Winter hiking in the Drakensberg

If you can find someone who stocks Mountain Hardware sleeping bags, get one of theirs. I alternate between 2 bags - a K-Way Killi 2 (down) and a Mountain Hardware Pinole (synthetic -4 comfort). My MH one is lighter and often warmer. It also only cost R900. That being said - if you find someone who stocks MH bags in SA, please let me know. Bush 'n Bundu in PMB stocks them, not sure who else.

Mountain Mail Order stocks the Mountain Hardwear Lamina bag:

www.mountainmailorder.co.za/index.php?_a=viewProd&productId=2910

I'm not sure how similar this is to the Pinole though... ghaznavid, does this bag have similar specs to yours?

I've actually tried to bug them about getting the proper MH sleeping bags, but they still only stock the mickey mouse ones.

I think Adventure Inc doesn't import MH sleeping bags either.

My experience with MH gear (very limited - just my sleeping bag and beanie) has been that they make exceptional gear. My MH beanie is practically waterproof and weights nothing. It is also very warm (actually too warm during the day outside of winter).

We're planning a winter camp/day hike... do ppl actually go camping in the middle of winter in the berg? With kiddos? 6yrs of age? Any suggestions would be appreciated and mayb location suggestions too...

I just did this... It really depends if you have the proper gear for cold weather.

Children struggle to generate enough heat in a sleeping bag that is sized for an adult. The one thing that helped was using a thermal liner but I only had one. We used -8 bags and my daughters were too cold in a tent at Injisuthi camp.

In hindsight I thought it would be good to take a couple of duvets from home to put over the top of them. This would have been okay I think. If you have enough thermal liners like the Reactor I used it could also work but they cost R600 each.

Otherwise I suggest that you braai early enough to eat before sundown as the temp drop makes it too cold for them to be outside at night.

It's great fun if you are prepared though as the days are generally warm enough for hiking. Enjoy!

Thnx. I think planning is very important, especially if one is doing it in the middle of winter...cant just pop into woolworths if ones getting cold.

Hi Candy
Last year July I took my 7yr old son, his friend and dad on a "Dads and Lads" weekend, we stayed at Pillar Cave one night and at Garden Castle camp site the first night.
Boys were fine, we did ensure they ate early,
Being equipped is the most important thing,
We will be back this year for the same weekend.

Hey all

I thought it would be ok to post under this topic about hiking in the winter as it's all I could find.

I am hoping to do a winter trip but need some advice on hiking in mid winter / snow in the Drakensberg:

Where and when will you most likely find snow in the berg?

Can anyone recommend a route which will include escarpment camping (tent) in the snow, 1 or 2 nights?

How challenging is spending a night in the berg in the the snow really?

I have done a few hikes (some small ones in the snow) and my most challenging so far was a 3 night 4 day doing a loop to Mafadi: www.vertical-endeavour.com/forum/drakensberg-trips/55707-mafadi-loop-corner-pass-nha-and-leslies-pass.html

What are additional must have items to include in your gear list?

Any additional advice appreciated.

Thanks!

Wezleyb wrote: where and when will you most likely find snow in the berg?

walkers peak in August, but seeing as you would be coming from Gauteng, that is quite far. chain ladders get good snow, but mnweni and didima rarely get good snow.

I watch for snow every year and there is consistently more snow in the Southern areas. The easiest Southerly area to reach from Jhb is Giants Castle at 430km, which is actually quicker than Injisuthi by road if you turn off the N3 at Escourt (65km from there).

The walk in options are are also easy to navigate if snowfall is heavy which provides good access to the escarpment via Giants or Langalibalele passes.

I rate this as best option for us Joburg based mountain crazies...

PS. Winter kit should include waterproofed boots, outer shell and tent or bivy bag if you sleep in caves. Clothing must be good for around minus 10 and include good gloves if you like your fingers.

If you need a kit list I can provide. Watch the advice you get from sales people although Drifters is generally very good. You can also spend too much on kit that still doesn't do a good job so ask/ check on VE before you buy.