Winter hiking in the Drakensberg
08 Jun 2011 22:08 #3087
by Oneye
Replied by Oneye on topic Winter hiking in the Drakensberg
Bag: The biggest decision is down or synthetic. synthetic is much cheaper, has the advantage that still insulates when wet, but is bulky and heavy. Down is the fill of choice, very light, very warm, compacts nicely. But cheap down is worse than synthetic. Down is expensive, needs care, and you absolutely cannot get it wet. Also, after sleeping in it, it has your body moisture, so you must dry it. Turn it inside out if you can get it in the sun, great, but even air dry is good. of course, get a mummy bag, you'll soon get used to being cramped, it's called snug (as a bug). Oh, and a good pad!
i believe that if you have a down bag you must also have a bivy (bivouac sak), so that you can prevent it getting wet under all conditions. a bivy also adds warmth.
cotton is bad in winter, wet cotton is a killer. use synthetics. i hate nylon against my skin, but acrylic and polyester work for me. layering is the key. i have been known to wear all my layers - even to bed! Yes, even my rain jacket and pant! Whatever you have to do to stay warm!
I think you must be ready to cover every square inch of skin. Think about being in a howling storm. So some kind of face mask and goggles, and waterproof gloves. It's amazing how the panic disappears once you're dry and comfortable, even when you're lost and night has fallen.
i believe that if you have a down bag you must also have a bivy (bivouac sak), so that you can prevent it getting wet under all conditions. a bivy also adds warmth.
cotton is bad in winter, wet cotton is a killer. use synthetics. i hate nylon against my skin, but acrylic and polyester work for me. layering is the key. i have been known to wear all my layers - even to bed! Yes, even my rain jacket and pant! Whatever you have to do to stay warm!
I think you must be ready to cover every square inch of skin. Think about being in a howling storm. So some kind of face mask and goggles, and waterproof gloves. It's amazing how the panic disappears once you're dry and comfortable, even when you're lost and night has fallen.
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09 Jun 2011 07:54 #3095
by ghaznavid
Replied by ghaznavid on topic Winter hiking in the Drakensberg
personally i've never had a problem with k-way and almost all my equipment is k-way. Their packs are really good, and i've never come across quality issues with and of their items, but don't just assume that Scag or myself are correct on this, both k-way and first ascent have very detailed descriptions of their products on their website, both also have a recommended equipment list (the first ascent 1 is specific to the berg). Also remember that in any range there will be more expensive items which may be better, eg k-way sells R200 and R400 thermal vests. The other important thing is to go to different shops, in pmb i always go to Cape Union Mart, Trappers and Bush and Bundu, i get advice from all 3 and buy the goods from the one selling them the cheapest. Eg for gaiters both b&b and cum where selling them for R300 and the ones which i got from Trappers cost R80 and are good quality, so definately shop around.
The 1 thing no1 has mentioned is space blankets (also known as emergency blankets). You definately should take 2 per person in the group, they reflect 80% of body heat, so they are really uncomfortable, but in an emergency (eg falling in a river or finding your equipment isn't warm enough) they could be the difference between life and death, the also are usually very cheap (i usually get them at R15 each) and don't weigh much. If you need to be rescued by mountain rescue (don't forget to fill in the mountain register before and after the hike), a space blanket is very reflective, so you can use it to signal your location to a helicopter.
The 1 thing no1 has mentioned is space blankets (also known as emergency blankets). You definately should take 2 per person in the group, they reflect 80% of body heat, so they are really uncomfortable, but in an emergency (eg falling in a river or finding your equipment isn't warm enough) they could be the difference between life and death, the also are usually very cheap (i usually get them at R15 each) and don't weigh much. If you need to be rescued by mountain rescue (don't forget to fill in the mountain register before and after the hike), a space blanket is very reflective, so you can use it to signal your location to a helicopter.
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09 Jun 2011 08:03 #3096
by ghaznavid
Replied by ghaznavid on topic Winter hiking in the Drakensberg
the other thing i forgot to mention is that its important to ensure all layers of clothing are wickable, this channels water to the outer layers which reduces weight and increases warmth. I also agree with bbharim, sleep with all the clothes you have on, it will be warmer and if ur camp gets attacked and they take your packs, you will still have all your warm and waterproof clothes.
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09 Jun 2011 08:49 #3099
by Scag
Replied by Scag on topic Winter hiking in the Drakensberg
I usually only sleep in a base layer. Wearing extra clothes prevents the sleeping bag from doing what it is meant to do (trap in heat. Your clothes are now doing it).
Space blankets are definitely good to have. I have a thicker permanent one, and also take a disposable one. The permanent one doubles up nicely as a ground sheet when sleeping in a cave.
I have found my kway gear suffers a lot from zip failure. I have seen a bunch of people complaining about their tents for the same reason. I went to England in December, and took two pairs of long johns (one kway and the other first ascent). The FA was far superior. Better warmth, didnt get itchy after two days of wearing it, more comfortable in general.
Space blankets are definitely good to have. I have a thicker permanent one, and also take a disposable one. The permanent one doubles up nicely as a ground sheet when sleeping in a cave.
I have found my kway gear suffers a lot from zip failure. I have seen a bunch of people complaining about their tents for the same reason. I went to England in December, and took two pairs of long johns (one kway and the other first ascent). The FA was far superior. Better warmth, didnt get itchy after two days of wearing it, more comfortable in general.
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09 Jun 2011 09:30 #3102
by intrepid
About Kway, I do use some of their stuff, and yes it does break sometimes. My experience is that they will always repair and upgrade though. Even had a case once where I had worn a jacket for several years and they simply replaced it with a new one.
@Walk21: welcome! Personally I find a -8C bag not sufficient in the winter. Have done many winter trips with one and just got tired of fighting the cold on many nights. Obviously there are winter nights where things are warmer, and this can even happen with snow on the ground. I now have a -15C comfort and love it! One of my regular hiking buddies is quite content with a First Ascent Ice Breaker though, which is in the -8C range, though he does wear a thick fleece too at times.
Tents: do look through that very long tent thread on this forum. Many tents can handle a lot of Berg weather but wind can be a real killer. It will flatten the cheaper tents (because their suspension is not strong enough) and it had been know to rip and even shred the better tents that do stand up against the wind but don't have strong enough fabric. There are times when the wind is simply too strong for pitching tents, unless you have a really serious 4-season tent.
About water-proof, shell-type, longs: yes I definitely take these, for the wind and for wet snow. Some of the nutcases that I hike with don't always take theirs along, but I consider it essential. I walk in longs which I wear throughout the year and pull the shell layer over when needed, or only wear the shell sometimes (in the summer).
Take nothing but litter, leave nothing but a cleaner Drakensberg.
Replied by intrepid on topic Winter hiking in the Drakensberg
These were my thoughts too, though I do layer-up to a point. I find it gets uncomfortable with too many layers too. And your body can't breathe that well either.Scag wrote: I usually only sleep in a base layer. Wearing extra clothes prevents the sleeping bag from doing what it is meant to do (trap in heat. Your clothes are now doing it).
About Kway, I do use some of their stuff, and yes it does break sometimes. My experience is that they will always repair and upgrade though. Even had a case once where I had worn a jacket for several years and they simply replaced it with a new one.
@Walk21: welcome! Personally I find a -8C bag not sufficient in the winter. Have done many winter trips with one and just got tired of fighting the cold on many nights. Obviously there are winter nights where things are warmer, and this can even happen with snow on the ground. I now have a -15C comfort and love it! One of my regular hiking buddies is quite content with a First Ascent Ice Breaker though, which is in the -8C range, though he does wear a thick fleece too at times.
Tents: do look through that very long tent thread on this forum. Many tents can handle a lot of Berg weather but wind can be a real killer. It will flatten the cheaper tents (because their suspension is not strong enough) and it had been know to rip and even shred the better tents that do stand up against the wind but don't have strong enough fabric. There are times when the wind is simply too strong for pitching tents, unless you have a really serious 4-season tent.
About water-proof, shell-type, longs: yes I definitely take these, for the wind and for wet snow. Some of the nutcases that I hike with don't always take theirs along, but I consider it essential. I walk in longs which I wear throughout the year and pull the shell layer over when needed, or only wear the shell sometimes (in the summer).
Take nothing but litter, leave nothing but a cleaner Drakensberg.
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16 Nov 2012 21:56 #55629
by Oneye
Replied by Oneye on topic Winter hiking in the Drakensberg
I live and work in Colorado (Western slope) and have been given an air ticket which expires next November. Problem is I only get off June and December, this December is spoken for and next December is too late.
What are conditions like in the berg in June? I assume that usually the snows have not yet come, and water is hard (perhaps extremely hard) to find. I assume that a hiker must be prepared for full winter conditions. But I am guessing, experienced hikers please give me facts!
Perhaps I should consider Umfolosi and/or St Lucia?
What are conditions like in the berg in June? I assume that usually the snows have not yet come, and water is hard (perhaps extremely hard) to find. I assume that a hiker must be prepared for full winter conditions. But I am guessing, experienced hikers please give me facts!
Perhaps I should consider Umfolosi and/or St Lucia?
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17 Nov 2012 08:23 #55630
by Smurfatefrog
Replied by Smurfatefrog on topic Winter hiking in the Drakensberg
Do both, those are two of my favourite parts of SA!
There is often snow in June, most does fall a bit later in winter though
Regarding water, it all depends where you want to go. There will be water around, it just a matter of how far you need to walk to get it, but if you plan your route & know when to collect water it won't be an issue
Which part of the berg are you looking at?
There is often snow in June, most does fall a bit later in winter though
Regarding water, it all depends where you want to go. There will be water around, it just a matter of how far you need to walk to get it, but if you plan your route & know when to collect water it won't be an issue
Which part of the berg are you looking at?
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17 Nov 2012 15:11 - 17 Nov 2012 15:12 #55633
by HFc
Replied by HFc on topic Winter hiking in the Drakensberg
Off course the weather is never perfectly predictable, but based on previous experience I would say June is a decent time to go to the Berg. It gets cold and the winter winds already start picking up 2nd half of May. However, properly clothed and kitted and you should be fine. And yes, in June water is still available most seasons.
December, if that were an option, is not exactly ideal due to the extremely fierce thunderstorms in the afternoons and early evenings. The berg has served up many uncomfortable situations for me, but none more so than some thunderstorms in summer on the escarpment. We have in fact decided, because of this, to avoid the escarpment hikes in December.
Just my opinion off course.
December, if that were an option, is not exactly ideal due to the extremely fierce thunderstorms in the afternoons and early evenings. The berg has served up many uncomfortable situations for me, but none more so than some thunderstorms in summer on the escarpment. We have in fact decided, because of this, to avoid the escarpment hikes in December.
Just my opinion off course.
Last edit: 17 Nov 2012 15:12 by HFc.
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17 Nov 2012 17:11 #55634
by ghaznavid
Replied by ghaznavid on topic Winter hiking in the Drakensberg
My personal experience is that April to early July is when the weather is amazing for hiking. It gets very cold at night, you can get terrible wind or snow, but you have the best odds of getting good weather. Also, security issues are usually not at this time of the year as the shepherds move further inland due to the cold.
Water isn't always too reliable at this time of the year, but usually there will be water in Lesotho - less so in the Northern Berg.
If you are coming to South Africa, there are worthwhile features other than the Berg - St Lucia, Cape Vidal, Umfolozi area is amazing. If you go to the south coast of KwaZulu-Natal there is also Oribi Gorge which is also really worth a visit (and its the place to go if you want to do the highest gorge swing on earth).
Water isn't always too reliable at this time of the year, but usually there will be water in Lesotho - less so in the Northern Berg.
If you are coming to South Africa, there are worthwhile features other than the Berg - St Lucia, Cape Vidal, Umfolozi area is amazing. If you go to the south coast of KwaZulu-Natal there is also Oribi Gorge which is also really worth a visit (and its the place to go if you want to do the highest gorge swing on earth).
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19 Nov 2012 06:04 #55638
by Serious tribe
Replied by Serious tribe on topic Winter hiking in the Drakensberg
Go for it, definitely d.berg, other if you still have the time.
Cold (avg min is -8 at about 1800m in july) with a chance of snow, but mostly heavy snow dumps happens aug and sep.
Water can be a problem, it depends how much it has rained during summer leading into april may. Best to check out with people who have hiked a month before you leave. July/ Aug is usually the driest month ito of stream flows, but if you have a snow dump, there can be plenty of melt-water for about a week or two.
Wind, worst about aug.
Definitely fully equipped with a good layered clothing system and robust boots, snow gaiters and tent.
Cold (avg min is -8 at about 1800m in july) with a chance of snow, but mostly heavy snow dumps happens aug and sep.
Water can be a problem, it depends how much it has rained during summer leading into april may. Best to check out with people who have hiked a month before you leave. July/ Aug is usually the driest month ito of stream flows, but if you have a snow dump, there can be plenty of melt-water for about a week or two.
Wind, worst about aug.
Definitely fully equipped with a good layered clothing system and robust boots, snow gaiters and tent.
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