With a couple of public holidays to look forward to in the next few weeks, many South Africans are putting in additional leave from work and browsing around for special offers on overnight accommodation, flights and other travel packages. It's indeed a beautiful time of the year and the perfect weather for hiking in the Drakensberg.
You don't have to be a wilderness expert to go hiking in the Drakensberg, or any other location for that matter, but if you are a newbie to this fantastic outdoor activity, the following few ideas and suggestions might make your first hiking trip even more memorable!
One of the most important pieces on you hiking list is a decent backpack. Select a backpack with a waist belt so that you can carry the backpack's weight on your hips and not on your back. Let's face it, even the lightest rucksack can feel extremely heavy after a long walk and an aching back in addition might turn your hiking experience into a nightmare. A rucksack should not be over tightened but you should be able to keep it firm and close to your body with proper support.
When packing your rucksack you have to bear in mind the most heavy goods should be close to your back near the core pack. Usually your sleeping bag would go in first, followed by the food supplies for the hiking trip. An unbalanced backpack is almost as dangerous as an unbalanced trailer and you will end up having to battle with the back pack the complete route to keep if from throwing you off balance.
Don't pack damp items in your backpack, especially for long periods. Shake the water off your tent before packing it away.
The second item on the list is your apparel. Natural cotton doesn't dry quickly and holds moisture content close to the skin and is therefore not suitable hiking fabric. Invest in hiking shorts that are water repellent and will dry quickly. Lykra shorts are also a great option and will protect against thigh chafing on more delicate skin. Your clothing should be kept in a waterproof bag in your backpack - putting on wet clothes on a hike is not something to look forward to!
It is not necessary to take 15 sets of clothing on a hike, but if you have limited clothing for your trip try to wash the garments as often as you can. Filthy clothing is generally warmer as the accumulated oils decrease the loft and heat is conducted away from the body. In warmer summer months, a broad rimmed hat is non-negotiable. Sun glasses and suntan cream should be used in addition to the hat to avoid an excruciating sunburn on your delicate face area.
If you are planning on hiking in the Drakensberg in the winter months, you can eat food with a lot of fat content prior to going to rest - this will keep you warm during the night.
Hiking is a very enjoyable activity. Take the required steps and have an unforgettable time with nature!
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