Your Ultimate Guide to 10 Summer Hiking Essentials in South Africa

by | Sep 28, 2023 | Hiking, Featured, How To's

Summer in the Southern Hemisphere means hiking season in SA! Before you set foot onto the trails, make sure you’re geared up with the must-have essentials of Summer 2023

1. Trail Running Shoes for Hiking (Altra Trail Runner Lone Peak)

  • Product Suggestion: Altra Lone Peak 7 Men’s and Women’s Trail Running Shoes
  • A good pair of trail running shoes can provide comfort and support on a variety of terrains. Altra’s Lone Peak series offers a cushioned and responsive design suitable for hiking in South Africa’s diverse landscapes. And it requires no break-in period – so you can immediately start tackling those trails!

2. Moisture-Wicking Clothing for Hiking

  • Product Suggestion: Decathlon Forclaz Men’s Hiking T-shirt
  • Opt for moisture-wicking clothing to keep you cool and dry during hot summer hikes. Breathable materials and quick-drying fabric are essential for comfort.
Hiking Beautiful Trails On A Summer'S Day
Day hikers enjoying a beautiful trail on a summer’s day

3. Sun Protection

  • Product Suggestion: K-Way Kinetic Cap
  • Shield yourself from the harsh South African sun with a lightweight and breathable cap. Look for UPF-rated caps to offer extra sun protection.

4. Hydration System for Hiking

  • Product Suggestion: NatureHike Hydration Pack
  • Staying hydrated is crucial in the heat. Invest in a hydration pack with a water reservoir and a tube for convenient sips while on the move. Get some insights into hydration systems, here.

5. Sunscreen

  • Product Suggestion: Eucerin Sun Gel-Cream Oil Control Dry Touch SPF 50
  • Protect your skin from harmful UV rays with Eucerin’s Sun Gel-Cream. This high SPF sunscreen provides effective sun protection while offering a dry touch and oil-control formula, making it perfect for South Africa’s sunny and warm conditions. Be sure to reapply regularly, especially when sweating during your hike.

6. Sunglasses

  • Product Suggestion: Bolle Helix Sunglasses
  • Quality sunglasses not only protect your eyes from the sun but also provide clear vision on bright, sunny days. Look for UV-resistant lenses.
Your Ultimate Guide To 10 Summer Hiking Essentials In South Africa
Catching the golden light on a summer’s day

7. Navigation Tools for Hiking

  • Product Suggestion: Silva Expedition Compass
  • Even on well-marked trails, having a reliable compass and map can be a lifesaver. Silva offers excellent compasses for hikers.

8. Insect Repellent

  • Product Suggestion: Repel Lemon Eucalyptus Insect Repellent Spray
  • South Africa is home to various insects, including mosquitoes. A good insect repellent keeps annoying bugs at bay.

9. Lightweight Backpack for Day Hiking:

10. Emergency Gear

Hiking On A Summer'S Day
A group of hikers enjoying a summer’s day hike

Whether you choose to explore the Drakensberg Mountains, hike through the lush forests of Knysna, or tackle the rugged trails of the Western Cape, having the right gear ensures you can fully immerse yourself in the beauty of this diverse country.

Post Tags: Hiking, summer hiking

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