#drakensberg — Public Fediverse posts
Live and recent posts from across the Fediverse tagged #drakensberg, aggregated by home.social.
-
Small waterfall near the top of Icidi Pass in the Mnweni area of the Drakensberg.
#Drakensberg #southafrica #mnweni #hiking #wanderlust #waterfallwednesday
-
Electronic I am taking on my next multi-day hikes:
- Mobile phone. I keep it in a pocket in my Forclaz trousers.
- Garman Fenix 6 smartwatch.
- Petzl Swift headlamp. I prefer the stronger beams that this offers as I use for walking in the dark and not just for camp cooking.
- Iniu powerbank. 20Ah. I am not taking my older Anker power bank as the Iniu has the capability of both usb-c and usb-a power out.
- usb-c to usb-c charge cable.
- usb-a to usb-c charge cable.
- usb-c to micro-usb adaptor (for charging headlamp).
- usb-c to garmin adaptor (for charging watch).
- 4lt Nanosil drybag from Sea to Summit for keeping everything together. This bag goes in the backpack as I don't normally need it in the day.
Not included in this list are camera equipment, spare batteries and chargers for cameras.
This time around I have cut some grams off the base weight by using shorter cables and then the adaptors instead of extra cables.
#FishRiverCanyon #drakensberg #southaftica #namibia #whatsinyourpack #hiking
-
@intrepidhero Looking back, I remembered sleeping out in the open in the Drakensberg back in the 90s.
It was in the middle of winter and we hastily abandoned our ice climbing base camp due to a group of herdsmen gathering around it. We descended the closest pass and then overnighted next to a big boulder on a slight slope. There was no place for tents, but we were not expecting any rain.
I had one of those old alcohol min-max thermometers with me and that night it recorded -17ºC. Good that we all had decent down dleeping bags with pertex outers, because there was moisture and one person's sleeping bag did have frost over the foot box.
The tail of the story: As we got up the next morning we noticed a dark cloud on the horizon. As we walked out it grew and grew and eventually it started snowing. It ended up being one of the largest snow falls in the Drakensberg for a long time. We made it out, but other parties got trapped and needed to be rescued.
-
For the Fish River Canyon and Drakensberg trip I have my cooking setup settled and there are some luxury items.
- I am taking a Fozzils Snapbowl for when I need a bowl. Doubles as a cutting board. (https://www.fozzils.com/product-page/snapfold-bowlz). It fits nicely into the back stretch pocket of the backpack.
- A long handle spork.
- A Victorinox Soldier's knife. It has all the necessary utilities for emergencies. The made blade is serrated and sharp. I have used it in the past to even cut open tins. (https://www.amazon.es/-/en/Victorinox-Schweizer-Soldatenmesser-Functions-Including/dp/B002RWXZ7E)
- A spreading knife, because it works better than the pocket knife's big blade. It is my one luxury item.
- All the cutlery items go into a small Hilltop tent stake bag. I purposely bought the one with the meat print. (https://hilltoppacks.com/products/tent-stake-stuff-sacks-funny-prints?variant=38878721867961)
- MSR Pocket Rocket DLX. Slightly heavier than some other compact stoves, but it burns more efficiently, has a regulator and a piezo igniter. (https://cascadedesigns.com/en-eu/products/pocketrocket-deluxe-stove).
- Lightload Towel as a dish cloth. It is super lightweight, recycable and lasts for many days. (https://www.litesmith.com/lightload-towels/).
- MSR Titan 900ml kettle. (https://cascadedesigns.com/en-eu/products/titan-kettle-900ml)
- MSR Titan Double Wall mug 375 ml. It fits inside the kettle. (https://cascadedesigns.com/en-eu/products/titan-double-wall-mug).
- All the cookware goes inside a Hilltop stuff sack, including one gas canister. (https://hilltoppacks.com/products/stuff-sacks-w-custom-printing-challenge-d50t-fabric?variant=45960307114241)
- I have one large food bag from Hilltop (https://hilltoppacks.com/collections/food-bags-bear-bags/products/food-bags-w-custom-printing-challenge-d50t-fabric-bear-bag-5) as well as 2nd snack bag. At this point I might take another Hilltop bag instead of the Sea to Summit drybag for the latter purpose.
- As these hikes are in Southern Africa, a common practice is to eat rusks with morning coffee / tea. I keep these in a plastic container to prevent them from becoming crumbs.
- My second luxury item is a Platypus 800ml wine bag, because we like to sip some red wine in the evening. When it is empty it rolls up really small (https://cascadedesigns.com/en-eu/products/platy-preserve).
This whole setup is < 900g.
I did not include a emergency matches or a lighter in this list as that will go into the emergency and first aid bag.
#whatsinyourpack #hiking #cooking #traillfood #fishrivercanyon #drakensberg #namibia #southafrica #msrgear #hilltoppacks #platypus #victorinox #fozzils
-
What people take for toiletries is a very personal choice. For me for overnight hikes my toiletries remain consistent.
- Small drybag where most of things go. After various options in the past, I have now settled for one from Hilltop Packs - https://hilltoppacks.com/products/ditty-bags-printed-dry-bags-challenge-d50t-fabric-11?variant=46398823629057.
- A very small Sea to Summit Airlite towel. https://seatosummit.eu/en-nl/products/airlite-towel (I only use this on trail, as I have left two behind in the shower after the trail. There are small after all and easy to miss).
- Sunscreen
- Nail clippers
- Tooth brush.
- Dental brush tablets. Much better than toot paste. They don't make a mess and I can take exactly the amount I need.
- Interdental brush. For me a better solution than floss, as I do not have perfect teeth. I normally carry this in a hip belt pocket as I might need it during the day,
- Mirror, it is just useful for many things. like putting sunscreen on your face.
- Lip balm. Not something I always use, bu it does come in handy on hot, sunny days. I also carry this in a hip belt pocket,
There is noticeable absence of deodorant, soap and shampoo. I am in the "embrace the smell" camp when on trail and I don't like to introduce day-hiker fragrances. If it is going to be a very long hike, then I'll bring something, but for <7 days I don't. (There is always water and a wet wipe from the hygiene bag).
But there are a couple of things I do leave in the car for cleaning up after the trail - soap, shampoo, deodorant and a bigger towel.
#toiletries #hiking #whatsinyourpack #fishrivercanyon #drakensberg #pyrenees
-
Sleep system for both the Fish River Canyon and Drakensberg trips in 2026.
- Bandit quilt from UGW
- Nemo Fillo Elite pillow
- Sleeping bag liner from Naturhike
- Nemo Tensor Extreme sleeping pad
- E-Vent Sil compression dry bag from Sea to SummitFor the desert I could have gone with a normal Nemo Tensor and a lighter quilt, bur since I only want to fly with one combination I opted for taking the warmer set.
I have also now worked out a way to keep the pillow strapped to the pad at the expense of about 10g.
Although the sleeping bag liner is depicted with its own stuff sack, Ieave that behind. Instead the pillow, quilt and pillow are all compressed into the dry bag. The sleeping pad still travels in its own stuff bag. For bag end up at the bottom of the backpack when hiking.
#whatsinyourpack #sleeping #hiking #FishRiverCanyon #Drakensberg #quilt #nemoequipment #ugqoutdoors #seatosummit #naturhike
-
Footwear for the Fish River Canyon & the Mnweni Traverse in 2026.
- Nnormal Tomir Boots. Waterproof versions. Durable soles. Good for water crossing. Mid-ankle keeps the dust out and reduces risk of ankle rolling on boulders.
- Custom insoles from Sidas moulded by specialist boot fitter. This means no unnecessary foot rolling, leg movements and less fatigue.
- Dust gaiters. Will either be a pair from Dirty Girls (picture) or a hiking pair form AR Gaiters. (https://argaiters.co.za/collections/ar-gaiters-hiking). Keeps dust, sand, sticks and pebbles from getting inside.
- Sliverlight crew socks. Onsilverlie pair worn for 5.5 days. Backup pair in pack. (https://silverlight.store/socks)#hiking #whatsinyourpack #hiking #fishrivercanyon #drakensberg #southafrica #namibia
-
5 weekend escapes with both mountains and wine
South Africa offers stunning landscapes, from mountains to vineyards. For a weekend getaway, you can hike in the morni…
#dining #cooking #diet #food #SouthAfricanWine #Breedekloof #cederberg #Drakensberg #Franschhoek #mountaingetaways #southafrica #Swartland #travelSouthAfrica #weekendescapes #Wine #WinefromSouthAfrica #WineofSouthAfrica #wineregionsSouthAfrica
https://www.diningandcooking.com/2358082/5-weekend-escapes-with-both-mountains-and-wine/ -
5 weekend escapes with both mountains and wine https://www.diningandcooking.com/2358082/5-weekend-escapes-with-both-mountains-and-wine/ #Breedekloof #cederberg #Drakensberg #Franschhoek #MountainGetaways #SouthAfrica #SouthAfricanWine #Swartland #TravelSouthAfrica #WeekendEscapes #Wine #WineFromSouthAfrica #WineOfSouthAfrica #WineRegionsSouthAfrica
-
Corner Pass in the Injasuthi area of the Drakensberg. This very rocky pass has some risky, non-beginner scrambles in it.
As I was negotiating the last of the scrambles (also the crux of the pass) a rock was dislodged above me. I tried to duck as deep as possible into the rock section I was on, but I heard it whoosh past my head. It bounced on top of my backpack, which I was wearing at the time, and then continued further down the pass.
-
If you thought ice climbing is not possible in South Africa, here is renowned Canadian ice climber, Will Gadd, talking about it.
-
Day 3 of our Mnweni trip and after our previous long day, we started off at 09:30.
We made a point of visiting the tops of a number of passes, summit caves and taking in the magnificent views. The tops of Fangs & Madonna passes were spectacular. We had a lovely lunch next to a small river in Lesotho.
After lunch the clouds rolled in as we were walking, the wind picked up and then we were pelted with hail. The leader made call that we should make camp. We descended next to stream bed, but the cloud caught us. We pitched the fly of the Durston X-Mid in 2min and then all 4 of us hid inside with our backpacks until the rain passed.
We found a nice spot to camp a bit further down the stream. The 2nd bout of rain came past after we setup and we hung out in one tent eating biscuits and drinking Merlot from Namaqualand.
-
Loading up the Osprey Transporter Duffel roller with the bulky equipment before flying out.
That roller bag contains two Osprey backpacks, hydration bladders, trekking poles, one umbrella, a collection of drybags, eating/drinking utensils, water filters, tent, quilt, and some other minor items.
I have used this duffel roller on various airline trips to skiing & hiking destinations. It hauls gear through airports without resistance and is stable on the two wheels.
https://www.osprey.com/gb/osprey-rolling-transporter-120-2021#color=Venturi%2520Blue
-
Finally got to try my new BD Alpenglow Pro hoodie on. The material is really soft and it is easy to roll it up small. Should be easy to stuff it into one of those stretch back pockets on an Osprey backpack.
I do suspect it will suffer some eventual damage due to being used with a backpack, but time will tell.
The hoodie seems to work well worn under a hat, or over a baseball-type cap. I also tested with wearing buff underneath it and over it (balaclava-style). Definitely a lot of versatility here.
Besides a sun hoodie, the idea is to use it as a 2nd baselayer. I am used to wearing a long sleeve base layer, with a T-shirt over it (or under it). Now the Alpenglow can fulfill the role of the long-sleeve baselayer.
https://www.blackdiamondequipment.com/en_US/product/alpenglow-pro-hoody-mens/
#whatsinyourpack #frc2024 #Drakensberg #hiking #blackdiamond
-
The #Drakensberg #Mountains, meaning '#Dragon Mountains' in #Afrikaans, are the #highest mountains in #SouthAfrica, ranging up to 3,482 m (11,422 ft) in height.
In #isi-Zulu the language of the #Zulu People, they are called " #uKhahlamba ", the 'barrier of spears'. They are located in the eastern part of South Africa, running for some 1000 km (600 mi) generally southwest to northeast, with a northwesterly bend forming the northeastern border of #Lesotho with South Africa.They are drained on the west by the Orange and Vaal #rivers, and on the east and south by a number of smaller rivers, the Tugela being the largest. The #range thus separates KwaZulu-Natal Province from Free State #Province, looming over the nearby coast of #Natal.
But don't let the formidable names put you off. Cosy inns, characterful #hotels and #wonderful #wayside pubs create an ambience of comfort and country homeliness in the shadow of the High Berg. The nearest major city to the Drakensberg is #Pietermaritzburg and #Durban is a drive of only a few hours away.
It's a popular #hiking destination. There are lots of lovely day #walks and the more #energetic could hike out for a few days or even a few weeks. The Drakensberg Traverse is quite difficult, but for those who have the time, inclination, energy and equipment, this 300km (180 mile) hike is a challenge and a delight.
English https://www.nature-reserve.co.za/south-africa-info-drakensberg.html
-
The #Drakensberg #Mountains, meaning '#Dragon Mountains' in #Afrikaans, are the #highest mountains in #SouthAfrica, ranging up to 3,482 m (11,422 ft) in height.
In #isi-Zulu the language of the #Zulu People, they are called " #uKhahlamba ", the 'barrier of spears'. They are located in the eastern part of South Africa, running for some 1000 km (600 mi) generally southwest to northeast, with a northwesterly bend forming the northeastern border of #Lesotho with South Africa.They are drained on the west by the Orange and Vaal #rivers, and on the east and south by a number of smaller rivers, the Tugela being the largest. The #range thus separates KwaZulu-Natal Province from Free State #Province, looming over the nearby coast of #Natal.
But don't let the formidable names put you off. Cosy inns, characterful #hotels and #wonderful #wayside pubs create an ambience of comfort and country homeliness in the shadow of the High Berg. The nearest major city to the Drakensberg is #Pietermaritzburg and #Durban is a drive of only a few hours away.
It's a popular #hiking destination. There are lots of lovely day #walks and the more #energetic could hike out for a few days or even a few weeks. The Drakensberg Traverse is quite difficult, but for those who have the time, inclination, energy and equipment, this 300km (180 mile) hike is a challenge and a delight.
English https://www.nature-reserve.co.za/south-africa-info-drakensberg.html
-
The #Drakensberg #Mountains, meaning '#Dragon Mountains' in #Afrikaans, are the #highest mountains in #SouthAfrica, ranging up to 3,482 m (11,422 ft) in height.
In #isi-Zulu the language of the #Zulu People, they are called " #uKhahlamba ", the 'barrier of spears'. They are located in the eastern part of South Africa, running for some 1000 km (600 mi) generally southwest to northeast, with a northwesterly bend forming the northeastern border of #Lesotho with South Africa.They are drained on the west by the Orange and Vaal #rivers, and on the east and south by a number of smaller rivers, the Tugela being the largest. The #range thus separates KwaZulu-Natal Province from Free State #Province, looming over the nearby coast of #Natal.
But don't let the formidable names put you off. Cosy inns, characterful #hotels and #wonderful #wayside pubs create an ambience of comfort and country homeliness in the shadow of the High Berg. The nearest major city to the Drakensberg is #Pietermaritzburg and #Durban is a drive of only a few hours away.
It's a popular #hiking destination. There are lots of lovely day #walks and the more #energetic could hike out for a few days or even a few weeks. The Drakensberg Traverse is quite difficult, but for those who have the time, inclination, energy and equipment, this 300km (180 mile) hike is a challenge and a delight.
English https://www.nature-reserve.co.za/south-africa-info-drakensberg.html
-
The #Drakensberg #Mountains, meaning '#Dragon Mountains' in #Afrikaans, are the #highest mountains in #SouthAfrica, ranging up to 3,482 m (11,422 ft) in height.
In #isi-Zulu the language of the #Zulu People, they are called " #uKhahlamba ", the 'barrier of spears'. They are located in the eastern part of South Africa, running for some 1000 km (600 mi) generally southwest to northeast, with a northwesterly bend forming the northeastern border of #Lesotho with South Africa.They are drained on the west by the Orange and Vaal #rivers, and on the east and south by a number of smaller rivers, the Tugela being the largest. The #range thus separates KwaZulu-Natal Province from Free State #Province, looming over the nearby coast of #Natal.
But don't let the formidable names put you off. Cosy inns, characterful #hotels and #wonderful #wayside pubs create an ambience of comfort and country homeliness in the shadow of the High Berg. The nearest major city to the Drakensberg is #Pietermaritzburg and #Durban is a drive of only a few hours away.
It's a popular #hiking destination. There are lots of lovely day #walks and the more #energetic could hike out for a few days or even a few weeks. The Drakensberg Traverse is quite difficult, but for those who have the time, inclination, energy and equipment, this 300km (180 mile) hike is a challenge and a delight.
English https://www.nature-reserve.co.za/south-africa-info-drakensberg.html
-
The call of nature...
The FRC is a delicate ecosystem. We want to leave as little behind as we can.This inspired us to take a CuloClean this time. ( @freeder23 has one in his lic the other day too - https://mas.to/@freeder23/112021670373932860).
Also taking the Deuce trowel along.
Not sure about the hand sanitizer though. Wet wipes might be lighter, but needs to be carried out. WDYT?
Everything goes in this waterproof multi-compartment Culo bag. It has a small bag for carrying out your dirty paper.
- http://www.thetentlab.com/Deuce/DeuceofSpadespage.html
- https://culoclean.com/#frc2024 #whatsinyourpack #howtoshitinthedesert #hiking #drakensberg
-
I don't need a tent for the FRC as we'll be sleeping in the open (98% probability). I do need one for camping one night prior to crossing the border into Namibia.
I do need a tent for my Drakensberg trip. In 2022 I used a Nemo Hornet 2P and in 2023 teice a Vango Nitro 2+. This time I am taking a Durston XMid Solid 2P.
The Nemo Hornet is too narrow a cut and allows water to run inside when unzipping the fly. The Nitro (now superceded by the Xenon) is a great tunnel tent. Great for basecamping and windy conditions, but I handed it down to one of the kids for their mountain adventures.
The XMid is lightweight, simple to pitch and pretty decent in the wind. I can use it as a solo tent or share with someone.
- https://durstongear.com/products/x-mid-2-solid
- https://www.thegreatoutdoorsmag.com/review/review-vango-f10-xenon-ul2-tent/
-#whatsinyourpack #frc2024 #Drakensberg #tents #durstongear #hiking #nemoequipment
-
Interesting addition to events. I am now joining a 5-day hike to the Drakensberg, roughly one month before the FRC trip. As I a flying into Johannesburg, this means that I have double plan my gear, to include both situations.
By example: whereas for the FRC, I do not really require serious rain gear, I also now have to bring rain pants and definitely have my rain jacket, not just a windproof jacket. I'll also require a warm beanie etc.
So I might be tweeting even more about #whatsinyourpack.