Definitely can’t say I’ve experienced the worst of the cold in the Berg, both excited for and dreading it! I’m trusting the -12C quilt will be enough buffer for any drops in the summer, and add an extra down jacket, down beanie, a fleece, thick gloves, merino base layer, thermal balaclava and heavier socks (+ 600g) in winter, coupled with another foam mattress (+ about 300g) and should avoid hypothermia at least. A winter sleeping pad is definitely in order. What do you use atm for a pad in those conditions?
I’ve been looking at upgrading my rain jacket too. R5000 is an arm and a leg though 
. There are quite a few available in the USA for less than that (from the Montbell Versalite - $199, 182g for DWR/GORE to the silnylon Lightheart gear jacket - $99, 175 g in medium), but in South Africa, some of the trail running stuff looks pretty good for under R2000:
The First Ascent X-Trail (R1499, 150g) is one, but only has a 3000mm water-head, so not sure how it’ll do in a thunderstorm.
Salomon also has quite a few, and look to be more waterproof (10000mm):
- Bonatti Pro (R2299, 194g)
- Bonatti (R1999, 130g)
- Bonatti Race (R1699, 160g)
- Bonatti Pant (R1399, 110g)
And one from Adidas (R1649, somewhere around 230g).
How they’ll do for hiking is up for grabs though. Make sure to read a load of reviews before you buy right? They also don’t have pit zips, but should be reasonably breathable given they’re made for running.
For the quilts take a look at Loco Libre, UGQ Outdoor and Hammock Gear! $100 cheaper and pretty much the same quality, maybe a few finicky differences. Z-Packs seems to have a bad rep atm over on Reddit ultralight though.
And no I haven’t. Been thinking of how best to deal with cooking in the cold actually… What is it like?