Gear Reviews Archives - Hiking South Africa

Review: La Sportiva TX4

Apr 11, 2020 Arno van der Heever 7

People often ask which is better – boots or low-cut approach shoes/trail runners – and the answer has always been the same: Horses for courses. However, if I had to pick one shoe for almost […]

Intro The Naturehike Hiby is a fairly lightweight and versatile 2- to 3-person, 4-season tent. It offers a bombproof structure and a large vestibule, but this is not a tent for tall people. Key Information […]

Review: Gregory Zulu 40 Backpack

Feb 11, 2020 Arno van der Heever 0

The Gregory Zulu 40 is an extremely comfortable, full-feature backpack, perfectly suited for full-day adventures, or shorter multi-day hikes where you don’t need a tent. There is also a women’s specific Jade range. Key Information […]

Review: Hi-Tec Ravus Quest Lux WP

Feb 6, 2020 Arno van der Heever 0

I was trying to think of a good opening paragraph for this review, but then I realised that Hi-Tec actually nailed it, so I’m just going to quote them: “The Ravus Quest waterproof walking boots […]

Review: Helian Waterproof Phone Case

Oct 4, 2019 Arno van der Heever 2

These days, most of us use our phones as our dedicated cameras when going hiking. And why not? They’re light, the modern phone cameras are excellent, and you need to have your phone with you […]

Review: CORE Merino Clothing

Sep 30, 2019 Arno van der Heever 2

Moisture wicking, quick drying, lightweight, soft, almost naked skin-feel and naturally antibacterial, so it doesn’t stink… What miracle fabric am I describing? Merino wool… Proudly South African I first heard of merino wool being used […]

Review: First Ascent Amplify Down 900

Sep 26, 2019 Arno van der Heever 0

The First Ascent Amplify Down 900 is the ideal bag for hikers who plan on heading into South Africa’s mountainous wilderness areas during winter, such as the Cederberg, Drakensberg and Wolkberg ranges. Key Information Price […]

Review: Black Diamond StormLine Stretch Rain Gear

Sep 3, 2019 Arno van der Heever 10

I’ve always had a bit of a love-hate relationship with my rain gear. It enables me to confidently go on longer hikes without worrying too much about what the weather’s doing, but on the other […]

Review: Jim Green Monster Waterproof Boots

Jul 31, 2019 Arno van der Heever 3

South African footwear manufacturer, Jim Green, makers of the rugged, no-nonsense Razorbacks, have a second hiking boot in their line-up: The Monster Waterproof Boot. I got my hands on a pair to see how they […]

Review: Naturehike Ultralight 1-Person Tent

Jul 16, 2019 Arno van der Heever 2

The Naturehike Cycling Ultralight Silicone 1-Person Tent is exactly what it says: a lightweight 1-person, 3-season tent, which, despite its cycling-specific name, is brilliant for hiking too. Key Information Price: R2399 (at time of writing) […]