Planning a trip is always a fun and a learning process for me. I usually prefer offering good friends an outdoor trip, either local or abroad, as a present.

Of course, through traveling together we can communicate and learn about each other better.

And in Hong Kong, we can easily reach the countryside for a hike within 30 minutes by public transportation.

We can choose to walk alone or join a group.

Hiking has become a popular pastime in Hong Kong.

Walking on my own gives me a bliss of solitude and peace.

I enjoy the loneliness and practice Zen (meditation) in the wilderness as if I'm the only person in the world.

Nature always welcomes me with tranquility and harmony, and voice of all kinds from nature is my chants to God.

However, it is safer to walk in a group. Joining a hiking club is also a safe way since there are usually experienced walkers in the group.

In Hong Kong, there are numerous hiking associations as well as routes with different degrees of difficulty.

Before we set off , we'd better to have a plan. Planning for a trip might seem a lengthy proposal. The aim is for us to consider every aspect of our trip, such as routes, companions, environment and risks, so that we can take appropriate safety measures.

A good map is indispensable. Local maps are usually printed on lightweight leaflets and contain description of various routes. They often give extra information about interesting landmarks and wildlife along each trail.

Checking the weather forecast before going on a trip is vital.

And it is also important to prepare suitable clothing. There are many types of innovative outdoor clothing to keep the body dry and warm in the market.

An experienced hiker will recommend never to wear new footwear for hiking, and leather boots should be waterproof.

When choosing socks, we should consider the expected walking conditions. Thick woolen socks can insulate your feet. Thin socks soak away sweat.

We can learn more from shops that sell outdoor equipments. Shop assistants can be very helpful in recommending mountainwear pieces which are light, breathable, quick-drying and durable, and provide sun protection for high elevation and long days.

No matter how costly backpacks are, the price is never off-putting for young people. From these young people, we can get expert advice on prices as well as fabric performance.

Packing the backpack requires common sense.

We need to be well-balanced and make sure only essential items are brought along.

Keen young shoppers will always be able to tell us everything about their so-called travelling-buddies:

(1) Force Enduro, Vango (UK) 35L;

(2) Litealp Macpac (New Zealand) 20L;

(3) AcLite 25, Deuter (Germany) 25L;

(4) Urbantrek Netwalk, Mammot (Switzerland) 20L;

(5) Exocet, The North Face (USA) 34L;

(6) Chaos, Gregory (US) 40L;

(7) Continental Journey, Eagle Creek (US) 52-20L;

(8) Jaquar Fixed Pockets, Karrimor (UK)65-15L, etc.

Personally, I like to carry water, sweets, sun-block, a knife, compass, sunglasses and a whistle in my belt bag.

We can carry dehydrated food items either in cans or containers.

Sweet foods help maintain blood sugar levels, providing energy and keeping the body warm. Therefore, I love to bring apple and confectionery wherever I hike.

Hot drinks have little nutritional value, but they do provide warmth and comfort.

When we go hiking, we should always take our rubbish home. We should avoid polluting water sources and refrain from smoking in the countryside.

Environmentally-friendly hiking is getting popular not only as a pastime but a pro-active attitude to our Hong Kong greenery.

Local green groups have achieved a lot by organizing various charity walks or marathons. These activities raised our awareness to respect nature.

And thanks to these green groups, commercial development plans for Long Valley and Tai Long Wan in Sai Kung have been slowed down dramatically.

In addition, we should never take with us insects from the wild.

And when nature calls, answer it sensibly, at least away from water sources. We should use soil or rocks to cover our waste.

The author is the marketing development director of

HK Discovery

(HK Edition 03/07/2008 page4)