FOR WOMEN
1 First Ascent Essence pullover
The great thing about this microfleece top is it’s so downy you can wear it directly on your skin without the need for a vest. The thermally efficient material wicks moisture away and keeps body heat in. And how can you not love hot pink? R400 at Outdoor Warehouse and firstascent.co.za
2 K-Way Willow full-zip fleece top
The high collar with a drawcord will keep the chill off your neck and the padded chest and shoulder panels provide an extra layer of insulation. The form-fitting cut keeps you as snug as a bug while still allowing free movement. R1 000 at Cape Union Mart
3 K-Way Elsa down jacket
This windproof, water-shedding jacket is stuffed with pure goose down that will keep you warm even during light snowfall. It weighs very little so it’s never an encumbrance. It has two outer pockets and one inner pocket – all with zips – and a drawstring around the waist to prevent cold air from creeping in. R2 000 at Cape Union Mart
4 Capestorm Bushwacker trousers
These durable nylon trousers have no less than five zipped pockets for keys, a cellphone and… We’re not sure, really. The darted seams on the knees make them easy to crouch in and there are drawcords on the legs and an elastic insert in the waistband for a weatherproof fit. Although they’re wind- and waterresistant you might want to wear long johns underneath because they don’t offer much thermal protection. R1 000 at Sportsmans Warehouse
5 Hi-Tec Equilibrio Bijou Mid 1
A shoe with an open ankle might be more comfortable, but if you’re hiking in wet and cold conditions you need full boots. This midheight shoe offers a compromise between comfort and ankle support. It also has lots of inner padding, a waterproof outer and an impact-absorbing midsole. R1 300 at Sportsmans Warehouse
6 Bridgedale Women’s Comfort Summit
These mid-weight, mid-calf hiking socks are made from merino wool and a host of other technical fabrics including polypropylene fibres, which will hopefully prevent popsicle toes. The toes, heels and ankles are padded for extra comfort and the slack-knit cuffs won’t squeeze your calves and hamper blood flow. R150 at Cape Union Mart
7 K-Way Sith Primaloft Touch gloves
Back when phones had actual buttons, it wasn’t a problem to operate one while wearing gloves. Nowadays, most phones have touch screens so a solution had to be found. These gloves may be wafer thin and unsuitable for climbing Mount Everest, but at least you can send a WhatsApp message without having to take them off. R200 at Cape Union Mart
8 Black Diamond Susannah beanie
This velvety soft beanie is knitted from smooth acrylic fabric. The lacy design is fashionable, but it also won’t look out of place in the foothills of the Drakensberg or on a windswept shoreline. R425 at rammountain.co.za