Gear Reviews
Review: First Ascent Peak Tent
The First Ascent Peak is an extremely stable tent that can handle very strong winds. I had it pitched in near gale force winds where the rain was hitting the fly sheet so hard, it […]
Articles by Arno van der Heever
Gear Reviews
Review: First Ascent Hiker Air Pillow
“Why do a gear review on a pillow?”, you may ask. Because I regularly hear people saying, quite pleased with themselves, that they save themselves the added weight and size of a pillow by just […]
Gear Reviews
Review: Vango Halo 300
If you’re planning on spending a lot of time camping in the rain, this is the tent you want to be in. A solid, semi-geodesic structure, trail weight of 3.89kg and true 3-person sizing, makes […]
5-Day Hikes
Giant’s Cup Hiking Trail
When I received the invite to join a group of friends to go hike the Giant’s Cup Trail, I had to search for information about it – I had never heard about it. The lack […]
Gear Reviews
Review: Fire Maple Fire-FLEET Stove
The Fire Maple Fire-FLEET stove (FMS-118) is a trimmed down version of the FMS-105. At 91g lighter (37% weight reduction), it is a great option for those who love the stability of a fuel line-fed […]
Gear Reviews
Review: First Ascent Aero 5.5 Lightweight Mattress
When packing my backpack for a multi-day hike, space has always been more of an issue for me than weight. Lots of fairly lightweight items that take up quite a bit space, like a sleeping […]
Gear Reviews
Ultimate Wilderness Hydration Kit
In 2007, I hiked the Fish River Canyon with a group of friends. That year, Namibia had not received as much rain as usual and we experienced the effect of it in the canyon. We […]
Day Hikes
Cape Town Skyline Traverse
Beauty: 5/5 Difficulty: 10/10 (25km long, with a total ascent of 2630m) Technicality: Extremely technical, containing steep, exposed scrambling, difficult route finding and abseiling. *Disclaimer* This route contains multiple sections of very exposed scrambling and abseiling where […]
2-Day Hikes
Boesmanskloof Hiking Trail
Between the towns of Greyton and McGregor, in the Riviersonderend Mountains, lies the Boesmanskloof Hiking Trail. The kloof itself is 14km long, but the trail is usually done as a 2-day hike, there and back, […]
6 Days or More
Amatola Hiking Trail
Beauty: 4 (of 5) Difficulty (fitness): 9-10/10 (Extremely difficult due to long days and big ascents and descents i.e. need to be fit/strong) Technical rating of trail: Standard trail walking and minor river crossings. Duration: […]