Need help for gear list- Africa

Discussion in 'Adventure, Hiking, Backpacking and Travel' started by William, Jun 17, 2017.

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  1. William

    William Member

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    Hi, everyone.
    I am planning to backpack trough Africa -From Windhoek to Caprivi- then on to Victoria falls, Kariba and Zambesi National Park.
    I want to do this with minimal gear!! Wherever possible sleeping in the bush...
    I spent 12 month in Africa before and traveled extensively in remote location. But this time the challenge is the min. weight...
    To give an idea. Changed from a esee 4 inch to izula....
    What would you pack:
    So far I am at:
    45 l backpack ( Essl)
    1 pair long pants Fjallraven
    1 shorts ( mamuth)
    I long sleeve shirt
    1 t shirt ( underarmour)
    2 pair smart wool socks
    2 underwear
    Meindl Sahara boots
    Bianchi belt
    sunglasses
    esee izula , victorinox sharpener
    1l military canteen with cup
    firesteel
    set of fish hooks , line, split shot, 3 wire leaders
    10 yr 550 cord
    30 yr b 50 string
    carinthia Tropen sleeping bag
    passport, money, credit card ( in waterproof bag)
    map
    watch
    mikropour forte

    Looking for lightweight hat, which keeps me cool....???

    What am I missing- what would you take......
    Please understand- this is a minimal weight trip......

    Any help is highly appriciated!!!
     
  2. Strigidae

    Strigidae Administrator Staff Member

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    Never been to africa but maybe some bug protection could be useful. Bug netting or at least a face cover. Could be used to filter large debris out of water prior to purification.

    Bandanna or shemagh maybe.
    compass
    matches or lighter

    Some things to consider depending on how light you want to be:
    sewing kit
    med kit
    hygiene kit tooth brush etc

    Just some thoughts... Maybe @Andy the Aussie will chime in.
     
  3. AddictedToSteel

    AddictedToSteel Member

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    PLB

    I am assuming that this is not a scheduled abduction where they will be dropping you off in the middle of nowhere and you have to survive and find your way out, which means that this is an adventure that you are choosing to take, thus take some type of way to call for help like a personal locator beacon or satellite phone or probably one of each just to make sure. This is for fun and should not cost you your life because you went too minimalist.

    Make sure you take pictures and share them with us. Please? :)
     
  4. nathan shepherd

    nathan shepherd Member

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    Victoria falls and Zambesi National Park are amazing. I went in 2005. Enjoy your trip.

    The only thing I would add is a small strop with black compound on it. It's not strictly necessary but nice if you want your knife really sharp.
     
  5. Andy the Aussie

    Andy the Aussie Administrator of the Century Staff Member

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    PLBs in Africa are a great idea, just research who (if anyone at all) in the areas you are travelling , is going to respond to them.

    First aid/med kit, get a prescription for meds you may need (strong antibiotics and pain relief in particular, so you can start a course before it is past helping. Malaria meds for the duration as well (many locals have just accepted it and take the meds when they have a flareup but it will hit you as a foreigner much harder in the long run. In what are you sleeping (tent/hammock etc) like here in Aus being off the ground is a bonus.
     
  6. C99c

    C99c Member

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    -How about a compass? Even the larger quality ones don't weigh much considering the value if you need one.

    - A small, dialed in repair kit. Packs break, clothes tear, boots fail. All of that would suck where you're going.
    A well thought out kit doesn't take up much space and weighs very little.

    - A multitool? You take a hit in weight obviously, but would it be worth it? Even the smaller types (Leatherman Juice and such) would give you some pliers, scissors and a file. It might not be worth it to you, but it's something to consider.

    Lately, in preparation for some upcoming trips, I've made a point to meet several local to me world travelers. They range from a guy who, based on his experiences, won't leave the US without a fullsized multitool to another who only carries a small SAK. Both have some great stories to back up their choices.

    Good luck on your trip and hopefully you'll have time to share some details of it with us when you return.
     
  7. C99c

    C99c Member

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    Here's a short video on a small repair kit by someone that gets around a bit.
     
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  8. McKROB

    McKROB Member

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    -Compass Suunto MC2-G, global needle for Southern Hemisphere, and mirror can be usd for signalling or personal hygiene
    -PLB or inReach, the latter can also be used as gps to track your journey for posterity
    -small first aid kit
    -zinc cream, multiple uses as sunscreen or for chafing or rashes
    -Hat, none better than the Tilley, indestructable, I've had mine for more than 20 years
     
  9. Reno Lewis

    Reno Lewis Knot-A-Challenge Champion

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    Some lip balm goes a long way in dry climates. Can also be used for cracked skin.

    Can't recommend Tilley enough. Awesome hats.

    Oh, and bug spray if you use it. Muskol is my poison of choice.
     
  10. CWB

    CWB Member

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    This for sure. They are awesome.

    https://www.thegrayl.com/grayl-shop


    Also pepto. You can take a spoon in the am and one at night. It coats your stomach and helps with getting a bug. I started doing this when I would travel to Mexico and it works. Thank you to my doctor
     
  11. evilunclegrimace

    evilunclegrimace Member

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    I would have to say that if you are dropping from a -4 to an izula at least use an izula II. Henschels make a nice hat. Check into health insurance, the kind that will fly you out of the deep country to a proper medical facility.
     
  12. Jon

    Jon Member

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    Are you still paying attention to this? And do you already own all the gear on your list? I've got some ideas, but if you already own everything it probably doesn't make financial sense to switch out everything I'd suggest.
     
  13. Andy the Aussie

    Andy the Aussie Administrator of the Century Staff Member

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    One post and nada....maybe he walked into the bush naked and that was that.... ;)
     
  14. nathan shepherd

    nathan shepherd Member

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    As he's not come back, should we presume that his list didn't have everything he needed on it?
     
  15. Andy the Aussie

    Andy the Aussie Administrator of the Century Staff Member

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    That spray on lion repellent should have been a must I guess.... ;)
     
  16. Delkancott

    Delkancott Member

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  17. R Stowe

    R Stowe Moderator Staff Member

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    I'm guessing he bounced. But I like all of the suggestions, especially @C99c mini multitool. I made the Juice part of my FAK so I'll always have it.
     

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