It's an urban jungle out there and it takes a special type of outdoors-person to conquer it. Not really. Anyone can do it.
Part of the thrill of a backpacking or hiking trip is the planning. Urban hiking has that. Get a city map and peruse it. Instead of mountains, forests and plains there will be buildings, parks and streets. Center excursions around a landmark or specific area of town. Choose a city park and explore it from one side to the other. Hike through the downtown area and take in the architecture, the people, and even do some window shopping. Make sure to get off the normal paths just like bushwhacking in the wilderness there will be mew places to discover.
Urban Hiking Gear
Backpackers and hikers love gear. The right gear is needed to urban hiking. Chances are good that the hiking gear already in the closet will work fine for this new kind of hiking. Some of it is old and worn in, comfortable to touch and sight. Other pieces are shiny new upgrades or replacements for worn or broken gear. It all needs to be field tested.
A day pack is a great start, even a messenger bag will work. Just like in the wilderness documenting encounters is fun. Bring a camera with plenty of digital storage or film if preferred. Make sure the batteries are charged. Binoculars or monocular will allow a closeup look at the wildlife that call some cities home. Pointing them at people might cause some consternation so use good judgment. Substitute comfortable walking shoes for those much loved hiking boots, no need to wear down the soles on concrete.
Urban Hiking Survival
Food and water are crucial to survival in the wilderness and it is no different in urban hiking. The difference is in urban hiking there are more choices. Choose to carry a Nalgene full of water and some G.O.R.P. or lighten the load and pocket some change or a debit card. Take advantage of a local coffee bar or deli to keep energy levels up. In the woods a hiker can sit against a tree and watch. An urban hiker can sit in a chair and watch while sipping hot coffee and nibbling a scone. In the woods pick up a souvenir rock. In urban hiking look for a souvenir in a little shop along the way.
Urban hiking is a great way to learn more about nature. Man is a part of nature, cities were built by man so cities are part of nature. Plus many types of animals now call the city environment home. Peregrine falcons, raccoons, opossums, hawks, and rabbits can be seen in some cities. Just like hiking the wilderness try early mornings or late afternoons for the best critter sightings. For people sightings lunch hour is the best time.
Urban hiking can't replace putting boots to a trail that winds through a wilderness area but it has its own unique charms. Less gear, less travel time, and less weather restrictions. More knowledge of the immediate area, more stories to tell, and more exercise to keep legs and lungs in shape.
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