Injisuthi Dome: You Be The Judge Part 2

diverian wrote: You can camp at the Giants Castle "picnic site " ?

Phone in advance to ask permission, but generally you can.

When you arrive at the gate after dark and tell them you aren't staying at the chalets, it takes a while to explain what you are doing - but they were very accommodating.

Just curious as to how much water you typically hike with on a lightweight mission, as you said your pack was 3kg total. Including water? Also, perhaps it was the part 1 I read where you stopped for water. Don't you use a hydration pack?

I'm unfortunately heavy on water so always carry plenty on me. It is something I must try to use less of. Even on a short trail run, I'll take 3 litres with me.

I can't really comment on the Injisuthi walkout as I have only done that side once - and with the drought, it is better to be more careful - but from the giants side, once you hit the contour path you basically cross flowing water at least once every km. Between Bannerman Hut and Judge Pass, there isn't nearly as much water, though. The pass has a large river flowing down it, but this was bone dry when I last did the pass. We did find water on the pass, though. There is also a very reliable river that flows down the south side of Mafadi.

3kg would have been made up as follows:
- pack: 360g
- food: 800g
- first aid kit: 300g
- Raincoat: 400g
- Fleece: 200g (and no gloves or beanies)
- Map, GPS and camera: 400g
- Water, when just filled: 750g

Total weight: 3.2kg

At least no one can say I don't know how to pack light

Ja that is light indeed. Nice light pack too. But don't tell me, I'm already a gearwhore of note.

I always take a beanie where ever I go, even Table Mountain in summer as the SE can drop the temperature down quickly when the cloth pulls over. But then again, there isn't much hair up there for insulation too

There should be water in the Injisuthi River from the base of Leslies all the way out. So an alternative could be to go down Leslies.

AdrianT wrote: Nice light pack too.

It is a kiddies hiking pack - can't find the name or a photo of me wearing it, but it's about 20 litre capacity with no waist or chest straps and has one 1 special feature, water bottle holders...

There is one more thing I hike with these days when day hiking - a large orange emergency bag. If we get stuck somewhere without the ability to move from there (e.g. an injury) - at least we can do an emergency bivy. I always carry extra food as well, but have always done this.

It is amazing what you can actually do in a day if you go light and are prepared to spend a full day on the mountains.