Arno van der Heever, Author at Hiking South Africa

A Hike for Every Season

Mar 11, 2019 Arno van der Heever 2

At some point, all of us have had some free time, thought of going on a multi-day hike and then changed our minds because it was too hot, cold, wet, dry, or some other weather/season […]

Diepwalle Elephant Trails

Feb 26, 2019 Arno van der Heever 2

When one thinks of hiking in the Garden Route area, the first trail that springs to mind is the Otter Trail. Give it some more thought and the Tsitsikamma and Outeniqua Trails start to feature. […]

Review: First Ascent Nueva Shirt

Jan 17, 2019 Arno van der Heever 0

The First Ascent Nueva long sleeve shirt is the most comfortable hiking shirt I’ve worn. With a slight stretch in the fabric, highly breathable, abrasion resistant and a UPF rating of 30, the Nueva has […]

Review: First Ascent Lunar Tent

Nov 14, 2018 Arno van der Heever 3

The First Ascent Lunar is a 2-person, 3-season tent that offers amazing value for money and punches well above its 3-season rating, comfortably handling buckets of rain and near-gale-force winds. Quick Specs Size: 2-person tent […]

Leopard Trail – Baviaanskloof

Oct 16, 2018 Arno van der Heever 2

The Leopard Trail is a 4-day, circular hike in the Baviaanskloof area of the Eastern Cape. The pristine nature and diversity of this landscape and its flora, especially during springtime, is an absolute treat. The […]

Review: First Ascent Hurricane Jacket

Oct 2, 2018 Arno van der Heever 0

The Hurricane is First Ascent’s premium rain jacket. I’ve used it extensively throughout the winter and also took it along on the Eden to Addo corridor hike, where it got put through its paces as […]

Review: Jim Green Razorback Boots

Jul 11, 2018 Arno van der Heever 1

I can’t resist a leather boot. Sure, modern synthetic or hybrid boots are lighter and more breathable, but a beautifully-made leather boot is unbeatable when it comes to aesthetics and durability. The classic full-grain leather […]

Review: First Ascent Flint 25L Backpack

Jul 5, 2018 Arno van der Heever 1

The Flint 25L is a technical daypack designed for full-day missions. It sports an adjustable, ventilated suspension system, ensuring ideal fit and keeping you cool on those hot days. Convenient compartments make storing and accessing […]

Review: SPOT Gen3 Satellite Messenger

Jun 12, 2018 Arno van der Heever 2

I love hiking in all its forms – day hikes, multi-day hikes, easy, challenging – but the type of hiking that truly captures my imagination is unsupported hiking in wilderness areas. Complete disconnect from everyday […]

Review: First Ascent Peak Tent

Jun 5, 2018 Arno van der Heever 2

The First Ascent Peak is an extremely stable tent that can handle very strong winds. I had it pitched in near gale force winds where the rain was hitting the fly sheet so hard, it […]