Essential summer travel gear

Annual summer holidays call for making the most of sun-drenched days – we’ve got you covered when it comes to gear. Whether you’re going big or travelling locally, these handy accessories will keep you smiling on your African self-drive adventure. By Melanie van Zyl

Best for the beach

Capestorm Dry Backpack 25-litre

Capestorm Dry Backpack 25-litre

  • R599
  • 100% waterproof
  • Interior zip compartment for valuables

Lightweight and brightly coloured, this nifty backpack is perfect for a beach outing or watery adventure, from river kayaking to simple strolls up mountain slopes for a dip in crystal clear rock pools. The Capestorm Dry Backpack is big enough for day trips and will keep the essentials safe and dry. When aligned, the two top strips roll down three times (like a regular dry bag) to keep the insides watertight, but the addition of padded straps makes carrying much comfier. It’s not completely effective when submerged, but the waterproof zippers mean there’s a splash-proof front pocket to stash the important (non-waterproof) things, such as car keys. The bag also has a wide opening to easily stuff in a beach towel.

 

Best for summer showers

K-Way Men’s Rainstorm Jacket

K-Way Men’s Rainstorm Jacket

  • R999
  • 330g
  • 100% polyester, ripstop fabric

Don’t get caught out in freak weather with this good-looking, well-fitted raincoat. The fabric is thin but durable, feels good against the skin and the olive colour blends in perfectly with the bushveld if that’s where you’ll be going for your summer holiday. The K-Way Men’s Rainstorm Jacket is both water- and windproof, offering maximum protection against the elements, despite the seriously lightweight fabric. The adjustable hood and semi-elasticated cuffs help to keep out the wind and you can tighten the hem too. There’s also no scratchy jacket lining and it’s easy to fit your own fleece underneath on cooler evenings.

 

Best for compact camping

Campmaster Go Anywhere Chair

Campmaster Go Anywhere Chair

  • R249
  • 120kg maximum weight limit
  • Compact size

It might seem a little gimmicky, but these tiny chairs weighing just 1,2kg do the job if you’re low on space. Designed with hiking in mind, the compact camping chairs are ideal for packing in the car for a quick weekend getaway. There’s ventilation in the backrest for effective cooling and a front pocket to keep everything within arm’s reach. You might just miss having a cup holder though.

 

Best for saying cheers

Rogue Wine Cooler

Rogue Wine Cooler

  • R820
  • Epic insulation
  • Military-grade canvas

This bag fits two wine bottles and has been drop-tested from a meter high – with great success and zero broken bottles. So, it should stand up to a couple of road tripping, pothole-induced bumps. Fitted with high-density foam insulation and protected by a military-grade canvas outer shell, this chic, durable wine cooler bag is designed to go places. The bag also thoughtfully includes a stainless steel bottle opener.

Also read: How do I keep things cool on a self-drive trip?

 

Best for breaking the ice

Leisure Quip Small Pineapple Ice Brick

  • R19 each
  • Cool as ice design

Add a splash of colour to the Coleman with this bright yellow ice brick and spruce up the cooler box. There’s nothing technical to it. These fun ice bricks pack flat to fit easily into the freezer and the slimmer design makes it a cinch for positioning in any cooler bag without compromising space for the important stuff. Like beers.

 

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