Hiking Checlist for South African Hiking Trails

The exact contents of your pack varies based on when you are going hiking, dry or rainy times etc, but this hiking checklist should cover you in most instances.

A comfortable backpack, good water bottles, and strong hiking shoes are essential to any hike. It is also important to remember that the weight of your backpack should never exceed more than one third of your total body weight.

Don't try to carry too much, and try to keep even the smallest item in your backpack as light as possible.

Your backpack should also always be packed to keep the load as evenly balanced as possible to your centre of gravity. This will dramatically lessen the backward pull and "top-heaviness" of the backpack.

Download printer friendly spreadsheet (xlsx)

Basics

Hiking backpack

Backpack rain cover

Water bottels (at least two)

Sun glasses

Sunhat with chin strap

Sturdy hiking boots

Overnight Camping

Tent, poles, pegs

Sleeping bag

Sleeping bag liner

Foam mat / airmat / airbed

Groundsheet

Hiking pillow

Clothing

Everyday clothes

Hiking socks

General underwear

Easy-dry hiking shorts and shirts

Warm, wind/water proof jacket (drimac)

Waterproof boots (make sure they fit your feet *properly* with sock on, your feet swell)

Spare laces for boots

Evening clothes

Tracksuit

Sandals for to walk around camp with (for overnight camping)

Warm clothes to sleep in

Cold Weather

Warm hat (fleece beanie etc)

Thermal scarve

Gloves / mittens

Thermal underwear

Sturdy wind/water proof jacket

Misc clothes

Rain jacket or poncho

Bathing costume

Gaitors (it covers your boots and lower leg to keep dirt and rock out of your shoes)

Toiletries

Toilet Paper

Toothbrush and toothpaste

Deodorant

Soap and shampoo

Towel and washing cloth

Moisturising cream

Insect repllent

Sun Block *very important*

Lip Ice

Shaving Kit

Small Mirror

Hair brush / comb

Contact lense case and solution

Make-up and Feminine hygience products *for the ladies*

Washing pegs

Cookware

Small hiking stove and gas canisters

Hiking pots

Dish / plate

Knife, fork, spoon

Cooking utensils

Matches or lighter

Firelighters

Mug / cup

Tin opener

Rubbish bags

Dishwashing liquid

Scouring pad

Drying-up cloth

Food and drink

Water purification tables

Tea, coffee, sugar, salt

Isotonic energy powers

Fresh, dried, and/or dehydrated/freeze-dried foods, ex Rice, Crackers, 2 minute noodles, pre-packed desserts, pre-packed tuna, cheese blocks, fruit, vegetables etc

High energy sweets

Trail snacks, ex nuts, mints, dried fruit, biltong

First Aid

Plasters, bandages, gauze

Insect repellant

Bister dressing

Burn dressing

Sunblock and after-sun lotion

Scissors and tweezers

Safety pins

Rubber bands

Painkillers

Anti-histamines

Anti-diarrhoea

Muscle relaxing ointment / tables

Eye drops

Malaria tables (if applicable)

Emergency

GPS / Compass

Whistle

Multi-tool / pocker knife

Rope

Miscellaneous

Maps / brochures / trail guides

ID Documentation

Cash

Permits

Camera and spare batteries

Pen / pencil / paper

Waterproof bags (ziplock)

Torch or headlamp

Waterproof liner for water bottles (bottle jacket)

Needle and string