The Real Benefits of Hiking: Why Walking Outdoors Might Be the Best Thing You Can Do for Your Mind, Body, and Soul
The Real Benefits of Hiking: Why Walking Outdoors Might Be the Best Thing You Can Do for Your Mind, Body, and Soul
Posted in: The Six Wild Ones Series | Nanook23 Blog
Why Hiking? Because Nature is the Original Therapy.
Tired of apps telling you to “just breathe” while you're stuck at a desk? Hiking — also known as walking, trekking, yomping, or “escaping your inbox” — is the easiest and most powerful way to get outside, move your body, and reset your mind.
From Sunday strolls to serious trail missions, here’s everything you need to know about getting into hiking — and why it might be your new favourite habit.
What is Hiking, Really?
Let’s be real: hiking is walking, with dirt under your boots and a view worth screenshotting.
Unlike the treadmill grind or city pavement shuffle, hiking reconnects you with the raw, unfiltered outdoors. Forests. Hills. Moors. Waterfalls. Maybe even a sheep or two.
Bonus: no gym membership required.
Top Benefits of Hiking
🧠 Mental Clarity
Studies show that even a short walk in nature can lower stress, improve focus, and help with anxiety. Trees: 1. Deadlines: 0.
💪 Real Fitness
Hillwalking burns serious calories, improves cardiovascular health, and strengthens muscles — without the monotony of gym reps.
🌍 Sustainable & Simple
No petrol. No power. No pollution. Just you, your legs, and the sound of birds doing their thing.
How to Get Started with Hiking
It’s easier than you think.
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Find a Local Trail: Use apps like AllTrails, Komoot, or OS Maps.
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Go Light, Go Layered: Start with a breathable tee, add a warm top, and keep your pack light.
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Know the Basics: Water, snacks, a charged phone, and the right attitude.
Tackle the Barriers (Because There Aren’t Many)
| Excuse | Reality Check |
|---|---|
| “I don’t know where to go.” | Google your local nature reserve or walking trail. Easy win. |
| “What if it rains?” | That’s what layers and adventure are for. |
| “I don’t have gear.” | You don’t need much — scroll down, we’ve got you covered. |
Your Essential Hiking Kit
Looking good outdoors shouldn’t mean fast fashion. Our range is built from organic cotton and recycled materials, designed to move with you.
🧢 Recycled Polyester Cap – Embre Circle
Shields your face from sun, sweat, and surprise drizzle.
🧥 Organic Cotton Sweatshirt – Red Dot
Soft. Warm. Comfy enough to sleep in, tough enough to hike in.
👕 Organic Long Sleeve Tee – Horizon
Your base layer for breezy peaks or early starts.
🎒 Tote Bag or Water Bottle (Coming Soon)
Hydrate. Carry snacks. Or bring back sticks for no reason.
Final Words: Just Start Walking
You don’t need to be “outdoorsy” to love hiking. You just need to take the first step — and then another.
Start small. Start now. And let the trail do the talking.
👣 Next up: Mountain Biking — Mud, gears, and glory (plus a sneak peek at our Nanook23 Race Series).
#StayWild #HikingWithNanook23 #SustainableAdventure #TheSixWildOnes
