.

Last month, Merrell and a select group of hiking enthusiasts made sure to check first with local authorities through an authorized tour group operating in Mabini, Batangas when they embarked on a hike in Mt. Gulugod Baboy. This was done before NCR was subjected to Enhanced Community Quarantine (ECQ). Thankfully there were no further requirements needed by the Mabini LGU. A quick tip is to check the official Facebook page of the local government unit of the destination you’re eyeing for latest updates and contact details. 

Have the right gear

Mountain trails can be tricky depending on the difficulty level associated with them, but your experience is also greatly influenced by the gear you use. A trail rated 2/9 may feel like a 7 or 8 when coupled with rain, fog, or both, as with the case in the recent climb in Mt. Gulugod Baboy. Luckily, the entire hike group was equipped with shoes from Merrell’s new Moab 2 collection—the brand’s OG hiker line, namely the Moab 2, Moab Flight, and Moab Speed which allowed them to traverse the slippery and muddy mountainside with relative ease. The Flight and Speed models, in particular, are trail runners that are perfect for light hikes. All shoes feature Vibram® outsoles which provide maximum traction and hold in these difficult conditions.

The Agility Synthesis 2, one of Merrell’s newest trail running models, has been reengineered as one of the brand’s most sustainable designs yet. Made with partially recycled upper materials, natural rubber outsoles, and without any dyes, this shoe takes 80% less water and 50% less energy to produce compared to those manufactured using traditional dyeing methods. The shoe was made clean for wearers to muddy them up.

If you prefer to shop from the comfort and safety of home, Merrell’s website is open 24/7 to receive and deliver orders at www.merrell.com.ph.

Pack the essentials

Before the pandemic, bringing trail food, water, headlamps/flashlights, gloves, first aid kits, cap/sunblock, garbage bag to hikes were no-brainers. Nowadays, your basic toolkit should be supplemented with face masks (medical-grade is preferred), face shields (while in transit), bio-hazard disposable waste bag (for used masks), 70% solution alcohol/alcohol–based hand sanitizer, and tissue paper. It also goes without saying that physical distancing and mask-wearing should be observed whenever possible.

Take lots and lots of photos and videos

You’ve already gone through various LGU requirements, checkpoints, slippery slopes, and unpredictable weather so you may as well stop, breathe, and bask in the view. Since this brief yet memorable experience may now become more and more sporadic due to rapidly changing quarantine situations, we recommend that you savor each moment outside and take photos or videos to look back on. Also, why not share them on social media for others’ information and inspiration? You likely have more than a few friends in your network who would appreciate seeing and being reminded of the possibility of taking a quick trip to nature. Especially In these unimaginably tough times, sharing and showing kindness in our own little ways can make a meaningful impact to others.