My recommended cheat sheet can be downloaded here. (link still to come).
Stuff you gotta have
- Backpack. Duh. 50 L minimum. Recommended 65L
- Good shoes. You can survive on running shoes but I don't recommend it. See must haves.
- First aid kit (per group)
- Matches/Lighter (zip lock)
- Sleeping bag
- Survival bag (for river crossings)
- Cell phone
- Flash light
Clothing (Minimum)
- 1 Hiking Pants
- 1 Board shorts (you might not want to hike in these every day - chaffing, but great for river crossings and the occasional swim)
- 2 Shirts (if you buy hiking specific tops, quick wicking you can easily wash and dry if you like)
- 3 Undies (2 changes, and 1 spare)
- 3 Pairs of socks
- Rain proof jacket or in the very least a R10 poncho.
Must Haves
- Hiking Boots or Trail Running Shoes (See the comparison below)
- Fire lighters (for much much easier fire starting)
- Camping Stove - 1 stove for 4 people (see discussion below)
- Mosquito repellant
- Beanie for keeping your head warm from the sea breeze
- Knife (folding blade)
- Rope 10 m, 1 per 6 people. (for tricky river crossings)
- Metal hiking clips
- Headlamp
- Camp cooking set. 1 Pot with lid (that serves as a pan), 2 mugs.
- Cutlery - I recommend a multipurpose lightweight spork, about R20.
Nice to Haves
- Hiking poles. I almost put these in the must haves - see why in the section below.
- Aqua shoes for river crossings where you'll need the grip and protection to carry your pack weight over sharp and/or slippery rocks.
- Sock liners. Worn as a base layer under thicker hiking socks. Wicks moisture away and keeps your feet drier and prevents blisters. Yes. It does make a difference.
- Dry sack for electronics and other hydrophobic items
Like a boss
- Self inflating pillow
What you really shouldn't be taking
More Info
Trail Running Shoes vs. Hiking Boots. Fight!
The short answer is hiking boots FTW. The long answer is you can get away with trail running shoes and even be more comfortable in them. However hiking boots offer more protection for your feet, better stability for walking (vs. the flexibility of running shoes), and will keep your feet dry, especially for wet sections on the trail, rain and mostly stone hopping through shallow river crossings (there are many). So my major sore point with trail running shoes is that they get wet, and wet shoes equal discomfort, increased probability of blisters, all round unhappiness. The pros of trail running shoes are versatility - you're more likely to use them after if you're not the hiking type in general. Having said that, you're probably going to replace hiking boots once in a life time if at all. So your choice.
Hiking Poles
Hiking poles are an underestimated hiking accessory if used properly. One is good, two is great (let your budget guide you.) The reason i'm punting the poles here is because I have a knee problem, and using the poles allows you to shift your weight and the weight of your pack onto your arms. In that way you can share the load that would otherwise be born exclusively by your back. On a long multi day hike, the benefit will become more and more apparent as you progress, and your knees will thank you. You'll have fresher legs, happier feet, and slightly more fatigued arms. If you're going to use poles its a good idea to do have them for your practice hike. Make an effort to lean on to your poles, there is a set amount of weight you carry, how much you push onto your poles decides how much of that weight you distribute to your arms. The more you push the better. The height of the poles should be adjusted to about elbow height, hold the poles thumbs up on flats, inclines and slight declines. On steeper descents, shift your hand position so that your palms are on the top of the pole handle. Put both poles ahead of you and lower your self down using the poles to carry your weight. With practice you should be a 4 legged creature.
PS. The rubber stoppers are only good for transporting and storage, the small hardened tip provides the best grip for all surfaces, and you'll learn to trust them to not slip even on smoother surfaces. Always know where your next step is going to be and always lean away from the cliff!
