I love the K-way brand. You will notice that I have this on my summit for Kilimanjaro as well.
I had the honour of being sponsored with some gear by Cape Union Mart and tested out some gear with weekend hikes and rock climbing at the crags. This is important because you don't want to go on an expedition and then realise that the gear is not suited for the climb / trek. I will give a gear review on the rest of the gear after expedition climbs, as these I can only use in cold weather conditions.
Here goes:
K-Way Kilimanjaro 35L
Backpack
This is a great backpack for day hikes, overnight stays and the important part of your day pack while on expeditions. I love the layout and construction of this backpack. It has enough space for everything you require and is built for extreme conditions, It's perfect for serious day-hikes, with side pockets on the hipbelt for snacks and the essential sunblock and hand sanitiser. It has a strong, external frame assembly, and offers excellent support and ventilation, especially in the Johannesburg hiking areas, where it's very hot and dry hiking weather -it functions very well. The harness and waist straps are nicely padded, very comfortable, and sit well on the hips and shoulders; no pinch points or rubbing spots. The high density foam has plenty of ventilation holes backed by a hard wearing mesh for good breathability. It offers a high degree of tuning from the adjustable straps which secure well and don't need to be regularly re-tensioned. Side compression straps cinch the pack in firmly and the quick release clips and fittings are robust. Storage wise, the backpack is amazing and has a couple of other useful smaller zip pockets compartments, which allow easy access to your most needed items and to store things securely inside the pack. The spacious internal storage is accessed from large zippered front panels, which extends below the mid-point of the pack allowing you to retrieve kit without having to rummage through the backpack. In the main compartment, there is an easily accessed pouch for a hydration bladder that will take a 3L Camelback. A rain cover rounds off this backpack nicely.
Can I find a fault? Perhaps just one....that is the side mesh pockets for water bottles. I found that it was too shallow for my water bottles, as I drink water mostly from my water bottles and allow my camelpack bladder to be a reserve.
In conclusion; if you are looking for a reliable, robust, long term pack to do everything you ask of it then look no further. From expedition treks, weekends hikes, camping trips to trad / sports climbing at the crags, you will find it a trusted companion.
K-Way Talus Floppy Hat
The Talus Floppy is a wide brimmed that features a towling sweat band and an adjustable chin strap. This Hat is awesome and offers great face, neck, and shoulder coverage and the mesh sides provide ventilation so you don't overheat. It's lightweight and easy to store in your backpack.
I would like to personally thank Gabrielle Stein, the Marketing Manager, at Cape Union Mart for generously supplying me with gear to use in the Peak Challenge.
