08/07/2026
HOW TO SELECT GEAR IN SA(&WHERE TO BUY WHAT)
One introduction to *THE SA OUTDOOR GEAR MARKET*
The aim of this Page largely, is to get young people into the outdoors, travelling to and across local and faraway places, experiencing the world and lives, adversity and prosperity, so a sense of social responsibility can be cultivated at an earlier age; shaping better futures for the individual, humanity and OUR planet. Hopefully in the process there will be a discovery that devices, tech and the web should be servants, not masters. This will give them more time to make a difference. It is encouraging seeing people of all ages and walks of life, travelling to places where need exists, and giving of themselves so freely. Giving is an adventure that rewards with a special and warm feeling of fulfillment, especially when you are putting smiles on dials!
With many gear choices, where do you find the right gear for YOU and your budget?
Focus is on gear/clothing for:
Veldschool, Scout &Interest Group Getaways.
Charity Work Away From Home, Backpacking, Travelling.
Hikers, Trekkers, Fastpackers, FKT Chasers.
Organised Tours, Adventures &Overlanding.
Bus, Rail, River Hop On-Offs &Sleepies.
Paddling-Rafting Rivers, Flats and Snoozing Ashore.
Host Accomodation, Couch Surfing.
Backpacker, Hostel, Hut &Refugio Dossing.
Budget Hotel, B&B Crashing.
Camping: Sites, Wild, Stealth, Vehicle.
A setup that'll fit into/can be attached to a Backpack.
Looking firstly at suppliers for bigger expense items:
Backpack, Daypack, Pack Covers.
Footwear.
1-2 Person Tents.
Sleeping Bags, Mats.
Clothing Layers.
Lighting, Cooking, Water Storage &Purification.
Navigation/Outdoor Metrics: Wareables, GPS
A)THOSE WHO HAVE GONE BEFORE
Honest info rather than someone whose job it is to sell you what they have. If you have access to experienced people, many are quite enthused to share with you. Family, friends, Clubs, Social Media Groups. They may have completed an adventure, but this does not mean that what was a fit for them, will be best for you. Buyers remorse can keep you out of sleep and wreck an event. We do not always have time nor money, but do your best to get it more right the first time! If you are ill-prepared you can put a dampener on other's experiences too! The object is pleasure, not pain!
B)GEAR LISTS
Many people will take too much or too little to start. It is an ongoing exercise to dial in or add to your gear, especially considering you may want to have a choice for day, weekend and multidays away, or for various activities.
C)WEB REVIEWS
Google: Individuals/Magazines: If you SEARCH EG "Best Tents for 20XX" there will be plenty. Backpacker And Outdoor Magazine are two of my favorites.
Youtube: Few will do something for nothing. I watched Darwin and Dixie from Wanderlust for years. They are honest. Based in the US, many Brands/Models are now available here. They give you a very good idea of Core Features and Nice To Haves when you are considering alternatives. Our local manufacturers either make or design very good gear, also made elsewhere. Support them please.
Runrepeat: Brilliant for all Footwear. They will EG cut a running shoe in half, and tell you what Actual Heeldrop is vs what a manufacturer Claims.
Manufacturer/Retail Websites: Be careful. There are mirrored sites of Original Brands to con you. If the price is too good to be true, call the local Supplier directly.
D)SA MANUFACTURERS/IMPORTS/RETAILERS
Most have online websites and delivery services. For the least amount of headaches, start with a Brick and Mortar store. EG Backpacks, footwear and clothing are body specific and need to fit properly. Listen to people who have experience with warranty and after-sales service. You can look at sites like Hello Peter, but we know many people are unreasonable and will use the site to whinge and pressurise a company to eg take back something used/damaged by them. Or they made a bad decision. The CPA is a tool for fair remedy!
E)PREOWNED
Facebook: Marketplace
Gear For Sale Pages &Interest Groups EG:
Hiking Gear SA/Hikers SA
NB: Remember that on Tents and Rain Shells with Taped Seams, the adhesives will break down in time. Seamsealants can work, but it is tedious and a small leak can cause water ingression. Drenching seams with a silicon spray is extra protection. Down can retain its properties for years if stored properly.
F)DISCOUNTS
Some stores would do a good % for MCSA members.
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KEYS TO LOOK AT(Comparitive Matrix on Excel?)
ITM: Item
BRD: Brand
MOD: Model
DSN: Design Country
MNF: Manufacture Country
QCA: Quality Control/Assurance: Good
QVT: Quality: Value For Money-Top End
ARS: Aftersales: Reputation Service
GWL: Guarantee-Warranty Months/Lifetime?
WBD: Web Based Delivery?
BSV: Brick &Mortar Store Visit?
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F)THE OUTLETS(Overview-Impressions-Experience)
: Designed in France, made there and in Vietnam etc. Biggest retailer in the EU. They make a huge variety of very good gear for different pricing points. Owned by the same group as Leroy Merlin. Aftersales service is simply incredible.
>Gauteng. I like the Bryanston, Centurion, MOA &West Rand shops for their full ranges and knowledgeable outdoorsey sales staff. Always visit one closest to you, then ask salestaff where else there may be stock.
https://www.decathlon.co.za
OUTDOOR WAREHOUSE: Although their true strength is catering for 4x4 and camping, they have a pretty decent range of locally made items and imports. The Stores are huge and often will pitch their tent range for viewing. Backpack replacement fittings, spares for tents, bungee-paracord and webbing etc by the meter.
>Warehouses in industrial areas/Shopping centres.
https://www.outdoorwarehouse.co.za
CAPE UNION MART: Their in-house brand Kway covers a broad spectrum. They also have a good selection of imports, like Deuter, The North Face. Aftersales service is good.
>Mostly in bigger malls. Big Buck Sales
Check out their new Range
https://www.capeunionmart.co.za
SPORTSMANS WAREHOUSE: Although catering for an array of sports, they have a small, but comprehensive selection of Backpacks, Sleeping Bags and Tents. Aftersales service OK.
>Malls &smaller shopping centres. Yellow Ticket Sales.
https://www.sportsmanswarehouse.co.za
CAMP &CLIMB:
This legacy shop has narrowed down their selection for a wide range, including Camping and Climbing. Agents for MSR, they also import highly underrated brands like Highlander, Steripen etc. Aftersales service is good.
>Pretoria, Randburg, Paarden Eiland, Belville
https://campandclimb.co.za
SPECIALITY SHOPS
Drifters: The store is a gearnut's paradise. A comprehensive selection and display of popular items from the US can be found there. Niche brands like Sea To Summit, Black Diamond, Salewa, La Sportiva, Inov8 from the UK and pllllennnteee others.
Their sales staff are knowledgeable.
>Bryanston Jozi
https://www.driftersshop.co.za
Mountain Mail Order: Although primarily catering for mountaineering/climbing, they also carry many speciality items. So eg if you want to do the big throughikes in winter you could find your ice axe, crampons etc there. Check out indoor climbing while there.
>City Rock Randburg, Cape Town
https://www.mountainmailorder.co.za
Trappers: They have a small, but good selection and speciality brands like Macinasac.
>Store locations in flux. They last eg had an arrangement with Johnsons Workwear in Woodmead to share store space. And John Black(The Dynamo)went to the UK. Johnsons produce hardwearing items that can be used for getting away at good prices.
https://www.trappers.co.za
Sharp Edge: Besides multitools and blades, they carry some of the Katadyn range water filters
>Sandton City
https://www.sharpedge.co.za
WC/KZN: Just Like Papa, Outdoor Elements, Outdoor Escape.
>Throughout SA, there are shops that import or carry a select range of niche speciality items.
G)SA MANUFACTURERS
FIRST ASCENT: Made/Design in SA. They manufacture a wide range of excellent quality, value for money items, that can hold their own with some of the world's very best. Their range of sleeping bags, inflatable mattresses, tents, shell and insulation layers is comprehensive.
>Retailers throughout SA.
https://www.firstascent.co.za
CAPESTORM: A smaller range than FA. Made/Design in SA.
Their gear is hardwearing, well priced. Backpacks, clothes and base layers are of a very good quality.
>Sportsmans Warehouse throughout SA.
https://capestorm.co.za/
NORTHRIDGE: Paul McLaughlin was factory manager for Karrimor, made under licence in SA for many years. When they were sold in the UK, Paul started NR. He still makes the same bombproof products, with practical and highly functional design. The 600D packs are not as heavy as the KS100 1000D, but they are a perfect blend of weight and functionality. He has a range of pack covers, groundsheets and plenty accessories.
>Factory in CT. I have ordered and collected a pack there.
His items are carried by most SA retailers.
https://north-ridge.co.za
FREEDOM ULTRALIGHT: Custom made SA backpacks for the Goliters and Fastpackers.
>Cape Town: Visit to take your physical measurements.
https://www.freedomultralight.co.za
CAMPWORLD/TENTCO
For caravanners and 4x4 campers primarily, their tents are mostly hardwearing heavy duty canvas for extended periods of camping where sunlight and UV will destroy synthetic materials. If you plan on setting up camp for a family with Tent, Gazebo, Tarps etc, for shorter periods of time, some of the other outlets listed here have a good selection of imports, eg from eg Oztrail, Roman and Howling Moon.
>Throughout SA
H)WIDE RANGE IMPORTS
Naturehike: Good functional quality seems to be the general experience. The Chinese learnt from first world countries manufacturing there. Their products get favorable reviews on many comparative sites. The last paragraph herein may/may not apply to them.
>Online or Takealot.
https://www.naturehike.co.za
Bravehardy: Imports like Toaks, Kelty etc. Their brands like Stanley, Firemaple, Silva etc feature in retailers throughout SA.
>Westlake, Cape Town
https://www.bravehardy.com
I)FACTORY STORES/BLACK FRIDAY/SALES
Brands that originally started with footwear are making clothes that work well for getting away. EG Shorts, wicking layers, base layer socks etc.
-Once you have found footwear that makes you happy, consider buying more than one pair.
-It seems most major brands are generally moving heeldrop downwards.
-The days after BF can see items often being knocked down even more. EG:
https://www.newbalance.co.za
https://www.nike.com/za
https://inov8sa.co.za
https://brooksrunning-sa.co.za
https://salomonsports.co.za
https://www.adidas.co.za
https://saucony.co.za
https://www.hoka.com
https://hi-tec.co.za
https://tekkietown.co.za
https://www.footgear.co.za
J)FOREIGN RETAILERS
Very good to see latest trends and innovation
US: REI
https://www.rei.com/
UK: Blacks
https://www.blacks.co.uk
UK: Sportsdirect
https://www.sportsdirect.com/
K)MASS OUTLETS
MR Price/Sport: Well priced value for money clothing.
Quite often I find more functional items here eg running shorts with deep pockets, one at the back and the right length. Ditto Cargo shorts. Their "Technical Layers" do the job, at 1/3 the price of similar top branded items. I use their R349 Trail Gobag for Rucking. It takes 25KG discs without ripping.
>Throughout ZA. Of course there is Mr Price Home too.
Value Stores: They keep a bit of many things. Their outdoor hats are well made and low priced.
https://valueco.co.za
PQ's: Mostly Chinese ok quality imports. Once, there was a batch of Kalenji(Decathlon)clothes. 1/4 of the price.
>SA
https://www.pqclothing.co.za/
Game, Makro, Checkers, Mica: The Masstores Camping and Clothing sections carry a good range of budget friendly items. Coleman and Campmaster have not let me down with simple tents and headlamps. At Checkers I buy the Bushbaby EN417 camping gas cylinders for R40. Half the price of Eiger, Primus, MSR etc, and 85% as good! I got a 1.2KG Totai 2 man Tent that works well for R450 from Mica.
L)MASS ONLINE
Takealot: Their Garmin promotions are legendary, especially 2 year old models. If you know what your core needs are, save cash! A month before BF has had the best prices for many years.
Their prices for Naturehike and Forclaz(Decathlon)are generally higher than buying directly from those stores.
>SA: Download the App
Amazon: Not too impressed with their first selections for the SA outdoor market, nor prices! Given their footprint and sourcing from the US, more highly review rated players like Lanshan need to feature, who do provide very good Trekpole Pitching Tents.
M)FAR EAST Direct From Factory Imports: Names are unimportant, but there are many of them. I have not included them here given the independently verified toxicity of many of their products, inhumane labour practices and oppression of minorities in the country of origin. And imperialist designs on sovereign countries. Many of the brands and items offered are unknown and less is known about testing and internationally accepted QA/QC practices. In SA, many have been abusing Sub R500 20% flat rate duties. Competitors have also had to charge VAT. When foreign countries have factories there, QA/QC practices can be managed and accredited. Without ethical oversight, violation of patents and copyright, left to their own devices, they produce heaps of low quality cheap products that is killing the environment. Alleged currency manipulation and exploitation of foreign third-world and developing countries through unfair mineral extraction, is another reason not to support these companies, and indirectly the country of origin. Allegedly they gave us C19 and other viruses.
The other Asian country have a form of communism that showcases true socialism at work effectively. Clue: They gave the US a bloody nose. I have an issue with Animal Cruelty. Four Paws revealed the most cruel way cats and dogs are slaughtered there. One could argue that we should not object because humans eat other living animals. I posit Felines and Canines have more intelligence and awarenness than livestock/poultry. If they are going to be culled for food, which is unacceptable, they should be slaughtered ethically. I do not need a big book to tell me that, but the wisdom of said book about what animals should not be eaten, makes sense! There is something that turns my stomach and angers me at a people when animals we see as family are dipped into boiling hot water alive, or seeing a dog on a spit in a market.
Please, Manufacturers or anyone who has financial clout there. Primitive ways need to change!! They must be made to understand that we can make choices that could deprive them of investment. We should not need an Olympics to tell people they need to stop spitting all over the place, or eateries where pets are on the menu that they are bloody savages, for them to get the message!!
If you want to support eg BDS initiatives that protest companies like Cape Union Mart; then not leaving your thinking to others, an education, Google/Wiki, and arriving at a sense of justice and fairness could serve us all better!
Both these countries will eat anything that moves. Including endangered species. They fuel the demand for Rhino Horn, Lion and Donkey skin, Pangolin scales etc. Haai siess wena!!
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SUGGEST A VISIT TO *DECATHLON* TO START
:
AWAY GEAR does not promote any brand or product exclusively, however DECATHLON ticks soooo many of my boxes as a company, that their very existence and practices synergise with the AWAY GEAR Mission and my celebration of life!
A very good start if wanting to choose quality items fit for purpose with various budget/range options.
Decathlon South Africa - Making sport accessible
Decathlon South Africa - a network of sports shops with its own production, sportswear and eco-online Decathlon.co.za online store: sports for all, everything for sports
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