The comfortable backpack and a good water bottle are absolutely essential and comfortable strong shoes are also very important. The weight of your backpack (packed) may not exceed one third of your body weight.

Hikers must be fairly fit and should definitely get exercise before any hiking trail. Don't carry too many things with. Everything, even the smallest item, must be as light as possible.

Your backpack should always be packed to keep the load as close to your centre of gravity as possible. This lessens the "backward pull" you get when the bag is incorrectly packed. Pack as illustrated in the diagram above.

Bible (one group member can pack a small Bible)

Permit and a map of the route

Pencil and paper

Whistle

Plastic bags to use when raining

Sun glasses (Optional)

Camera, binoculars, mobile phone (Optional)

National tree or bird list (Optional)

Other important items:

Matches (try to get waterproof matches)

Small torch with new batteries

Pocket knife and tin opener

Plate, mug and spoon

Water bottle

Candles

Soap

Crockery

Tongs

Container to shake powder milk in

Cloth, dish washing detergent

Gas-stove and gas-lamp (see that you have enough extra gas)

Food (make your own selection):

A hiking trip's menu should always come to terms with personal taste and preference, although you should look at the following: Taste, nutritious value, is it filling, lightweight, prepared easily and is the cost reasonable?

One way of planning meals on a trail is to join with one or two more people and plan a joint menu. Everyone doing their own thing, or one person doing everything, (unless he/she is a qualified chef) can result in chaos - Gerald Crawford

Rusks

Instant soup and sauces

Any breakfast cereal or muesli

Salami

Dried fruit

Biltong (dried meat) and "droë wors"

Nuts for e.g. peanuts and raisins

Sweets (Super C's or Vita C's)

Chocolates

Powder cool-drink (Game or Clifton)

Fresh fruit (Oranges and Apples)

Cheese wedge's and Yoghurt

Pro-vitas

Eggs or powder eggs

Tin meat (Bully beef or Vienna's)

Dried mince (Dried in a microwave)

Instant potato for e.g. Mash potato

Tin tuna, sardines, Vienna's and meat

Vegetables (Carrots and Onions)

Dried vegetables (Pick 'n Pay)

"Meal in one" or similar meals

Fresh bread rolls

Jam, Syrup and butter

Meat can be used on the first night

Smoked and vacuum-packed meat

"Rooster koek" mix

Instant milk pudding

Woolworths ginger cake

Emergencies:

Vaseline lip-ice

Sun tanning lotion

Bandage and plasters

Mercurochrome

Headache tablets

Voltaren (Ointment that loosens your muscles)

Mosquito lotion (Tabard)

Antiallergic medicine

Malaria tablets (for trails in Malaria regions)

Plaster, bandage and an ankle/knee guard

Clothes:

Cap or sunscreen

Two sets of light clothes

One sweater and/or a warm jacket

A tracksuit for sleeping

Walking shoes with thick woollen socks

One short pair silk stocking

Slip-on's or light shoes for use after the days walk

Swimming suit and towel

Rain coat (Big plastic refuse bags can also be used)

Sleeping bag and small pillow

Washing-line and clothes-pegs

Needle, string, scissors and extra lace

Requisites:

Soap, wash cloth, toothbrush, -paste and Shampoo

Lip-ice and eye drops

Light towel and washcloth

Comb or brush

Mirror

Toilet paper (sometimes it is not provided)

Other:

Remember everyone doesn't have to carry everything with, groups can divide items among each other.

Gerald Crawford was born in South Africa, studied electronics, telecommunication, eco-travel and african travel concepts. He taught responsible tourism in South Africa. If you have any questions or comments please e-mail me on. E-mail Address: southafricantravelarticles@12234455.co.za Website Address: www.12234455.co.za

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