Expedition clothing

Clothing

• Keep bulk and weight to minimum.
• Look for versatile clothing that will fit as many different conditions and situations as possible.
• Two sets of long-sleeved shirt and trousers are essential - one for day use and one for night.
• Ensure shirts and trousers are baggy enough to roll up. Alternatively consider zip-off trousers.
• For warmth take a light weight fleece or a body warmer. Even for trips to hot/tropical climates additional warmth can be required.
• A bandana is useful as a head cover, sweat rag and scarf.

Waterproofs
Ponchos are ideal - they cover you and your rucksack. The design eliminates the need for waterproof trousers and it can be applied for many other uses such as ground sheet, shelter or protective cover.

Footwear

• One pair of strong protective boots.
• One pair of open sandals – depending on conditions.

Security tips

• Padlock all your zips together on your packs.
• Take a chain and lock system to secure your rucksack to a fixed point on long journeys, bus roof, railway stations etc where you may be distracted or lose sight of it.
• In particularly vulnerable areas use either wire mesh inside your pack or use a Pacsafe on the outside.
• If you know you will be entering high risk areas carry a personal alarm or whistle with you.
• Use a Doorguard to secure your hotel bedroom door.
• Leave any unnecessary expensive jewellery at home.
• Try to keep your camera, video or expensive accessories hidden away.
• Keep to well lit areas as much as possible - carry a torch with you at all times.
• Look confident. Walk with your head up as if you know where you are going.
• If you think you are being followed, cross the road. If the person follows you, cross it again.If you are still worried go at once to a place where there are lots of people, such as a busy shop/café.
• Split your money up.
• Keep high denomination notes very secure such as in a trouser belt.
• Don’t let anyone see where you are hiding your money - go somewhere private if you need to get to it.
• Carry a purse with you with only small amounts of money in it and a dummy credit card to hand over should you be mugged.
• Be extra careful on beaches - take a waterproof money belt or pack your valuables in a waterproof bag to keep on you at all times.
• If you must leave valuables in your room, take a portable safe with you.

Daysacks / Shoulder bags / Waist pouches

If you don't have a convertible backpack with a detachable daysack, you will need to combine your backpack with a smaller carrying vessel. Think carefully what you will be using your extra bag for - weekends away from base, shopping, taking your laundry to be washed, carrying around day to day bits and pieces etc. Think how you will carry it in conjunction with your backpack. Consider taking an extra lightweight daysack or waist pouch that can be packed away for later use or utilised to separate your packing.

Top loading, loader rucksacks

Designed for trekking with heavy loads

• Side pockets for easy access
• Top lid pocket for easy access
• Body contour shape for comfort

Extras

• Adjustable back system
• Integral rain cover
• Separates into two compartments
• External straps to carry items such as a roll mat

Convertible rucksacks

• Designed for multi-functional use
• Hideaway backpack straps
• Two way zips which are easy to lock together
• Opens up to access whole bag
• Holdall strap
• Grab handle
• Hip belt
• External compression straps

Extras

• Separates into two compartments
• Detachable daysack
• Adjustable back system
• Integral rain cover
• Wheels

Carrying and Protecting Belongings - Overland

Backpack
Overland trips really abuse your backpack, consider the following:

• A convertible backpack is an ideal choice - see our guide later.
• Look for - decent zips, a stream-line finish and a decent back system.
• Pack as light as possible, try to keep to the essentials.

Daysack

• A convertible backpack will often include a detachable daysack.
• Consider a dedicated daysack or shoulder bag.
• A waist pouch in addition to the day sack provides additional convenience.

Security
You will be constantly travelling into unfamiliar areas and wherever you go you could be at risk from opportunist thieves.
Keep your essential valuables on your person (passport, money, phone etc).
If you are in a high risk area consider a modern product such as Pacsafe or you could line your rucksack with chiken wire to ensure it cannot simply be slit open.

Packing accessories

• Heading for a wet environment - take waterproof stuff sacks.
• Consider zip wallets for storing small items such as medicine, toiletries etc.

Mountain Kit

If you will be visiting a mountainous region consider taking the following:

Essentials

• Compass
• Sewing kit
• Clothes line
• Universal plug
• Strong tape
• Knife
• Walking poles

Clothing

• Warm / fleece hat
• Sunhat
• Gloves
• Strong boots
• Waterproof jacket
• Fleece jacket or liner
• Baselayer
• Long trousers
• Socks
• Underwear

Sleep

• Mat
• Sleeping bag liner
• Sleeping bag rated to at lease -10 degree celcius

Luggage

• Day pack
• Hiking / trekking pack

Health

• Water purifier
• Water bottle
• First aid kit
• Insect repellant - DEET 50%+
• Washbag
• Towel
• Soap
• Sunscreen
• Sunglasses

Security

• Padlocks
• Moneybelt