The Kit We Just Can’t Hike Without!

The Epic chow guide and tips to our winter packing

Packing the right winter hiking gear for South Africa can stress out and make even the most seasoned hikers think twice before planning a trip. Whether you're tackling a multi-day mission or just heading out for a quick day hike, packing your backpack can feel like a mission on its own.

From icy mornings that demand multiple layers just to leave your tent, to scorching midday sun that makes you instantly regret all of them, hiking in the Drakensberg during winter is nothing short of unpredictable.

We’re not claiming to be packing experts- but we’ve weathered enough wild missions in the Berg to know what works. Here’s our go-to backpack setup for surviving (and actually enjoying) those moody mountain missions.

The clothing 

Not the most stylish piece in the kit, but my sleeveless fleece jacket has become a go-to on just about every trip lately. It folds up small, weighs nothing, and most importantly- keeps my chest warm, which is usually my biggest concern on those icy Berg mornings.

For early starts, I pair the fleece with a lightweight puffer jacket. That combo goes straight over my usual T-shirt, whether it’s a safari-style shirt or a basic cotton tee and it’s been solid every time. The best part? Both layers stash easily near the top of my pack for when the sun hits and it’s time to strip back.

Come evening, when the cold creeps back in, I turn to an old but reliable thermal fleece jersey. It’s not fancy, but it’s survived more hikes than I can count. I wear it as a base layer under the same puffer jacket- it’s warm, breathable, and simple.

Now let’s talk about legs. I cannot do hot longs. Even in the middle of winter, I’ve been perfectly comfortable standing on top of Tugela Falls with nothing more than a pair of cargo shorts or zip-offs. I do keep a pair of thermal tights rolled up at the bottom of my bag- more out of principle than necessity- but honestly, I’ve never needed them.

I’m big on packing extra socks, because somehow, I always end up with wet feet. Whether it’s river crossings, morning dew, or slipping into a puddle, it’s just one of those things that happens out there.

As a rule, if I’m hiking for 3 days, I’ll pack 4 pairs of socks. One for each day, plus an extra emergency pair. That little bit of over-prepping has saved me more times than I can count- especially on cold nights in the Drakensberg when layering up to keep warm, having a clean dry pair of socks can make all the difference.

My worst enemy on the trail? Gloves. I’ve got this great pair- windproof, thermal, waterproof, the works but for some reason, they’re always the one thing I forget to pack.

The worst time was last July, trying to overnight at the top of Tugela Falls. No gloves, freezing winds, and my hands got so cold I swear they doubled in size. It was not a fun time.

Now, when I do remember them, I keep my gloves in an easy-to-reach pocket near the top of my pack- right next to my beanie and first aid kit. Lesson learned: warm hands are not optional in the Drakensberg winter.

The Gear 

Let’s be honest- most of us pack the same basic hiking gear. But there are a few items I never leave home without.

First up: my Leatherman. Not one of the big fancy ones- just the small Skeletool. Lightweight, compact, and it does everything I need it to do on trail. Simple as that.

Torches are non-negotiable. Even for day hikes, I pack more lights than what I will need, because you never know when someone’s gear fails, I always chuck in a few spare batteries too. They’ve saved my mates more than once.

My first aid kit comes everywhere. Whether I’m dealing with a blister, rash, sprain, or even nausea, I like knowing I’ve got it covered. It’s easy to reach in my pack, and it lives in my car when I’m not on trail. Honestly, it’s one of the only things I’ve never forgotten.

As for cooking, I keep it super simple- just a basic lightweight pot and a spork. Nothing fancy. Where do I mess it up? Gas. I tend to overpack. There’s nothing worse than lugging a full extra canister up a mountain, only to find your half-used one would’ve easily lasted the whole weekend. Lesson learnt. But hey, rather than running out mid-meal, right?

I’m a firm believer that every good day starts with a strong cup of coffee- especially when the air bites and the veld is still waking up. My old dented Moka pot has been through more adventures than my car. It’s scorched, scratched, and packed with memories. It still brews the kind of coffee that makes you feel brave enough to take on any chilly morning.

The Chow 

Breakfasts are simple, I’m a muesli person. If I could haul bacon and eggs across the Drakensberg, trust me, I would but a good dehydrated muesli pack does the job. It’s fast, light, and gets me moving

Obviously, I don’t leave home without my pre-ground coffee. It’s non-negotiable. If it were up to me, I’d have it laced with a splash of Amarula most mornings but when you’re living light and hiking hard, water tends to take priority. That said, I do make space for one small flask of Old Brown Sherry. Call it internal insulation, it’s saved many a cold night out on the escarpment.

For lunch, I lean toward our vegan options. They sit lighter and fuel me without the slump- Lucky Pot is hands down the one I reach for most. Otherwise I do enjoy an egg and mayo roll but that's a lot harder to carry for a couple of days with no refrigerator! So those are my day hike option along with my ample snacks.

Then there’s the Epic Chow trail mix. That stuff fuels my snacking addiction. Any empty gap in my pack becomes a snack stash. I don’t do sugary energy drinks, but I always make space for a couple Drip Drop hydration sachets. Even on cold days, dehydration creeps up on you and those little sachets have saved me more times than I can count

When it comes to multi-day hikes, I pack as many different dehydrated meals as possible, variety keeps things interesting. But if I had to pick a go-to, Chilli Nosh is it. That’s my comfort food, my warm hug after a long day. Thai Chook comes in as a close second, loads of flavour.

I do have a hidden treasure in the car after every hike. I crave chocolate so after every hike or trip there is going to be a chocolate waiting for me in the car! I am just glad that winter keeps the car cool enough to prevent it from melting.

The Extras

Now for the bits and bobs that always seem small ….. until you don’t have them. I always keep a lightweight dry bag or two rolled up in the bottom of my pack. Wet clothes or trash, these little bags punch well above their weight in usefulness. A microfiber towel is another underrated winner. It dries quickly, folds up small, and has come in handy more times than I expected.

Sunglasses might seem like a summer item, but winter glare off the snow-dusted peaks? That’ll blind you just the same plus I never leave home without them, there is nothing worse than 7pm on a Sunday night, your eyes are bloodshot and burning from all the glare! A mini sunscreen stick, yes even in July, the African sun doesn’t mess around. Lip balm is another silent hero, that cold air and constant wind will leave your lips feeling like biltong without it.

Navigation-wise, I generally pre download the maps of the area or take one from the trail head, when I can I will use my Garmin watch which I can load routes to. When it comes to communication, I carry a fully charged power bank and my phone with me along with a spare fully charged one that I can just swap sim cards out with. Reception can be spotty, but when you find it, you’ll want a charged phone on your side. It’s not just about convenience - it’s peace of mind.

The Mindset

Packing gear is one thing. Packing mindset? That’s just as important. The Drakensberg in winter isn’t just a hike- it’s a shift. You’re moving between climates in hours. You’ll see frost covered slopes or frozen rivers to mild temperatures that make you regret all those layers. It’ll test your vasbyte, your layering skills, and sometimes your sense of humour. But it also rewards those who show up prepared, not just with gear, but with respect for the mountains.

There’s something incredibly satisfying about winter hikes, you land up feeling more independent in way, more in touch with a lack of a better phrase. I mean I love a warm shower but there is nothing funnier than being around a semi frozen stream with friends building up courage to jump in for a bath!

Final Thoughts

We’re not selling gear or pretending we’ve got all the answers which is why I have not mentioned the brands I use . This isn’t the ultimate packing list- it’s just what’s worked for me, time and time again, on cold early starts and long moody walks through the heart of the Berg. The mountains will always surprise you. That’s part of the magic. But with a solid kit, some hard-earned lessons, and maybe a flask of Old Brown tucked away, you’re more than ready to take it on.

And if nothing else- at least you’ve got chocolate in the car.