Safety First for 'Honsan' Too... Wearing Masks and Functional Jackets Are Essential

[Asia Economy Reporter Yujin Cho] As social distancing continues for a long time, the number of people visiting mountains has surged, and solo hiking, known as ‘honsan (solo mountain hiking),’ is also gaining popularity. According to the Bukhansan National Park Office, the number of visitors to Bukhansan last month recorded about 676,000, an increase of more than 40% compared to the previous year.

Yeongwon Outdoor (CEO Ki-hak Sung)’s global outdoor brand The North Face introduces safe spring hiking methods and essential equipment suitable for social distancing with Seok-moon Choi (The North Face Athlete Team, 46), who in 2017 became the first Korean to jointly receive the ‘Golden Ice Axe Award,’ known as the ‘Oscar of the mountaineering world,’ and Myung-hee Lee (The North Face Athlete Team, 46), a leading female alpine climber representing Korea.

◆ Safety by keeping distance even on the mountain = Before hiking, you should check the trail, sunrise and sunset times, and weather information in advance and plan your hike according to your physical condition. Also, thorough warm-up and stretching before hiking and staying on designated trails are essential to enjoy a safe hike.

Seok-moon Choi of The North Face Athlete Team emphasizes, “If you have refrained from outdoor activities since winter or are hiking while wearing a mask, you should reduce your pace as much as possible and choose an easy course to conserve extra energy so that descending is not strenuous.”

He adds, “Maintaining a certain distance while hiking not only prevents infection but also helps avoid collisions if the person ahead slips and falls. Also, in crowded areas such as decks and restrooms, it is proper hiking etiquette these days not to share food and to rest separately.”

If you plan to hike solo, it is good to choose an easier course than usual and prepare extra phone batteries and a whistle to prepare for emergencies that may occur during the hike. Drinking and smoking are strictly prohibited as they can endanger not only yourself but also those around you.

◆ Well-fitting hiking boots and functional jackets are essential = Myung-hee Lee of The North Face Athlete Team advises, “Even for light hikes, having well-fitting hiking boots and functional jackets to prepare for unpredictable spring weather is necessary for a safe hike.”

The ‘Valkyrie Boa 2 Gore-Tex,’ which applies the Boa Fit System and Gore-Tex Invisible Fit technology, offers excellent waterproof, windproof, and breathable functions, maintaining stable comfort and freshness even after long wear.

It features an outsole with excellent traction suitable for rocky trails, and the upper uses eco-friendly knit material made from recycled PET bottles, comfortably wrapping the instep. The ‘New Mountain Jacket’ uses conductive fabric that minimizes static electricity and multiple layers and membranes to protect against fine dust, with a pocket inside to separately store a mask.

Additionally, it uses DryVent material with excellent waterproof, water-repellent, and breathable functions to protect the body from sudden rain and wind and quickly expel sweat and heat generated inside to regulate body temperature.

With mask use now essential, wearing a mask during hiking helps protect the respiratory system from external substances such as pollen and dust as well as potential droplet infections. The ‘The North Face Filter Mask’ effectively blocks harmful substances like pollen and dust as well as ultraviolet rays, featuring a nose pad filter, three-dimensional design, and stretch material for improved seal and comfort.

Moreover, considering the lower temperatures and large temperature differences in the mountains compared to the city, it is necessary to bring warm clothing, lukewarm water for hydration, simple snacks like cucumber and chocolate for energy, and emergency first aid supplies. It is recommended that your backpack does not exceed 10% of your body weight, and using hiking sticks that can help distribute weight is also beneficial.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.