This blog is all about the Drakensberg Mountains and its Wilderness area, South Africa. I have lost my heart and soul to this area and every single time I hike these mountains, I stand in awe all over again at this magnificent beauty.
"How often in the course of our travels through Kwazulu-Natal do we stop and gaze at the beauty of a distant range of mountains? The Drakensberg stands as a monument to one of the greatest cataclysms the Earth has experienced. As you approach the mountains, you realise why early Zulus called it "Quathlamba", meaning a Barrier of Up-pointed Spears". A cradle of rivers. Listen to the streams as they gurgle from their cradles and you will hear the story of the mountains. You will hear fascinating tales if only you listen! Lie next to a stream and listen to the song of the mountains. The smiling faces of the flowers, dancing in the wind. Venture into the remote valleys or stand on a peak at sunrise or sunset, after snow has fallen, and you will hear a song that you will never forget - the Song of the High Mountain". (DA Dodds)
Hiking adventures, hiking gear reviews, day walks, accommodation, books, articles and photos, all related to these magnificent mountains will feature here.
Should you want to accompany me on a hike or needs some information or advise, please make contact with me. I hope you enjoy the articles. Please visit the archive of this blog for more great stories.
Please note that all photos on this blog are copyright protected. If you would like to obtain
photos please make contact with the author.
Quathlamba
“A mass of spears. Named thus
by the Zulu warriors before the white man came. Today called the Drakensberg,
mountains of the Dragon, a name given by the Voortrekkers. Evocative names,
both equally applicable to South Africa’s mightiest mountain range with its spear-like
peaks – reminiscent of the saw-toothed spine of a gigantic dragon.”
Panorama April 1966
The Hi-Tec Altitude Pro RSG Hiking
Boot Review
Author: Willem Pelser
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In February 2015 I decided to buy a second pair of hiking
boots as a back-up pair. After extensive research, my choice was the Hi-Tec
Altitude Pro RSG boots. At the time of purchase these boots were also on
special and I bought them at approximately 40% cheaper than the normal price.
While fitting them at the shop – Cape Union Mart, Pavillion
Shopping Mall - Durban, they felt good and were comfortable and the decision
was made to purchase them. I have to say, I did spent about 2 hours in the shop
trying out different brands and types of hiking boots, all of which were very
uncomfortable.
When I am on a 6 day solo hike, I do not want to be bothered
by my boots at all, and I definitely expect them to be able to survive and
handle anything in the wilderness. Most important to me though is that they
must be waterproof, especially if the manufacturer claims them to be.
(Otherwise I would not even look at them!) They should give strong ankle
support and foot safety, with a sole that must have a better than descent grip
as I am trekking through the wilderness most of the time and do not have the
luxury of footpaths available making the going easy.
It is also very important to me that the boots I purchase
will last a good number of years and that the boots will not fall apart after
one hiking trip! I am only interested in full grain leather boots as the
leather lasts much longer than synthetic materials. The boots might be heavier,
but in terms of durability it is definitely much better.
The pair that shown in the photo were purchased and used by me
and the photo reflects their condition after a 6 day hiking trip of about 90
kilometers. They were subjected to mud, ice, water, rivers, rocks, bush, grass
and anything else that the wilderness threw at me. I did not treat them as new
boots, but expected them to be up to the job without any mercy shown. After
all, that is why we buy specialty hiking boots and we do not go hiking with
normal shoes!
Two weeks prior to the hike I used the boots on a daily
basis for very short walks just to get them sort of walked in. I did not
experience any problems during this time; they were quite comfortable and felt
like they weigh less than my other pair of boots. On a really hot day they do
feel very hot, but not uncomfortably so. What is important though is to wear
proper, good quality hiking socks, which in my case is the range of Falke
hiking socks.
A couple of days prior to the start of my hike, I was still
in two minds as to whether I should take my old and trusted pair of boots on
this specific hiking trip, rather than the new ones.
Well, eventually the decision was made and a heavy,
difficult trip was lying in store for the new boots as a first trip.
My hiking trip started at Injasuthi camp in the Drakensberg
Mountains, South Africa. From the camp the route was up to Grindstone Caves,
some heavy climbing and then down a valley to Marble baths, on to Centenary hut
through some thick undergrowth, following the contour to Bannerman hut, on to
Giant’s hiker hut area, and then into the Lotheni area. In the Lotheni area,
all walking (18 kilometers) was done in a wilderness area with no available
footpaths, which meant that the boots were severely tested. (So were my legs!)
The hike ended at Lotheni camp. Severe elevations throughout the trip were at
the order of the day.
Conclusion
Right at the start of the trip the boots felt comfortable
and I did not have to spend any time thinking about them. The lace up system is
very good and secure, they supply good support to the ankles and the laces do
not work loose during a day’s hike. The laces themselves though do not seem as
if they will last numerous trips as they started fraying very quickly. It would
be wise to purchase stronger laces or at least carry spares in your backpack.
The Vibram soles did what was required and have a good grip
on any type of terrain, wet or dry. I slipped a couple of times, but only
because of stepping on some loose small rocks.
The tongues of the boots keep all debris out of the boot and
prevent any water from running in.
When the boots got wet when walking through rivers or
because of wet grass, they dried out very quickly. I sometimes stepped into
very deep muddy areas which resulted in all of the boots being covered in thick
black mud. This mud eventually got worked off the boots and did not penetrate
at all.
The boots give very good ankle support and this was severely
tested throughout the hike!
As for the so called Rolling Gait System technology, I could
find no benefit or could feel no difference between this system and a boot
without the system.
These boots became my friends during the hike and were very
comfortable and rugged. Unfortunately I could not test them in very wet or
continuously wet circumstances.
I was quite satisfied with the boots on their first outing.
I also remained blister free.
Once back home, the cleaning process was a simple one. Brush
of the dirt with a soft brush; take a wet cloth to wipe of the outside of the
shoe and leave to dry in a shady cool area. Do not do anything else to them;
doing so will destroy the boots in the long run.
After this first hike, the leather on the boots feel very
soft, and on the photo it is quite clear that deep creases develop on the side
of the front foot area. Whether this will present as a problem in future
remains to be seen.
I enjoyed these boots on the hike and now durability over
the long term is the only remaining question.
I trust that this review will be of some benefit to you.
Rugged, high quality 2-3 season hiking boot
that will help to reduce muscle fatigue as you walk.
The durable Hi-Tec Altitude Pro RGS
Waterproof Hiking Boots are made in Europe from tough, high quality
leather - Ideal for trail, fell walking and hiking trips, virtually all
year round.
Comfort and shock absorption is assured with the PU footbed and
midsole, while the waterproof Dri-Tec lining ensures your feet stay
completely warm and dry.
The Vibram RollingGait System rubber
outsole has been engineered to ensure superb stability, traction and
durability, whilst also including some innovative and unique features.
This ingenious sole unit helps to keep your
movement fluid, reducing ankle muscle strain and fatigue,
culminating in a reduction of overall joint strain. There is also less
energy consumption when slowing down, which allows for enhanced endurance
throughout your trek.
·
2.2mm full grain oiled
anfibio leather upper
·
Abrasion resistant
heel and toe cap
·
Soft cushioned collar
·
Rust proof metal
hardware
For more detailed
information about the Vibram RollingGait System please click on the info tab
Inner:
|
Synthetic, Wicking,
Breathable
|
Upper Material:
|
Leather
|
Waterproof:
|
Yes
|
Waterproof
Technology:
|
Dri-Tec
|
Height:
|
Boot Cut
|
Midsole:
|
PU midsole
|
Sole Type:
|
Vibram®
|
Toe Protection:
|
Toe Protection
|
Stiffness:
|
Mid-stiffness for
backpacking and trekking
|
Lacing Type:
|
Standard Lace Up
|
Boot Grade:
|
B0 - not suitable
for crampons
|
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