There are a few public holidays coming up, so we present the Getaway Adventure Kit – all you need to tackle a year filled with adventure.
1. K-Way Travel Buddy Luggage
R2399, capeunionmart.co.za
Hot off the K-Way production line the new 27-litre Travel Buddy Luggage is a clever piece of kit. The sturdy pack is just the right size – it can be used for weekends away or a week-long trip when you pack correctly – and lives up to its name as the ultimate travel buddy. The carry-on travel bag comes with a detachable backpack that you can zip off if the airport gives you grief about cabin size. But they shouldn’t because it’s completely hand luggage friendly – as per the Airports Company of South Africa hand baggage requirements.
Also read: 5 of the best rolling duffel bags
2. Overboard Africa waterproof SLR bag
R1015, overboardafrica.co.za
The compact six-litre pack fits digital SLR cameras with a short lens (I reckon nothing bigger than a 55mm) and has a handy adjustable shoulder strap and a protective inner lining. I used it when I paddled the Orange River and it’s 100-percent waterproof. It also floats if it drops overboard and can withstand quick submersion. I also liked the internal mesh pockets which are great for stashing memory cards.
Also read: Tested – 10 essential travel items that are better when waterproof
3. Tork Craft headlamp
R526, vermontsales.co.za
Four lights in one. This lantern-headlamp-flashlight-magnetic work light is a real nifty gadget. The 60-lumen light is bright enough for most basic camping and hiking needs and the elastic headband is comfy.
4. Carma-Quip self-inflating mattress
R800, carmaquip.co.za
Sometimes those lightweight, self-inflating hiking mats won’t cut it and for a long camping trip something a little more hefty is required. If you’re looking for something a bit more comfy, try this Carma Quip Self-Inflating Mattress.
Also read: Carma Quip Self-Inflating Mattress tested
5. SolSave My-Power Solar Battery Charger
R500, outdoorwarehouse.co.za
An affordable, rugged device with a 2200mAh capacity – enough to charge a smartphone once – this splashproof, dustproof and shock-resistant power bank also has a built-in lantern. On hikes last year I used it every evening by hanging it from the top of my tent and strapped it to my backpack to charge during the day.
6. Dictionary of Southern African Place Names
R322, exclus1ves.co.za
Want to know your Komkulu from your Kommetjie? This is the book you need. Inside you’ll find facts and details about local destinations that’ll give you new insight into your favourite holiday spots. For example, did you know that Punda Maria is Swahili for ‘striped donkey’ or as we know it, the zebra. The name was given by game ranger J Stevenson Hamilton, it being the first animal he saw there.
7. Tonglite Illuminated Braai Tong
R295, outdoorwarehouse.co.za
It’s not a new concept to combine tongs with a torch, but these ones are actually more than a gimmick – they’re good tongs. The serrated grip works really well (better than others I’ve tried) and the light is bright enough to suss out any sizzle.
8. Thule Capstone Hiking Pack
From R1399, thule.com
Outdoor gear is looking slicker (thank goodness) and this stylish pack exemplifies this trend beautifully. It’s not just a pretty face either – the sophisticated pack has a high-tech suspension system so it’s fully adjustable for personalized comfort, has excellent back ventilation and features a removable raincover that doubles as easy-to-spot visibility in an emergency. There’s top load, side and bottom access, plenty of zippered stash pockets and two side water bottle pockets all weighing in at only 1500g. Plus there’s a 25-year warranty tag.
Also read: How to start hiking on a budget
9. Sigma 10-20mm f/3.5 Wide Angle Lens
R7495, ormsdirect.co.za
If you’re looking to upgrade your camera kit you should definitely consider getting a wide-angle lens. They will certainly help your interior photography and they’re great for landscape shots. This Sigma option is an affordable option and has super multi-layer coating that reduces flare and ghosting, plus four aspherical lenses that provide correction for distortion. The hyper-sonic motor ensures a quiet and high-speed auto focus and it’s available for Canon and Nikon cameras.
10. Map Studio Wildlife Southern Africa National Parks and Reserves
R250, mapstudio.co.za
A great tool for adventurers who reckon they have done it all, this atlas covers over 300 parks and reserves within South Africa, Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Mozambique and Lesotho, and includes park size, contact details, fauna and flora, accommodation, places of interest and seasonal information. I’m currently using it to uncover and plan unusual trips.
11. Firewire Flexible Skewers
R319, yuppiechef.com
Shake up your weekend braai with these long skewers that can hold a whole boerewors – and then some – and the tip stays cool for easy turning.
12. Wonderbag
From R375, wonderbag.co.za
The innovative Wonderbag keeps hot food cooking for up to eight hours while you’re out hiking, biking or checking out the beach.
13. Leatherman Leap
R899, capeunionmart.co.za
Give the kids a taste of adventure with the gift of their first multitool. You’re probably thinking that giving knives to children is a terrible idea, and you’re not wrong. Giving them a kid-friendly Leatherman Leap on the other hand is more sensible because mom and dad can add the blade when junior is ready to take on the responsibility. Compact, robust and well thought out, the stainless steel multitool is shaped for small hands and feature pliers, screwdrivers and a saw. All blades are operated away from the user and it comes in green, blue and red.
14. Gourmandium Bundu Booze Box
From R299, gourmandium.com
Travelling with glass can be a hack, but there’s now an effective way to take tipple on holiday. The Gourmandium Bundu Booze Box features shock-absorbent polyethylene foam inserts (designed to fit black stackable ammo boxes popularly used for camping and overlanding trips) that will protect ten 750ml glass bottles. Get the inserts for R299 to fit your own ammo box or buy the box and inserts for R539. We like the Bundu Booze Box Mixed Case the best though: box, inserts, plus a great selection of six South African wines, one craft beer and three luxury spirits.
