Best way to pack your Backpack

Packing efficiently for a multi-day hike in Fish River Canyon, Namibia, requires careful planning and consideration of essentials while minimising unnecessary weight. Here are some do’s and don’ts to help you pack your backpack effectively:

Packing Tips 

Do’s
Use the ratio rule: The general recommendation for a hiking backpack as per the ratio rule is that your loaded backpack should not exceed 20-25% of your body weight.
Minimise Unnecessary Items: Only pack what you need. Avoid carrying unnecessary gadgets or luxury items that will add unwanted weight.
Lightweight Food Options: Opt for lightweight, calorie foods such as dried fruits, nuts, energy bars, and dehydrated meals. Be sure to pack enough for each day plus extra in case of delays.
Organise by Accessibility: Pack items you’ll need during the day (like snacks, sunscreen) in easily accessible outer pockets. Place heavier items closer to your back and lighter items towards the outside to maintain balance.
Compression and Organization: Use compression sacks or stuff sacks to condense clothing and sleeping bags. Keep similar items together to stay organised and save space.
Test Pack Beforehand: Lay out all your gear and practice packing your backpack to ensure everything fits comfortably and is balanced.
Leave No Trace: Pack out all trash, including food wrappers and toilet paper.
Respect wildlife and natural habitats by minimising your impact.

Don’ts
Overpacking: Avoid carrying unnecessary items or duplicate gear. Each item should serve a specific purpose.
Excessive Food: Pack enough food for each day and avoid carrying more than necessary to lighten your load.
Bulky Gear: Choose compact and light weight gear options whenever possible to save space and weight. 

Remember, you will have to carry your bag for multiple days as you navigate different terrains through the canyon. 

 Packing for a hike in Fish River Canyon requires careful consideration of your gear and supplies. By following these itemised lists [link to the What to Pack page], you can ensure that your backpack is packed efficiently, making your hiking experience safer, more comfortable, and more enjoyable. Remember to adjust your packing list based on the specific conditions and duration of your hike.

Essential Information for hiking Fish River Canyon

Permits and prices

Hiking permit  N$535 per person.

National Park Fees 
Namibian Citizens: N$50 pp per day
SADC Nationals: N$100 pp per day
Foreign Nationals: N$150 pp per day
How to book

Booking the Fish River hike You can email (booking for link here) to book through Madbookings.com or the NWR office in Cape Town (email here).

Hiking route details

Depending on your fitness levels you can hike the Fish River Canyon in 4, 5, or 6 days. The normal practice is to take 5 days - 4 nights sleeping in the canyon with the 5th night at Ai Ais Resort.

Gear for the hike What do you need?

All your gear should be worn in and comfortable, you will need a backpack, water bottle, camping stove, camping pan, food, snacks, torch, sleeping mat, first aid, water filter/tablets, matches/lighter, cutlery, bowl, sleeping bag, hiking boots, socks, clothes, hat, sunglasses, towel, toilet paper, toothbrush, personal medication, camera/phone, spares and repairs, small shovel. That covers the basics!

What to Pack

Lightweight camping food, water, cooking gear, first aid, sleeping mat, clothing, torch, toiletries, water filtre/tablets.

How to pack

Pack light and pack smart, there is an art to packing a backpack to carry on a 5 day trail.

Food on the hike

Dried pre-prepared meals are the way to go, snacks and a couple of luxury items to keep nutirents and spirits up on the hike, dont take tins.

Fitness preperation

The Fish River Hike is not technically difficult but quite physically challenging so a good level of fitness and being accustomed to walking with a loaded backpack are essential. When did you last walk 18km?

Tips and tricks

Preperation is everything, pack smart not heavy, weather yourself before the hike, break in boots and backpack MONTHS before the hike, dont take new untested equipment, test trail meals in advance so you can take only your favourites!

Getting to Fish River Canyon

Fish River Canyon is in the South Of Namibia and can be accessed by road in a normal sedan car either from Windhoek or South Africa.

Where to stay

There are 5 places to stay close to the Fish River Canyon: Hobas, best for start of hike (chalets and camping). Ai Ais, where hike ends (rooms chalets and camping), Canyon Village for a little more comfort (rooms), Canyon Lodge for more luxury (chalets) and Canyon Roadhouse for some of the best food in the area (rooms and camping). Further away is Grunau (65km) which has a selection of places to stay.

When to Hike Fish River Canyon

The Fish River hike is only open from 1st May to 14th September each year.

Satellite phones

There is no cell phone reception in the Fish River canyon so some people may wish to take a Satellite phone for emergencies.

Insurance

Normal travel and household insurance does NOT cover ther Fish River Canyon Hike because it is considered too extreme should you need to be rescued it is nnormally via helicopter to the nearest hospital so very expensive. SATIB offer special insurance for this hike.