
What we’re about
Hiking for Randoms is about meeting new people and the great outdoors. We usually hike in the south of Sweden, 1-2 nights, sleeping in shelters, tents or hammocks. 15-25 km per day, not very technical. In the winter, day hikes dominate. Usually 20 to 30 KMs.
This group is designed for all levels of hikers - including aspiring hikers. It's a collective thing, it's about being in the present, it's about getting recalibrated. There's no competition or performance focus, it's all very chill. All ages, all genders, all cultures, no limitations. If you can walk the planned distance, carry a pack, and maybe have some gear, you're golden. Dogs are very welcome too, so expect four-legged company on some hikes.
The mission here is a social mission. We fight loneliness, all kinds. Maybe you're new to CPH, and struggle to find social interaction. Maybe you have many friends, but they don't want to go hiking. Maybe you're one of the natives, and you want to change the reputation of Danes being super private and difficult to get close to. All good, it's for you.
I'm your humble organizer. I'm Ole - usually converts to "Ollie" when we speak English. I'm generation X, married, two kids, senior manager in FinTech. I'm also a collectivist, contrarian, aspirant progressive, and systemic thinker, optimist, romantic, with a passion for democracy, human rights, transparency, division of power and separation of church and state. So some kind of humanist, I guess.
I'm a gearhead, weekend hiker, trying to keep it light and comfortable too. I've been running hiking trips for randoms on Facebook for a decade+, but Meetup has a much more diverse group of people, and that what this is all about.
Also, we like to share photos. So you could end up in photos. Those photos can appear in social media. Joining the group means that you have accepted this.
Rules - you must follow these rules
- Signing up for a hike means you are committed to actually showing up.
- If you are on the waitlist, you are ready to join when the opportunity comes, even at short notice. Otherwise you'll need to take yourself off the waitlist.
- You need to be self-supported and capable of completing the hike. If you are extremely unprepared you will not be able to join.
- We stick together during the hikes. Gaps are bad. We hike at the pace of the slowest hiker. You are responsible for managing the gap behind you, not in front.
- Only 1 named person navigates. 1 other named person can assist. Others refrain from navigation. This can be perceived as strict, but it enables more people to enjoy the hike, take a break from the screen and just go with the flow.
And to ensure a high-trust environment and a safe space for everybody, please avoid joining with a faceless/nameless profile.
The rules above are not optional. If this is too restrictive, this is not for you.
Basic Equipment for overnight hikes
This is not exhaustive, but NOT bringing this might exclude you
- Sleeping bag - appropriate temperature rating for the conditions
- Sleeping pad - appropriate temperature rating for the conditions
- Shelter system - tent or hammock or tarp - personal preference
- A backpack - appropriate volume - carrying gear by hand is not sustainable
- Light source - headlamp preferred
- Clothing appropriate for the conditions
- Water + food - water sources along the way are usually not a sure thing