Cape Union Mart — Outdoor Gear South Africa Review

Cape Union Mart stocks outdoor and camping brands, plus own labels like Old Khaki and K-Way. See what's worth buying and check for live deals.

Cape Union Mart

You need outdoor gear that actually works in South African conditions, but you don't want to hunt three different shops for a hiking boot, a waterproof jacket and a headlamp.
That's the space Cape Union Mart has built itself in since 1933.

What they do

Cape Union Mart is South Africa's largest outdoor megastore, family-run for over 90 years. They stock major international brands — Salomon, Columbia, The North Face, Merrell, Keen, Asolo — across hiking boots, camping gear, apparel and technical equipment. But Cape Union Mart also owns several own labels: Old Khaki for outdoor-casual wear, K-Way for packable jackets, Poetry for accessories, plus house brands like Tread+Miller and Keedo.

Cape Union Mart spans several categories, but for deal hunting it sits in Outdoor & Camping on The Real Deal.

What to look at first

Hiking and Trail Gear

Boots, socks and foot care from Salomon, Merrell and Asolo.
Best for: building a trail-footwear rotation or replacing worn boots.

Camping Shelter and Sleeping

Tents, sleeping bags, pads and camp furniture.
Best for: outfitting a trip or upgrading tent quality for longer expeditions.

Climbing and Technical

Harnesses, rope, carabiners, protection and climbing-specific apparel.
Best for: rock climbers and mountaineers needing certified gear.

Cooking and Water

Stoves, cookware, hydration systems and water filters.
Best for: people setting up a camp kitchen or ultralight backpacking kit.

Apparel for the Outdoors

Jackets, baselayers, pants and insulation from The North Face, Columbia and own labels.
Best for: dressing the full body for variable SA weather — Cape winter wind, Joburg heat, Garden Route rain.

Simple way to think about it:
If you're starting fresh, look at boots and a tent first.
If you're replacing one specific thing, the brand sections help you compare.

Before you fill the cart, it's worth checking if there are any live Cape Union Mart deals on The Real Deal before buying.

What makes them different

Scale and inventory depth set Cape Union Mart apart. Most outdoor stockists carry 3–5 brands; Cape Union Mart stocks dozens, so you can compare boots or sleeping bags side by side rather than settling for what one specialist has.

The own-label portfolio is the other edge — Old Khaki and K-Way fill price tiers and niches the major brands don't. That means you're not forced into expensive gear if a mid-tier option works better.

Store coverage across South Africa lets you try gear in-person before buying online.

The practical bit

Shipping: Available across South Africa via https://www.capeunionmart.co.za and store locations nationwide.
Delivery: Delivered through local courier; timeframes shown at checkout.
Returns: In-store and online returns handled through Cape Union Mart system.
Support: Help available via https://www.capeunionmart.co.za and in-store staff at any location.

Final word

This is for you if:

• You want one place to stock most of your outdoor kit without driving three shops.
• You like trying gear in-store before committing to online-only retailers.
• You need advice from people who actually use the gear year-round in SA.

Probably not for you if:

• You want the latest spec from niche technical brands you've researched online.
• You prefer ultra-cheap entry-level gear from discount retailers.

If you're building an outdoor kit or replacing specific worn-out pieces, Cape Union Mart covers the breadth most people need. Before you buy, take a second to see if there are any live Cape Union Mart deals running on The Real Deal.

FAQ

Is Cape Union Mart worth it?

Cape Union Mart suits South African shoppers who want outdoor and travel gear from a brand with real hiking and camping credibility, including its own K-Way line. It is not the cheapest option on the shelf, so it pays to buy on a verified deal rather than at full price.

Where can I find Cape Union Mart deals in South Africa?

Check current Cape Union Mart deals on Cape Union Mart on The Real Deal, where price drops are RealRank verified before they're listed.

Is Cape Union Mart a South African brand?

Yes. Cape Union Mart was founded in South Africa in 1933 by Philip Krawitz and has grown into a nationwide retail group with stores across the country.