What to Pack for a Cape Town Hike

Cape Town hikes are rarely long, so the packing list is short. What catches people out is the combination of intense UV, a wind that arrives without warning and a temperature difference of up to ten degrees between the car park and the plateau. Pack for that and you are ready for almost any trail on the Peninsula.

Clothing

• Moisture-wicking t-shirt or long-sleeve sun top — cotton stays wet and cold.
• Light hiking shorts or trousers; long legs are useful on overgrown fynbos paths.
• A warm mid-layer such as a fleece, even in summer, for the summit.
• A windproof, water-resistant shell — the single most useful item on Table Mountain.

Footwear

Trail shoes or light hiking boots with a proper lugged sole. Ankle support helps on Skeleton Gorge and Kasteelspoort but is not essential on Lion's Head or Platteklip. Fashion trainers with flat soles are the most common cause of slips we see. Break new shoes in before your trip.

Water and snacks

• 2 litres per person in summer, 1.5 litres in winter — a bladder is easier to drink from than a bottle.
• Salty snacks (biltong, nuts, pretzels) plus something sweet for the summit.
• An electrolyte sachet on hot days prevents cramp on the descent.

Sun protection

Cape Town regularly records UV index readings of 11 or higher in summer, which is classed as extreme. Apply SPF 30 to 50 before you start and reapply at the summit; wear a peaked cap or wide-brim hat with a chin cord for the wind, and UV-rated sunglasses. Lips and the back of the neck burn first.

Rain jacket and wind layer

Between May and September a packable rain shell is essential. In summer the same jacket doubles as a windbreak on exposed ridges. It should be small enough that you never think about leaving it behind.

Trekking poles

Worth carrying if you have knee issues or are descending Platteklip, Skeleton Gorge or Constantia Nek on foot. Leave them strapped to your pack on chain sections such as Lion's Head and India Venster, where you need both hands.

Emergency kit

• Charged phone with the Table Mountain National Park emergency number saved: 086 110 6417.
• Small first-aid kit: plasters, blister tape, antiseptic, painkillers, an elastic bandage.
• Headtorch — essential on any sunset hike, useful on every hike.
• Emergency foil blanket and a whistle; both weigh almost nothing.
• Offline map downloaded to your phone plus a power bank.

Camera and valuables

Bring the camera — these are some of the most photogenic trails anywhere — but keep it inside your pack at trailheads and busy start points, and carry only the cards and cash you need for the day.

Seasonal adjustments

• Summer (Dec–Feb): extra water, sun sleeves, buff for the wind, early start.
• Autumn (Mar–May): the lightest kit of the year; still carry the shell.
• Winter (Jun–Aug): full rain shell, warm hat, dry spare layer in a bag, and shoes with strong grip for wet rock.
• Spring (Sep–Nov): layers for changeable weather and a camera for the wildflowers.