Desert Travels - Suggested list of equipment
This list is subdivided into these main groups - click link to navigate

Camp	Clothes	Docs	Food	Medics
Misc	Motor	Maps	Photo	Tools

Print out list and use tick column. List will be different for each destination
and for each country. Some items may not apply on every trip.

No	Cat	Item	Qty	Details	Tick
	Camp	Back-pack, trekking
	Camp	Blanket, sleeping		Optional
	Camp	Blanket, survival, insulated
	Camp	Bowl, washing up
	Camp	Brush, hand, for sweeping
	Camp	Bucket and well rope, 200ft		Optional
	Camp	Candles, long-life
	Camp	Clothes pegs and line
	Camp	Corkscrew, bottle opener
	Camp	Cushion, inflatable
	Camp	Cutlery knife, fork, spoon
	Camp	Desert chairs and table		Optional
	Camp	Distress flare, Distress kite		Optional
	Camp	Drinking Glasses, plastic
	Camp	Drinking Mugs, plastic
	Camp	Elastic rope spiders
	Camp	Hand-towel, face flannel
	Camp	Jerrycan, water-storage
	Camp	Kettle, 12 volt	1	Optional
	Camp	Kettle, gas ring
	Camp	Knives, Stanley carpet knives
	Camp	Matches and lighters
	Camp	Mattress, self-inflating
	Camp	Mirror, shaving
	Camp	Paintbrush for dusting
	Camp	Pillow, inflatable, small
	Camp	Shaver converter		Optional
	Camp	Scourer cleaners
	Camp	Sleeping bag, cotton liner
	Camp	Sleeping bag, down-filled
	Camp	String, guy rope quality
	Camp	Sun awning sheet, poles & pegs		Optional
	Camp	Tape, canvas repair tape
	Camp	Tea tray, cook's worktop
	Camp	Tent, framed dome
	Camp	Thermometer, Maximin		Optional
	Camp	Tin openers
	Camp	Toilet bag, toothbrush etc
	Camp	Toilet paper, 1 roll/week		Estimated
	Camp	Toilet, toothbrush and toothpaste
	Camp	Torch and spare batteries
	Camp	Torch, Petzl headband
	Camp	Towel, washing
	Camp	Towels, tea
	Camp	Travel flight bag for return trip
	Camp	Travellers' wipes
	Camp	Washing powder
	Camp	Washing-up bowl
	Camp	Washing-up liquid
	Camp	Water bottle 1.5 litre deflatable
	Camp	Water funnel		Optional
	Camp	Water tubing, siphon
	Clothes	Arabic headscarf
	Clothes	Bush coat
	Clothes	Neckerchief and neck tie
	Clothes	Pyjamas
	Clothes	Shirt and trousers, travelling outfit
	Clothes	Shirts and tee shirts
	Clothes	Shoes, lightweight
	Clothes	Shoes, walking, trekking
	Clothes	Socks, handkerchiefs
	Clothes	Sun hat
	Clothes	Sweater, woolly
	Clothes	Swim trunks
	Clothes	Trousers long, warm
	Clothes	Trousers shorts
	Clothes	Underpants
	Clothes	Waist belts
	Clothes	Windjammer, cagoule
	Docs	Address book, e-mail & postal
	Docs	Air Flight ticket
	Docs	Car hire agency, tel number		Optional
	Docs	Carnet de Passage en Douanes
	Docs	Cash dollar bills		Bank
	Docs	Cash local currencies		Bank
	Docs	Cash Travellers' cheques
	Docs	Driving licence National
	Docs	Driving Licence International
	Docs	Guide books
	Docs	Hotel name and address
	Docs	Insurance cover for trip
	Docs	Insurance Green Card
	Docs	Insurance Personal Cover
	Docs	International Motor Vehicle Cert		Ownership proof
	Docs	Money belt
	Docs	Passport photographs for visas
	Docs	Passport and passport copies
	Docs	Vehicle Registration document		V5 Vehicle registration
	Food
	Food	Bags polythene		Small and Large
	Food	Biscuits, RyeVita, Jam
	Food	Bowl, plate, mug
	Food	Boxes, plastic, storage
	Food	Can opener
	Food	Chopping board, bread board
	Food	Coffee, text, sugar, milk
	Food	Cooker, camping & fuel
	Food	Cooking foil, food wrap
	Food	Cooking utensils
	Food	Foil for cooking and food wrap
	Food	Matches safety
	Food	Meal-packs, dehydrated		Pot Noodles
	Food	Muesli, dried milk
	Food	Mustard, pepper, salt
	Food	Stock cubes
	Food	Vinaigrette, ketchup
	Map	Navigation compass, prismatic
	Maps	Dividers, ruler and pencil
	Maps	GPS Garmin or Magellan
	Maps	Maps, local, as available		Stanfords
	Maps	Navigation distress whistle
	Maps	Pedometer, route measuring
	Maps	SOS beacon		Optional
	Medic	Altitude sickness pills, Diamox		Doctor
	Medic	Anadin analgesic
	Medic	Antibiotic, Trimethoprim		Doctor
	Medic	Antibiotics, ciproflaxacin		Doctor
	Medic	Antiseptic ointment, Germolene
	Medic	Aspirin, Anadin		Boots
	Medic	Band aids and bandages
	Medic	Bandage crepe, ankle sprain
	Medic	Diarrhoea pills, Lomotil
	Medic	First Aid, medical bag
	Medic	Insect flea powder
	Medic	Insect fumigator Gammexane		Optional
	Medic	Insect repellant spray
	Medic	Lip Salve, Labella
	Medic	Lozenges, Strepsils
	Medic	Paludrin, anti-malarial
	Medic	Scissors, medical
	Medic	Serum, snake, scorpion
	Medic	Spectacles, spare pairs		Occulist
	Medic	Splint, survival, inflatable		Optional
	Medic	Sting and bite cream, Cortisone
	Medic	Sun protection oil
	Medic	Syringes, injection & drip needles
	Medic	Water purifying tablets
	Misc	Batteries AA
	Misc	Batteries AAA
	Misc	Biro pens, Bic stylo		Gifts
	Misc	Boiled sweets for gifts
	Misc	Boxes plastic, storage
	Misc	Cigarettes, negotiating		Gifts
	Misc	Elastic bands
	Misc	Glues, Araldite and Superglue
	Misc	Knife, Swiss army, multi-tool
	Misc	Music radio receiver, short-wave
	Misc	Music Tape player
	Misc	Music tape player and cassettes
	Misc	Notebook, large, for writing log
	Misc	Rubber bands, elastic
	Misc	Safety pins
	Misc	Spectacles, two spare pairs
	Misc	Super glue
	Misc	Tape, masking tape
	Misc	Tape, Velcro self adhesive
	Misc	Telephone, mobile and charger
	Misc	Telephone, satellite		Optional
	Misc	Writing notebook
	Misc	Writing pencils
	Misc	Writing, felt tip marker
	Motor	Brake fluid, clutch fluid
	Motor	Brake hoses, spare
	Motor	Clips, jubilee large and small
	Motor	Electric jump leads
	Motor	Engine decoke set, gaskets		Optional
	Motor	Engine oil
	Motor	Fuel Funnels with fuel filter
	Motor	Fuel hose
	Motor	Fuel pump and filter spares
	Motor	Grease & grease gun
	Motor	Ground anchors, sand plough		Optional
	Motor	Gun gum exhaust repair kit
	Motor	Jack, wheel changing
	Motor	Jerrycan, fuel storage
	Motor	Land Rover/Toyota
	Motor	Metal bar, flat, pre-drilled
	Motor	Metal threaded rod and bolts
	Motor	Motor Hacksaws and blades
	Motor	Motor Workshop manual
	Motor	Nuts, bolts and washers
	Motor	Oil can 3-in-1
	Motor	Oil spray WD40
	Motor	Petrol siphon tubing
	Motor	Radiator sealing fluid
	Motor	Recovery Jack, hi-lift		Jackall
	Motor	Recovery tow rope, 6m
	Motor	Shovels entrenching
	Motor	Tyre puncture repair kit
	Motor	Tyre spare tubes and covers
	Motor	Water hoses, spare
	Photo	Cameras, digital, image cards
	Photo	Cameras, film, main and spare
	Photo	Film stock 20 x 36 100 asa
	Photo	Filters, polariser, reversing ring
	Photo	Lens, superwide and telephoto
	Photo	Photo, flash-gun and batteries
	Photo	Photo, paintbrush, lens dusting
	Photo	Photo, tripod small
	Photo	Tripod		Optional
	Photo	Video camera		Optional
	Tools	Cable ties, small and large
	Tools	Carpet knives and blades
	Tools	Catalytic resin and hardener
	Tools	Drill and drill bit set		Charger
	Tools	Electric battery jump leads
	Tools	Feeler guages
	Tools	Files, round and flat
	Tools	Garden wire, for repairs
	Tools	Hacksaw and blades
	Tools	Jacking pads, wood		Not permitted in China
	Tools	Jubilee clips large and small
	Tools	Plug spanner
	Tools	Recovery Sand ladders
	Tools	Recovery snatch rope + shackles
	Tools	Sandpaper & Emery cloth
	Tools	Scissors, tinsnips, pliers
	Tools	Spanners metric, imperial		Whitworth and AF
	Tools	Swarfega, hand degreaser
	Tools	Tape, Masking tape
	Tools	Tool roll, sockets, grips etc.
	Tools	Tyre inflation pump
	Tools	Tyre levers and crowbar
	Tools	Tyre pressure guage
	Tools	Tyre Puncture repair kit
	Tools	Vice, bumper fitting
	Tools	Water funnel
	Tools	Winch		Optional
	Tools	Wire winch cable 3.5 ton		Optional

Back to top of list

Photo Gallery - 'Desert and Travel' click here

 

DESERT AND ROUGH COUNTRY DRIVING

From letter to James and friends...

Section 1 VEHICLE

Payload - keep weight to a minimum. Fit heavy duty shock absorbers, if available. Balance payload front-to back. Padlock roof rack. Spares - carry basic spares, eg 2 spark plugs (or 2 injectors), distributor cap, condenser, spare oil, brake fluid, fuses, electric wire, spanner set mole grips, pliers, screwdrivers, (straight and cross-head), spark tester, sandpaper, (to clean contacts). Also jump leads, plastic bags, masking tape, marker pen, insulation tape, tie wire (for tying up the things that fall off). Radweld, several spare Jubilee clips. Spare front brake hose. Tyre pump. Candle and matches. Torch. Sterotabs. Chafing - Check over car for anything that rubs against anything else - they chafe through and let you down. Tie up, secure or buffer as required; especially fuel pipes, brake hoses, water hoses etc.

Section 2 ROUTE PLANNING

Supplies - Check out next fuel and water supplies; allow extra 200 miles fuel + 10 days water at subsistence rate of 1 litre each day. Nights - Camp at check points, or village centres. I off road, stay out of sight, and use no lights after dark. Eat no meat, fish or milk unless assured of proper standards. Bottled water must be sealed; take no ice in drinks. Poultry and boiled veg and pulses etc is usually OK. Stop for NO ONE on the road. Including staged accidents etc. Only stop for uniformed officers or at check points. Trust NO ONE… Buy all maps in UK (Stanfords, Long Acre, WC2) before leaving. If you get STUCK - Stop, enjoy it, take your time, consider options and actions required, i.e jacking, digging, pushing, pulling…….then act. If you get LOST - Stop, have a brew up. Try to calculate where you are, then try to calculate where you should be. Head for an easily identifiable landmark like a highway, or a river or moutain range. Retrace steps if practical, but avoid driving around in circles looking for your own tracks and using up precious fuel. Use a sun compass (eg shadow of aerial on masking tape) or head for a distant landmark.

Section 3 SELF RECOVERY

Sand - reduce tyre pressures to about a third, but not below about 12 psi (or rims may slip around inside tyres). Carry a jacking board (12" x 8" x 11/2") and if weight allowance permits, sand ladders (24" x 12" x 11/2"). Fit rope pulls to recover after use. Hi-lift jack - invaluable if tackling treacherous terrain. Check jacking points at front and rear of vehicle, ie bracket under bumper. Sand shovel - small one invaluable; you can always bury rubbish with it. Snatch rope - plus stout shackles and firm fixing points on car.

Section 4 DRIVING

Ruts and pot-holes - avoid if possible; know the lowest point of your axle or exhaust. Avoid wet ruts and lying water unless in 4wd. Washboard corrugations - if slight, drive at speed, eg 30 - 50 mph. If severe, drop to 5 mph; there is no in between speed, you can iether run over the tops of corrugations or you must drop to crawling speed. The right speed 'feels' right. The wrong speed will knock, shake and rattle and quickly wreck shock absorbers and then springs - especially if the vehicle is fully loaded, which it will be. Fech-fech - soft powdery sand which can be deep and almost undiggable. Usually occurs on worn pistes. I there is no way around, take at speed and hope for the best. It usually has a firm base. Sand crust - drive at moderate speeds, 30 - 50 mph; as soon as a crust gives way, decide instantly whether to proceed or abort. As the wheels sink through into softer sand, change gear smoothly and immediately to avoid loss of momentum or sudden wheelspin. As soon as traction is lost, abort. Stop, deflate tyres to minimum and try again. The dig, or use high-jack and sand ladders, or tow rope, deciding whether to come out forwards or backwards. Rocks, gravel, thorns - keep tyres well inflated, 20% above normal. Sand, fech-fech - deflate when required, approx 20% below normal.

Section 5 EQUIPMENT

High lift jack - Lifts up either front or rear of car which can then be pushed off sideways or lowered onto sand ladders etc. Can also be used to right an overturned car, or as a winch. (Winch cable and extra shackle required, 1 ton capacity; useful but optional extra). Ensure car has jacking points front and rear, (ie under bumpers). If not, bolt a stout angle piece to the bumper bolts. Do not forget jack-pad eg wood plank 12" x 9" x 11/2, with rope pull for recovery after use. Sand ladders - 24" x 12" or two short scaffold planks 24" x 9" x 11/2. Tie on a rope pull, about 1m, as they can get buried and lost in sand. Snatch rope - a multi strand woven nylon rope for vehicle recovery. Attach firmly to each vehicle, then drive off a about 5 mph. The rope will taughten, stretch and then catapult the disabled vehicle out without bogging in the rescue vehicle. Invaluable in all mud or sand situations, but observe strict safety precautions. 1) Ensure the fixings on both vehicles are capable of withstanding the huge and sudden load when the rope tightens. 2) Keep all passengers a safe distance away. Overland travels It was so nice to hear of your proposed travels.
      Just a few points more come to mind at this rather hectic time (I'm just moving studio).
1) Vehicle - change all water hoses, heater hoses etc. and take old ones as spares. Check brake pipe flexibles, and change if showing cracks. Take a spare. Remove road wheels and examine brakes for linings, wheels cylinder leaks and especially leaks from the differential units. Easy to see, easy to stop, and serious if ignored a s diff unit will break up if starved of oil. Gearbox - check visually for leaks. Tools - make sure you have a good jack with a high enough lift. Practice a wheel change before leaving. Carry a jacking block or tow (wood, 100mm x 50mm x 240mm (4x2" sawn). Tow rope - check you have a strong towing eye at front and back of the vehicle. And a stout shackle at each end. General notes. Get visas as soon as possible, and don't go to Iran or Syria without one, or you may be turned away at the border. When I went to Iran in the '70's I travelled via Bulgaria (Sofia is well worth a stop), Istanbul, then North to Samsun on the Black Sea, Trabzon, Erzurum and crossed the border into Iran at Dogubayazit. The last part, Eastern Turkey, was fairly lawless - camp in villages, not in the wild. I always take all my own food supply - dehydrated beef curries, prawn curries, soups, stews etc. available from any supermarket. It saves money and time and health. No weight, just add water and boil. I always add local veg which can be obtained at most places, eg carrots, potatoes, onions, all of which last for several days. For lunches I can usually find a lettuce, tomatoes (buy them under-ripe, or green, as they keep better) and either add an egg, well boiled, or sardines which are available in most places (take some with you as well) and local bread. Try chopping up a raw onion and adding to the salad - delicious. Wash the lettuce in a bowl of Milton (1 tablet dissolved in water) and keep the water for washing up with. I don't usually bother with butter, it gets in such a mess, but a light smear of olive oil on bread is just as good. Keep the bread in a sealed plastic bag and it will still be edible after 3 days. The working life of a desert loaf is about 3 hours! Take two ready made Sainsbury French dressing for the salad; they come in squeeze bottles and really cheer up a meal. Be careful of dairy produce when travelling - no cakes, no ice cream, no yoghurt, no cream buns. Milk only when added to a hot drink. Cheese usually OK. Avoid ice cubes in drinks, and always insist the water ordered comes with a sealed cap on. Breakfasts: muesli and powdered milk, or bread and local jam. I cook on a camping gaz portable stove. The little 190g cylinders cost about £1 each and last about 5-6 days, which includes coffees all day, veg boiling, hot dinners etc. As there will be four of you, you may prefer the small camping gaz rechargeable cylinder, about 10" high, 2.75kg, which will last the whole trip. Buying petrol. Most pumps display arabic numerals, and most have been jammed so they don't total up the cost. Learn the arabic numbers from the enclosed crib sheet. At a pump, first agree the price per litre and write in the dust on the side of your car. Then multiply by your total litres; the pumpman will see, and won't try it on……. When stopping at a fuel station get out, lock the door, stand next to the pump attendant and watch every drop go into the car - otherwise he'll be filling jerry cans for himself and charging you for them! Also watch for kids unscrewing light lenses, wipers, aerials and wing mirrors. Don't stop for anyone on the road, (except uniformed officials) and don't give lifts - if you see an accident, report it in the next village - if you stay to help, you'll be stoned by the locals. Carry no parcels over the border for anyone else; drug smugglers are active everywhere. Watch for 'plants' by police at borders. Use the same drill, lock each door and accompany the official as he examines the car. Don't bribe anyone. Be subtle about photography - keep cameras out of sight at borders. Don't photograph anything that might reflect badly on the country. A lot of these countries ban video cameras, but if you've got one, take it and don't use it in public areas. I have found the Syrians a friendly lot, with a colourful country and traditional costume and housing. Iranians are business-like to the point of aggression but their tourist sites and well presented, roads are generally good and fuel stops adequate.

CLOTHES - Observe the Islamic dress code when out and about - veils for girls, long sleeves and trousers for blokes. Infidels are not allowed in mosques, but this is relaxed sometimes if it suits the guardians. Must go now but I'll write again with my travellers equipment notes when I find them. Ring any time

Back to Top