The Complete Guide to Nordic Walking by Gill Stewart

Author:Gill Stewart
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9781408186596
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing
Published: 2014-01-14T16:00:00+00:00

Figure 11.4 Pad butler

Pad butlers

Although non-essential, this is the ultimate Nordic walking gadget. It’s a small clip made by Leki that fixes to your poles and will hold your paws when you take them off to walk on softer ground.

Female comfort devices

These devices may be helpful to women who find themselves in the middle of nowhere and in need of the loo. To avoid the need to bare all, while crouching in the undergrowth, the Shewee (and similar such devices) allow you to stand up and relieve a full bladder.

Multi-tools

You never know when you might need to cut, open or even mend something, and a multi-tool will ensure you have just what you need for the job. Note: they are quite heavy so it’s advisable to avoid the ones claiming to have every tool under the sun (for a compact range see www.beargrylls.com).

Dog harness

Nordic walking with your dog can be great fun, but there are times when your four-legged friend will need to be on a lead and that’s tricky when you have poles in your hands. There are a number of waist harnesses now available that allow you to be hands-free. However, I would advise you always follow these tips before attempting to use one in order to prevent falls:

•Train the dog to stay out in front and keep moving when harnessed to avoid him/her getting tangled in your poles.

•Ideally only harness him/her once he/she has had a chance to sniff, play and do his/her business as a sudden stop could result in a complete tangle.

Well-trained dogs get the hang of the harness and anyone who has watched a cani-cross event (running with dogs; see www.cani-cross.co.uk) will know that they absolutely love it too. Some of the best kit for active outdoorsy dogs can be found at www.ruffwear.co.uk.

Water filtration system

On longer walks, it is difficult to carry enough water and yet risky to drink from streams or farm taps, for instance. That’s where the new water filtration bottles come in. PurifiCup is a brilliant reusable filter, similar to that used in jugs at home, but cup-sized (see https://purificup.com). It really does ensure that you can access clean water pretty much anywhere. Bobble is a sports bottle with filtration (see www.waterbobble.com).

Waterproof notebook

You never know when you might need to make a note of something. I simply would not venture out without my trusty waterproof notebook. It really is totally weatherproof and isn’t expensive either (see www.riteintherain.com).

Solar rechargers

If you are likely to be out and about for any length of time and are a gadget freak, you might want to pack a solar recharger that will ensure your precious gizmos keep performing wherever you are. One of the lightest and most reliable is the Goal Zero Switch 8.

SAFETY GADGETS

If you are Nordic walking on roads or in the dark, you need to make sure that you are seen. Here are a few nifty items that I would not be without on a dark evening.

Pole lights

Nordic walking in the dark is made much safer, and indeed easier, if people can see you and you can see the ground in front of you.

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