Sunday Morning Summit: Conquering Manquehuito with Dad and Our Trusty Gear!

There’s nothing quite like a crisp Sunday morning in Santiago to spark an adventure, especially when it involves getting out into nature with family. This past Sunday, my father and I decided to shake off the week’s dust with a climb up Cerro Manquehuito. It’s a fantastic spot for a quick escape, offering stunning views and a wonderful way to connect with both nature and loved ones. And, of course, it was the perfect excuse to put some new hiking shoes and my trusty GPS watch to the test!

We chose the beloved “ruta de los Trapenses” (Trapenses route) for our ascent. If you’re looking for a less strenuous but incredibly rewarding experience, especially if you’re hiking with family or just want a more relaxed pace, this is the way to go. It’s known for being less steep towards the final stretch, which makes a huge difference, particularly when you’re aiming for a leisurely morning hike rather than a full-on sprint to the summit.

Cerro Manquehuito: A Family-Friendly Urban Escape

Cerro Manquehuito, nestled beautifully overlooking Santiago, is truly a gem for outdoor enthusiasts of all levels. The “ruta de los Trapenses” offers a truly moderate and family-friendly experience. The path is generally well-defined, winding through diverse vegetation like Espinos and Quillayes, and even some cacti and chaguales that add a unique Chilean touch to the landscape.

Compared to some of the steeper, more direct routes up Manquehue (Manquehuito’s larger neighbor), the Trapenses route is quite forgiving. It’s a relatively short round-trip, making it perfect for a morning outing without eating up your entire day. We found ourselves constantly pausing not just for a water break, but to soak in the panoramic views of the city sprawling below and the majestic Andes in the distance. It’s truly an accessible peak that provides all the rewards of a bigger mountain adventure without the same level of commitment.

Our Trailside Gear Test: Footwear Face-Off!

A good hike starts from the ground up, and that means reliable footwear. My dad and I were eager to try out two popular models: the Merrell Accentor 3 Sport Mid and The North Face Hedgehog 3 (low-cut version). While both performed admirably, we had distinct preferences!

Merrell Accentor 3 Sport Mid: Dad’s Choice for Stability

Why it caught our eye: The Merrell Accentor 3 Sport Mid is all about comfort and stability, designed to handle varied terrain while keeping your feet happy. It features a mid-cut design, which was a huge selling point for us.

• Our Experience: Right out of the box, these shoes felt incredibly comfortable – like walking on clouds, my dad said! The mid-cut design truly delivered on its promise of excellent ankle support. This was crucial for my father, as I wanted to protect his ankles from any potential twists or turns, especially on uneven parts of the trail. The rubber outsole also provided fantastic grip on everything from dry dirt to the occasional rocky patch. For a pair of shoes that often fall in the $80 to $120 USD range, they offer amazing value for money for casual to moderate hikers.

• Pros from our trek:

  • Immediate Comfort: Super cushioned and felt great from the first step.
  • Fantastic Ankle Support: The mid-cut was a game-changer for stability, especially for my dad.
  • Reliable Traction: Felt secure on all parts of the Manquehuito trail.
  • Great Value: Definitely a budget-friendly option for quality hiking shoes.

• Things to note: While we didn’t encounter any heavy rain, some reviews suggest that the waterproofing on non-Gore-Tex versions might not hold up in very wet conditions. For Manquehuito, which is usually dry, this wasn’t an issue.

The North Face Hedgehog 3 (Low): My Pick for Agility

Why I chose them: I was looking for something rugged yet dynamic for my own feet, and The North Face Hedgehog 3 (low) seemed like a perfect fit.

• Our Experience: These low-cut shoes are designed for versatility and protection. While I found them to be less immediately “plush” than the Merrells, they felt incredibly dynamic and agile. For me, someone who prefers a quicker ascent, this responsiveness was fantastic. The durable upper and robust outsole gave me confidence on every step, allowing for a fast and nimble pace. The waterproofing, thanks to their DRYVENT™ membrane, is a great bonus for unexpected damp spots, though we didn’t really need it on this sunny Sunday. They typically cost between $110 to $140 USD, which is a fair price for their features.

• Pros from our trek:

  • Dynamic Feel: Perfect for moving quickly and feeling agile on the trail.
  • Rugged Durability: Felt robust and protective against trail elements.
  • Good Traction: Solid grip, keeping me steady on ascents and descents.
  • Reliable Waterproofing: Peace of mind for damp conditions.

• Things to note: As a low-cut shoe, it naturally offers less ankle support compared to the mid-cut Merrells. This is why I chose the Merrells for my dad, prioritizing his ankle protection. While I personally preferred the dynamic feel, some hikers might find them a bit less “cushy” for all-day comfort.

Footwear Face-Off: Quick Comparison

Here’s a quick rundown of how our two contenders stacked up:

Feature	Merrell Accentor 3 Sport Mid	The North Face Hedgehog 3 (Low)
Cut/Support	Mid-cut, excellent ankle support	Low-cut, minimal ankle support
Comfort	High, plush, immediate step-in comfort	Good cushioning, but less “plush,” more dynamic feel
Feel on Trail	Stable, protected, comfortable for steady pace	Agile, dynamic, great for quick ascents and nimble movement
Waterproofing	Varies by model (some waterproof), generally good for light	Reliable DRYVENT™ membrane for effective waterproofing
Price Range	$ ($80-$120 USD) - Great Value!	$$ ($110-$140 USD) - Good value for a rugged, waterproof shoe
Best For	Hikers prioritizing ankle protection, comfort, and stability	Hikers preferring agility, speed, and reliable waterproofing

My Always Reliable Companion: The Garmin Fenix 7

No modern outdoor adventure is complete without a way to track your progress, and my Garmin Fenix 7 was, as always, my unwavering partner. This watch is a powerhouse! It meticulously measured our ascent, distance, pace, and elevation gain – all the stats an amateur trekker like me loves to pore over later.

• Our Experience: The Fenix 7’s GPS accuracy is phenomenal, providing precise data even among the varied terrain. It felt incredibly robust on my wrist, taking bumps and scrapes in stride. And the battery life? Unbeatable! I barely had to think about charging it. While it’s certainly a premium piece of gear (starting from $600-$700 USD), for those who love to track their adventures, rely on robust navigation, or are keen on fitness metrics, it’s an indispensable tool. For a simple family stroll, it might be overkill, but for my personal passion for trekking and data, it’s perfect.

• Budget-Friendly Tip: If a high-end GPS watch isn’t in your budget, don’t worry! Many excellent free phone apps (like AllTrails or Wikiloc) can track your distance and elevation, and serve as fantastic companions for casual hikes like Manquehuito.

Final Thoughts on Our Manquehuito Mission

Our Sunday morning hike up Cerro Manquehuito via the “ruta de los Trapenses” was a resounding success, made even better by having the right gear for each of us. The Merrell Accentor 3 Sport Mid proved to be an excellent choice for my father, offering crucial ankle protection and comfort, allowing him to enjoy every step. For me, The North Face Hedgehog 3 (low) delivered the dynamic agility I craved for a quicker, more active ascent. And my Garmin Fenix 7 faithfully logged every meter of our journey.

Whether you’re prioritizing robust ankle support, dynamic agility, or meticulous data tracking, investing in quality gear that suits your needs will undoubtedly enhance your experience on this beautiful Santiago trail. So grab your dad, your favorite shoes, and hit the trail – Manquehuito is waiting!