7 Hiking Essentials We Don’t Leave the House Without

Because being halfway up a mountain with no water = regret. Prefer to watch? Click here. Over the years of hiking everything from Lion’s Head to Wolfberg Arch, we’ve fine-tuned our little list of must-haves. Whether you’re a Sunday morning stroller or a sunrise summit kind of person, these are the hiking essentials that make our hikes more enjoyable, safer, and way more comfortable.

Let’s get into it.

1. Hydration Pack

We cannot stress this enough: Water is non-negotiable. We’ve hiked with bottles before, and once you go hydration pack, you never go back. A CamelBak lets you sip as you move, holds enough water for longer hikes, and keeps your hands free. You can also use a running vest. Hydration packs are perfect for those technical scrambles or when you need to hold a snack in one hand and your dignity in the other.

2. Sunscreen

We use the Techni Block SPF 50+ religiously. South African sun doesn’t play. And even if it’s cloudy, UV rays will catch you off-guard. This one is sweat- and water-resistant and doesn’t leave you looking like a ghost in pictures. But honestly, we’ve changed our sunscreens around a lot – it doesn’t matter which one you like, just use one. Pop it on before the hike and bring a small one for touch-ups if you’re out all day.

3. Hiking Shoes

If you’re serious about hiking, please invest in good shoes. We both hike in Salomon trail shoes, and the grip, support, and comfort are unmatched. Hi-Tech also has really good options. You feel safer with hiking shoes, your feet last longer, and they’re made for all sorts of terrain, from rocky trails to muddy inland paths. Bonus: They actually look good too 👌🏽

4. Lizzard Bottle

For shorter hikes, or if you’re not ready for a hydration pack, the Lizzard stainless steel bottle is our go-to. It keeps your water icy cold, is super durable, and fits snug in most daypacks. They come in cool colours too. Yes, aesthetic matters when you’re posting summit pics 😋

5. Socks

Underrated hero? Good hiking socks. We swear by Versus socks. They’re locally made, super comfy, and come in the coolest designs. They help prevent blisters and actually stay in place, which is a small but major win when you’re on hour three of a hike.

6. Cap or Bucket Hat

Sun protection is not just about sunscreen; shade your face. A cap or wide-brimmed hat keeps the sun out of your eyes and protects your scalp (yes, you can sunburn your scalp). Plus, it helps you look like a pro hiker, even if you’re stopping every 500m for “photo breaks.”

7. Snacks

Mid-hike hanger is real. We always pack a Jungle Oats bar, a small Rehidrat sachet (great for post-hike recovery), and a banana or naartjie. These small things go a long way when you’re out in the sun and your energy starts dipping.

In a Nutshell: Hiking Essentials

You don’t need fancy gear to start hiking, but a few solid basics make all the difference. These are the items that have lasted us through early morning hikes, tough trails, and lazy loops around nature reserves.

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