The 20 Best Travel Must-Haves for Outdoor Enthusiasts

“There’s no such thing as bad weather, only unsuitable clothing”, so the old adage goes… Which is pretty darn spot on, as Cape Town heads into the jaws of winter. Brrrr! From fireside games to first-aid kits, flasks, knives and a magnetic phone stand, we’ve compiled a shopping list that’ll make the outdoors even greater – and make you want to brave the elements. Whether you’re hitting the road, hopping on a plane, heading up the nearest mountain or hanging out by a crackling campfire, there’s hardly a better time to embark on your next adventure.

Mungo Picnic Blanket

What’s a picnic without a classic checkered blanket? And what’s a checkered blanket without a matching leather strap to carry it in style? Mungo has you (and the ground) covered with their beautifully made picnic blankets – crafted from 100% cotton and proudly designed, woven and made in South Africa. Choose from three vibrant colour combinations, each finished with a neat hem and woven from thick, durable cotton that resists snags from branches or curious paws. The sustainably sourced, undyed leather strap adds function and flair, while the tight weave helps keep pesky beach sand at bay.
Cost R1 745
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Le Weekend Portable Picnic Table

What do you get if you combine a picnic table with a beach umbrella? You get this fabulous portable picnic table, sporting a spike instead of a base so that you can easily slide it into compact sand or soft grass. It’s collapsible, compact and easy to carry, with built-in handles and a removable carry strap designed to make picnics easier than ever. Add four clever wine glass cutouts (no more spills!) and a bottle opener on the underside, and you have the perfect picnic partner that’s ready to go whenever (and wherever) you are.
Cost R699
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Hydro Flask

The Hydro Flask is your go-anywhere, do-anything hydration hero. Its trademarked double-wall insulation keeps drinks ice-cold for 24 hours or steaming hot for 12 – no matter where you are. Made from durable, pro-grade stainless steel and built for rugged use, it’s leakproof, easy to fill and stylish to boot. Whether you’re scaling peaks, hitting trails or trekking across the desert, this bottle’s got your back.
Cost From R799
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Naturehike Star Trail Retro Atmosphere Camp Light

Step back in time to the age of wooden ships, Oliver Twist, and swashbuckling adventure – where a lamp like this wouldn’t be out of place (except now it’s powered by a rechargeable LED). The Naturehike Africa Star Trail Retro Atmosphere Camp Light may be a mouthful, but it’s also a charming throwback with a modern twist. Whether you’re camping under the stars or lighting up your patio at home, it brings vintage vibes with practical perks. Tough, compact, splash-proof, and backed by a one-year warranty, it’s the perfect companion for your next expedition. Pirate hat optional.
Cost R1 099
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FOM Frankie toiletry bag

Crafted from supple, hard-wearing Okavango leather and sporting a waterproof nylon interior, this spacious, stylish toiletry bag is the James Bond of self-care carriers. With an inside zip pocket and two internal pockets on the front, there’s a place for every product – and you can even personalise yours for an extra R100 to R200! It comes in two functional shades of brown – Pecan (shown here) or the darker Okavango – and it’s the only toiletry bag you’ll need on your next outdoor adventure.
Cost: R1 495
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Sealand Recycled Cordura Commuter Pro Backpack

Meet the backpack that puts the ‘fun’ in both ‘funky’ and ‘functional’. Whether you’re hitting the road, hopping on a flight or just heading to work, the Commuter Pro is designed to keep you organised, comfortable and ready for anything. It’s made from Cordura, a lightweight and durable nylon-based fabric, and has waterproof zips to protect your gear from the elements, as well as a padded sleeve to keep laptops and other devices (up to 15 inches) safe. There’s also ergonomic back padding, adjustable chest straps, a back pass-through strap for attachment to the telescopic handle of a wheelie bag, and clever extras like a detachable keychain (no more losing your keys!) and an easy-access, asymmetrical zipper opening.
Cost: R3 895
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Aeropress Go

Picture it: you step out of your tent and stretch, ready for the day’s adventure. But something’s missing. No pot of coffee bubbles away on a crackling fire. And let’s face it: no coffee, no adventure. Luckily, the Aeropress Go has you covered, packing all the brewing capabilities of the original Aeropress into a light and compact travel mug and carrying case. Made from highly durable, BPA-free, food-safe plastic, it’s the best travel buddy and boldest on-the-go barista you could ask for, with a patented dual-brewing method that extracts every last drop of deliciousness.
Cost R999
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Chommies Le Toutou Poo-Bag Purse

Who knew that something designed to pick up poo could be so super-stylish? With a name that’s just about as cute as the product itself, the locally made Le Toutou Poo-Bag Purse turns all those awkward squatting experiences into a pet owner’s proudest moments, cementing their status as the funkiest owner on whatever block, beach or mountain path they happen to be traversing. It comes with a roll of biodegradable Chommies poo bags (colours subject to availability) and attaches to your bag or leash with a designer-style brass clip. Who says humans can’t have treats, too?
Cost R780
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Versus Trail Run Socks

Hit the trails in comfort, confidence and style with these super-funky trail running socks. Designed for serious support, they feature cushioned soles for all-day comfort and a special ultra-fine polyester fibre yarn for extra grip and stability – perfect for rugged runs or race days. The seamless, breathable design keeps your feet happy, and we recommend more than one pair; they come in a range of vibrant colours, plus shipping is free on orders over R500.
Cost R299
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Let My People Go Surfing by Yvon Chouinard

Let My People Go Surfing is part memoir, part business manifesto by Patagonia founder and climber-turned-accidental-entrepreneur, Yvon Chouinard. Originally written as a guide for his employees, it’s become a global bestseller that inspires students and CEOs and activists alike. In this newly updated edition, Chouinard shares how Patagonia has evolved over the past decade, doubling down on its mission to challenge consumer culture and tackle the climate crisis. Honest, unconventional and deeply personal, it’s a call to rethink how business is done – and to prove that doing good and doing well can go hand in hand.
Cost R449
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Babylonstoren Lemoenboord Deodorant

Fresh, soothing, and uniquely South African, Lemoenboord is designed for men who like their scent to make a quiet, natural statement. This long-lasting, water-based deodorant blends crisp, green citrus with earthy hints of oak moss, rosemary, rooibos and honeybush – a nod to Babylonstoren’s citrus orchards. It’s free from parabens, alcohol, zinc and aluminium salts, so it’s gentle on sensitive skin and never sticky. Packed with naturally derived plant extracts (including rosemary, rooibos and honeybush from Babylonstoren itself) this product is as effective as it is refreshing.
Cost R370
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Instax Mini LiPlay Hybrid Instant Digital Camera

The Instax Mini LiPlay Hybrid Instant Camera is all about capturing memories in the most fun and personal way. Snap a photo, add a voice note and instantly print your moment – complete with a scannable QR code that plays back your recorded sound so you can relive the memory. With a compact design, an intuitive LCD screen and even a built-in selfie mirror, it’s easy to frame the perfect shot. You can even connect your phone via Bluetooth to print photos or add fun filters and frames through the app.
Cost R3 499
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Sea to Summit 3L Dry Bag

The space-saving Sea to Summit 3L Dry Bag is lightweight and super-versatile, making it great for everything from backpacking to bike trips and ski tours. The white polyurethane interior makes it easy to spot small items – even in low light – and it’s made from recycled, environmentally friendly fabric with a water-resistant finish. The roll-top closure keeps moisture out, while the oval base stops it from rolling away on uneven ground. Understated adventurers will love it in grey or dark olive, but it also comes in bright orange or yellow for those who go boldly.
Cost: R349
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Patagonia Maclure Hat

There are everyday peaked caps and then there’s the Patagonia Maclure, which you’ll want to wear every day. Why? Because its inner headband is made from 100% organic cotton for optimal itch-free comfort, plus it comes in a range of funky colours – including Pufferfish Gold, Matcha Green and Thermal Blue. Whether you’re heading out for an afternoon hike, playing a round of golf with your mates or settling down by the river, fishing rod (and beer) in hand, this hat has literally got you covered.
Cost R1 099
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Gentlemen’s Hardware Campfire Games

It doesn’t get much better than playing games around a crackling campfire – and if you don’t believe us, this compact little kit contains all the proof you need. Ideal for camping trips, fishing excursions and any other outdoor adventure, it holds a deck of playing cards, a score pad, a pencil, six dice and instructions for three fun games – all in a funky, durable tin box. Just add the crackling campfire and you’re good to go!
Cost R499
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Sonos Roam Smart Portable Speaker

Take incredible sound wherever you go with the Sonos Roam, a smart, portable speaker that delivers rich, detailed audio far beyond its size. It’s waterproof, drop-resistant and designed for life on the move, boasting 10 hours of playtime, voice control and Automatic Trueplay™ that optimises the sound based on your surroundings. The result? A seamless listening experience that’s compatible with Google Assistant, Amazon Alexa and AirPlay 2. Why shouldn’t life come with a soundtrack?
Cost R4 799
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Leatherman Bond 14 Function Multitool

Meet the Leatherman Bond, a lightweight multitool that packs 14 everyday essentials into a compact, easy-to-carry design. Whether you’re fixing, cutting or opening, this trusty sidekick has you covered with tools like pliers, wire cutters, a 420HC blade, screwdrivers, a can and bottle opener and even a 10cm ruler. It’s designed for convenience, with a lanyard ring to keep it secure on the go, and a pocket clip attachment point if you want to add a clip (sold separately). Practical, durable and built for real-world use – this tool makes you feel like James Bond: armed with all the latest gadgets and ready for anything.
Cost R1 999
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Stefani Ceramic Water Filter

Looking for a natural, reliable way to keep your drinking water clean and cool? The Stefani Ceramic Water Filter is a beautifully simple solution. It cools water naturally through evaporation and uses a triple-action purification system to ensure safety and great taste. At its core is a filter candle that’s effective for up to 1 500 litres of municipal water (about six months), featuring a micro-porous ceramic shell to trap bacteria and solids, an inner layer of activated carbon to remove odours, and a colloidal silver lining to keep things fresh and safe. It’s an easy, effective way to enjoy pure water every day.
Cost R3 350
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Birkenstock Arizona EVA Sandals

There’s a reason Birkenstocks have become such a global phenomenon – or, to be more accurate, there are many. The Arizona EVA epitomises everything the brand stands for, being comfortable, stylish, highly flexible, shock-absorbant, ultra-lightweight, waterproof and skin-friendly. Modelled on the cork original and sporting Birkenstock’s legendary two-strap design, it’s made from molded EVA (ethylene vinyl acetate) that provides great cushioning while smoothing out irregularities in the floor. Talk about treading lightly!
Cost R1 299
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Africology Insect Repellant

Tired of feeling like you have to choose between mosquitos and your ability to breathe when you go to bed? Say goodbye to chemical-laden bug sprays and hello to the natural power of citronella! Africology’s fabulous Citronella Oil Spray is a gentle yet effective alternative to aerosol insect repellents, made with pure citronella oil that smells as good as it works. Ideal for picnics, camping or any outdoor adventure, it’s safe for the whole family and kind to the environment. Talk about a win-win… unless you’re a mosquito.
Cost R135
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