Good gear: Kit yourself out
The Biltong King lets you make your own snacks - it even includes recipes!
Folding up ino a can-sized bag and weighing a mere 200g, this is an ideal emergency shelter in mild conditions.
Tevo Vacbag Travel Pack
Vacuum-pack your kit
This clever invention vacuum-packs clothes and bedding to save packing space. The first version was a large (40 x 60 cm) plastic pouch that required a vacuum cleaner to suck the air out. Good idea, but how many people pack the Electrolux when they travel?
This new version works in much the same fashion, except that instead of sucking the air out you force it out by rolling or squeezing the bag. A non-return valve ensures the air doesn’t rush back inside, so your clothes stay neatly compressed for easy packing in your car boot or suitcase.
Price: R100 for a pack of six from Game, Makro, Pick ’n Pay and Checkers.
Contact: Tevo 0861 778 888; www.tevo.co.za
Go! says: As a bonus, the plastic pouch also protects from water, dirt and accidental shampoo spills.
Mellerware Biltong King
Make your own padkos!
We know that most of you would rather leave home without the spare tyre than the biltong. Why not try your hand at making your own? The Biltong King comes with all the necessary recipes and spices to prepare the meat. The built-in extractor fan wafts a constant flow of fresh air through the box, which creates the perfect conditions for delicious biltong or droëwors. Spice and hang the meat, plug in the box and stash it out of Fido’s reach (prep time usually takes two to three days).
Cost: R600.
Contact: Creative Housewares 086 111 5006; www.mellerware.co.za
Go! says: Vegetarian? The Biltong King can also be used to make dried fruit!
Redback Everest Boots
Light but tough
Redback is an Australian manufacturer best known for leather work-boots, which are the footwear of choice for thousands of fire, rescue and law enforcement personnel both Down Under and beyond.
The first thing you notice when you pull on a pair is how unbelievably light they are. Other hiking boots – especially leather ones – are generally quite heavy compared with normal takkies because they have to be built tough to support and protect your feet on rough terrain.
The midsole is made of light polyurethane, not leather, which keeps the weight down, and the soles are as grippy as any Vibram product we’ve tested.
Price: R2 400.
Contact: Redback Africa 028 514 2695; 082 388 4884; www.redbackafrica.com
Go! says: The outside has definitely been treated with some kind of water-repellent barrier that works to a point, but if you want to keep your feet dry in the Knysna Forest on a rainy weekend, we recommend you apply extra waterproofing.
MSR E-Wing
The world’s smallest tent?
MSR lumps the E-Wing with its “Fast & Light” tents, but this is more emergency hiking shelter than everyday camping accommodation. When packed, it’s smaller than a can of Coke and weighs just 200 g, but open it up and you have a spacious (4 m²) waterproof sheet that will provide cover for both you and your kit.
On open ground you can pitch it like an A-frame tent by propping it up with a trekking pole at each end. Alternatively, use guy lines and surrounding rocks and trees to tailor-make your own little bivvy for the night.
It lacks sidewalls and a floor, so it won’t keep you dry in serious storms, but for protection from gentle rain – or even heavy dew – it should do the trick.
Price: R1 030.
Contact: Outward Ventures 021 683 3638; www.outward.co.za
Go! says: For lightweight backup shelter in the mountains it’s a winner, but hang on to your regular tent.
(Note: Prices accurate in May 2010)
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