An eco-friendly packing list for multi-day hikes in South Africa

You’ve booked an epic adventure, started those squats (trust us, you won’t regret them) and now you need to sort out the equipment for epic multi-day mountain magic.

Did you know? My first job was testing out gear for Getaway magazine. I put many a tent pole, hiking boot and solar system to the test. I even went so far as to take waterproof kit to the carwash to trial the specs (everything passed, rather hilariously).

We’re no experts, but having hiked the Drakensberg, Otter Trail, Magaliesberg and Robberg on multi-day outings, we know a little about what works for us. Here’s our head-to-toe list of the hiking equipment we love and how best to leave little trace behind while exploring South Africa’s extraordinary elevations.

Invest in 10 brilliant basics

1. Backpack (45L to 60L)

On my first multi-day hike I packed plenty. A papsak. A steel coffee flask. Luxury foods. In other words - a heckofalotofshit. A loaded backpack shouldn't weigh more than about 20 per cent of your body weight. If, for example, you weigh 60kg, your pack should not surpass 12 kilos – I was lugging almost 20kg. I figured that the smaller the bag I have, the less I could pack. I opted for a 50L backpack with loads of straps and fixture points so that I could attach objects to the outside if necessary. It’s also got hydration bladder compatibility, loads of different pockets, waterbottle holsters and a thick, comfy hip belt. Choose the right pack and select the right one, it will probably serve you for life (ask about the guarantee!) which is better for both your pocket and the environment.

Tip: Some backpacks are gender-specific, ask for the options before buying. 

2. Lightweight tent

Not all multi-day hikes require a tent. If you’re hitting the Otter Trail, then you’ll bunk in luxe oceanfront cabins (what bliss!) but if you’re crisscrossing the Drakensberg Mountains chances are there’ll be wild. camping. Don’t have one? Ask a friend or your guide! Remember those three R’s of being sustainable? Step one is. always reduce. The best way to be eco-friendly is t buy less, so we always suggest borrowing first. Failing that, invest in the equipment that will likely last a lifetime. When hiking, the lighter the better. On the Mnweni Circuit, we used the 2,59kg First Ascent Lunar 2 Person 3 Season Hiking Tent. It held up in the hailstorm and is super simple to put up.

Tip: If there’s rain or snow forecast, maybe consider a three-man tent. With two people using the tent in foul weather then there’s not enough space to sleep comfortably and fit two big packs inside. 

3. Trusty shoes

Seems like a ‘duh’ item, but hike in your best, trustiest and well-worn pair of shoes. Boots or trail tackies both do the trick - everyone has their own preference (Carmen and I both hike in boots). Make sure there’s enough room to accommodate swelling and try get shoes that feature some kind of waterproofing. If your shoes get wet on the first day, you’ll struggle through the whole hike when they don’t dry in adverse weather.

4. Proper socks

Walking socks should contain fibres such as wool that are able to transfer moisture away from your foot and out of the shoe via the breathable lining – this process is called wicking and it’s your friend. These natural fibres are also better for our earth. If you’re looking for more funky socks, Sexy Socks has a wide range of designs manufactured in Cape Town. They’re made from bamboo fibres, which are eco-friendly, anti-odour and anti-chafe. Also, for every pair you buy, a pair of school socks goes to a child in need.

Tip: Pack extra! Wet feet are NOT a vibe. 

5. Inflatable mattress

Yes. A hiking or yoga mat will do, but it gets old quickly over four nights of camping. Invest in an inflatable hiking mat that’s lightweight, takes up little space and makes all the difference come morning when there are still stacks of kilometres to tackle.

6. Warm sleeping bag

Down is the best and lightest insulator for winter, but these tend to be pricey (and controversial). The most important things to consider when looking for a hiking sleeping bag? Compact, lightweight and mummy-shaped for a comfy cocoon of warmth. Check the comfort rating for an indicator or warmth. If you’re worried, add an insulating sleeping bag liner.

Tip: Investigate the filling. Is it synethic? Responsibly-sourced down? These days you can even get recycled plastic insulation. 

7. Rain jacket

Hiking is all about layering. Several loose layers trap the heat to keep you insulated. The base layer should have a wicking ability to transport moisture (sweat) away from your skin, which would otherwise make you cold. The next layer traps heat to keep you warm. Typically, this is a good fleece or wool jersey. Then pop on a puffer jacket and you’ll be seriously toasty!

The last layer is a waterproof or repellent shell such as a wind-breaker, which prevents the elements from getting in. Check the ‘mm’ rating. The higher the index (for example, 2000mm) the better the jacket is as shedding rain.

8. Thermals

Soft and insulating, lightweight thermals work perfectly as PJs. I prance around in a purple bamboo suit from First Ascent that I love.

9. Puffer Jacket

Some puffers feature recycled fibres that were once plastic bottles. This new fibre helps to divert plastic bottle — billions of them — from landfills and oceans, turning them into useful, wearable, more environmentally-friendly clothing instead. Exceptionally lightweight at just 280g, this cosy jacket is versatile too and can double up as a (tiny) pillow. Pick a colour that pops! It’s not only great for photographing, but for safety out on the trail so you’re easy to find in foul weather.

10. A gas cooker

Hiking with a friend? Go halvies. One gas canister should easily cover two people for three nights and it’s less to pack. I love a Jetboil. It’s an integrated hiking stove with a one-litre pot capacity and delivers a speedy four-minute boil time.

Tip: You can’t fly with gas cartridges (not even in the hold) so be aware of stoves that only use own-brand canisters such as this Campingaz stove and make sure you can get your canisters on the ground wherever you are hiking.

Consider some nifty little bargains

• Filter coffee: We always pack Arise coffee. Not only can we enjoy a cup of REAL coffee anywhere, but it plants trees too! With each sip of this clever coffee, you help expand forests, protect habitats and ease climate change. How? For every 3kg of Arise coffee sold, Greenpop plants a tree in a deforested area.

• Eyewear leash: Ever heard of Tjoobies! The rubber connectors on the ends of these eyewear leashes are made from upcycled bicycle tubes. Snap them onto your sunnies and never lose your eyes again, leaving more time to focus on the adventure fun. Then there's the feel-good factor too. A portion of every Tjoobie sale goes to Onesight, an NPO providing free eye care to communities in need in South Africa. 

• Inflatable pillow: simultaneously space-saving and sleep-improving.

• Lightweight fleece: essential!

• 3L hydration bladder: it’s so much easier to sip and stroll simultaneously.

• Solar lantern: Most hikers are sure to have a decent headlamp, but having a lantern makes organising and food prep that much easier. These Ultratec silicone ones are easy to clip to the outside of your bag.

• Hiking poles: extra balance and stable support. I use just one hiking pole, but they are often sold as sets of two (share the cost with a friend).

• Dry bag: Hiking with a camera? Smartphone? Keep your electronics safe and dry in one of these.

You probably already have these at home

• Sports bras and clean underwear for each day

• T-shirts

• Tights

• Warm tracksuit pants

• Shoes to wear around camp: I'm prone to shin splints, so I packed lightweight strops

• Beanie

• Sunhat or cap

• Gloves

• Buff

• Cutlery and crockery: Take what you can from your cutlery drawer at home, otherwise bamboo grows faster than other plants and trees so it’s a more renewable resource, and it’s compostable, breaking down over a few months. You can find lightweight cutlery made from this.

• Headlamp: because it’s much easier to cook hands-free.

• Trash bag: I keep old wrap packets and upcycle the Ziplock bags into a trash bag using some duct tape.

• First aid kit:

• Bug repellent

• Sunscreen: I love the plastic-free packaging and all-natural sunscreen from Le Natural. It’s made with lavender, African Helichrysum essential oils and non-nano zinc oxide and handcrafted in South Africa.

• TP: One ply that easily disintegrates outdoors.

• Baby wipes: I try to get bamboo baby wipes. Woolworths now makes their own and Pure Beginnings is an old favourite.

• Biodegradable dishwashing liquid and drying cloth: I buy green cleaning products from Checkers or Pick ‘n Pay and then decant a little to a bottle.

• Powerbank: Eskom has equipped us for the outdoors!

• Empty sports bottle: I use the other bottle to carry juice or rehydrate so it doesn’t taint the bladder.

• Toiletries: bar soaps are better for the planet than liquid ones (less waste!) and since we love exploring wild places, we want to do our best to minimise our impact there. SASSUI uses only conscientiously-sourced, plant-based ingredients, so it's biodegradable and good for your skin.

  Tip: biodegradable means a product can break down into natural materials in the environment without causing harm. Be aware that some packaging states that the ingredients in the product are Earth-friendly when in fact they are still bad for the environment.