Solo Overland Travel & Transit - Baggage Stuff

South America - Africa - Middle East - Asia

Reliability is proven by anything designed that can withstand its used by date without servicing, and continues to perform without issues well past any time frame to replace functioning parts recommended by the original manufacturer. I'm an old school believer of any product purchased to do what it was designed for and to last for years. Most cheap wing bling products out of China without warranty may look good, but in reality do fail when you need them to work. There are also some serious flaws with high-end western made products as well, although replacement warranties or repair are usually covered by the manufacturer. Investing in expensive products today should be thoroughly researched before purchasing!
Most of the items and products below have been used many times over through the continents. I've given my own ratings on each item for reliability and function on a scale of 1-10 You get what you pay for - choose wisely.

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Overland Travel Gear - The Good Bad & Ugly

Made in Europe - Rating 10/10 :  Made in USA - Rating 10/10 : Made in Japan - Rating 10/10 : Made in China - Rating 3/10

Cheap wing-bling backpacks with trendy colors are a dime a dozen and are usually made in the far East. Cheap made quality backpacks will eventually fail and fall apart starting with zips and stitching. The majority of low grade made backpacks will fail overland transit abuse in the thick of it somewhere en-route through continents. This also applies to shoddy made day packs. Cheap made junk will fail when you least expect it too. Innovated designed backpacks and day packs made in Europe or the USA don't come cheap for good reason. Quality made Backpacks and day packs will normally have 2-5 year full replacement warranties. Baggage contents like laptops, Photo-Gear, and other fragile items will eventually rattle and vibrate to bits if not properly protected - it begins by using reliable designed backpacks and day packs.

In Transit - Baggage Gear

Carrying everything - including the kitchen sink - isn't recommended for long-term overland journeys through continents. I've been a sucker to this for decades, and still continue lugging around far too much weight.
Large backpacks will always end up on rooftops of bush-buses traveling through isolated rural regions in Africa (the Sahel, DRC, Ethiopia), South America (Amazon region), Asia (Indian Himalaya, Nepal, west Pakistan, Afghanistan), and certain regions in the Middle East. During transit, buses stop along the way picking up locals with even more luggage that gets stacked on top of everything else. Backpacks and contents can only withstand so much abuse if handled by local bus-bus operators who normally treat baggage rough as guts. 
This issue is magnified when locals load up their own possessions, yet simultaneously walk on top of everything else at the same time. Off-loading luggage tends to be done as fast as possible, with locals throwing everything off the sides of buses, trucks or boats, not caring whether it lands upside down or sideways. After a few months of this type of treatment, any fragile content inside baggage is history, and cannot be replaced if you're in the middle of nowhere. There's also a good chance of losing baggage shoved on bush-bus rooftops due to high-speed and vibrations along bush track highways. Rural transport vehicles are wrecks at their best with drivers concentrating only on what's in front of them - never behind them. Some basic bush-bus transport don't have rear view mirrors anyway, so if baggage falls off without other passengers spotting it - kiss it goodbye.

An example during transit not so long ago, was my tripod bag, it had slid off the roof from a speeding vibrating 4WD bush-hack jeep. Luckily, I had witnessed it flying off where I was sitting, before it hit the ground before bouncing and cart wheeling end on end. I managed to retrieve the tripod bag before being run over, and squashed from other vehicles. The Manfrotto MBAG8OP is probably one of the toughest designed tripod bags made. There was zero damage to the bag or the contents. I've been using the same tripod bag crossing countries and continents for over a decade.
Traveling light with two large sized day packs is another option. They can be carted on board any type of transport, and thrown under seats or shoved in tight places where they're out of harm's way. One can keep an eye on them at the same time. It saves the hassles of getting off and on buses to check if the luggage is still there. In certain regions, transiting at night with luggage on the roof is definitely a no brainer - it wont be there in the morning, or if it is, half the contents will be missing.
The smaller the amount of luggage there is, the easier it is to maneuver through regions without having to deal with the logistics of on-off loading, or fighting for limited space with locals -  whose luggage has first priority. Deciding to carry any surplus weight, including photo-gear really depends on whether it will be used in relation to its bulk and weight - it's an individual choice one must decide on. Below image, in the Real World, people still travel with bulky stuff.

Mini Router - Basic 4G Connection

Mini router for private hot spots,  bypassing slow cafe and hotel routers, emergency backup. At times everyone experiences slow unresponsive wifi  internet connectivity in hotels, backpackers and at many cafe hangouts. The best way around this issue is to travel with you own  mini Mifi router. Mifi modems are easily connected to 4G networks using a local sim card. Using a laptop to connect to the internet using Mifi modems can't get easier. If there's a cell tower close-by, one can stream, browse, upload and surf all day long on 4G without any lag time. I personally use a Vodafone Mifi modem and have tried and tested it in Asia with positive results. Rating 10/10

Voltage Juice - Power Bank Backup

Charging on the go can't get easier traveling with a good reliable power bank in the middle of nowhere. There are many brands to choose from, with the majority having a 3.7 volt 10,000 mAh Li-on battery. Don't leave home without one if you're transiting with a pile of electronics that require a boost of juice. They come in handy especially when cell phones are used for recording videos and time-lapse clips - which will drain cell phone batteries in no time. Rating 10/10 Images: Sony brand mini power bank ​​​

Solar Power Cell - In The Middle Of Nowhere

Everything running on battery power needs a boost of juice from somewhere, and from a device to extract the juice - yes? But what if one is within a region for extended periods of time without access to charge devices? The Solio solar cell bank will take care of it - no matter where you are, if sunlight is available. Charging the Solio battery bank is simple - just place it on a window with the suction cup that comes with the kit, or anywhere and let the sun do the charging. I've used the early version Solio 1 since 2009 for charging different items. It's still working in 2019. Newer updated Solio designs are available. kits come with a full selection of plug-in attachments.  Rating 9/10 http://www.solio.com

Laptop Reset - Hard Line LAN Cable

A LAN cable guarantees a stable connection when laptops require a complete factory reset.   

One can be lucky enough not having to do a factory reset with laptops during any overland travel. Having a LAN cable guarantees a quick stable connection if any laptop requires a factory reset. Heavy downloads are another issue when wifi signals are weak, or overloaded caused by congested usage in packed out hotels, or backpackers.  Normally, a hard line LAN connection can be found wherever there's a modem, which can be usually found near reception areas. A LAN cable should be at least a meter in length, and of good quality. This quality made LAN cable above was purchased in Belem-Brazil as a backup emergency when required. Rating 10/10

Waterproof Binoculars - Quality Comes First

One travel accessory that comes in handy on the road, is a pair of mini binoculars. Viewing distant wildlife or bird watching with binoculars makes a huge difference. Purchasing quality made lightweight binoculars depends on the make, model, and manufacturer. Quality brands will include high grade glass optics, and waterproof capabilities. Cheap made wing bling binoculars are usually recognized by their fancy trendy colors. They're normally of very poor quality glass, giving blurry unsharp visibility, and end up as paper weights after a few months of usage. Images, German Minox waterproof binoculars (10x25). The set were purchased second hand in 2008. The Minox has clocked up untold thousands of thousands of overland transit kilometers through Africa, South America, Asia and Mid East, and still in perfect working condition (2020). Minox products are well known for their quality optics and reliability. Rating 10/10

You can't beat good quality made products. This mini set by Minox are proof of that, they just keep on working with zero signs of wear and tear and no internal optical dust or fungus. Used offshore since 2008 through the Mid-East, Africa, South America and Asia.

Key Board Protection - Coffee - Beverages - Dust

"The fastest way frying laptop motherboards is spilled juice entering through the keyboards"

Laptop keyboard protection on the go. Have you ever spilled tea or coffee on your keyboard and fried it? Or had the experience of waiter staff spilling beverages over your laptop? I've had some close calls, and have seen others, who weren't so lucky. A really good safety solution in any public environment, is an ultra-thin transparent keyboard cover. Protective keyboard covers will also stop transparent dust particles from entering inside laptops keyboard section, which can accumulate quickly in no time during travel. For Mac users, the Moshi brand, shown above has a lifespan of approximately 3-4 years before perishing symptoms begin to show. The Moshi cover can be hand washed with soap and water when required, and air dried ready to use again in minutes. Avoiding direct sunlight will stop the protector from perishing sooner. Traveling and transiting through continents without protecting your keyboard, as some have, regretted the choice frying their laptops, and eradicating their stored data.  Rating 8/10

MacBook Pro Retina 2012 Up - Heating Issues

Since new, the above mid 2012 15" MBPR is still functioning in the 2020s. It's done extensive overland travel mileage through Asia and as a daily workhorse. A third replacement monitor hasn't faltered as yet, the battery isn't even halfway through its life expectancy at 433 cycles. Rating 9/10 The 2020s 13" MBPR lightweight needs a few more years of usage until till it gets a rating.

Those who still use 2012-2015 MBP retina laptops that suddenly have heating issues i.e. fans constantly running at high speed, or slow sluggish performance, will usually think the cause was from updated OSX versions, or other updated program applications. This maybe the case for certain heating issues, but after so many years, the accumulation of dust inside laptops will clog cooling fans and will require a blow out. At the same time a fresh dab of thermal paste on the CPU and GPU modules will also increase performance keeping them cooler. To complete the task, it involves disassembly of the bottom cover, disconnection of the battery plug, and removing the heat sink cover.
The following are required to self do the job, an iMac apple screw driver torx set (not Chinese made), 1 gram of thermal paste, 99% alcohol fluid, cloth, and soft brush (or compressed air). The above service may sound tedious and complicated, but it's actually easier than what it sounds. Here's the Best YouTube link covering the process step by step created by Dario Prski. It's advisable to removed dust, and add fresh thermal paste on CPU and GPU modules for early MacBook Pro laptops, before heading off into the unknown in the middle of nowhere. 
Above, a screen-shot from Dario's YouTube video showing the mass build-up of accumulated dust from 2 years of activity usage of a MBP Laptop. DIY ​Rating 10/10
Below, my own laptop receiving a DIY service. A good blowout, and fans cleaned makes a huge difference to over excessive heating issues. The laptop now operates like it should... quiet and fast. Disclaimer : DIY is at your own risk.  

Removing residue clogging air vents and cleaning cooling fans of buildup matter will help laptops perform better.    

OEM Backup - Camera Batteries

"It's advisable to travel with extra camera batteries offshore"

One of the most common neglected items that keeps photo gear operational are backup batteries. How many times have you personally forgotten to purchase a few spare batteries for your camera(s) when offshore?
Batteries don't last forever, they can suddenly fail for no apparent reason, or may discharge without warning. Even worse, is when batteries are accidental dropped hitting the pavement splitting outer casing into pieces.
Finding OEM replacement batteries for older model cameras is an issue in certain countries. Today, major camera companies only supply limited  numbers of batteries for discontinued cameras. Cheap third party wing bling  batteries should be avoided, unless your insurance policy covers cameras using 3rd party batteries. Non OEM batteries usually have a tendency to  drain quicker, and are assembled with low quality micro chips that can trigger the battery to explode while recharging, or detonate like a hand grenade inside a camera. Smart phones have had these exact same issues. OEM branded camera batteries may cost more, but the risk of them exploding compared to junkie 3rd party batteries is less likely to happen. In saying that, any replacement battery is better than no battery, but comes with certain risks. I normally stock-up purchasing 2-3 new OEM batteries when necessary. Most semi pro camera bodies use a scale from 0-4. When batteries reach 4 - it’s time to replace them ASP.

Above, a 3rd party wing bling Chinese made battery that was purchased by a friend. The battery was never used, due to charging issues. Overheating and tight pin connection when mounted in an OEM charger were direct warnings not to use it. There are those who have used 3rd party camera batteries without issues, but there are others who have had camera bodies exploding to bits because of using wing bling cloned batteries made in China. One problem arises, if camera gear insurance actually covers 3rd party batteries in cameras. Read insurance fine print policies on this issue. Major problems with 3rd party batteries are the  short lifespan, and battery drainage within sub-zero temperatures.
​During the course of over-landing through countries and continents, most photo-gear is usually used in remote or extreme regions where there may not be any power source to recharge batteries for days on end. This is where batteries are put to the test, and relied upon to perform with minimal issues, especially quick drain depletion. Using batteries in sub zero climates will deplete battery energy levels rapidly. One should think seriously, if 3rd party batteries are reliable enough in the middle of no where for weeks or months at a time. The only 3rd party battery brand that has had positive feedback is Wasabi. Personally, I only use OEM batteries for DSLR cameras, they can be fully trusted, and do work consecutively for up to six+ years without issues OEM Rating 10/10 Wing Bling 3rd Party Batteries 0/10

Purchasing replacement OEM camera batteries on-line may or may not be the original items. This is also an issue from some camera shops, who sell 3rd party batteries packaged in look a like OEM boxes for the same cost as an original item.A visual inspection of Nikon batteries & boxes will determine the authenticity if it’s an original OEM product. Most copies will have low grade 3D Holograms. The box and battery instructions will be of poor print quality, and the battery itself will show flaws and mistakes when matched up to an original OEM battery. Off shore, camera shops officially listed as dealers and direct suppliers of OEM camera brands are normally safe. 

Point & Shoot - Which Brand?

Whether point and shoots are used as the main camera (smart phone camera + Point & Shoot), or for secondary backup for DSLRs, these little lightweights always come in handy somewhere during overland journeys. Point & shoots are useful for on the go snaps while in transit mode on board bush-buses, trains, or in any other transport rattling across countries.
There's an increasing trend capturing location shots, street snaps and video through continents using lightweight photo gear. Mini point and shoots today are barley different in design having the same advanced technology from one brand to another. Most reputable designs have 4K video, Raw, with touch or pullout display monitors.
I personally travel with a point and shoot as a backup with DSLRs. The Sony RX100V gets a 7/10 Rating. Two, or even three batteries are recommended with this model. The downside using most point and  shoots, is when they're suddenly dropped to the ground - rendering them as instant paper weights. ​

Point and shoots are very capable of capturing good random street snaps almost anywhere. Many use the lightweight Sony RX100 models for its 4K video capabilities. I use this model mostly for location snaps. Are you already traveling with a DSLR? If so, having a little lightweight point and shoot be comes useful as a secondary camera for capturing on the go snaps during transit journeys. At times, a point and shoot becomes more convenient to use in certain locations, especially on board bush buses during transit. The Sony RX100 V is a great little point and shoot for both close and wide captures (24mm-70mm equivalent).

Full Frame DSLRs - Which Brand?

Nikon full frame DSLR cameras and lenses are the pick of the bunch. A few reputable models worth mentioning are the D3, D3S, D700, D750, DF, D4S, D5, D850. Nikon's newest model, the D780 is more for video than still photography. A selection of Nikon lenses would consist of a minimum of three lenses covering the normal range of street photography. An AFS 70-200 f/2.8G VR1/11 Zoom, AFS 35 f/1.4G, and AFS 85 f/1.4G. (zoom-wide-portrait).
One things for sure, full frame DSLR lenses out perform crappy little smart phone cameras and the majority of point and shoots. I only use smart phone cameras and point and shoots for secondary snaps.    

Heading offshore? Don't rely on smart phone camera junk to get your shots, travel with real photo gear. Above, my classic Nikkor 800 5.6 AIS maybe an old 5.5 kilo tank, but it still works well in the 2020s capturing images that other lenses struggle to get. I've used this manual focus lens on five different bodies with the same positive results. Smart phone and point and shoot cameras both struggle capturing long distance shots, distant wildlife, and lunar snaps. Below, long shot Nikkor 800 5.6 AIS, Nikon D3.    

Protecting Baggage - Is It Needed? You Decide!

It's no joke, you're a fool if not protecting yourself wandering around after dark in many countries today, and probably your own. This becomes an issue when traveling solo on buses and trains transiting through the night with baggage, and photo gear with zero security. Foreigners have different outlooks on how to protect themselves traveling independently through Africa and South America. Mace, pepper spray, an extendable baton, a taser or stun gun, or even a base ball bat are tools of defense that may or may not work to stop an all out mugging, robbing-rape-assault. This also depends where and what continent it is. For instance, South America has been the robbing paradise continent for decades, and continues to be so with foreign tourists being mugged and robbed non-stop around the clock everyday. No other continent matches it. Local police, news media, and tourism companies sweep tourist street thieving under the carpet. Local street thieves, organized gangs, and bandits all know fresh plane loads of European, north American, Canadian, Aussies, Kiwis and Asian tourists arrive into the continent daily. The potential of fresh targets to rob, mug or rape are endless. Even foreign tourists are into robbing other tourists, because it's so simple. Remember, this is about the dark-side of South America, and else where, which hardly scratches the surface, especially by western travel influencers. They're all too busy wanting to sell the happy side of travel-bliss paradise to earn a cash flow of whatever tourism click bait they have on offer - it's the truth! 
For the time being, CV-19 seems to have trapped most travel influencers down in their basements...  
The easiest way of avoiding confrontation, is by traveling with others, although being held-up by highway bandits during transit won't help. Observing, analyzing and using your own instinct to think, act, move, to defend yourself within seconds is required away from areas classified as "safe-zones'. This becomes automatic procedure moving on your own. Knowing basic instinct, using little hesitation, quick reaction time to protect or defend yourself and baggage becomes quicker, and faster traveling and transiting solo. How do I know this? I've been doing solo overland travel journeys since 1982.

Above image, a reliable stun-gun I had purchased in South America in the 80's (still working perfectly in 2020s) It got me, and my baggage and photo gear through South and Central America overland clocking up 18 months, without one thief robbing my stuff. It would of been a different story if I didn't travel defensively protecting possessions I traveled with. Since then, on three different overland journeys through South America - Nothing has changed. It's business as usual for thieves, street gangs, and bandits picking off their victims as they wish. Daytime street thieves, and the more aggressive night thieves have failed to take anything I have traveled with. Other westerners I've met en-route in South America and Africa through the decades weren't so lucky. Most were robbed of possessions by their own mistakes. Call it pure out right ignorance, or the lack of using their inner instinct acknowledging local surroundings, activity, and criminal behavior before it happens.
Warning, those out there in possession with any brand of stun-gun should leave them behind in countries where it's legally permitted. Entering Canada, Australia, New Zealand, or UK with hand held stun guns is illegal and may result in arrest, court proceedings and fined. Rating 10/10

Some reading the above may disagree, ignoring it as overkill, thinking it's not at all like this - You're being over cautious. Too careful! Fear mongering! Watching out all the time. My baggage and stuff isn't worth fighting for, or it's not that dangerous! OK, so how many foreigners offshore leave their hotel rooms unlocked while out and about in South America and Africa? Or when fast asleep after dark in these continents? Or place baggage in safe lockers when sharing dorm rooms? Or who uses door floor wedges? Or those who don't feel safe out and about in certain regions with or without photo gear? If you own or rent vehicles offshore,  do you leave the vehicle unlocked with keys in the ignition? At hotel and backpacker establishments, no one hides personal valuables hidden under bed pillows. North Americans may have their 2nd amendment to bear arms, but forget that amendment when departing USA - You're on your own.
​There is nowhere around the planet one can call 100% safe from theft, mugging, assault and rape - it's ongoing, a non-stop cycle. The plandemic has made it worse. There's a lot more stone broke poor people out there since the plandemic reared its ugly global agenda.
The root cause why South America, and Africa are known as the robbing mugging paradises on the planet, are from docile foreign tourists through the decades who were robbed and assaulted as though nothing would happen to them. It's those who have allowed themselves to be easily robbed and mugged, which could have been avoided in the first place. This has created others offshore, to become targeted victims within the same regions caused by other foreigners ignoring simple safety measures and precautions.
The cycle of mugging, robbing, and assault of stupid foreigners is constantly active year in-year out. This has made it frustrating for the many real solo overland travelers out there, who do value their safety and baggage, who do analyze, who do act using their instinct to protect and defend themselves, and whatever belongings they travel with.
Truly, the majority of the western Millennial/Gen Z generation are so dumb downed, and haven't a clue outside their blissful bubble dream state world - Wake up when offshore, or suffer through your own peril.

Adding more pain to inflicted venomous bites sounds insane, but when in the middle of nowhere with no assistance, there's no choice but to do so. One to two second zapps with a stun gun on fresh venomous snake, scorpion or spider bites will dramatically decrease heart beat and reduce swelling within minutes, and may end up saving your life in wilderness regions. Holding a stun gun directly over bites zapping 4 cross lesion shocks, rotating the contact points around the bite is sufficient enough neutralizing venom. Does it work? Yes, it does!

Scorpion & Snake Bites : Isolated Regions : Wilderness Locations : Trekking : Hiking : Camping : In Transit : After Dark  

UV - Snow Blindness Protection

Wearing no eye wear protection in high altitude white-out regions will quickly give snow blindness (photokeratitis) within a short period of time. A set of wraparounds with adequate UV coatings will keep eyes safe in snowy landscape terrain, polar regions, and when trekking within snow clad mountains.
Wearing no eye wear protection in high altitude white-out regions will quickly give snow blindness (photokeratitis) within a short period of time. A set of wraparounds with adequate UV coatings will keep eyes safe in snowy landscape terrain, polar regions, and when trekking within snow clad mountains. Snow and glacier googles are other options for snow boarders and skiers. The set of wraps above from Decathlon were used for 4 weeks in heavy thick snow terrain giving 100% eye protection. Rating 10/10​

Everyone needs a dose of natural vitamin D from sunlight from time to time, but penetrating UV rays directly into the eyes for to long will cause irreversible long term damage to the retina. A good quality pair of sunglasses is recommended in any outdoor environment without cloud cover. Purchasing cheap wing bling brands should be avoided unless you want to go blind earlier than expected. This includes those who purchase pairs of sunglasses only for their trendy color design. Any quality sunnies will have 100% UV protection, and come with a long term guarantee, or warranty. Ray Ban and Oakley brands have had a good track record for decades. Both brands are still designing quality sunglasses with different budget price levels. Ray Ban and Oakley Rating 10/10

Ray Ban's Wayfarer model was recently updated with a smaller modern mini front glass version with the original solid frame. I recently updated on one these models replacing a pair of older RayBan glasses that were originally purchased back in 97. That's 24+ years of reliability.

Rehydration Fix - Electrolyte Recharge

Drinking liters of bottled mineral water everyday may sound good, but this actually doesn't add electrolytes and minerals when perspiring or sweating. A quick healthy fix to replenish lost minerals, is either a glass of fresh squeezed lime and lemon juice blended together with Himalayan salt, or a packet of rehydration salts mixed in a liter of water. I've meet many foreigners through the years in transit who were totally drained of energy showing symptoms of body mineral loss. Guzzling down liters of bottled water may quench your thirst, but it will not replace lost natural body minerals. Below, Thanzi rehydration salts are one of many brands through Africa.​

Below, a street vendor in India preparing a fresh rehydration fix with freshly squashed lime juice and sprinkle of pure Himalayan salt. Mini packets of rehydration salts can be purchased in pharmacies or from side street kiosks throughout most of Africa, Asia and South America when feeling exhausted and drained. Rating 10/10

Domke - Protection Wrap-Up

Domke Wraps protect stuff from scratching to bits in transit mode - A small investment that pays off Big Time.

Domke wraps are the ultimate solution to protect fragile items like camera bodies and lenses, external hard drives, and other sensitive equipment from rubbing, grinding and scratching inside baggage during any travel or transit journey. Domke wraps are available in various sizes, and are also color coded for easy identification if multiple items are wrapped and packed together. Domkes are quick and easy to use - just place the item in the center, and flap each side over the object, and seal it tightly using the sewn in velcro tabs on each corner. I've used Domke wraps for years to protect camera lenses. Rating 10/10   Domke Wraps

Subzero Zones - Wrap Up 

Traveling into high-altitude regions with extreme sub-zero temps will require more than wrap around blankets. Lightweight feather down jackets are essential protection from cold temps below minus -10C. Both Decathlon feather filled jackets above, including layers of thermo clothing were used in midwinter at altitudes averaging 4000 meters with subzero temps to minus -30C.  Rating 10/10
Cold affects people in various ways, even if wearing clothing designed for subzero temperatures. Locals living within cold climates around the planet also use thick blanket rugs keeping the cold out. Purchasing a thick blanket for $10 bucks will keep wind-chills at bay. On departing from cold regions, giving blankets away to someone in need is always appreciated.

Lonely Planet - Useful Or Not? 

Decades ago the LP Shoestring versions were written by "hardcore overland" travelers who put their sweat and effort collecting all the necessary information required to transit and travel through a continent. Today, LP has become more like a pina colada beach book, which has slowly slid downhill when the BBC had purchased LP from Tony Wheeler in 2007. BBC flicked LP down the road, and resold it to NC2 Media in 2012. In my personal opinion, the only useful information LP always did have - which has rarely changed for any country, are the map diagrams covering bus, train, Embassy, and budget accommodation locations.
All these places still exist in the same areas of most cities since LP was first created in the '80s (Shoestring), and still remain in the same locations today. Personally, I haven't carried LP guide books in my baggage for decades, and prefer gathering all my information fresh from the locals themselves, or from other foreigners transiting from a direction I'm heading towards, which has always worked. Fresh information is always best. It's up to the individual to decide if a fat thick overweight book has enough ingredients between the covers to lug around through a continent.  
Even worse, are the "travel blogger" generation, with new ones popping up every 2 minutes online. Many mirror image themselves off following the footsteps of LP, writing about fancy hotels, food, bars and beaches, and lest we not forget - constructed selfies at trendy locations that enhance themselves more vividly than the locations  - wow "so cool" yes?   
In reality, one only needs to reference Tony Wheeler's 1973 "across Asia on the cheap" to understand that most overland travel routes, cities, accommodation locations, and transit points still remain exactly in the same place and have never moved. I do wonder sometimes if the majority of millennial and Gen Z travel bloggers actually know anything about overland travel and transit history through the continents?, or even comprehend that everything they blog and post about today has already been done repeatedly countless times before they were born? but hey, there are a few good solo overland travel bloggers out there - they know who they are.  LP  Rating 2/10

The above page was randomly chosen from a 2007 LP edition. It's not much different from the latest LP version on areas, locations and places to stay. The majority of fixed transit points of entering or exiting major cities, towns or villages remain the same. Nothing has changed through the decades regarding where the majority of backpackers, hotels, and hangouts are located. Even central city train stations and bus locations still remain where they have always been for decades. India, Japan, Egypt, Nepal, Iran, Thailand, South Africa, Peru, Bangladesh and Chile are quick examples of this.
This applies to all major cities and locations around the globe, unless a super powerful pole shift moved everything overnight. If you were to research any original "Shoe String" editions from the mid '80s, before LP became fashion, travel locations have never moved and still remain as they were six decades ago.
The only changes or additions worth mentioning, are the expanded network of backpacker establishments and eateries within the same locations, which are usually sprawling out from original tourist ghettos, like Khoa San Road in central Bangkok (established in the early '80s). Wildlife national park reserves, road routes, including the majority of global archaeological sites remain virtually unchanged from their established locations. The snaps below are quick examples showing nothing much changes physically or historically through the decades. Those into the latest hip accommodation, trendy cafe hangouts, bars and beach locations - Lonely Planet is for you. The majority of overland transit points getting from A to B remain in the same locations. Towns, cities, coastlines, and historical locations remain the same.

One of the best time periods of overland travel was during the 1980s to mid 90's before the smart phone generation self destroyed itself into false social group think travel. For slow thinkers, accommodation and transport hubs have never moved. Below image, a busy colonial railway station constructed more than fourteen decades ago.

Airline Baggage Tariffs - Are You Getting Ripped Off?

The global airline industry earns mega billions each year ripping everyone off with baggage weight surcharges. Did you know that most commercial passenger jets can actually allow each person to board with 40+kg of luggage without any issues? Checked and carry-on baggage weight allowances is a joke, and the airlines know it. The difference of each passenger's weight alone is proof of this. If a flight has one third, or even half of its passengers weighing 50-60 kilos, while the other half are averaging 90-110 kilos, then where is the logic of excess baggage weight?
This is the airline industry's cash cow. They would prefer to keep their baggage tariffs as it stands without change. Airlines have no way of regulating a passenger's weight, because it then becomes discriminatory of each person's individual weight - imagine the up-roar with passengers who are overweight, or obese. Only Tonga airlines regulate their passengers' weight with surcharges. In all fairness, a passenger's weight should determine the amount of how much baggage each passenger is allowed on any flight without charge.
Those who do have fragile items like external hard drives, or photo-gear, extra camera lenses, and prefer them on board, a legal grey area that airlines don't regulate still exists - as yet. 
All that's needed is a jacket, or a coat with lots of pockets. Fill the pockets up with whatever is legal to carry on board (no batteries, and the usual bans), and walk on through wearing the jacket to your seat. Once the flight hits 30,000 feet, off-load everything into your carry-on baggage, or in to an extra empty bag. I've done this countless times - without any issues. You do get smiles, and smirks from security check controllers when putting everything though the scanner, but it's not an issue. Some countries like the USA may have weird rules and regulations with this procedure, but in Europe, the Pacific, Asia, Africa, and South America the security check controllers don't blink an eyelid. The image above shows the amount this particular jacket held on one particular flight (2 mac minis, 8 lacie hard drives, 5 std hard drives, 1 UDMA hard drive, 1 Sony power bank, 1 RRS mini tripod kit, and 1 classic iPod). The following link, a custom airport jacket is another alternative  https://youtu.be/hviF2sr4aq0 
If you want to save hard earned cash for better purposes, rather than wasting it on rip-off kilo surcharges major airlines charge - try the above. ​

Overland Travel Offshore - Consuming Weed

Since the 60's hippie days, traveling through Asia smoking weed and hashish was normally any part of anyone's daily habit. Locals smoked cannabis and hashish, so what was the problem? There was no problem. Today, cannabis rules have rapidly changed, with many countries relaxing restrictions, while others are tightening regulations. The chances of being corrupted smoking local weed in countries considered "grey areas" like Colombia, India, South Africa, and Turkey are a few examples where this happens. This depends on who's doing the busting, and where the location is. Normally, a bust procedure begins by inside help of local street sellers, who earn a percentage of any tip-off. The more foreigners caught in a single bust has higher payoff commissions. Depending on the type of drug, bribe payoffs will be triple the amount for cocaine than weed. In western countries, cannabis laws fluctuate, with Australia, New Zealand, China, Singapore, and Japan, who have super strict laws banning weed cultivation, smoking weed, including using any type of utensils with hefty fines. Foreigners caught with large quantities of cannabis, or used utensils, like bongs and pipes may receive jail time before deportation.
Traveling to the above mentioned countries may require drug testing on arrival. This will depend how you look and present yourself on arrival. Airport drug dogs automatically smell-out checked-in baggage for residues of hashish, weed, and hard drugs. Drug dogs are also trained to sniff out airline passenger seats just after dis-embarking. Drug dogs are trained to smell out passenger clothing and individual sweat residue left behind on seats on long haul flights. Those who are heavily interrogated at immigration are probable suspects from sweat residues left behind on their airline seat.  
Bringing in unused or used chullims and pipes will get you on the first available flight out of some countries, and black-banned to re-enter for a year or two, or totally banned for future visits. Foreigners traveling overland crossing borders from country to country carrying drugs, or in possession with used utensils is a no-brainer. Foreigners caught in possession with soft and hard drugs is never ending. 
Getting busted offshore using excuses, like "it wasn't mine", "I'm allowed to use weed in my own country", "hey, it's only a little bit of weed man", or "I have a medical certificate to smoke weed" doesn't work, and has never worked in countries against the freedom of smoking cannabis that other countries freely permit to do so.
Random drug searches, beach bar busts, backpacker busts and individual pavement busts are more common than what most realize offshore. I've lost count over the decades of how many foreigners I've seen, who have been randomly searched and busted, and had to pay large sums of cash to avoid arrest. Even though countries like Morocco, Lebanon, Peru, Nepal, Bolivia, India, Cambodia, Colombia, Afghanistan and Paraguay have an over supply of home grown drugs, foreign visitors can easily be manipulated and convinced by local street sellers that there's nothing to worry about.
Smoking and carrying a stash of weed for personal use maybe legal in your own country, but think twice if it's actually worth the bribe payouts, or even jail time in certain countries, which may include deportation and lengthy black-bans. Thousands of foreigners every year have been busted, caught off-guard offshore when they least expected it. Reread the last sentence a few times to let it sink in.
UK, Australian, New Zealand, and Colombian customs have various techniques of establishing, if foreign visitors have been in contact with any type of illegal drug. The sniffing of airline passenger seats by drug dogs after disembarking, and the swabbing of smart phone displays catch many out. If caught, any evidence is at the discretion of custom officers. Depending the type of drugs found inside baggage, laptops, or on person will determine the end result.

Boots On The Ground - Which Brand?

Sportiva Lhoste GTX & Karakorum - Buyer Beware!

Don't be fooled by Appearance and Packaging. The reliability of any product today no matter what brand it is should be well researched before splashing out cash. The warranty of any product should also be questioned before purchase, especially if the warranty will be valid for repair or replacement worldwide no matter what county it is. Warranties are the most important factors when purchasing boots if they happen to fall apart in the middle of nowhere - and need repairing or replacing. This is important for those who are traveling and transiting through continents for long periods at a time!
The following is an except email reply from Sportiva Italy, in regards to a pair of  Lhoste GTX  boots that fell apart (sole separation) during the middle of an overland travel and transit journey in Asia (Singapore to Nepal)
"Unfortunately, as per our usual procedure, we don’t have the possibility to accept claims from final customers. We can only advise you to turn directly to the shop where you bought them, so that they can make a proper evaluation and decide whether to forward a claim request." 
How does the above help anyone with failed Sportiva boots who are already traveling and transiting in South America, Africa, or Asia?

In today's market the choice of choosing the ultimate all round hiking boot that has comfort and reliability are many, although some top brands have failed lately with design flaws that have made customers look elsewhere. La Sportiva is one boot manufacturer that is guilty of shoddy workmanship. I can say that, because I've had three failures with three different designs of La Sportiva boots with three different issues , in three different continents - over a period of three years. La Sportiva is well known for their mountaineer and hiking boots, which are famous for being a tough robust design. Pulled stitching, rusted eyelets, and sole separation (delaminating) were never an issue, but La Sportiva as of late have all three of these issues on many of their different boot designs. The images shown are three different pairs of La Sportiva boots in which all three failed - each pair within 1 year of usage. The black GTX Lhoste - made for the U.S. market was the worst culprit. The entire sole separated at the front and rear of one boot, which happened while in transit mode over-landing through the Indian sub-continent. La Sportiva's customer service was also appalling when contacted. Personally, I would not recommend any La Sportiva products due to poor construction, and cheap materials that are being used. The rusted eyelets show that La Sportiva are minimizing costs by eliminating stainless steel eyelets that were used on their earlier designs.

One must also be aware if purchasing La Sportiva products from any non-affiliated La Sportiva stockiest which will automatically void any warranty. A cheap wing bling Chinese manufactured pair of boots costing $5 bucks may have been a better choice, especially for the amount a pair of La Sportiva boots cost, and how long they take to fall a part. Reliability is an investment policy for any company - including a company's brand name, and especially for those who purchase a well-known brand design that's advertised to do the hard yards - something that La Sportiva has sadly failed on miserably.  Reliability 2/10 Customer Service 0/10

La Sportiva Lhoste GTX & Karakorum - Buyer Beware

Three Different Designs Of La Sportiva Boots Failure.

Reliability and Customer Service is an investment policy for any company's brand name.

La Sportiva Karakorum boots that have failed from design flaws. The stitching and sole separation (delaminating) were the main issues. La Sportiva have minimized costs by eliminating stainless steel eyelets with cheaper coated steel eyelet clones on many of their newer designs. This will result in rusted eyelids if boots come in contact with salt water or within thermal volcanic areas. The left image shows sole separation, and rusted eyelets. The right image shows material separation from poor stitching, the eyelets on this design were stainless steel.  ​

The above and below images are a  pair of La Sportiva Lhoste GTX boots that were purchased brand new in New Zealand. They were the replacement (at my own cost) from the previous pair of La Sportiva boots which failed from delaminating (sole separation) after 11 months. This pair of Lhoste GTX boots had pulled completely apart without warning - while in transit mode through India. Crampons were never used, and they never touched salt water. Notice the tread - it's hardly worn. Contacting La Sportiva head office from the middle of India while en-route heading north to Nepal requesting a quick solution (repair/replacement) was denied - origin of purchase only! That's like a kick in the guts when you're already down - Thank you La Sportiva for your great customer service. Your boots don't get any positive acclaim on this page due to the lack of "final customer claims" for those who have purchased La Sportiva boots, and have had major failure issues with them while off-shore!
I'm certainly not the only customer over the last decade who has complained about Sportiva failures:  one Mountain Project :  Mountain Project : Mountain Project : Katanas : UKC : UKC  Amazon: Fit great, but fell apart after 2 uses. March 2016 Out of the box these were amazing feeling boots. A good amount of support without being to stiff or heavy. After the first use however the rubber rand around the toe started to peel back. After the use the sole started delaminating from one boot and the rand was peeling back on both boots. I called La Sportiva and got no support, they said to take them back to where I bought them. Lucky for me I bought them on Amazon Prime and was able to send them back without any issue. I have since spoken with other people in my field (public lands management) who had similar problems with this boot. I was really disappointed in the quality for such an expensive boot. La Sportiva Raptor GTX complete failure

Multi Charger & Batteries - What's Good?

There's more than enough different make and model battery chargers on the market to sink a ship, but one brand stands out for its reliability with different battery size options - the Intell-charger i4 from Nitecore. This particular model will charge all battery sizes from the miniature Li-Ion through to the 69.3mm length 18650 battery. I've used this model since it was introduced a few years ago, and has worked like a charm without issues. The Japanese made Sanyo eneloop 1900 mAH rechargeable batteries are probably the best pick of the bunch, which also comes with a 5 year warranty. To keep Airlines happy, and more importantly without loosing expensive rechargeable batteries by airport security staff scanning checked in baggage, it's advisable to place all loose batteries in protective cartridges. An added measure to please airport security is to attach electrical tape over the positive poles of each battery. I've done this several times with a pile of batteries without any loss or seizure by airport security staff departing on flights from Europe, and the Pacific. Rating 9/10 Full data specification on the Intell-charger here

Travel & Transit - Multi-Fit Adapter Plug

Are you sick and tired of cheap wing bling plug-in multi-fit adapters made in China? The Swiss made Skross is a multi-fit power plug adapter that's robust quality, and won't fail any test. I've used two of these since 2012 without any issues. It's 2020, and both adapters are still working perfectly. Several models are available, and can be purchased off e-bay. This particular model shown in the images has no earth slot for Aussie and Kiwi plugs. Removing the earth pin by hack sawing it off is a quick fix, which I've done to a multi plug extension that has an inbuilt auto safety circuit breaker. Rating 9/10  http://www.skross.com/en

Large Backpacks - Which Make?

Never purchase backpacks just because you like the color - It's a No Brainer Big Mistake!

As the saying goes - you get what you pay for - yes? Backpacks with fully adjustable harness systems made with quality material and stitching are the important values of any backpack. Those who have done the mileage through continents, or who have mountain trekked know how important reliable backpacks are. Cheap made wing bling backpacks have three common flaws in craftsmanship. The harness system, stitching, and material. A good harness is fully adjustable on a person's back. A bad harness system lugging 18kgs will eventually give back and spinal pain after a few hours. The failure of shoddy material and stitching is another issue with cheap designed backpacks. They eventually fall apart after a few months of aggressive transit abuse. Cheap branded backpacks are not recommended for long term travel and transit through the continents. When backpack failure happens, it's usually somewhere in the middle of nowhere. Local transport operators will also test backpacks to their limits when baggage is loaded and off-loaded from bush buses, boats, and vehicle boot compartments. Below, an original NZ made Macpac Torre used for 16 years, no rips, tears, no stitching issues, used through Europe, Africa, South America and Middle East Rating 10/10

Original Macpac Made in New Zealand 1990s Torre Backpack - Macpac is now Aussie owned - Made in China

Quality backpacks use rain-proof material which can sustain heavy downpours all day without a drop of water penetrating through the outer layer. Protective cover wraps is the "new" trend. This has actually flawed many backpack designs to use thinner weaker materials. The Macpac brand originally established in New Zealand, now Aussie owned, has been around since the 1970's. Macpac backpack quality was never an issue when they were fully manufactured in New Zealand. I would assume, like most outdoor travel gear around the planet, Aussie Macpac has a Chinese connection to keep costs down to gain as much profit as possible. If you can find original Kiwi made Macpac backpacks, including other NZ Made Macpac products like above in good condition - Don't hesitate to get one TradeMe NZ 

The Macpac Torre has been a favorite with highland trekkers and mountain climbers. The Torre has a single tube compartment with a waterproof outer layer. The harness system is superb. it uses a swivel quantum design that rotates in harmony keeping the balance weight, and load at corrected angles. A quality pack will always out last any cheap brands out there. Reliability come first - make sure to choose wisely - it's your back that will suffer in the long term. 

Above, Macpac Torre, purchased in the mid 1990's. It was used in Europe, Africa, New Zealand, and South America, spanning over 16 years with no rips, failed stitching or harness issues. NZ Made Macpac only - Rating 10/10

When global overland travel wasn't so complicated with most quality made products originally made in the country of origin. A 1980s NZ made Macpac used twice overland through central and South America, USA, Africa, Middle East, and Asia.

Cactus Backpack NZ - 5 Year Global Warranty

With backpacks, I don't follow those who go for fancy colors, or packs with split compartments and untold amounts of zipper pockets, Backpacks designed with basic single storage has worked for me since the 1980s.  Pile everything in, pile everything out, pack what's used the most at the top.  Glossy backpack market advertising online is deceiving, unless the design has been thoroughly tried and tested over a certain amount of years.  If any backpack design hasn't a history record of reliability, or multiple year 100% warranty replacement- avoid it like the plague. 

Cactus N.Z. is one manufacturer that stands by their products - no matter what. The Patrol Back country backpack is designed for rugged outdoor regions in any environment. It was initially made as a snow pack to carry optional items, and accessories for outdoor extreme sports. The Patrol pack has a single tube compartment, with a top flap pocket, and three slim outer pockets.

I have personally used the Patrol Cactus backpack since 2009. The Cactus has done the hard yards lugging 20kg throughout South America, Africa, Middle East and Asia. It's one of four backpacks since "82 that has handled all types of abuse thrown at it through long-term overland journeys. The material and stitching has never failed or faltered. The pack has never used an outer cover transiting overland through the continents. This is one tough quality made backpack. The Cactus pack has a full 5 year warranty no matter what happens to it, but nothing actually happen to this pack, no matter what you do or how it's treated. The same Patrol pack is still being used in the 2020s with no rips or tears. That's what I call a good product.  Rating 10/10   Cactus Website

Music Gadgets - What's Good?

Most travel and transit journeys on public transport through South America and Africa will have their own supply and taste of music on board. There's actually no escape from salsa or reggaeton in most parts of South America freely adding to the overland transit ambience, especially on bush buses at 2am in the morning at full volume. Over the years I've had my fair share of different "on the go" audio accessories and music storage. Some have been useless, and others have survived wear and tear over the years. One device that's still operating, believe it or not, is a classic 160GB iPod. The overland mileage this iPod mounts to is tens of thousands of kilometers through all the continents - not only once, but a few times since it was purchased. The iPod classic is great on long haul transit journeys having 160GB of audio tracks. It can also function to any speaker of choice via Bluetooth with an added LDream transmuter unit. Rating 10/10
The amount and variety of headphones on the market today is a maze. I personally use a set of cheap wing bling headphones for most overland transit journeys, and a Bose set at accommodation when noise is an issue.  Rating 10/10

Above, Eneloop batteries ten years old and still working, JBL Charge 2, nine years usage and still working. Traveling with external speakers is pushing the limit adding extra baggage and added weight. There are some good travel speakers on the market that are worth their weight to carry around, including the price tag. One brand, is the JBL bluetooth Charge speaker. The JBL pumps out quality sound on steroids as long as you want 24hr non-stop. The JBL charge 2 has operated without issues since 2014 - that's 8 years usage of wear and tear offshore and still working, now replaced with a Charge 4. As always, you get what you pay for. The JBL Charge 4 also has an audio cable input.  9/10 Rating.
​Like the Eneloop rechargeable batteries, 9 years usage - they just keep on going. Personally, the Apples iPod Classic is still the number one mini music storage for overland travel offshore in the 2020s. Standard iPods if needed, can be updated with a 256GB, or larger flash drives from OWC Mac Sales. The iPod below has completed full on overland transit mileage throughout South America, Africa, Middle East and Asia since 2009. It's still working perfectly with the same battery in the 2020s - Rating 10/10

Hand Made Mochila Bags - Hecho En Colombia

The Colombian Mochila bag is the most versatile shoulder bag design globally. They're all hand crafted and made by Indigenous Indians within rural regions in Colombia. The design and their shape are virtually impossible for street thieves to put their paws inside them when attached over the shoulder! Nearly every Colombian has one. Each bag design motive represents the region where it was crafted. Adding an inside liner makes these bags last for decades.

The mochila on the left was purchased in Bogota 32+ years ago, and has done the hard yards over landing throughout South and Central America, USA, Asia, Africa, the Middle East, Europe, and the Pacific, and still in great condition - That's Quality! All 3 bag designs above originate from the Northern regions of Colombia. Colombian handmade mochila bags can be purchased directly from local indigenous themselves. You can also create your own unique color and design. Waiting time to complete a finish mochila bag depends on the volume of orders. The cost difference is also heavily reduced than what most boutique shops charge through the country stocking them. All three Wayuu bags get 10/10 Rating

Colombian mochila bags that have done some serious overland travel mileage through the continents i.e. central and south Asia, South America and Africa with no internal flights. Below snap, North Africa in the middle of nowhere taking a dip.

SD Flash & Backup Storage - A Must Have Offshore

Traveling Without Backup Cards & External Hard Drives Is A No Brainer!

There's plenty of options and ways to store camera and video raw files. Everyone has their own personal storage backup preferences. Backing up photos, videos, and other data from compatible memory cards with a Hyper Drive Colorspace UDMA is one good option. The Colorspace UDMA has a couple of advantages over other storage devices. It can be purchased as a bare shell, and can accept almost any hard drive in to its mainframe, including solid state drives of any GB capacity. The UDMA runs its juice from an integrated 18650 2600mAh lithium-ion battery. It can be recharged via cable connection. The latest UDMA design uses an Ultra Direct Memory Access interface to transfer data at speeds up to 27 MB/s. The HyperDrive's color LCD screen enables viewing of JPEG and RAW files on the device. A built-in Wi-Fi functionality eliminates the need for an external wireless adapter. This enables the transfer between compatible devices at speeds up to 150 MB/s. Rating 9/10 
Images: An early version of a Colorspace UDMA, it has traveled on many occasions overland in my baggage through Africa, South America, and Asian continents since 2009. It's still working perfectly (2021) showing the reliability of the design. An investment that I can personally guarantee 100% satisfaction.

Extreme Subzero - Frost Bite Happens

Are you traveling to high altitude sub-zero mid-winter temps? A couple of different design gloves are necessary for normal use, and photography. Icebreaker have ultra thin gloves with embedded grips that work well holding on to stuff in extreme freezing cold environments. They can easily fit inside thicker gloves when on the go wading through snow carrying photo-gear. Open flip gloves (mittens) are another option, but exposing fingers too long below -30C (-22F) becomes unbearable after a few minutes at altitudes above 4000 meters. I've used the designs above in extreme cold, with all three showing positive results. Rating 9/10

Smart Phone Junk - Flaws & Limitations!

Cell phones today have probably reached their limitations as far as image quality goes. Maybe Raw is down the pipeline? I really don't care what other junk they come with. I only use cell phone cameras for location snaps, transit on the go videos, or during rare occasions without a camera. I've owned and tested the above models. They all have their own downsides for quality and reliability. The iPhone 5s 1G/64GB maybe old, but it's still good for daylight street snaps. It takes good videos, including amazing Time-lapse captures. The 5s is small, slim and lightweight, and probably the best from the above five smart phones for image quality. The BB Q5 camera for its age produces reasonable daytime images and videos, and can also handle drop tests all day long. The newest version BB Key2 has an Android operating system, it takes average images in daylight and suffers like most smart phones after dark producing grainy images. The Asus Zen, also an Android operating cell takes reasonable quality images and videos in daylight. The Chinese made MI gets the lowest rank, even though it comes with a large megapixel camera - the only good images it does take are selfies - which isn't one of my addictions. Chinese smart phones already have additional integrated malware which can be used to extract data without the user knowing it. Without any doubt, the older iPhone 5s comes out as the overall winner from the above 5 for capturing sharp images and videos. The 5s still has the Apple backup keeping it alive with OSX Mojave software update. 
Below, my classic iPhone 5s is still taking great street snaps in the 2020s. Although the 5s lacks the latest features, its camera, video, time-lapse functions are superior than some of the newer smartphones I use. The 5s has never let me down since 2013, it gets a 9/10 Rating for its camera-video capabilities.
Honestly, I hate using smart phone junk! If the entire planet trashed their smart phones, the world would be in a much better place than it is today. Freedom is in total free fall and will become nothing more than a past pipe dream. Imagine no location tracking, no AI, no QR-Codes, no snooping, no propaganda ads and definitely no cloud storage, which has all your data! Big tech, bankers and globalists have finally got everyone exactly where they pre-planned to have everyone - Under their rules, surveillance and control 24/7 non-stop. By 2030, most people will be using some form of personal QR-code to buy, sell, and travel. Cash, passports and WHO health passports will be phased out in or around 2027. The right hand and forehead mark to buy and sell in Rev 13: 16-18 isn't that much of a fable anymore. The top phone of all phones in the 2020s is the SQ Inmarsat IsatPhone 2 Satellite phone.

Macpac NZ Classic - Lightyear 1980s Tunnel Tent

Macpac NZ Sold Itself Out - Australian Owned - Products Made In China

New Zealand Lightyear 3 peg Gore-Tex 1Kg compact tent, first purchased in early 1984. 38+ years reliability - Central & South America, Africa, central, north & south east Asia, Middle East, Europe, North America, Australasia.   

Choosing the right tent for long term overland travel is relatively simple. It must be lightweight, small and compact enough to easily fit inside packs without hogging space. It must be rainproof and quick and fast to assemble. Many tent designs have far too many pegs and hoops to deal with taking forever to assemble. This becomes frustrating when arriving to locations in the dark after a day's slog. Single skin tunnel tents have been good choice for decades. They are extremely robust, breathable and lightweight. A good example is this classic Macpac Lightyear Gore-Tex tunnel tent. It only has 2 hoops and 3 pegs and only weighs a mere 1 kg in total.
​Normally, the Lightyear takes under two minutes to fully erect and dismantle. It accommodates 2 people and can handle high altitude, and strong gusts if positioned in the right direction. I had purchased the Macpac Lightyear in 1984, that's 37 years ago and counting. The Macpac has done some serious hardcore overland journeys around the planet. A few tent setup locations worth mentioning were in Patagonia, Altiplano, Amazon, Tibet, Pakistan, Israel, Nepal, India, Scandinavia, Morocco, Turkey, Sinai, Kenya, Japan, China, Crete, Rhodes, Cyprus, Colombia, Jordan, Nicaragua and the Aussie outback.
The reliability of this particular tent shows the quality of Macpac products that were originally made in New Zealand. No zipper or hoop failure, zero stitching issues, and has always kept water tight through the decades. Those that have this classic model tent know their value.  Rating 10/10

Below, classic snap mid 1980s with the Lightyear tent strapped on my Aussie XT 600 Tenere - Taba

Manfrotto - MBAG80P Tripod Bag

Since 2010 This Tripod Bag Has Never Let Me Down.

The Manfrotto MBAG80P has been a proven reliable tripod bag since it was purchased in 2010. The concept design was thoroughly thought of using padded ballistic nylon, thermoform padded interior, and full length robust zipper. The MBAG80 has survived traveling overland through countries and crossing continents with zero issues! It's been packed to the brim with extra stuff during transit weighing in at 10Kg+ without fuss or bother. Without hesitation, the MBAG80P gets a 10/10 Rating More on the MBAG80P in the Photo-gear page

Laptops - Dust Damp & Vibration

Bush Bus Transit Through Africa : Subzero Midwinter Himalaya : Middle East Heat

A laptops weakness is dust , dampness and vibration. laptops will always fail when you least expect them to. There's no escape from these issues when traveling through the middle of nowhere if laptops aren't properly protected. Any long-term overland travel journey through any continent will test laptops to their limitations. Laptop failure happens all the time. Causes are many, with dust, dampness and vibration right up-there as major issues. The collection of dust particles can build up easily unnoticed on laptops very quickly. Laptop cooling fans clog-up and fail from piles of dust. A damp humid environment together with dust and vibration can cause motherboards. or other circuitry to fail.  Have you checked your laptop lately? if not, place it in natural ambient sunlight at different angles to check for dust build-up like the image shown above. You maybe surprised to notice more dust than you imagined. If dust particles aren't blown off, it will eventually end-up inside, and create issues in the future. ​
Have you ever wondered why USB terminal ports on early laptops after fail to work? - Corrosion. The usual cause is Dust mixed with moisture which eventually builds up inside the ports. You could be lucky that it's only a faulty cable. The easy solution to keep laptop USB/HDMI ports dust and moisture free is a set of multiple silicon port plugs.
There are cheap wing bling port plugs on the market which are totally a waste of time to use and should be avoided - they just fall out after a week. I found a good quality set at a local computer shop years ago, they're still doing a great job on a Macbook pro. Rating 8/10

Laptops are good when placed on tables at home, or in other comfy zones, but laptops do have limitations of how much abuse they can handle outside into the beyond. Laptops were never designed to handle extreme torment for long periods at a time. Some bone breaking overland transit routes off tarmac highways will vibrate a laptop to bits if it's not securely packed down.
Laptops are the worst item to lug around no matter the brand - period. Over-landing through continents using basic transport - which I must express can be at times - rough as guts, will eventually destroy laptops that are not properly protected. Rattling vibrating dust filled transport, together with heat and damp conditions over long periods are causes of laptop failure.
Some wonder why their laptops won't function after grueling journeys bouncing around in all directions on board bush buses through dusty environments with unprotected laptops. This shows what computers are capable of, which is not much as far as reliability goes when leaving desktops. Even if laptops were to use protective casings or wrapped up deep down inside packs - they're still unpredictable at a moment's notice. I've seen laptops on rough bush-bus journeys that have slipped out of day packs from overhead storage smashing to bits on the aisles. I've seen countless laptops from other foreigners through the continents that were damaged due to the lack of not having adequate protection during transit. One day the laptop works, the following day it doesn't. 
Using a neoprene laptop sleeve with an outer Sea to Summit wrap will at least keep laptops safe from moisture and dust during ruff overland transit.When laptops are opened within humid, moist or damp regions, atmospheric vapour and other invisible elements gain access through the keyboard or heating vents. Over time, a build-up of decay increases on the logic-board and terminals. Wet humidity soaking on monitors will eventually cause screen fogging. Spilling any forms of liquid onto laptop keyboards is another instant laptop death.
Immediately shutting  laptops down within second disconnecting the battery is something of a by-gone era. Today laptops are impossible to open quickly enough to discontent the battery, with most having battery terminals soldered together. Those using older laptop models maybe lucky enough to resuscitate their laptop with replaceable parts.
Laptops drenched by spilled drinks or fluid must be thoroughly dried out first. The procedure of air drying each removable component must be done. A hair dryer will speed up the process if you're in a rush. Laptop memory sticks should be placed into anti-static bags. The assembly procedure should be done within a dust free environment. Newer solid state drive laptops are impossible to dismantle completely. Make sure your insurance has full laptop replacement cover.
On a positive note, there's a few tablet designs on the market that can handle the great outdoor environment, including any hardcore overland travel abuse one can think of. One model, is the Yuma tablet by Trimble. This little machine is tougher than tough, surviving every test literally and physically. I used a Yuma through South America with positive results. It was test dropped, kicked and walked on, washed down a river, buried in snow, and baked in scorching heat. No fancy laptop or iPad would have survived what the Yuma went through for 18 months - and still function. The only downside of this version, was the limited storage capacity, the workstation, and adapters that took up travel baggage space.
In general, laptop failures are common just sitting quietly on desktops, so imagine the added abuse, the bashing, grime, dust and vibration over landing up and down and across continents. Traveling with any fragile equipment without proper protection is just increasing the risk factor of total malfunction quicker  - especially laptops! There are many out there who know what I'm talking about. Mac book slim military cover.

There are some pretty cheap trashy laptop shell case skins on the market today with some falling apart just by looking at them. Good quality skins may cost triple the price, but if it's reliability you're looking for, the option of paying a little more for quality covers will pay-off lasting for years. The above, a ultra thin carbon skin by Ion is certainly one design that stands out from wing bling models. It's made from polyurethane and crafted on a highly durable lightweight poly carbonate sheet. It does the job protecting a monitor's casing from general wear and tear. The Ion skin has protected several laptops clocking up years of overland travel mileage without issues.  Rating 10/10

Quick Boil - Immersion Rod

How many times have you wanted a hot drink in the middle of the night at cheap hotel hangouts during transit? There's also nothing like waking up in the morning sipping on hot cups of tea or coffee before venturing outdoors. Traveling with a mini immersion rod does the trick. There are various makes and models on the market with subpar reliability and safety. Using cheap versions are dangerous, and should be avoided. I've tried and used various models through continents with a few that have either melted the socket pin casing or sizzled the internal wiring in the handle compartment.
​The mini Monex immersion rod shown below has so far proven to do the job it was designed for without melting of falling apart for more than 5+ years - A record in the making.
The Monex has a solid thick pin socket casing with a heavy duty handle that can be disassembled if necessary. The coil is also double the size of similar designs of the same length. Rating 10/10

IP67 Rated Tablet - Yuma Trimble USA

Rugged Yuma Trimble Tablet : Version 1 IP67 : Version 2 IP65 : Version 3 2019 IP68

Yuma, an SSD tablet with an IP-67 rating for hard drop, extreme heat, subzero freezers. The Yuma is totally waterproof. The Yuma 1 and 2 version have limited storage space, external hard drives are necessary. Consumer laptops may have ample storage, but like all laptops, they're fragile within extreme conditions having zero IP6-67 rating. Extensive overland transit journeys within extreme regions with different climates (including bump and grind) will slowly destroy laptops if not properly protected. The Yuma 1 could handle any punishment thrown at it. ​​My Yuma had experienced full underwater river submersion,  drop, extreme heat, and subzero temps. Dual batteries ran the Yuma all day non-stop. The Yuma inbuilt accessories include SDIO slot, Express card,  Bluetooth, V-GPS, Camera, macro, night mode, front rear lenses, Video, Live Path Logger, USB ports, 10 Pin connector, and anti reflective screen.

The Yuma first version only takes low resolution 1.3 megapixel images, like the above example taken in central Amazon.  

The Israeli IDF uses sophisticated versions of the same Yuma tablet. The Trimble Yuma design is a reliable unit anywhere out in the field. It embarrass normal laptops of their poor vulnerability. The updated Yuma 2 version has an IP-65 rating. The newest Yuma 7 released in 2019 has an IP-68 rating.  Reliability Rating 10/10  ​Below, Yuma version one IP67, the tablet survived over 4+ years of travel transit abuse.

Featherweight Jacket - Windblown Regions

A small waterproof microfiber mini rain jacket like the North Ridge above are handy when sudden downpours occur. They're also good for stopping penetrating wind through clothing in mountainous regions. Ultra Lightweight jackets can be purchased at most camping shops. I've used this super lightweight jacket on many occasions from sea level to 4800 meters. First purchased in 2007, last used in the Himalaya region in 2020, no rips and the sealing is still intact. Rating 9/10 ​

Stopping Fungus - Silica Gel

Silica Gel Packs - Reheat In Microwave - Reuse - Reheat - Reusable For Years

Fungus Growth Inside One Lens Will Contaminate Other Lenses - Fungus Doesn't Care About Brand Names.

If you're hanging out in sub-tropical environments, and traveling with camera gear, silica -gel will do the job to suck all the moisture out of camera bags. Camera lens optics are vulnerable to get fungus spores within hot humid environments. It only takes a spec of damp dust trapped inside on a lens optic for fungus spores to begin contaminating across an optical glass like a spider web within weeks.  Orange silica gel crystals keep fungus controlled with photo gear in any environment. I can personally say these dry silica packs do work. This particular brand will  last about 5-7 days before needing a recharge in a microwave. Depending on the amount of moisture and humidity, the dry packs may need to be recharged earlier. The crystals will slowly turn from orange to brown. The cartridges can be placed directly into any microwave for 30-60 seconds, or remove the silica from the cartridges into a glass bowel, and microwave the gel for 60-90 seconds if using 10+ packets or more. It's important to allow the silica to cool down before re-heating again. The process will need to be repeated at least 5-6 times. Heating the gel in a oven is another option. Silica gel is an alternative to dry box storage. Photo-gear can also be placed in quality "sealed" travel suitcases with silica cartridges instead of a dry-box. Another option on short duration 2-3 week journeys are small sealed silica packets, which are normally used for food products. Throwing a pile of these inside camera bags will absorb, and keep any moisture at bay up to 3 weeks, but cannot be recharged or reused. Rating 10/10

Dropped External Hard Drives - DIY Fix

Have you accidentally dropped an external hard drive lately? And now the hard drive clicks and hums without booting? And even worse, the hard drive is full of data? One of the causes of this happening, is the hard drive operating arm head becoming stuck somewhere on the disc. The arm head will need to be pulled back into its start position. A torx screwdriver and a dental tool hook are required with a work space clean from dust before disassembly. The image snaps will hopefully help anyone with this problem. Retrieve and extract the data to another hard drive, and use the damaged hard drive for a paper weight. Note: this quick DIY fix is done at your own risk

Outdoor Survival - Fire Starter

Heading in to bush land, or hiking, trekking, or hunting for a week or or two requires some basic items in the pack for emergency purposes. One small tool that comes in handy when lighters and matches fail, is a Fire Steel starter. They can also be used as a backup for signalling as a last method if one becomes lost in the middle of nowhere. Steel fire starters can be purchase in reputable camping shops. Rating 9/10 This YouTube video explains more on how to use a fire starter

Hands Free - Headlamp After Dark

Headlamps are far superior than using cell phone lights in the dark. Two hands free are better than one in any situation in the middle of the night. Most quality branded headlamps on the market have almost the same concept and futures in their designs with various lighting strengths. Some have unbelievable "ultra-powered " lumens that can light up the night sky like daylight 600 meters away. Those who've been stuck after dark know the importance of a reliable headlamp. The Petzl brand has been around for decades with a wide range of lumen powered headlamps. My little el-cheapo, shown above, was purchased in Africa, it's waterproof, full metal construction, and runs its juice on one single AA battery. It's done more than its fair share of night work up and down Africa and across Asia since 2011. My headlamp is still doing what it was designed for when required in 2020 Rating 10/10 
​Another alternative light is the mini Lum Cube . If one is based somewhere long-term off-shore, like I am, a heavy duty MagLite D Cell powered by an LED bulb comes in handy for emergency breakdowns  and power cuts. My MagLite D Cell shown below has a proven track record torch since the early 1990s. It still working perfectly in 2020s, that's 30+ years of reliability. Rating 10/10 Below, Maglite emergency lighting, reliable, tough, waterproof, made to last for decades. 

Robust Mini Pocket Pod - RRS USA

Looking for a good Mini Tripod? The RRS (Really Right Stuff) TFA-01 pocket pod can be used to hold almost anything because of its quality and robust design. It can be used to mount most point and shoot cameras, mirrorless cameras, and certain cell phones (an adapter head and frame is required for cell phones). The RRS mini pod is crafted from metal, and CNC machined to perfection. The holder shown mounted to the mini pod is also an RRS design which has a dual purpose - A comfortable hand grip to hold a cell out of a window on a moving bus in transit when taking videos or snaps, and used as a precision tool bit driver with a selection of JIS tool-bits that are stored inside the holder itself. It has an o-ring sealed removable twist bottom to protect, the tool-bits inside the holder when in transit. More RRS images here.
The JIS tool-bits are CNC machined designed for photo gear repair for stripping down camera lenses and bodies. The tool-bits can be used on most camera equipment out of Japan that may require re-tightening or disassembly. Made in the USA.

Above, the RRS TFA-01, JIS tool bit and hand holder and RRS smart phone clamp. The kit was first purchased in 2013, and has been used for all different types of tasks. The same RRS kit is working perfectly in the 2020s. This is reliable made travel gear.  Rating 10/10 Below, an RX100 Sony mounted to the TFA-01 @ 3700 meters altitude, minus -12C.

For on the go overland travel anyway around the planet, the RRS (Really Right Stuff) TFA-01 mini tripod will do what it was designed for. The ease of setting it up can't be easier at any location or in any environment. The RRS extension holder may require a 3/8 - 1/4 inch adapter fitting like in the above image for small point and shoot cameras. Below, the pure strength of an RRS TFA-01 pocket pod holding over 4kgs of weight.

Below, chilling out offshore enjoying the late afternoon ambience skyline. The RRS TFA-01 pocket pod, Apple smart phone and keyboard versus a laptop has no  discussion. Laptops win hands down, but now and then this small combo is good enough for Skype catchup calls and music. I've mentioned countless times through this website about how much I resent smart phones. In the early years, smart phones were like harmless hand tools, but they've now become the most intrusive spying monitoring items ever invented.      

Hoodie Head Wear - Buff Products

Only Original Buff Designs Work - Copies Of Buff Are Garbage!

Buff Hoodies are the perfect solution for protection against extreme outdoor elements. The original Buff sleeve was designed in the early 90's for the sole purpose for neck and head protection. Buffs can be worn as a warmer in cold temperatures, and used as a sun scorching protector in hot regions. Wearing a Buff will also keep long hair from becoming clogged up with dust and grime during transit mode - especially on local bush-buses operating on dirt roads with open windows. I've been using Buffs through the continents for years with good results for what they were designed for. Rating 10/10

Fake Buff Hoodies copies are many and may be cheaper, but they're certainly not made from the same quality material as original Buff Hoodies.  Buying original products will always last longer than low grade made wing bling junk!
Quality made stuff, especially handmade items using the right materials will keep on going literally for decades. Most who are on the road usually buy their wearable clothing from street side sellers or in markets. Depending the quality, the use-by date won't be more than 12 months if that, when worn on a weekly basis.
Likely issues of fading, stitching falling apart, and holes appearing are normal. Although Buff head wear isn't handmade, their designs do last. Above image, Buff Hoodie ready to use  in 2021

First Aid Kit - Travel With One!

Traveling offshore with certain tablets can save a whole lot of grief. Ivermectin is one them formulated especially for parasites. Ivermectin has also stopped Covid-19 in its tracks, if taken early with Zinc, and Vitamin C. The above tablets were purchased in Asia across the counter for under $3 bucks. 

Why did most African countries suffer the least deaths of Covid? The populations were taking Ivermectin anti-parasitic tablets. 

Something that we don't really worry about carrying until the moment when needed is a minimal first aid kit. When over-landing through the continents there will be times when a first aid kit comes in handy. Transport accidents, hiking fatalities, beach, ocean, desert and savannah cuts and bites are a part of a long list of hazards that may eventuate from one minute to the next. Here's a quick list of what I usually carry for emergency purposes - A tick extractor, band aids, plaster tape, eye drops, neosporin powder, antiseptic cream, portable water purifier, alloy wrap sheet, vitamin B&D, garlic, ginger, manuka honey, tiger balm, liniment cream, tweezers, mini scissors, sharp knife.   ​

Life Straw allows drinking water directly from rivers, streams, creeks and springs.

A knee compression brace pad is one essential item I've carried in travel baggage for years, and have used on many different  occasions. Injuring knees can result from accidentally slipping, bumping, or falling directly on the knee cap. Swelling knees is something to avoid during travel journeys. I personally use knee pads photographing in subzero locations when kneeling down on snow or ice capturing images. Rating 10/10

Survival & Camping - Knives

Carrying a knife today can be complicated, but it's still legal if stored and packed in luggage. In the West, knives are frowned upon having different rules and regulations to blade lengths, which in some countries has dwindled down to 2 inches. When traveling through South America, Africa, or Asia one automatically notices the amount of different knives, machetes, and axes which are seen being used daily in markets and many street locations. The mini Swiss knife has always been a popular option to travel with, but it won't do all the tasks larger blades can handle. My reliable Bowie knife can open a can of food in 5 seconds. Choosing a quality knife depends on the steel it's made from which come with different price tags. Good knives are constructed with Damascus steel, an ancient process that's been around for 17 centuries which involves forging together multiple layers of steel to create a very strong blade. Most camping shops sell firearms usually have a large selection of knives to choose from. knives can be easily purchased through the continents for camping purposes, and then given away before on returning to western countries that have restrictions prohibiting the importations of certain knife designs. Best knives globally -  Dawson USA Made
​Switch flick blades and spring inverted knives should be avoided unless you're looking for trouble. The banning of carrying knives in public places is understandable in western nations that have high crime gang culture,  but don't blame the knife - it's the person who's holding the blade that commits the crime. 101 useful things a knife can do.

1981 W49 Bowie - 41+ Years Still Working.

A good quality survival knife for bush camping is hard to find these days. Many knives on the global market look good in appearance, but fail for their intended purpose when put to the test. The image shown is a classic Bowie W49 blade, which is a fine example of a heavy duty "old school" blade that can out perform most other knives on the market today. It can chop, and split wood, peel potatoes, chop up pumpkin, cabbage and other vegetables, fruit, slice fish, chop meat, and when razor sharp it can even slice a piece of thin paper in two. The W49 Bowie shown was purchased in 1981. That's 40 years ago. It has traveled mega mileage, over landing through Africa, Asia, South America, Europe, USA, Australia and the Mid-East many times. Russian custom immigration officials at Moscow airport wanted to seize it on arrival. Iranian customs immigration land border officials wanted to purchase it. South Korean and Chilean officials didn't wink an eye-lid. The blade has even sliced and chopped date branches faster than a hydraulic cutting machine in Israel. It's now 2019, and this classic Bowie W49 blade is still a part of my overland transit baggage thru Asia. ​Large knives are not illegal to travel with if the knife is packed in "checked baggage" at airports. It is still legal to travel with a large blade overland crossing borders in Africa, Asia, South America, and the Mid-East. As long as knives are packed away in baggage when using local transport - there are no issues to deal with. It's not advisable, or even legal in some countries to carry a large blade inside a day pack with easy access to use it on the street (The UK, Australia, NZ).
​It's still legal to travel with long bladed knives when hiking, trekking and for camping purposes in most countries. The overland travel and transit history mileage of the Bowie only covers the times it was taken on long-term journeys with many other overland transit trips that are not listed. Rating 10/10

Custom handmade items, with some designs that have done untold global overland transit mileage for decades. Good handmade stuff just keeps on keeping on year in year out. I had made the bone belts and vest in the mid 90s, now 27+ years on they're still intact and being worn in the 2020s Rating 10/10

Firearms - Permits Required!

With the correct firearm licensees and permits, airlines allow the transportation of firearms on board flights. Pelican rifle cases are among a few top high quality brands that are approved by airlines. Gun cases must be securely locked with the owner holding the master key. Five kilograms of live ammunition is usually the maximum allowance packed in checked baggage. The problems and issues that do arise are the restrictions of each individual country that may or may not allow certain caliber's and rifle designs into the country. This has to be thoroughly researched before boarding any flight with firearms. Rules, laws and regulations with firearms are constantly changing every year. Traveling overland transiting through any continent with firearms is illegal and virtually impossible to do. The seizure of firearms with a lengthy time in a jail cell will result.

Never Miss Another Shot - A Hemi Camera Rest Bag

Shoot wildlife quickly from any position any location anywhere anytime - Never miss another shot.

Sometimes, you have to make your own concept product that can with stand time itself. This Rick Hemi rest-bag design was first scribbled on paper back in 2006 as a prototype. It was then marketed online, and sold at various retail shops with good success. I've been using the same rest-bag above since it was first made in 2006 - within "difficult" environments proving its reliability sustaining zero issues to workmanship and design. Traveling with it empty is lighter than a feather. On this  overland journey, dry sawdust was easily sourced to fill the bag. 
The rest bag is constructed from waterproof Codura fabric, velcro straps, YKK zip. (it's simple enough to make up your own rest-bag)
Camera lens rest-bags are useful saving precious time setting-up tripods at certain locations in tight spots in urban areas, or for sudden roaming wildlife. Using heavy lenses on rest-bags - like the 3.3Kg AFS Nikon 200-400 f4G VRII becomes more sustainable than hand-holding. No more missed shots, easy to position, safer and lower within any environment.
Image - Nikon D3 and AF-S 200-400 f/4G VRII lens in subzero temps @4300M (14100 ft), Average midwinter daytime temp minus -12C. Photo gear was used with zero issues at recorded temps of minus -33C.  ​​Rating 10/10

Overland Transit - External Hard Drives

Cloud storage is great when there's an internet connection. In general, fast broadband is non-existent, or only running on 56k juice within many rural, or isolated environments throughout South America, Africa, and Asia. Uploading data to cloud storage will only function properly with a reliable fast line connection. Traveling with a couple of external hard drives is recommended if hundreds of raw files are collected each day. Connecting to cloud can always be done later when arriving to any city that has an active broadband service. Image: Lacie external hard drives  Rating 10/10 ​​​

Handy Items - Asia-Africa-South America

A spare pair of hiking bootlaces come in handy in regions where good quality bootlaces are hard to find. They're also a good substitute to hang washing and damp clothes during travel. Normally there's always something solid in rooms to tie a set of laces around to hang clothes. Rooms with ceiling fans will quickly air dry clothing in no time. Using your own solid lock is recommended for added security with rooms that have outside bolt-shafts. Rating 10/10 ​

Multi Band - Talkies

Walkies are a luxury item which are only necessary for those traveling in pairs. They can be used within wildlife sanctuary's, game parks, and isolated locations with others during trekking, climbing, or any region with minimal sat/nav/cell communications. Walkies are extremely good for backup between people in emergencies when required.   
Sets with a 40+km range are recommended within mountainous areas. Never flash or use walkies in or around sensitive areas with military presence. You may lose them, including a rigorous interrogation check that may waste a day of your time. As of yet, talkies are not classified as sensitive equipment in most countries, except India, Pakistan, Iran, China, Saudi, Sudan, North Korea & Russia.
I've been using the set above, a pair of Midlands since 2007 with good results in mountainous regions.
​Quality upmarket brands can be purchased at hunting shops. Rating 10/10 ​

Cape Town Amman Cape Town - 1st Gen iPad

The only reason why this iPad had survived rugged overland transit abuse through Africa and Asia was by using a good protective cover. If you want your gear to survive any hardcore transit trip - protect it, if not, screaming won't help when something fragile like iPads, laptops, or smart phones fail because of the lack of protection. This classic 1st Gen iPad had really gone through some serious torture from when it was first purchased. It's been dropped, walked on, knocked, bashed and bumped through its life span during transit mode - and it's still working and functioning perfectly even today, only because of it having a protective cover.
I've lost count on how many foreigners I've seen on the road that could have saved their laptops, cameras, lenses, and cell phones from instant death. If they had of invested on the necessary covers protecting their equipment, their gear would still be functioning.
In many cases, it's others who destroy other peoples stuff, caused by sudden mishaps. Spilling liquid on laptop keyboards in cafes, or dropping cameras on pavements, or smart phones suddenly slipping out of the hand happens when least expected.
And yes, this classic 1st Gen iPad is still working in the 2020s

Bag Your Gear - Dust Grime Water Proof Protection

Sea to Summit thin skin bags will keep dust and water at bay no matter what environment it is. They come in all shapes and sizes, and in different colors which makes it easy to identify packed items if multiple bags are used. Like Domke wraps, Sea to Summit bags are designed for one purpose - to protect and seal anything from evasive elements.
​I've been using Sea to Summit bags since the late 1990s, and found them useful in high subzero altitudes, wet weather conditions, and dusty environments. Sea to Summit products were first created and made in Australia. Like most western designers, their manufacturing division moved to China for increased profit margins. Rating 9/10   Sea to Summit

Light Weight Clothing - Icebreaker

Icebreaker clothing was originally created for the great out-doors lifestyle. Icebreaker designs are worn by snow boarders, skiers, and mountain climbers around the planet. The positives, Icebreaker clothing have different thickness layers, which can be peeled off as the temperature rises. For example, a pair of Icebreaker 150 ultra thin long john thermos will keep the body warm enough through the night in cold temp regions. Icebreaker clothing can be worn for up to four days without giving off smelly odors, and can be washed and dried under an hour in sunlight. Another positive, is their lightweight compact size for overland travel through countries.
The Negatives, ​I've worn and used Icebreaker clothing through the continents in various climatic conditions. Wearing layers together does keep you warm, although reliability holding together has a short lifespan. The BodyFit 150 line does fray and tears easily - Beware. Icebreaker's retail cost is way above the roof, especially when their clothing line is made in China selling the Kiwi Merino name.
Although Icebreaker were first officially branding as "Buy Kiwi Made", Icebreaker had already set up shop manufacturing products in China, dating back to 2006. There is virtually nothing left manufactured in New Zealand. The country was sold out years ago. China has slowly been land grabbing the country literally and politically - South Pacific Hong Kong.
The NZ unemployment rate in 2006 was at 3.6%, by 2013 it doubled to 6.4%. The latest NZ unemployment stats in 2020, is more than bleak. If NZ clothing designers and manufacturers like Icebreaker, Macpac, Ridgeline, Swazi, and Kathmandu had remained in New Zealand employing Kiwis, the country would at least have less unemployed with more New Zealanders in the workforce. Follow the money, it's all about profit greed percentage margins. Rating 5/10 For more exposure on New Xiland, my solo overland road journey through NZ.

Offshore Photo Gear Stuff - Choose Wisely

Reliable photo gear is priority offshore. Camera failures, lens malfunctions and tripod issues have no place during transit journeys. Knowing what your photo gear can handle, and function effortlessly within extreme environments is imperative. My own photo gear above and below have proven track records reaching isolated locations capturing images with no problems.           

The Nikon D3-D3s-D3x series will wear most street photographers out. These models were produced with large sensors with an almost unbelievable shutter count reaching double to triple or more than their expected lifespan. I've been using D3 & D3s bodies since 2012 with positive results. Both bodies have been used in extreme temperatures well below subzero to +50C, including hot humid environments, and monsoon rains with zero issues. Both bodies are still functioning perfectly in 2023. Neither of these full frame DSLR bodies will be replaced until something drastically malfunctions to either of them — Rating 10/10

The choice of photo gear has become an endless tsunami each month with updated designed camera bodies and lenses hitting the global market never seen before. Don't become hypnotized by all the newest camera-gear, that may or may not be better than what you're already using. The camera industry has always been in competition with itself, but with a future global economy losing much like the return of the dark ages, who knows what's going to happen? If your camera-gear is operating the way it should, giving good results, why replace it? There are some "classic" camera bodies that are still sought after because of their track record reliability.
Choosing the right photo-gear is a necessity for any long term overland journey through the continents. Good used equipment can be found on eBay. Some of the best deals for photo-gear are from Japanese top rated eBay sellers. They are honest sellers with good customer service. KEH camera USA is another 2nd hand camera source with a large inventory of used photo-gear. Most probably already know what they need - and what they don't need. ​

Traveling overland through continents carting around tripods isn't everyone's cup of tea, although I can personally say I wouldn't leave offshore without one. Tripods become useful for heavy lenses (3kg+body), night and astro photography, and wildlife. There's a large choice of light weight carbon fibre tripods and heads that can be used for long-term overland travel. My own tripod, a Gitzo CF series 3 with a Markins center hub and Wimberley WH 200 head weighs approximately 2.5 kg, and can easily hold a 6kg AF-s 600mm f4 lens and pro-body, including 10kg of added support weight.  ​

There's not one lens on the market that can capture and cover everything as we would wish. Only the Nikon P1000 point and shoot comes close, although does require a tripod. Wildlife lenses vary from 400mm up, while landscape, portrait, and street photography will usually require certain focal lengths with low light capabilities. Nikon through the decades have produced some amazing quality lenses with some dating back to the early 80's that can still perform as good or better than the latest models on the market. More in the photo gear page.
Below, I'm still using some of these lenses in the 2020s for street photography, portrait, landscape, action shots, wildlife, diverse and on the go snaps. Using quality Lenses are more important than camera bodies. Best advice for street still photography — one good quality lens is better than using three crappy lenses.
Packing up photo gear properly before embarking on overland transit journeys is essential. Bush buses through the continents show no mercy to anything carelessly packed. Dust and vibration can't be avoided. Loading and unloading camera baggage from any transport should be personally done by yourself, including when in hotels. Locals treat baggage using the same methods, usually by picking stuff up and then throwing or dropping it into place.    

In Transit Offshore - Protect Your Gear!

Getting Through Countries & Continents With Stuff Without Damage - Use Reliable Packs!

Solo travel and transiting with photo-gear through any continent will test your ability in more ways than one, that will either make or break your stuff. Equipment inside should be packed down tightly to handle all types of extreme transit journeys. This includes stop-off transfers from trains to bus stations, rickshaw and taxi lifts, baggage loaded inside or on top of bush buses, and on the back of trucks, or when hitching lifts in the middle of nowhere. It minimizes wear and tear, and minimal damage of baggage contents. Ruff handling of baggage by locals, dust, dirt, grime, dampness, and vibration are the common elements destroying equipment.
​Quality made backpacks and tripod bags with additional body and lens protection wraps will ensure maximum safety for photo-gear in transit mode. The above image shows photo-gear in transit in India on a 2nd class 2 tier sleeper. The same equipment has also transited through Nepal twice, Bangladesh, and across India on 3 different journeys with zero damage to contents and baggage. Self loading my stuff transiting through continents no matter the transport used has been common practice since the early 1980s. If you don't care about your baggage or contents during transit journeys, which many foreigners don't, expect an 80% risk factor of something being damaged. I've seen this happen to others on many occasions through decades of travel. Broken laptops, damaged camera lenses, and ripped backpacks are the usual items. 

Slimline Pack - 800mm Lens & Body

The design and reliability of any product ensures overland transit journeys will be without the need of early replacement or quick fix bush repairs of stuff in the middle of nowhere. This Kani pack and photo-gear has clocked up thousands of kilometers of overland transit since 2016 without any damage or issues. Self loading and off loading becomes essential minimizing damage. Over landing through Asia, Africa, South America, and Middle East with an 800mm f/5.6 lens without having sufficient protection will destroy the lens within a short time period. The Kani L 300L lens pack, if still available, is certainly a wise investment to protect large long prime lenses within most environments. Comfort 6/10 : Design 7/10 : Reliability 8/10
Below, hiking with a loaded Kani pack and tripod bag up in Himalayan wilderness.