The hiking thread!

[The_MAC]

I wouldn't really recommend hiking with a dog, unless it is for a short stroll. The terrain can get very rough where you have to climb and tread carefully.
Example, I nearly slipped on the waterfall at Kromrivier in December. That was a very horrifying experience for everyone that saw that...

Hiking gear, go to Cape union mart and get a 22l K-Way back pack for day hikes.
Get a decent boot.
Get a pair of hiking socks, and compression socks. Wear both at the same time.
Wear light clothes.
Get a hat because the sun will get you.
Get lotion or something for your skin.
Get a micro fiber towel.

They used to be good, but have since become a clothing store, staff don't know much.

I had a good argument with a clerk about boots, and realised they are not adequately trained to advise people, but then again many shops are the same.

I have since started buying from Outdoor Warehouse and online from:

Account Suspended

Drifters Adventure Centre | Outdoor & Fitness Clothing & Equipment

South Africa's leading technical outdoor equipment store, stocking clothing & equipment from top local and international brands for anything from a Saturday morning park run, rock climbing in Magalies or winter trek across the Drakensberg to ascents of the Seven Summits and all adventures in...

www.driftersshop.co.za

Futurama.co.za - Outdoor, Optics, Hobby, Electronics and more

Futurama.co.za is an online store specialising in Night Vision, Hydroponics, Cultivation, Optics, Air Rifles, Astronomy, Outdoor Recreation, Camping & much more. Futurama.co.za strives to provide an online shopping experience that has Customer Service at it's heart. We strive to provide easy...

www.futurama.co.za

 

[CamiKaze]

They used to be good, but have since become a clothing store, staff don't know much.

I had a good argument with a clerk about boots, and realised they are not adequately trained to advise people, but then again many shops are the same.

I have since started buying from Outdoor Warehouse and online from:

Account Suspended

Drifters Adventure Centre | Outdoor & Fitness Clothing & Equipment

South Africa's leading technical outdoor equipment store, stocking clothing & equipment from top local and international brands for anything from a Saturday morning park run, rock climbing in Magalies or winter trek across the Drakensberg to ascents of the Seven Summits and all adventures in...

www.driftersshop.co.za

Futurama.co.za - Outdoor, Optics, Hobby, Electronics and more

Futurama.co.za is an online store specialising in Night Vision, Hydroponics, Cultivation, Optics, Air Rifles, Astronomy, Outdoor Recreation, Camping & much more. Futurama.co.za strives to provide an online shopping experience that has Customer Service at it's heart. We strive to provide easy...

www.futurama.co.za

Yeah the advice I got was from someone that actually hikes, he showed me his videos and endurance runs and hiking videos etc.
So I am well aware that a salesman will say whatever they can to sell a product, but I actually dug deeper

 

[The_MAC]

Yeah the advice I got was from someone that actually hikes, he showed me his videos and endurance runs and hiking videos etc.
So I am well aware that a salesman will say whatever they can to sell a product, but I actually dug deeper

I always research online i.e. Forums. Chat to fellow hikers etc.

Then just go and buy - I have Zero faith in our Retail Staff's knowledge these days

 

[ChuckMeFarley]

Well done, you are almost there!

Where do you live? - want to suggest some hiking clubs (however, https://community.hikingsouthafrica.co.za/ has many people all over the country, easy to join a hiking group via this platform)

I say, keep it simple - you can hike in takkies, and use an old back-pack - if you get hooked, then go and buy some gear.

Most important, Boots and socks - the bag and all other kit can come later. If you are older, have weak knees or are doing multi-day hikes, trekking poles are also very handy, they take the strain off the legs and transfer some to the arms.

I like to hike with a "bladder" in my hiking bag (some people call them Camelbak's, but that's just the brand), and a loose water bottle to fill up from rivers etc.

Just a high level list of the important items if you are going to buy (day hike only):

1) Boots and Socks
2) Bag
3) Bladder and Bottle
4) Full Rim Hat
5) Sun Glasses
6) Trekking Poles
7) Synthetic material shirt ad pants (quick drying)

Thanks for all the replies so far!

Based in Cape Town.

I love camping so ultimately the multi day hikes sound so much fun.

Realistically, one day easy hikes is where I need to start.

Will look into boots and socks for now. I have a Karrimor bag for now to stash water and food. Hat, sunglasses and synthetic clothing I already have as I do a lot of fishing.

Oh and I registered on Hiking South Africa earlier, busy browsing the threads .

 

[Gabe Owner]

What pots are you guys using for multiday hikes? We are in the market for new cooking equipment for the FRC in may.

 

[CamiKaze]

Thanks for all the replies so far!

Based in Cape Town.

I love camping so ultimately the multi day hikes sound so much fun.

Realistically, one day easy hikes is where I need to start.

Will look into boots and socks for now. I have a Karrimor bag for now to stash water and food. Hat, sunglasses and synthetic clothing I already have as I do a lot of fishing.

Oh and I registered on Hiking South Africa earlier, busy browsing the threads .

You need to start with short walks at home before the actual hikes. Strengthen your knees on inclines.

 

[CamiKaze]

What pots are you guys using for multiday hikes? We are in the market for new cooking equipment for the FRC in may.

4 Piece Cooking Set

This pot set is a lightweight, 4 piece cooking set that will allow even minimalist backpackers to whip up gourmet meals in no time. The set includes two pots and two pans that also double up as lids. The smaller set fits neatly inside the bigger set, minimising storage size. The aluminium pots...

www.naturehike.co.za

 

[ChuckMeFarley]

You need to start with short walks at home before the actual hikes. Strengthen your knees on inclines.

100%, this is why I am doing 5km a day around the neighborhood, picking the routes with the most elevation. One knee is a problem child after a past biking accident but it's getting much better and hardly an issue these days on the easy walks I do. Planning on upping the distance soon as the views are getting a bit mundane on my usual routes.

 

[Corelli]

In the Western Cape is a lot.

Otter Trail
Outeniqua Hike
Sneeukop
Winterhoek
Boland Trail
Cedarberg
Boesmanskloof
Whale Trail

Then if you're tougher, and want to do a once in a life experience for some, the Fish River Canyon (Namibia border with SA) is 90km which can only be done in winter, you will need trekking poles as it helps with the first 2 days of boulder hopping. Oh as long as you arent scared of Baboons, we passed about 50-60 baboons a day. So you cant litter and be careful with food in your bag or laying around. They are extremely strict with this. So the baboons dont associate humans with food, and will leave you alone. All rubbish needs to be carried out. So if you like tuna, get those in the satchets. Work better. I did the hike with pasta & sauce, a salami and block of cheese. During day just SuperC and Game powder mixed with chlorine water (yip you have to chlorinate your water with tablets. (tastes like pool water then haha) but game helps take the taste partly away.

And if you dont like bugs, just take the tent inner. with, so no need for the rain cover. They have drivers that can move your car from HOBAS (Start) to Ai-Ais (End). You have to book far in advance to get a permit to go for it.

The Complete Guide To The Fish River Canyon – No Speed Limit

Just note that you are pretty much in the middle of nowhere, and you wont see too many other hikers, so for emergencies it can be really tough, and so on your mindset. My dad wanted to give up 2 days in, but I got him all the way. Little to say I carried 2 backpacks of stuff in the end. Was gruesome and got 7 blisters from 44kg of stuff that I had to carry. But we made it through.

Honestly if I did it again, I will cut down on a lot of stuff I had. A light tent, light sleeping bag, light mattress, 2 water bottles, quite a few roll of superC (for the energy), pasta and sauce and pot with CampingGaz stove, and sunblock and long and short sleeve shirt, and short pants and 1 long. Yip thats about all I would take. ah chlorine tablets too. sandwiches

 

[The_MAC]

In the Western Cape is a lot.

Otter Trail
Outeniqua Hike
Sneeukop
Winterhoek
Boland Trail
Cedarberg
Boesmanskloof
Whale Trail

Then if you're tougher, and want to do a once in a life experience for some, the Fish River Canyon (Namibia border with SA) is 90km which can only be done in winter, you will need trekking poles as it helps with the first 2 days of boulder hopping. Oh as long as you arent scared of Baboons, we passed about 50-60 baboons a day. So you cant litter and be careful with food in your bag or laying around. They are extremely strict with this. So the baboons dont associate humans with food, and will leave you alone. All rubbish needs to be carried out. So if you like tuna, get those in the satchets. Work better. I did the hike with pasta & sauce, a salami and block of cheese. During day just SuperC and Game powder mixed with chlorine water (yip you have to chlorinate your water with tablets. (tastes like pool water then haha) but game helps take the taste partly away.

And if you dont like bugs, just take the tent inner. with, so no need for the rain cover. They have drivers that can move your car from HOBAS (Start) to Ai-Ais (End). You have to book far in advance to get a permit to go for it.

The Complete Guide To The Fish River Canyon – No Speed Limit

Just note that you are pretty much in the middle of nowhere, and you wont see too many other hikers, so for emergencies it can be really tough, and so on your mindset. My dad wanted to give up 2 days in, but I got him all the way. Little to say I carried 2 backpacks of stuff in the end. Was gruesome and got 7 blisters from 44kg of stuff that I had to carry. But we made it through.

Honestly if I did it again, I will cut down on a lot of stuff I had. A light tent, light sleeping bag, light mattress, 2 water bottles, quite a few roll of superC (for the energy), pasta and sauce and pot with CampingGaz stove, and sunblock and long and short sleeve shirt, and short pants and 1 long. Yip thats about all I would take. ah chlorine tablets too. sandwiches

Fish River is tops!

 

[The_MAC]

100%, this is why I am doing 5km a day around the neighborhood, picking the routes with the most elevation. One knee is a problem child after a past biking accident but it's getting much better and hardly an issue these days on the easy walks I do. Planning on upping the distance soon as the views are getting a bit mundane on my usual routes.

Get Trekking Poles, they will help with your knee, even 2 simple walking sticks will be fine in the beginning

 

[The_MAC]

4 Piece Cooking Set

This pot set is a lightweight, 4 piece cooking set that will allow even minimalist backpackers to whip up gourmet meals in no time. The set includes two pots and two pans that also double up as lids. The smaller set fits neatly inside the bigger set, minimising storage size. The aluminium pots...

www.naturehike.co.za

So I found the exact same pots in "Dealz", we have one in our Mall (Mall of Africa), unbranded, but exact same quality as the Fire Maple, K-Way etc. brands.

Dealz | Thousands of Dealz at WOW prices!

Dealz offers a wide range of products like homeware, plastics, toys, party, stationery, pet, snacks, cosmetics & basic essentials

dealz.co.za

They were half the price

 

[The_MAC]

Thanks for all the replies so far!

Based in Cape Town.

I love camping so ultimately the multi day hikes sound so much fun.

Realistically, one day easy hikes is where I need to start.

Will look into boots and socks for now. I have a Karrimor bag for now to stash water and food. Hat, sunglasses and synthetic clothing I already have as I do a lot of fishing.

Oh and I registered on Hiking South Africa earlier, busy browsing the threads .

That's perfect.

Fitness is Primary, gear is Secondary..

 

[Gabe Owner]

Fish River is tops!

We booked in 2019 for 2020, but due to Rona we had to keep shifting. This is our year to tick another great trek off our list!

 

[The_MAC]

Oh, and I am testing this bad-boy in the upcoming hike..

First Ascent Lunar Hiking 3-Season Tent

Buy the First Ascent Lunar Hiking 3-Season Tent from First Ascent online at outdoorwarehouse.co.za and get it delivered to your door. Many ways to pay & get instant savings on adventure gear with Outdoor Rewards.

www.outdoorwarehouse.co.za

 

[Pineapple Smurf]

Thanks for all the replies so far!

Based in Cape Town.

I love camping so ultimately the multi day hikes sound so much fun.

Realistically, one day easy hikes is where I need to start.

Will look into boots and socks for now. I have a Karrimor bag for now to stash water and food. Hat, sunglasses and synthetic clothing I already have as I do a lot of fishing.

Oh and I registered on Hiking South Africa earlier, busy browsing the threads .

Theres loads of hikes on MeetUp as well
Thats how I got into hiking in 2018
Awesome people, and cheap

Connections to nature! Connect to people!Connect to nature! (Cape Town, South Africa)

To connect to people, connect to nature and to connect to history.Anyone who loves connecting with other people and who enjoy spending time in nature and is interested in learning more about or natura

www.meetup.com

Cape Town Hiking and Trail Running (Cape Town, South Africa)

Welcome all hiking and trail running enthusiasts! We will try to host regular hikes and trail runs for all fitness and experience levels in and around Cape Town.Cape Town Hiking and Trail Running is p

www.meetup.com

For the Love of Hiking | Meetup

We hike to be healthy and build friendships. To promote the environment and get people together in a social sphere through hiking. If you love walking in mountains ,nights and sleeping out in nature, join us.Follow us on Instagram, 4theluvofhiking and tag us in your pics by using #4theluvofhiking

www.meetup.com

https://www.meetup.com/Outdoor-Cape-Town/ This is my favourite one

Meetup | Group not found

www.meetup.com

https://www.meetup.com/Meridian-Hiking-Club/ More for the older people >50

Seize The City (Cape Town, South Africa)

Seize The City is a group aimed at taking advantage of all Cape Town has to offer!We will include a variety of different events, anything from markets to concerts, just dinner or drinks and runs to hi

www.meetup.com

 

[pinball wizard]

They used to be good, but have since become a clothing store, staff don't know much.

I had a good argument with a clerk about boots, and realised they are not adequately trained to advise people, but then again many shops are the same.

I have since started buying from Outdoor Warehouse and online from:

Account Suspended

Drifters Adventure Centre | Outdoor & Fitness Clothing & Equipment

South Africa's leading technical outdoor equipment store, stocking clothing & equipment from top local and international brands for anything from a Saturday morning park run, rock climbing in Magalies or winter trek across the Drakensberg to ascents of the Seven Summits and all adventures in...

www.driftersshop.co.za

Futurama.co.za - Outdoor, Optics, Hobby, Electronics and more

Futurama.co.za is an online store specialising in Night Vision, Hydroponics, Cultivation, Optics, Air Rifles, Astronomy, Outdoor Recreation, Camping & much more. Futurama.co.za strives to provide an online shopping experience that has Customer Service at it's heart. We strive to provide easy...

www.futurama.co.za

Thanks. You made me spend too much money.

 

[The_MAC]

Thanks. You made me spend too much money.

What did you get?

 

[pinball wizard]

What did you get?

Ordered La Sportiva TX 5's. Damn you Drifters.

 

[The_MAC]

Ordered La Sportiva TX 5's. Damn you Drifters.

Mid Boots are the best!