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Explore With Francois

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Explore With Francois

𓀙Helping you find your next getaway
ᨒBucket list activities & destinations
𖡊Sharing helpful hiking tips & Tricks
✉︎[email protected]
⚲South Africa

𝐀𝐝𝐯𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐯𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐫 & 𝐔𝐧𝐢𝐪𝐮𝐞 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐲𝐬

I'm Francois, a dedicated hiker with a love for the outdoors, solo trekking, and exploring nature's untouched beauty. Through my adventures, I share hiking tips, gear reviews, and tricks to make every journey memorable. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned trailblazer, my goal is to inspire you to step outside, conquer the trails, and embrace the wild.

01/01/2026

The best is yet to come.

Again a new chapter unfolds, new beginnings and fresh opportunities. May the words you write become the greatest story of your 2026.

29/12/2025

How to turn 18 leave days into 45 days off ⤵

The ultimate 2026 hiking hack for South Africans 🇿🇦

📌 Save post for planning an epic 2026

Take annual leave on:
* 2 January for 5 days off
* 2 & 7 April for 6 days off
* 24 & 28 April for 5 days off
* 4 May for 4 days off
* 12 & 15 June for 5 days off
* 23 & 25 September for 5 days off
* 30 October & 2 November for 4 days off (a long weekend without public holidays because by now you need a mini traverse in the Drakensberg 😆)
* 17, 18 & 21-24 December for 12 days off (if you’ve got more leave days, it’ll work well to take the rest of December off as well, or reshuffle your other leave days if you’ve don’t want to work the last few days of December)

Use this hiking hack to plan an amazing 2026 filled with lots of adventures!

↠ send this to your friends you’re planning hiking adventures with🥰

08/12/2025

Why every hiker needs this.

If there’s one piece of gear I’ll never camp without again… it’s a sleeping bag liner.

Most people only think of them for winter, but honestly — a good liner changes everything about your sleep quality, hygiene, and comfort on the trail.

I’ve been using the Sea to Summit Reactor Liner, and it’s become a non-negotiable part of my kit. On hot summer nights, this liner is perfect as a stand-alone sleeping bag. And when I’m camping with Sophia, it keeps my sleeping bag clean — which saves me so much time and effort later.

Features That Make a Massive Difference
• Thermolite® insulation boosts your sleeping bag warmth on cold nights
• Breathable stretch-knit fabric keeps you cool and comfortable in summer
• Ultralight & compact — packs down small and disappears in your backpack
• Adds durability and protects your sleeping bag from sweat, dirt & oils
• HeiQ Fresh odor control technology helps keep the liner fresh even after extended use
• Knitted fabric provides incredible stretch and freedom of movement - Reactor liners work perfectly with sleeping bags of any shape

Once you start using a liner, you realise how much more comfortable and clean your camping setup becomes. It keeps your sleeping bag fresh, adds warmth when you need it, and works perfectly on its own during hot summer nights. It’s simple, lightweight, and honestly one of the best upgrades you can add to your sleep system. If you want better sleep on every adventure — start here.

Get yours at Adventure Inc. - https://www.adventureinc.co.za/product/sea-to-summit-reactor-liner-mummy-regular/

03/12/2025

Unisex Blackcomb Ridge™ 30L Backpack

When it comes to backpacks, comfort is everything — and the Blackcomb Ridge™ 30L has quickly become the most comfortable 30L pack I’ve ever used and tested.

The way it hugs your body, the way the shoulder straps fit, and how balanced it feels on the trail… it’s just next level. And the pockets on the shoulder straps? Absolutely brilliant for quick-access items like lip ice, snacks, or your phone while moving.

Key Features
• Internal frame for added structure and stability
• Breathable back panel to keep air flowing
• Comfortable shoulder straps for long-wear performance
• Stretch side pockets for bottles or gear
• Front hidden stretch pocket for quick-access storage
• Top haul handle for easy lifting and carrying

If you want a backpack that carries smoothly, feels secure on technical terrain, and keeps your gear organized without adding bulk — the Blackcomb Ridge™ 30L is one you can trust on any adventure. From day hikes to mountain missions, this pack delivers performance, comfort, and reliability every step of the way.

01/12/2025

Is this the best 1person tent

There’s a saying: kg’s are cheap and grams are expensive — and this tent proves exactly why. After testing the Featherstone Obsidian 1P in strong winds and proper downpours, it’s earned my trust out on trail. Zero leaks. Zero sag. Just solid performance when the weather turns. And honestly… for what you get, this might be the best budget-friendly ultralight tent out there.

Specs & Features:
• Trail weight: 1.6kg with footprint / 1.4kg without (plus my personal tweaks)
• 3-Season, semi-freestanding design
• 7001 Series aluminium poles
• UV & rain protection
• 5000mm water-pressure rating on the fly
• Fast, intuitive pitching system
• Compact pack size for ultralight setups

When you’re counting grams but still need gear you can depend on, this tent hits that sweet spot between lightweight and tough. I grabbed mine on and here’s a little secret… there’s only one left.

Let me know in the comments if you like a 1person or a 2person tent?

01/12/2025

GIVEAWAY TIME

To celebrate the spirit of the holidays, I’ve teamed up with some truly incredible brands who share a passion for the outdoors and a love for adventure. Together, we’re bringing you a special giveaway valued at over R4 500! This is our way of saying thank you and spreading joy this season to those who like us & find magic in nature’s trails.

How to Enter:
1) Follow these accounts:

co.za

2) Tag 2 friends and as bonus entry share in your story.

PRIZES INCLUDE:
R2000 Hydroflask voucher
R1000 Nu-Eco Wild Range voucher
R500 The Trail Food Company voucher
R500 Hydropop Hamper
Footprints in Nature book

• Giveaway ends on 6 December 2025.
• Winner will be announced on 8 December 2025.
• All competition guidelines must be adhered to.
• Winners must be based in South Africa.
• This giveaway is not affiliated or endorsed by Meta.
• Products are not interchangeable for cash.
• TC' and C's apply

26/11/2025

Want to hike more in 2026? Join the WhatsApp Hiking Group!

If you’ve ever wanted to:
– Join more hikes
– Get updates on upcoming adventures
– Learn how to prep for day hikes, overnights & multi-day trails
– Get real hiking advice without endless chit-chat
…then this group is exactly for you!

This WhatsApp group is not a spammy or chatty space — just clean, useful updates, tips, and info to help you grow your hiking confidence. Your privacy is respected, your time is respected, and the goal is simple: more hiking, more learning, and more memories.

Whether you’re a beginner wanting guidance or a regular hiker wanting to join future trips… you’re welcome here.

Join the group and get ready for your next adventure!

Click to Join - https://chat.whatsapp.com/Ee3tgIPBJdMLrKI6pZkWzK

25/11/2025

The most surreal moment 🥹

I have never experienced Cloud inversions like this before. It was one of those nights where you wake up at 04:00 and can't sleep any further and get out of your tent to stretch and make coffee...

At this moment was the fastest I made 5 cups of coffee and woke up everyone to come see the clouds. Standing on top of the world with clouds beneath you is something no photo or camera can explain.

This wasn’t just a sunrise. It wsd a reminder that some dreams are made real not by change, but by showing up when it’s hard, when it’s cold and when no one else is watching.

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