Insuring your caravan is generally regarded as an expensive task. I chatted to Ian Lesar from CaraSure about some tips that can help you reduce the cost.

Stand-alone insurance

Firstly, you need to decide if you want to insure your caravan as part of your exisiting household contents and motor insurance or on a stand-alone basis. ‘The advantage [of the latter] is that the risk profile is different, your premium won’t be affected by the area you live in and if you deal with an insurer specialising in leisure vehicle insurance, the premium will be much lower, the cover broader and the chances of a premium increase will also be lower,’ says Ian.

Determine your coverage

It goes without saying, but make sure you read the entire policy before you sign up. If there are types of coverage you don’t feel are necessary, you may be able to opt out of them. Tents, canopies and add-on rooms usually form part of the value of your insurance, but appliances, bed- ding, tables, chairs and the like don’t. While it’s recommended to insure these items, choosing cover for just the main body and chassis components will reduce your premiums significantly.

No past claims

A clean claim history from a past insurance company will reduce the initial cost of your caravan policy, so ask about any bonus offers they have for drivers with no past claims. Also, your no- claim bonus is usually assessed on an annual basis, so if you have no claims for a year the monthly premium may go down.

Safety features

Adding a few inexpensive safety accessories can lower your insurance premium. Consider installing an alarm, hitch lock or wheel clamps (or all three). If a caravan has flimsy inside locks or doesn’t lock properly, you can fit a slide bolt with padlock to bring it up to standard.

Join a club

Belonging to a caravanning club might make you eligible for cheaper insurance. The Federation of Caravan and Camping Clubs in South Africa recently arranged special schemes for club members. These schemes have no excesses and the premiums are lower than usual.

Increase your excess

One of the easiest and best ways to obtain cheap caravan insurance is by increasing the amount of voluntary excess. If you can afford to put down a larger excess, it will greatly reduce the monthly premium.

Tips

Insurance companies are notorious for repudiating claims based on the smallest of details. Ensuring both your car and caravan are roadworthy isn’t negotiable, but Ian recommends you stay on top of the following too:

• Make sure your trailer is coupled correctly, windows are closed, doors locked and gas and electricity turned off.

• Make sure it’s serviced at least once a year. Don’t try to do this yourself. The cost of a normal service for a single-axle caravan is between R900 and R1200 (double-axle caravan between R1200 and R1400), which really isn’t much to pay for safety.

• Check the wheel nuts upon leaving and every 200 kilometres.

• Park under a shade cloth or carport to avoid hail damage.

• Check the towbar and drop- plate fitted to your towcar is SABS approved (many after- market towbars aren’t).

• Ensure these have been approved as a unit (just because they’re both approved, it doesn’t necessarily mean they’re safe together).

• Don’t exceed the maximum drawing capacity of your towbar.

• Don’t exceed the maximum towing capacity of the towcar.

• Make sure the GVM (gross vehicle mass) of an overrun- braked caravan is less than the tare of your towcar and the GVM of an unbraked caravan is less than half the tare of your towcar.

• Check roadworthiness of tyres. Unroadworthy tyres are the main cause of caravan accidents and insurers are quick to check that before paying out.

• Take out roadside assistance for minor emergencies such as flat tyres and, perhaps the most common emergency, wheels coming off to avoid having to claim from insurance unnecesarily.

• Keep abreast of the latest SABS regulations: Take a moment to download the full PDF here.

For more information on caravan insurance or a quote on insuring your caravan visit www.carasure.com

I recently came across a piece of kit that, without sounding too dramatic, could be my new favourite travel companion. Cocoon is all about organization. From laptop bags to handbags, toiletry bags, carry-on travel bags, toolbags, and even suitcases, they seem to have it all, well, sorted.

I was able to get a sneak peek at some of the products that are currently available from distributors Atticus (email sales@atticus.co.za) and will also be available in Cape Union Mart stores across the country before the end of the week. From smartphones, iPads, laptops and SLR cameras to stationary, documents, and outdoor equipment, the GRID-IT! concept behind their products is a travel journalists dream. The GRID-IT! organizer is as flexible and adaptable as you want it to be, meaning that you can create an organizer for whatever (seriously, whatever) you need for your next trip. The designs are stylish and the neoprene material make them as durable as they are sexy.

The configurations are endless: check out the Cocoon GRID-IT! online game to get a feel for what it’s about. These are some of the GRID-IT products available:

 GRID-IT! – CPG36

Features

• Tablet slips into the back pocket
• GRID-IT!™ system on front
• Neoprene cover protects items inside

GRID-IT! – CPG35 Wrap 7

Features

• 7” tablets slips into the back pocket
• GRID-IT!™ system on front
• Neoprene cover protects items inside

Dimensions

• W:9” × D:1.25” × H:6.75”
  W:23cm × D:3.2cm × H:17.1cm

Price: R399

 GRID-IT! – CPG10 Organizer

Features

• GRID-IT!™ system provides endless configurations for any devices and personal effects
• Convenient sizes
• Can be used in addition to current laptop bag or travel case

Dimensions

• W:12″ × D:0.375″ × H:8″
  W:30.5cm × D:1cm × H:20.3cm

Price: R250

GRID-IT! – CPG7 Organizer

Features

• GRID-IT!™ system provides endless configurations for any devices and personal effects
• Convenient sizes
• Can be used in addition to current laptop bag or travel case

Dimensions

• W:7.25″ × D:0.375″ × H:9.25″
  W:18.4cm × D:1cm × H:23.5cm

Price: R199

GRID-IT! – CPG5 Organizer

Features

• GRID-IT!™ system provides endless configurations for any devices and personal effects
• Convenient size, can fit into purse
• Can be used in addition to current laptop bag or travel case

Dimensions

• W:10.25″ × D:0.375″ × H:5.125″
  W:26cm × D:1cm × H:13cm

Price: R165

GRID-IT! – CPG4 Organizer

Features

• GRID-IT!™ system provides endless configurations for any devices and personal effects
• Convenient size, can fit into purse
• Can be used in addition to current laptop bag or travel case

Dimensions

• W:7″ × D:0.375″ × H:5″
  W:17.8cm × D:1cm × H:12.7cm

Price: R99

GRID-IT! – CPG10 Organiser

Features

• GRID-IT!™ system provides endless configurations for any devices and personal effects
• Convenient sizes
• Can be used in addition to current laptop bag or travel case

Dimensions

• W:12″ × D:0.375″ × H:8″
  W:30.5cm × D:1cm × H:20.3cm

Price: R250

CTC932 – Tablet Travel Case 10

Features

• Holds and protects your iPad with molded bottom corners and elastic straps
• Convenient elastic hand strap
• GRID-IT!™ inside case
• Non-slip interior materials
• Center divider protects the device from the items on the grid
• Exterior elastic straps are ideal hand straps and can hold extra items on the outside

Dimensions

• W:11” × D:2” × H:9.25”
  W:28cm × D:5cm × H:23.5cm

Price: R450

 CNS343 Neoprene

Features

• Accommodates up to a 10.2″ netbook/Apple iPad/10″ tablets
• Lightweight neoprene case
• Soft inner lining protects from scratches
• Made from protective neoprene material with premium quality lycra fabric
• Form-fitting construction
• Convenient padded handle
• Detachable/Adjustable padded shoulder strap
• Strap adjusts from 21″~28″
• Device cases with belt clips attach to loop on shoulder strap (device cases not included)
• Water resistant

Dimensions

• W:11.4″ × D:1.6″ × H:8.3″
• W:21cm × D:4cm × H:29cm

CLS452 MacBook Sleeve

Features

• Accommodates up to a 15″ MacBook/Pro
• Airport friendly
• Neoprene sleeve for laptop protection
• Protective shock-absorbent molded ends
• Water resistant

Dimensions

• W:14.5″ × D:1.25″ × H:11.38″
• W:36.8cm × D:3.2cm × H:28.9cm

Price: R399

CGB150 Messenger Sling

Features

• Accommodates Apple iPad/10″ Tablets
• Exterior media pocket for iPhone 4/3Gs/3G, iPod Touch, iPod & other smartphones or mp3 players
• Convenient easy-access pocket
• Adjustable shoulder strap
• Strap adjusts from 14″~25″
• Water resistant

Dimensions

• W:8.5″ x D:2.5″ x H:11″
• W:21.5cm x D:6.5cm x H:28cm

Price: R399

Visit www.atticus.co.za or email sales@atticus.co.za for more information.

This self-vulcanising tape is magic.

Fox and Sons are the suppliers of a self-vulcanising tape called Stretch & Seal that I reckon could be the difference between a great road trip with a small hiccup and a total disaster.

Bradley from Fox and Sons gives us the low-down on the tape’s properties and then towards the end demonstrates how to make yourself an o-ring in an emergency. There’s heaps more information here.

Uses for Stretch&Seal tape

• Ideal for protection and insulation. Manufactured from a specially formulated self sealing silicone rubber compound.
• Self bonding/non-adhesive characteristic that fuses to itself leaving no mastic residue if removed.
• Capable of sealing  pressures up to 700 PSI (49 bars)
• Capable of resisting temperatures of -53°C to +260°C and can be applied in extreme temperature applications.
• 300% elongation, stretches and forms virtually any odd shape, and will not crack or unravel during expansion or contraction.
• Salt water resistant and can be applied underwater.
• Dielectric strength of up to 400 VPM, making it an excellent insulator.


APPLICATIONS:


Automotive


•    STRETCH & SEAL Recovery Tape is impervious to fuels, oils, solvents, acid and UV Rays. 


•    Suitable for auto-electrical repairs as it can insulate to 7000 Volts. 


•    It can be used on radiator hoses, fuel lines, air hoses, air conditioning lines, exhausts and temporary fan belts repairs.



Marine


•    STRETCH & SEAL Recovery Tape can be applied and fused to a depth of 500 metres.



Domestic Repairs


STRETCH & SEAL Recovery Tape can be used on:


•    Dishwasher hoses


•    Washing machine drain hoses


•    Leaky S-bends


•    Cracked drain pipes


•    Split vacuum cleaner hoses


•    Flexible Kreepy Crawly hoses.

Have you used this tape? Got a story to share? Drop us an account in the comments.

Always be in contact with the MT800-2 Cobra

Next time you find yourself up a mountain needing to relay a message to your comrades at the bottom, think about getting yourself a set of MT800-2 Cobra walkie-talkies. With 8-channels, rechargeable batteries and a 5km effective range never be unable to communicate with your mates again. Even if there is no cellphone reception.

Two-way radio’s or walkie-talkies as they are commonly known can be used to communicate either at home or in the great outdoors. It has taken on a new ‘must have’ status with the advent of state-of-the-art digital technology which gives crystal clarity over long ranges to several hundred other handsets without cost, interference or the need for a mobile phone signal.

The MT800 two-way radio from Cobra is no different – this nifty radio with 8 channels and 121 privacy codes is perfect to take with you anywhere. With an effective range of up to 5km (terrain dependent), and supplied with rechargeable batteries, it really will perform for just about any application. Each walkie-talkie comes with Vox (Voice Activated Transmission), which detects the users voice and transmits the radio without the need to press any buttons, freeing the users hands for other tasks. 5 Vox sensitivity levels allow the user to detect at which point the radio will detect their voice.

Uses: Ideal for communicating at home, in shopping malls, in the garden, when boating, hiking, 4×4-ing, caravanning. It is ideal in rural areas where there is no cell phone range or as an alternative to a cell phone for use over short distances. It can even be used as a baby monitor.

Features:

• Up to 5km range (range will vary depending on terrain and conditions)
• 8 Channels (Front pannel push buttons gives you easy access to all 8 PMR channels
• 121 privacy codes: 38 CTCSS (Continuous Tone-Coded Squelch System) and 83 DCS codes. 968 privacy combinations are possible when the 8 channels are combined with the 121 privacy codes.
• VOX (Voice Activated Transmission): User’s voice is detected and the radio transmits without the need to press any buttons.
• Baby monitor: Allows radio to monitor a baby whenever sound is detected.
• Scan: Allows user to scan either channels, CTCSS privacy codes within a channel, or DCS codes within a channel to locate conversations in progress.
• Dual Watch: Programmable two-location scan allows user to monitor two different Dual Watch Locations (channel or channel/privacy code) simultaneously.
• Call Alert (10 selectable tones): Provides up to 10 easily recognisable call alert tones for incoming calls.
• Roger Beep Tone (selectable on/off): Confirmation tone indicates the completion of your transmission, and signals to others it’s cleat to talk. This feature is selectable and my be turned on or off.
• Key Stroke Tone (selectable on/off): Confirms key activation. This feature is selectable and my be turned on or off.
• Key Lock: When activated provides key pad security eliminating accidental channel changes
• Power Saver: A unique circuit extends the life of your batteries. If there are no transmissions within 10 seconds, the unit will automatically switch to battery saver mode.
• Maximum range extender: Provides extended range reception
• Auto Suelch: Automatically shuts off weak transmissions or unwanted noise due to terrain or range constraints
• Backlit LCD: Maximum ease of use even at night
• Speaker/Microphone/Charger Jack:Allows use of wall charger or earphone speaker/microphones for ‘hands-free’ operation
• No licence or service fees: High quality band frequencies with no fees.
• Belt Clip: Secures your walkie-talkie radio while on the go.

Accessories:

• Charges supplied rechargeable batteries inside radios. Charger accomodates one or two radios (230v/2-pin EU plug).
• 8AAA NiMH rechargeable batteries – each radio can also be used with 4 AAA non rechargeable alkaline batteries (not included).
• 2 easrbud microphones – earbud microphones with ‘push to talk’  to free hands for other tasks.

Retail price R699 incl. VAT for a pair of handsets and chargers. Available from Trappers Trading stores.

So, whether you’re trekking cross country, on the slopes, keeping in touch with workers on a building site or just trying to keep tabs on your children at a fete or around the house, there’s nothing better.

Good in the home, great for the camping

When these Glad ForceFlex garbage bags landed on my desk for review I must admit to thinking – ‘shed, is this what my career has come to… reviewing garbage bags? Seriously?’ There are heaps of shiny things landing in my inbox all the time so the Glad bags lay there for a while, sorry Jodi. I eventually took a closer look at the Glad ForceFlex garbage bags and given Glad are punting them as tear resistant and are said to contain liquids better, I decided to put them to the test at home.

In short, (I wasn’t actually planning on reviewing them here) but these Glad ForceFlex bags are definitely a notable upgrade on the old black bag which tears way, way more easily, especially with the pizza box test they talk about in the PR below. They stand up really well to sharp box corners as well as handling weight very well. Besides the obvious benefits of having a more robust and waterproof bag, I really liked the red drawstring that allows you to tie the bag off around the rim of your bin easily. The drawstring also makes removal a cinch. I found I didn’t have to drop the bag onto the kitchen floor to tie it off then sprint out of the kitchen before the grim bin ooze leaked out. My wife loved them so much that when I looked again they’d been depleted quite substantially and I had to sneak the last few into my ‘quick escape camping box‘ for use on our next outing. I stole them back because I think these bags’ll work really well as a backup for keeping luggage or similar items dry in an emergency as well as protect the car’s carpet from stale beer and baked bean ooze that inevitably leaks out on the way home over a rough trail.

At R27 for 10 they’re more expensive than the thin black variation but for their benefits it’s worth keeping a pack on hand for more hardcore refuse or for camping/expeditions.

The recommended retail price is R26-99, but may vary between retailers. They are available through leading supermarkets.

PRESS RELEASE

Now you can confidently fill your rubbish bin to the brim, because GLAD ForceFlex is TEAR RESISTANT. So fill ‘em, stretch ‘em and stuff ‘em with just about anything and everything! 

Features of the latest GLAD ForceFlex bags:

• ForceFlex plastic that prevents punctures and tears caused by tough refuse such as pizza boxes, coat hangers, liquids, broken toys etc
• The diamond-like pattern gives the material its unique elasticity by diverting pressure away from the point of impact so that the bag will absorb force and stretch
• The material is made from “smarter”, not thicker plastic. Now, thicker does not necessarily mean stronger. ForceFlex offers better stretch and strength without needing extra plastic
• Stretchable strength

GLAD ForceFlex bags represent a new generation of garbage bags, redefining strength in the bag industry. Over the past 20 years little, if any, technology has been applied to an item in everyday household use – the refuse bag. This is surprising considering the many limitations the bag suffers such as tearing, leaking and puncturing, often resulting in having to “double bag” and also having to deal with a smelly, unhygienic bin. The solution lies is the latest innovation from GLAD which boasts Stretchable Strength technology found only in their ForceFlexbags. Its unique diamond texture stretches around objects and awkward edges, preventing rips and tears, making them ideal for all types of garbage. Now you can confidently fill your rubbish bin to the brim, because GLAD ForceFlex is TEAR RESISTANT. So fill ‘em, stretch ‘em and stuff ‘em with just about anything and everything! GLADForceFlex bags are a must-have for everyday kitchen and garden trash and refuse. They can be used anywhere strong bags are needed, such as spring cleaning, moving, storage, holiday, office or birthday party cleanup. Perfect for all seasons and reasons.

Please visit www.glad.co.za for more information. The recommended retail price is R26-99, but may vary between retailers. They are available through leading supermarkets.

This side up. FMX in Africa.

In the May issue if Getaway mag we featured and interview with Nick DeWit, SA’s Freestyle Motocross (FMX) legend entitled ‘This Side Up’ (Download the PDF). Here are some outtakes from the shoot at Ultimate X event in Cape Town also featuring Wayne Lester (quad) and Botswana’s Alistair Sayer. After the jump… see what I did there, hey? After the jump check out videos demostrating just how talented and skilled this ‘Sick’ man and his peers are.

Enjoy

Wayne Lester shows that it’s possible to take a Quad bike to new heights.

DeWit is still warming up, if you can believe it…

Hailing from Botswana, Alastair Sayer representing for Africa.

Double seat grab…

Almost there – when his legs are straight the move is complete.

Nick DeWit has performed this trick more times than he can count, and it shows.

ultimate x … The slowmo files from publicitygeneration on Vimeo.

Some slowmo clips I shot of some fella’s participating at ultimate x in cape town.

Want to brew your own tipple at home?

Read ‘How to brew you own beer‘ article as it appeared in Getaway magazine.

Now you have the knowledge so to help you get started with brewing your own beer we’ve compiled a list of equipment and ingredients suppliers.

Suppliers list of beer brewing tools and ingredients

The Wort Hog Brewers’ website has a comprehensive list of suppliers, listed according to equipment and ingredients.

Ingredient suppliers:

A White Chemist in Cape Town. Tel 021-465-3332, email geralds@iafrica.com.

African Home Brewing in Cape Town. Tel 083-655-3244.

Brewcraft in Jet Park, Johannesburg and Germinston. Tel 083-230-9171 or 084-561-0717. Email ryan@brewcraft.co.za or info@tradeger.co.za.

Coopers: MNA Brewing in Johannesburg. Tel 082-920-9545, email marius@mnabrewing.co.za.
Dragon Chinese Supermarket in Rivonia, Johannesburg. Tel 011-803-6408, cell 082-966-3088.

Draymans Brewery in Silverton, Pretoria. Tel 012-804-8800, www.draymans.com.

Fruits and Roots in Bryanston, Johannesburg. Tel 011-463-2928, email froots@global.co.za.

Keg King in Cape Town. www.kegking.co.za

National Food Products in Emmarentia, Johannesburg. Tel 011-646-9022, www.thehomebrewshop.co.za.

SA Maltsters in Alrode, close to Johannesburg and Caledon. Tel 011-389-1320 or 028-214-3100.

SAB Hop Farms in George. Tel 044-802-8420 or 044-802-8416, email Linda.Pretorius@za.sabmiller.com.

The Beer Keg in Randburg. Tel 073-501-3803, email Vincent@thebeerkeg.co.za.

The Brew Master in Northcliff, Johannesburg. Cell 082-851-0325.

Ultra Wholesale Liquors in Cape Town. Tel 021-930-2415.

Equipment suppliers:

Aquarodi in Johannesburg. Tel 011-664-7247, cell 082-653-3167.

Binun’s in Pretoria. Tel 012-326-5314 or 012-348 7444.

Chick Henderson in Benrose, Johannesburg. Tel 011-624 1400.

Consol Glass in Stellenbosch. Tel 021-888-4000.

Dispensetech in Jet Park, Johannesburg. Tel 011-397-7455, email david@dispensetech.co.za.

Draught Craft. Tel 083-417-7543, email info@draughtcraft.co.za.

Ecolab in Johannesburg. Tel 011-393-5022, email rohan.chivers@mweb.co.za.

ElectraHertz Pty Ltd in Silverton, Pretoria. Tel 012-804-0120.

Fuel Gas in Alberton. Tel 011-908-5287.

Gas For Africa in Delarey, Roodepoort. Tel 011-477-5629 or 011-477-1355.

Gripper & Co in Observatory, Cape Town. Tel 021-447-7203

Hillpack in Stikland, Cape Town. Tel 021-949-1701.

Kaplan Wooden Barrels in Cape Town. Tel 021-862-1790.

Labchem in Johannesburg. Tel 011-452-1116/9.

Leeubrug Garden and Hardware in Lynnwoodridge, Pretoria. Tel 012-361-4510.

Metraclark in Pretoria West. Tel 012-327-2600.

Micromatic in Bryanston Drive, Johannesburg. Tel 011-463-1874 or 083-302-0700.

Oil Heat Service in Ferndale, Randburg. Tel 011-886-1675.

Plastics for Africa in Montague Gardens and Somerset West. Tel 021-551-5790/1 or 021-852-4007.

Plastilon Packaging, in Rietfontein, Pretoria. Tel 012-329-0309.

Pioneer Plastics in Rosslyn, Pretoria. Tel 012-541-6000.

Reco in Randburg. Tel 011-793-7033.

RGM Plastics in Pretoria. Tel 012-666-7231.

Rivonia Mica Hardware & Paint in Rivonia, Johannesburg. Tel 011-803-2006.

Ross Electrical in Pretoria. Tel 012-349-1814, 012-804-1432 or 012-326-6512.

RS Components in Kyalami, Midrand. Tel 011-466-1565, email sales@rs.co.za.

SAB Recycling in Newlands, Cape Town. Tel 021-683-6555.

Specialised Dispense Systems in River Park, Diep River. Tel 021-706-7472.

Seal Centre in Hermanstad, Pretoria West. Tel 012-379-6170.

Selecta Media (Bactlab) in Stydompark, Johannesburg. Tel 011-792-7383.

If you have a favourite supplier or would like to be included in this list let us know in the comments section below.

Creative Commons image from Lindsey Gee on Flickr

Brewing beer at home is not only a great conversation starter but it’ll oil the wheels of dialogue too…

Do you want to avoid mass-produced, characterless beers from the bottle-store? Why not quench your thirst with your own beery creation. It’s fun and inexpensive and with the right equipment, knowledge and instructions, you’ll soon be ready to start a mini home brewery. Jaclyn Stephenson shares her knowledge.

The tools

• Find something that holds approximately 30 litres (for example, a keg) with adequate sealing. It must be airtight and keep in mind that because beer foams during fermentation, the container should only be 80 per cent filled. From R50.
• A pouring vessel to decant beer into bottles (for example a funnel or jug). You can get plastic jugs and containers at your local supermarket.
• Bottles for the finished product: 375#ml with crown caps or plastic PET screw-top bottles. From R95 for 24 bottles and caps.
• A temperature gauge, airlock and hydrometer. From
• Bottle capper, which allows leverage to cap bottles easily. About R180.

The ingredients

The extracts and malts differ according to what kind of beer you want to produce (for example an ale, lager, bitters or stout). These are the basics that you’ll need to begin:

• One kilogram of beer enhancer. From about R80 to R110, depending on the type.
• One beer can of malt. Choose from lager, ale or draught from R130.
• Beer yeast. From R30.
• Brewing sugars from R12,50 for 500g.
• Water

Beginning your first batch

1. Fill your keg with four litres of boiled water, which has been cooled.

2. In a separate sanitised container, boil four cups of water. Remove from heat and stir in the beer enhancer and malt to create a wort. (Note: The colour of the wort is usually the same as the end product.)

3. Pour the wort into the keg and fill to between 20 and 23 litres with cold water. Remember, it isn’t beer until the yeast is added.

4. Sprinkle the yeast over the mixture, wait five minutes, then stir vigorously and screw on the lid. This is called pitching the yeast and it begins the fermentation process.

5. Airlock the keg, remove from direct sunlight and monitor the temperature (it must stay between 20 and 24°C for seven days). Don’t be tempted to open the lid during the fermentation process as this can spoil the beer.

6. Check the keg after seven days: if it’s cloudy or tastes sweet, leave it for longer, but if it’s relatively clear and tastes like flat beer, it’s ready to be bottled.

7. Sterilise your bottles, then fill them with your brew to just above the base of the bottle neck. When filling, tilt the bottles at an angle to reduce aeration.

8. Add your brewing sugar into each bottle before sealing (depending on your bottle size: ¾tsp for 333ml and 1tsp for 500ml).

9. Place caps on the bottles, tighten and slowly invert several times, but do not shake. Leave to stand at 20 to 24°C for at least 14 days for the best results.

10. After your beer has carbonated, it’s ready to drink. Store your beer in the fridge for optimal drinking temperature.

How to avoid exploding bottles

Use quality ingredients, allow beer to ferment completely, use plastic bottles, calculate correct carbonation measurements and store in the correct conditions.

Protect your brew

Countless organisms which live in your home can infect your brew. Make sure to meticulously clean your equipment before you start. Disinfect everything with diluted non-scented household bleach and rinse well. Alternatively, you can boil equipment to sterilise it.

Warning

As with buying, consuming and handling alcohol, making beer is an illegal activity for under 18s.

For a list of local suppliers of ingredients and equipment see our listing here.

Creative Commons ‘Wonderous Beer’ illustration via Labkonstruct.com

Bring you tunes to the party with OutCast

Nothing makes a campsite rock more than an impromptu party! If you like your music to be with you wherever you go or if you just need an outside solution to your current residence or holiday home for those times when you are entertaining. Look at the OutCast wireless loudspeaker solutions.

It’s wireless, it’s movable, it’s powerful, and it’s awesome – the all-weather OutCast loudspeaker system, supplied by The HFX Group, offers new opportunities to enjoy your music both indoors and out.

The thought of relaxing in your garden and absorbing the sun’s lovely warm rays, taking in the luscious green surrounds, with the braai fired up and your favourite tunes filling the airwaves is something that can be described as being very close to achieving pure bliss.

However, the truth is, enjoying your music outdoors is not always that easy, says Ryno Goosen from The HFX Group: “The majority of portable speakers currently on the market don’t offer very good sound quality at the best of times, and especially in the great wide open. Of course, you can commission a professional installer to set-up a purpose-built outdoor music system for you – but of course, this comes with a sizeable price tag. The OutCast loudspeaker system however, offers you a comparatively affordable, powerful and practical solution for your entertainment, wherever you may be.”

What is the OutCast Senior 1.2 system?

Unlike the majority of portable speakers, where less than stellar performance seems to be the norm rather than the exception, The OutCast loudspeaker is wireless, rechargeable and powerful. The OutCast system actually comprises two parts – the OutCast all-weather, portable loudspeaker, and the iCast transmitter.

The separate iCast transmitter connects to your iPod using its iPod docking bay, where it recharges your iPod at the same time. Alternatively, it can connect to just about any other audio source, such as other audio players, cell phones or even your laptop or home computer, with a 3,5mm audio jack. It then wirelessly transmits the audio to the OutCast.

The beauty of this composition is that you can keep the iCast and the connected device safely indoors, out of harms way, while the sturdy OutCast loudspeaker can be placed just about anywhere your heart desires – indoors or out.

There are a number of features that really sets the OutCast system apart from its market competitors – these include:

Powerful, integrated sound: The cylinder-shaped OutCast has four 3-inch high-frequency drivers set in an unusual “omni-directional” array at the top, as well as a single 8-inch downward firing subwoofer at the bottom of the unit. The omni-directional placement of the drivers is particular useful in outdoor settings, providing 360 degrees of sound dispersion as the built-in 100-watt digital amplifier radiates powerful sound throughout any open-air space.

Control multiple units: The OutCast was built with multiple units in mind – each OutCast system can operate four speakers located in various indoor or outdoor areas. You can also configure two units to be used as separate left and right speakers for premium stereo sound. A wireless solution with long-range transmission capabilities: The system boasts long-range, interference-free wireless technology that works through walls, floors and ceilings, eliminating the need for running wires. It uses frequency hopping spread spectrum technology, where the transmitter searches for open channels in the 2,4GHz band and jumps to them to avoid interference with other 2,4GHz products, such as microwaves and portable phones for example. The wireless range between the iCast and the OutCast loudspeaker is around 45 to 90 metres, depending on the environment and location.

Long-life battery: The OutCast boasts a rechargeable internal battery with an internal AC power supply and built-in charger. The battery provides 10 to 20 hours of wireless sound, depending on the volume setting. A flashing red light on top of the speaker indicates that it’s time to recharge the battery – it takes three hours to return a completely discharged battery to full power again. However, the system is fully functional while charging, so a depleted battery won’t bring the party to a crashing halt. The battery is bypassed once it is fully charged, preventing overcharging and maximising the lifespan of the battery itself.

Supreme durability: The larger-than-normal OutCast unit is a solid product – industrial and almost utilitarian in design, the unit is constructed of beige, water-resistant plastic. Its comparatively heavy weight (approximately 18kg) gives the unit the strength and ruggedness to withstand substantial bumps and falls often associated with being outdoors. The unit is also entirely weather- and splash-proof, and all its ports are rubber-sealed, ideal for outdoor use. It also sports a built-in handle to aid in the mobility of the loudspeaker.

Simple functionality: The OutCast couldn’t be easier to use – simply charge it up, turn it on and rock on! The top panel of the unit features backlit, weather-resistant buttons for power, volume, forward/reverse, play/pause, mood lighting, as well as LEDs to indicate power and battery status. The mood lighting button turns on blue light that emanates from the sub-woofer chamber for added safety and for added night-time charm.

The OutCast Junior system

Offering a smaller and more affordable option, the OutCast Junior 1.2 is very similar to the bigger OutCast Senior 1.2. This powerful, yet compact, portable and weather-proof wireless music system also delivers multi-directional performance sound via long-range, interference-free wireless transmission, however with the following differences:
• You can only extend your music to two listening areas.
• It is smaller – weighing it at approximately 7,5kg – making it easier to carry around.
• It’s built-in rechargeable battery is not as big, offering six to 15 hours of uninterrupted sound, depending on the power level you select. It boasts a smaller 60-watt tri-amp and a 6,5-inch sownward-firing sub-woofer.

The OutCast Senior 1.2 multi-source, multi-zone wireless loudspeaker system is distributed by The HFX Group (www.hfxsystems.co.za) and retails for R9 790.00, while the OutCast Junior 1.2 system retails for R7 490.00.

Contact The HFX Group on 0861 000 861 for more information or to find a retailer closest to you.

Get more space, use less power – what every traveller needs

If you are looking for more digital storage space for when you are on the move then Western Digital have just released what you need. Boasting the lowest power consumption and the best shock shock tolerance to date this 2.5inch hard drive is perfect for the adventurer who wants to maintain battery power for longer, and stay off the grid for longer with more time to explore those unknown corners of the globe.

New 7 mm 2.5-inch Mobile Hard Drive Delivers Lowest Power Consumption in the Industry