DGT gear list

Hi all

I am new to the forum. A friend invited me to do a DGT starting 23 Sept 2016. We aim to carry a tent, but save weight where possible to maximise the distance covered per day (only have 8 days to work with, but wouldnt mind cutting it short if we have to).

Could you please review my gear list? And tell me what should come in our out. Odds and ends can still be added, my main concern is whether I am out of the ballpark to handle the weather and -8 to +25 deg C type temperatures. Our strategy is to take an escape route or wait it out in a cave in case of heavy snowfall, hence not fully winter-proof gear.

Aiming at 11-16 kg starting weight but havent really hiked with additional warm-weather gear so not too sure where it will end up.

What I have at present:

Merrell Chameleon shoes (not waterproof but Bear Grylls wears them)
Hi-Tec shell rain jacket with pit zips
First Ascent Ice Serac fleece (Windproof and made for the Berg)
Trusty, heavy K-Way fleece (should I go double-fleece or trust the FA fleece?)
Prana Stretch Zion zip-off pants (water resistant but not waterproof)
Day thermals - Trusty First Ascent Bamboo thermal bottoms
Night thermals - full set of thermals for sleeping
1 x tech long sleeve shirt (do I need another?)
Buff
Light K-way beanie
1 x thermal socks for sleeping
2 x thin running socks for walking
No underwear
Tech towel (do I need it?)
K-way Kilimandjaro tent (3.5kg shared with buddy)
Capestorm Mosquito sleeping bag (rated to around 0 deg C)
Sleeping bag liner OR another sleeping bag as above (double-bag! My folks have two of them. Combined weight might be similar to an Ice-Breaker sleeping bag)
Stock-standard gas stove and 2 canisters (shared with 2 others)
Medikit (shared with 2 others)
GPS, maps, compass, non-smart cell phone

What I still need:

Sleeping mat - insulated or not insulated?
Gaiters - necessary or just in the way?
Trekking poles - yes/no? And budget options?
Considering to buy poncho-style overpants from AgriMark

Regarding shoes, please advise whether I would be cooked to attempt the hike in Merrel Chameleons (got them on special). They are not boots and are not waterproof. Have to add that I only hike in trail runners (with up to 20kg on my back) and fall into the "barefoot" camp. And my usual shoe strategy is they get wet every time but dry quicker than boots.

This is a long post, but I would appreciate any inputs.

Thank you

G

There are much more knowledgeable and berg experienced people here than me, I am sure will answer soon.

I have 4 comments for you that jumped out at me:
1. I would consider thicker technical wool socks, not "thin running socks".
2. Nothing wrong with the Chameleons, have a pair myself and they can go anywhere. HOWEVER, berg conditions in my opinion lends itself toward a boot that at least attempts to be waterproof. (The boot vs shoe tug of war boils down to personal preference)
3. Do consider at least 1 pair of thermal underwear.
4. If you have an item that will do the job, do not get sucked into an upgrade purchase to suffer marginal gain at great cost. As an example, some might argue the Hi-Tec jacket is sub-standard for berg conditions. Yes it is not the best out there. Will it do the job? Yes it will.

Supplementary 5th point:
5. Do consider n small hip-flask type container to carry some liquid warmth.

I would go for waterproof boots. It is cold up there. Wet feet, add some wind, won't be pleasant. I wouldn't bother with gaiters with those shoes However, if you're using waterproof boots then I would take gaiters for sure.

Falke AH4 socks are excellent. Really warm:
www.capeunionmart.co.za/falke-ah4-sock

I wouldn't bother with the towel.

I like hiking poles. Helps in technical conditions and in snow. In fact I wouldn't go up there without them.

Hope this helps a tiny bit. There are many seriously experienced people who will definitely help you here. Good luck, and have fun!

Hi Coeta

Thanks for the reply - on the Hi-Tec jacket. I bought it new, on the recommendation of an experienced Berg hiker that tests gear for Hi-Tec (hoping that he will weigh in on this thread). I'm a firm believer in bargain buys, otherwise only the Joneses would afford the mountains

G

Thanks Adrian - I hear you on the boots. At the risk of making this another "boots vs trail runners" thread, I would like to hear from someone that did do the hike in sub-par shoes and what their experience was. Boots are the obvious choice but once again its a financial consideration...

You will find various brand, type of gear, method and how-to opinions on any public forum.
One bad experience involving one of the above will make that experience uncontestable reality for that person. (I detest ponchos... )

If you search hard enough you will find somebody for and against just about anything on the internet.
All I was saying is to keep a level head when taking advice about upgrading (sidegrading?) a fully functional item you already have.

I hear you,thanks!

Hi gerhardsnorbaard,

Commenting on what stands out for me:

You have day thermals and night thermals. I would drop the day thermals, I have seldom walked in thermals during the day, its too hot.

You're asking about the second shirt? don't need it if you plan to walk in the one shirt for the 8 days. although, if you get soaked, that shirt won't dry overnight and you will be wearing a wet shirt the next morning.

Sleeping mat - definitely insulated!

I am a firm believer in hiking boots, gaitors and hiking sticks. However, you say, you have always hiked in trail runners, then go that route. Its what you are used to. If you have never used hiking sticks, then I would try them out first before. I love gaitors to keep out stones.

By end of September, the weather could be a lot warmer already, so a zero sleeping bag with a thermal inner could be ok! Just check the weather forecast before. It also depends on how warm or cold you sleep.

If you want to shave off some weight, find a lighter tent. There are 2 man tents weighing around 2kg made locally.

Hope this helps a bit

@ gerhard: Most of ones hiking gear is fined tuned through years of experience and even more so as you get older and cannot carry excessive weight. What I would change on your list is.....definitely a minus 8 bag right to the end of October on the escarpment and leave out one fleece and take a down jacket which can be worn in the evenings and also as a stand by for extremes when you have the finances. An insulated mat is a must

Thanks everyone for the replies. I will take your inputs into consideration, very valuable.