Clothing? + gaiter recommendations

[wildfowler.250]

Folks I’m away to KZN in May and I’m not entirely sure what to expect. I don’t really want to sound like an idiot to the PH so I thought I’d borrow from the experience on here.

1) I don’t have gaiters that would suit. All the UK ones I have are insulated. Any recommendations? I have reasonable ankle high boots

2) what temps should I be looking at? I was going to take a mix of stuff from T-shirts and light trousers to thick stuff that I’d wear in the winter. I assume mornings will be cold but will then warm up to around 20C?

Any other pearls of wisdom would be great!


Thanks!

 

[grand veneur]

Since hunting in Africa is far from extreme adventure conditions and is increasingly comparable to tourism, I recommend appropriate clothing. You don't necessarily need gaiters, for the few hours you spend in the field, this is not necessary. In the evening, you can shower and relax at the camp bar.

I shot buffalo with this equipment, but to be honest, it was not in Africa because there I dress more traditionally, but not different when I hunt in my country in the summer time.

 

[thi9elsp]

Most safari operators are happy to provide a clothing list. Usually 3 sets of hunting clothes as most do wash nightly. Seems most prefer a shade of green / olive. Suspect you might want a light jacket for mornings and evenings. Tag Safari has canvas ankle gaiters. They can help kept dirt etc out of your boots.

 

[Luvthunt]

Midway has Boyt gaiters . Worked for me.

 

[Surgeon1]

Tag Safari gaiters are great, I prefer the cloth ones! Their Safari shirts are top notch.
Boots should have soft soles and are quiet!
No water proof liner period , they make the boot too hot anddo t breathe well
Make sure lots are well broke in! I usually take 2 pair and alternate
Sun screen and bug spray

 

[Doubleplay]

Just wear comfortable boots and earth colored shorts and shirts. Don’t over think.

 

[Philip Glass]

I use the Boyt canvass gaiters at home and away. I prefer them. You will likely just need a jacket and not much cold weather gear.
Have a great safari!

 

[uplander01]

I'll second the Boyt Gaitor recommendation. I like wearing gaiters, they keep sand bugs, seeds out of you boots, if you wear tall boots you can probably go without. Light jacket, couple sets of clothes, a good hat, sunglasses, rifle, ammo, binos and you're ready to go

 

[Sika98k]

Folks I’m away to KZN in May and I’m not entirely sure what to expect. I don’t really want to sound like an idiot to the PH so I thought I’d borrow from the experience on here.

1) I don’t have gaiters that would suit. All the UK ones I have are insulated. Any recommendations? I have reasonable ankle high boots

2) what temps should I be looking at? I was going to take a mix of stuff from T-shirts and light trousers to thick stuff that I’d wear in the winter. I assume mornings will be cold but will then warm up to around 20C?

Any other pearls of wisdom would be great!


Thanks!

A Quick Look at Google says average daytime temperatures are 24C and 19C at night. I’d pass on the thick stuff, maybe pack a set of merino base layers to save on the packing.
There is a SafariLand close to Oliver Tambo where you could pick up gaiters. Maybe there’s one in Durban also.
Buy a carton of cigarettes to pass out to the trackers every morning. Goes down very well with them.

 

[HookMeUpII]

I wouldn't think you need the gaiters. I use them all the time here in the USA. Never saw the need in Africa. There are tons of thorns (hook and thorn bushes) but they seem to be higher up on the body. Waist up, for better or worse.

A good pair of cotton pants are helpful. I just couldn't do the shorts thing. I didn't have issues with the heat.

Hindsight being 20/20, a decent pair of zip off pants that convert to shorts would be nice.

 

[FlyGuy]

You didn’t mention where in KZN you’re hunting.
The temps in May can vary from 30 degrees Celsius in Pongola to near freezing in Underberg.

 

[fourfive8]

First priority is to dress the part-- like a high-end safari supply catalog cover page... shorts, vellies without socks, smart Africanesqe hat, double rifle carried over the shoulder with muzzles forward, etc. And, don't forget the long-tailed "safari shirt" for sundowners and BSing around the evening fire.

KISS

Breathable cotton clothing and long pants. Maybe a short sleeve and long sleeve shirt and couple of pairs of pants. 3-4 pair socks. Don't over think it. Most camps have daily laundry.

Slippers for long haul air travel and around camp. Leather, mid-height boots that are well broken-in for long walks in hot conditions. Simple, thin leather gaiters (pics below) to keep crap like debris and grass seeds out of boots and socks. Thank me later for that advice!

Light to medium weight jacket for, possibly cold, early/late day. Suitable, breathable hat.

High SPF sun tan lotion. DEET spray. Treat clothes with permethrin before trip if ticks possible- ask before going about current tick situation.

 

[coreydb]

I never used gaiters when I hunted there; even in May. I just wore long pants with my ankle high boots, even when stalking.

 

[coreydb]

Oh....also, when I took my high hunting boots, I just tucked my pant legs in the boot tops. Perfect coverage/protection.

 

[375Fox]

You need to ask your outfitter for a suggested packing list. Assumptions can get you in trouble. Temperatures can vary a lot based on elevation where you’ll be hunting. Also there are areas with high numbers of ticks where you won’t want to wear shorts.

 

[Happy Myles]

I hunt a lot in heavy, really bad tsetse fly country where I wear knee high gaiters made of soft silent material. Those terrible fly get up unguarded pants legs in a flash. I keep a headnet in a tiny pouch on my belt just in case any bothersome insect shows up. If nothing else, a noon time nap under a tree is more peaceful wearing a head net.
.

 

[Nyati]

I recommend a wide brimmed hat.

 

[Happy Myles]

I recommend a wide brimmed hat.

I wear one most of time. I feel I can see and hear better under a brim and if wearing a net it keeps net away from eyes and ears.

 

[Seavas]

If you want gaiters, ask your PH if there will a place to pick some up on the way to camp from the airport. I just wear pants, as it's usually cold in the mornings and not too hot during the days where I have been.

I take:
2 short sleeved hunting shirts
1 long sleeved hunting shirt
1 lightweight waterproof hunting jacket
2 pairs cotton or synthetic hunting pants
2 pairs lightweight hiking socks
1 pair thick hiking socks
Baseball cap
Fleece beanie
Boots

This has allowed me to layer and has kept me comfortable while out hunting in RSA in every thing from 35*f and raining to 80*f and sunny.

 

[HookMeUpII]

You need to ask your outfitter for a suggested packing list. Assumptions can get you in trouble. Temperatures can vary a lot based on elevation where you’ll be hunting. Also there are areas with high numbers of ticks where you won’t want to wear shorts.

One of the reasons I had zero desire to wear shorts. The PH's are just built differently.