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Have you ever wanted to step out of your comfort zone, and make more time for outdoor exploration, but felt too afraid?

Perhaps the idea of embarking on this journey alone felt intimidating. Or, maybe you had every intention of following through with this aspiration, but changed your mind at the last minute.

In this blog, we bring to you a list of reasons that joining a hiking club will change your life!

1. Safety in Numbers

For many individuals, women in particular, enjoying a long, challenging hike in the great outdoors can feel like quite a daunting activity. What if you encounter someone else on the trail and you feel unsafe? Or, what if you injure yourself and require assistance?

However, with a group, you can eliminate this fear, and instead feel safe and secure knowing that you have support, or people to assist you should you need it.

2. No More Excuses

Joining a hiking group is a great way to hold yourself accountable and stick to your fitness goals.

Often, when you begin this journey alone, it is far too easy to let laziness get the better of you. However, with a group, it can feel like a commitment, and like you can’t let the rest of the group down.

3. Meet New People

Sometimes, it can be difficult to get out there and meet new people - especially when a lot of us are spending eight hours a day at work or in an office behind a computer.

When you join a hiking group, not only are you enjoying the fresh air, you get to meet new people and even make friendships that will last!

4. Challenge Yourself

Hiking with a group allows you to feel secure enough to push your limits and truly challenge yourself on the trail.

Many hiking groups consist of members with varying levels of experience. Having the support and guidance of an experienced hiker during a challenging trail is an excellent way to grow, build your endurance, and improve your skills in this activity.

5. Share The Adventure

While some adventures are fun to experience alone, there’s something truly special about sharing them with others.

Whether it’s enjoying a gorgeous sunrise or witnessing a magnificent waterfall, having companions who appreciate the same sights elevates the experience.

Later, when you reminisce about the trails you’ve conquered, you’ll have people who can relate—having shared those unforgettable moments with you.

Merrell South Africa’s Amazing Hiking Club Initiative

Early last year, Merrell International launched their hiking club initiative, featuring a Facebook group where people could share posts about hiking trails they had completed. Members provided insights on the trails, including their overall verdict and the level of challenge.

This group quickly transformed into a tight-knit community, where people connected with others in their area to form hiking groups and plan excursions.

It also became a fantastic resource for discovering lesser-known trails, helping people explore paths they might not have heard of before.

Accordingly, Merrell South Africa jumped on board, launching their own hiking club page, whereby various hiking groups in South Africa have been sharing their trails and experiences.

This initiative has been a brilliant way to encourage more people to embrace the outdoors, explore the beauty of nature, and do so in a safe and supportive environment. Over the course of 2024, these hiking groups have grown immensely, and now, in 2025, we invite you to join the tribe!

Join The Outdoor Adventurer Tribe

In 2025, we’re challenging you to let nothing hold you back!

To get inspired, visit your nearest Cable & Co. store and pick up a pair of Merrell hiking boots—because we all know proper footwear is essential.

Our friendly staff are experts in footwear and will help you find the perfect gear for your adventure.

Take that first step towards your hiking journey today with Cable & Co.!