Otter Trail

**nadimm** · 03-01-2012 08:10 PM

So, I will be doing the Otter in April. And I need some advice with equipment and in general.

What's the bare minimum? Re-usability is a priority.

1. Backpack. I plan to buy a 65 L K-Way Advance, on special. The Deuters are very nice but too pricey.
2. Shoes. I have both Kilimnajaro Hiking boots, and Solomons Trail Running shoes. Which is preferred. Also do I need aqua shoes, or is this a nice to have?
3. Sleeping bag. Whats an affordable versatile sleeping bag for SA conditions.
4. Food suggestions....

5. Dry sack Is it neccessary?

6. Anything else you found indespensible.

**Gambit** · 03-01-2012 09:03 PM

You need a survival bag as you have to swim across the Bloukrans river.

**bdt** · 03-01-2012 09:11 PM

Oh hello, something topical! (I've got an invite to do this in August, as a 1st-timer)

Anyhow, from what friends who have been on it have said: count on having to get wet on account of the river crossing, which means clothes/footwear you can afford to get soaked ..while keeping your backpack dry. As to said backpack, weight is just about your #1 enemy: find a way to lighten the load as much as you can. From their photos I've seen that a good, face/neck-covering hat is basically a must.

**Velenoso** · 03-01-2012 10:30 PM

What the hell is the otter trail?

**abzo** · 03-01-2012 10:44 PM

Didn't know we had otters in SA.

**Shake&Bake** · 03-01-2012 10:50 PM

Otter Trail was a dream of mine as a kid. Never got it done and will need to get back in serious shape before I can consider it

Find a way to keep things dry OP. The river crossing has no ferry

**bdt** · 03-01-2012 10:57 PM

http://www.lmgtfy.com/?q=%22otter+trail%22 <- all the Otter Trail info you need...

**jxharding** · 03-01-2012 10:58 PM

also going in April (2nd time im doing this trip)
cant wait, one of the best weeks of my life (or 5 days rather)

**TheGuy** · 04-01-2012 06:16 AM

Would love to do it. I've only done the fish river so far.

**marine1** · 04-01-2012 07:28 AM

The Otter was the most physically demanding thing I think I have ever done. 5 days of pure physical pain

**Mila** · 04-01-2012 07:42 AM

A walking stick. First accent has nice adjustable sticks.

Food. Provitas
Canned fish
Cheese
Jelly babies
Energade or game. Powder.
Oats so easy.

**Colin62** · 04-01-2012 09:38 AM

The Otter isn't particularly hard. I last did it three years ago, aged 46 and weighing 120kg (around 20kg overweight). My 11 year old daughter also managed without too much complaining. Just pace yourself and carry enough water if you're unfit.

**Tacet** · 04-01-2012 10:07 AM

We're going to do the Otter in July. OP, have you hiked before?

The K-way bags are ok if you're not planning on hiking too often. Most of my friends who started on K-way bags were very glad when they upgraded to something else, though.

Shoes - whichever floats your boat. I hike with boots that covers the ankle, because it provides protection when you slip or when you twist your foot. My sister hates boots, and will only hike with tekkies. I wouldn't bother with aqua shoes, but I will pack something comfy to wear at the huts. Some people use flip-flops, my sister loves slippers, and I use some kind of cheapie Mr Price rock climbing shoe. Mine are squashable, so it takes very little space.

Sleeping bag - again, up to you. I use a Deuter bag that's rated to about +2. It is light, small and perfect for me. Many people would hate it, because it isn't very warm, but I don't easily get too cold, so I'm happy.

Food - low GI, high carbs. Go slow on the sugar, especially in the mornings and at lunch. I've seen people crash to Hypoglycemia as the body over-compensates for the sugar rush, and it is not a pretty sight. You want to have energy for the whole day, not for only a short while.

Food, cont - Most of us love pasta for dinner with some sauce, and something meaty added. Pasta and biltong, pasta and salami... For lunch, some people eat Tuna Mate (spelling!?). I don't like Tuna, so I normally go for a fruit, something like bread, maybe a choc bar (just don't overdo the sugar!). For breakfast I like something like instant oats, which is filling, quite healthy and light.

Food, last one - I don't like canned food, as there's not always bins on trails. Carrying the empty can on your back (cans don't burn or biodegrade) isn't my idea of fun. Take the wrapping as refuge and as weight into account.

Water - don't bargain on water at the hut. We've had more than one case where the water supply to the hut has gone faulty, and if you're not prepared, you're in trouble. I'm VERY light on water, and I will never start a day with less than 3 l water if I can help it. 1 Litre in a bottle I carry around my neck, 2 l in my pack.

Waterproofing - Assume that you're going to fall into the river with your pack, and pack accordingly. I walk with 3 waterproof bags, each 15 l, in which I carry everything that shouldn't get wet - sleeping bag, toilet paper, towel, warm clothes, ... The rain cover on your bag doesn't do much, it doesn't even keep your bag dry if if really rains hard. Don't bargain on it to keep your sleeping bag dry!

1st Aid - pack it. I'd suggest that you go to your docter, tell him/her what you intend to do, and get meds for everything. I hike with meds for runny stomach, blocked stomach, nausea, a broad-spectrum anti-biotic, antihistamines, basic sinus meds, Rehydrate (very important)... All of them are included for a reason, and most have been used by someone, somewhere on some hike.

The Otter seems quite easy - the distance per day is quite short, and according to the contours there aren't really difficult climbs.

Has anyone done other 5+ day hikes in the country? How does the Otter compare? The Otter is one of the last well known 5 days in the country that I haven't done, so I'm looking forward to it.

**Tacet** · 04-01-2012 10:10 AM

Oh, I totally forgot. If you can, go to Outdoorfreedom in Centurion. They give excellent advise, and some of their gear is really priced well. Still compare prices, though. They're not cheaper on everything.