The Bare Necessities of the Outdoors (hiking)
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Footwear Hiking is really a walking sport, you need to protect your feet at all times. Strong shoes are advisable, carry a spare pair of shoes to wear at the end of the day.
Clothing Generally the weather in the Eastern cape makes for easy hiking with mild to warm conditions. Try to dress accordingly, e.g shorts and t-shirt. When the weather is unpredictable, be sure to pack a warm change of clothes as you may have to spend more than an hour away from shelter. Nights can be pretty cold, especially in the mountains and close to water: pack a woolly hat and scarf.
Food
This is a passion to some but an essential concern when hiking. Proper planning is vital in ensuring a pleasant hiking trip, never run out of food on a hike.
Breakfast  A good portion of starch and protein are needed to start the day. Suggestions: eggs/bread/cereal + coffee/fruit juice, etc.
Lunch Time to recharge the batteries, rest the sore muscles....
Here a basic lunch will be loaded with carbohydrates to replenish the energy expended in the morning.
Suggestions: bread rolls, noodles and tuna/ salmon/ cold meat/ cheese. Salads to balance the meal out.
Dinner At the end of the day a good meal serves to finish the day off with a smile. Here a protein loaded meal is probably your best shot. 
Suggestions: cooked meat and vegetables/ salads, curries, stews. If facilities exist, braaied (barbeque) meat and vegetables are a local favorite.
Misc Liquid refreshments are essential on any outdoor activities. You should expect to lose about 1 - 2 litres of water in a day's hiking. Get the fluid back by having drink breaks at least once an hour. Suggestions: water, fruit juice, cola (softdrinks), etc.
Utensils
Just as food is an important consideration, so is the various utensils needed along the hike
Eating  Knife, fork, spoon and teaspoon
Cups for coffee/ soup
Plates to serve your meal on.
Can opener if needed

Dish-rag and soap to clean items after use

Night time A torch is pretty useful when the sun has set
Candles (or lanterns) will certainly brighten things up.
Matches/ lighter, fire lighters if fires are allowed.

 

Links Amatola

South African National Parks

South African Mountain Club


 

NMMU History:

Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University (NMMU) opened on 1 January 2005, the result of a merger of the PE Technikon, the University of Port Elizabeth and the Port Elizabeth campus of Vista University. This union of three very different institutions came about as a result of government's countrywide restructuring of higher education; intended to deliver a more equitable and efficient system to meet the needs of South Africa in the 21st century."

Mountain Club history:
The Mountain Club started life as the UPE Mountain club (Bergklub) 38 years ago. Founding member and subsequent patron, Prof Ben Loots, started the club as an outlet for his energy, taking groups on strenuous weekend hikes. From a small group we slowly grew, with membership soaring to 250+ in 2000. Currently we are wavering around 60 - 70, mostly foreign exchange students (Germany, Sweden, China and America). The club has a rich history of achievements, with around 30 (from 38 years) awards for best outdoor club. We strive to broaden the experience of each member, we go hiking, caneoing and even have community outreach programs. We are still number 1, and aim to be for a long long time.