Hiking Gear Part 7 Hiking Gear

Things to Consider When Planning a Hike

Think about the environment where you will be hiking, the altitude, the terrain and the weather. Hot arid areas like the Northwest Province and Karoo would need more water and less insect repellent. Where as the more humid areas like the eastern parts of South Africa would need more protection against insects such as mosquito’s and malaria.

When buying equipment for your hike only get what you need, not more. If your hike will be done on a well maintained trail then you won’t need things like “Gaiters” for example. If you will be going through rough bush then that would be a wise purchase to protect your legs.

Essential Gear

Backpack (size dependant on how long your hike will be)

Good sleeping bag. (Always wrap in a black bag to keep it dry)

Water

Water-purification tablets (if no clean water is available on the trail)

Food

Lighter or matches. (make sure to keep them dry in a zip lock bag)

First-aid kit

Knife

Sunscreen

Sunglasses

Whistle

Insect repellent

Compass

Map

Hiking boots

NB! All clothes not being worn should be wrapped in garbage bags to keep them dry (there is no such thing as a waterproof backpack!)

Hiking socks

Fleece jacket

Underwear (shirts & pans)

Wide-brimmed hat

Short pans

Long pans (I wear those long pans which can convert to short pans)

Long sleeve shirt

Short sleeve shirt

Hooded rain suit

Gloves (depending on the season)

Small towel

ID

Money

Small gas stove

Spare gas cylinder

Cooking pots (I use dixies)

Knife, fork, spoon and mug.

Headlamp or torch (spare batteries)

Water Bottles

10m long nylon rope

Black bags

Zip-lock bags

Watch

Pencil and paper

Toilet paper in plastic bag to keep dry.