Ok guys... BOB project for my brother in Africa!

[jehicks87]

Here we go guys, my brother is going to be along the Ivory Coast (Ghana) for the summer doing a work project. I know Ghana is a relatively stable country by African standards, but you never know... anyway...

I'm putting together a BOB-"lite", or as we call them in Army Aviation an E&E kit! What a lucky guy he is, right?

I'd like to keep this under $150. Desert Environment. I already have the bag, a Spec-Ops THE Bag in tri-color desert, but am considering an LApolicegear bag instead. Here's what I'm thinking:

Shelter:
Tarp, 550 Cord, and a mosquito net bivvy. KISS.

Fire Kit:
Quick Tinder, Ferro Rod, Bic, some drier lint tinder.

FAK:
Standard fare FAK plus some Doxycyline (for malaria)

Water:
Nalgene w/ SS Cup, water tablets/iodine, hydration bladder.

Signaling:
Mirror, VS-17 liner inside bag

Navigation:
Compass, Map

Knife:
Need Input.

Ok guys, there you have it. I would love input on this kit, but please remember: I am putting this together for a member of my family, my own flesh and blood. If anything happens and a bunch of guys with AK's start kicking in doors looking for evil white men I do NOT want to worry about "oh well, I hope that rothco tarp is going to keep him OK" or "well, gee, I guess I could have gotten him something better for a survival knife than that liner-lock Buck knife from wal-mart."

With your help, I will get a good desert kit for my brother and do a video review of the components to post on youtube! Thanks, guys!

[majorhavoc]

I've spent some time in East Africa and I never had any trouble with being seen as an "evil white man". Africa is a big continent of course, and there's nefarious types anywhere you go in the world. But the bad shit that happens in Africa gets all the media attention. Without exception, anyone from anywhere in Africa that I've ever met has impressed me by being an incredibly forthright, gregarious, sincerely friendly person. There's an old Samburu saying that goes: when you travel, the only thing you really need to pack is the smile on your face. I've found that sentiment pretty much describes the life outlook of every African I've known.

When in the continent and doing work for Lutheran World Relief, everyone I interacted with was genuinely grateful that I was there to help.

Now having said that, there are always going to be criminal elements, especially where there is great disparity in wealth. For me it was more an issue in urban areas (Nairobi, Mombasa, Cairo) than anywhere in the bush.

With the limited budget you have, I honestly would put most of that money into a really, really good fixed blade knife and a good FAK. Because bug out or not, he'll use those two items.

Everything I encountered in Africa; the wildlife, the weather, the terrain, the insects, even the plants, is bigger, tougher and meaner that the worst you'd typically find in North America or Europe. So don't pussyfoot around with a little knife, even a quality folder. Just a stout, beefy blade that can be used to chop wood, cut through branches, pry open a crate or carve out a three inch acacia thorn or nest of chiggers buried in the sole of your foot. And, if need be, possibly intimidate a human adversary who, more likely than not will be armed with a machete and knows how to use it.

As far as the FAK, you definitely want to include some antihistamine tablets and gel. If he gets stung or bit by something, even if it isn't venomous, it will likely trigger a reaction.

[jehicks87]

I've spent some time in East Africa and I never had any trouble with being seen as an "evil white man". Africa is a big continent of course, and there's nefarious types anywhere you go in the world. But the bad shit that happens in Africa gets all the media attention. Without exception, anyone from anywhere in Africa that I've ever met has impressed me by being an incredibly forthright, gregarious, sincerely friendly person. There's an old Samburu saying that goes: when you travel, the only thing you really need to pack is the smile on your face. I've found that sentiment pretty much describes the life outlook of every African I've known.

I have met many, many African people in my time in the army. They, too, were all incredibly nice and friendly people... every last one of them. I have also met many incredibly nice and friendly people from Mexico; however if I were to go to Mexico tomorrow I would want to be prepared for the possibility of meeting the not-so-nice groups we often hear about. That's all.

I guess I should caveat that statement with the fact that I met a family of Somalis while I was living in Germany who were very friendly towards me, but only because I too was an "auslander." They were unequivocally NOT nice to native Germans. People are people, you know?

Additionally, meeting several people from South Africa and Namibia, I have heard of similar negative sentiments expressed towards affluent young white men from some of the local population. The way I chock it up in my head is, all the African folks I have met were well-educated expatriates who were no different from you and I. My brother... well, he got mugged in New York and was unable to defend himself or have an "out" from the situation. I just want to make sure that if anything does happen I have given him the best chance I can to help him help himself out of a bad situation.

Thanks for your reply. He will be in the Capital (I believe.) Again, a reason for my concern.

The knife I was considering most heavily is the US Air Force Survival knife... any opinion on it? I have used the Army's version of it in SERE exercises and found it adequate, but it wouldn't be the most "intimidating" blade I could think of.

[Dawgboy]

I think one of the best things you could do for him is a great water purification method I'm thinking Polar Pure and a gravity filter like this:http://www.rei.com/product/737349/katadyn-base-camp-water-filter

You could also go cheap... http://www.bepreparedtosurvive.com/The%20Aqua-Pouch%20Plus%20Water%20Purification%20Kit.htm

Add that to the above mentioned big knife http://www.eseeknives.com/rc-6.htm

[rsnurkle]

Water filtration in developing countries also makes me think of this option, too: http://www.rei.com/product/799003/steri ... r-purifier Battery operated technology, and chewing up most of your budget, but thought I'd throw it into the mix.

This all depends on the locale he'll be in for his work (regularly near/in a larger city, versus out in a village for the duration).

Do you (or does he) know the knife restrictions for Ghana? In practical use a knife may draw no attention (amongst a group of people building useful things with machetes, for instance), but if your brother needs to go through customs/etc. to reach his work site, you two may want to know what that entails.

[bufordtjustice]

I've spent some time in East Africa and I never had any trouble with being seen as an "evil white man". Africa is a big continent of course, and there's nefarious types anywhere you go in the world. But the bad shit that happens in Africa gets all the media attention. Without exception, anyone from anywhere in Africa that I've ever met has impressed me by being an incredibly forthright, gregarious, sincerely friendly person. There's an old Samburu saying that goes: when you travel, the only thing you really need to pack is the smile on your face. I've found that sentiment pretty much describes the life outlook of every African I've known.

When in the continent and doing work for Lutheran World Relief, everyone I interacted with was genuinely grateful that I was there to help.

Now having said that, there are always going to be criminal elements, especially where there is great disparity in wealth. For me it was more an issue in urban areas (Nairobi, Mombasa, Cairo) than anywhere in the bush.

With the limited budget you have, I honestly would put most of that money into a really, really good fixed blade knife and a good FAK. Because bug out or not, he'll use those two items.

Everything I encountered in Africa; the wildlife, the weather, the terrain, the insects, even the plants, is bigger, tougher and meaner that the worst you'd typically find in North America or Europe. So don't pussyfoot around with a little knife, even a quality folder. Just a stout, beefy blade that can be used to chop wood, cut through branches, pry open a crate or carve out a three inch acacia thorn or nest of chiggers buried in the sole of your foot. And, if need be, possibly intimidate a human adversary who, more likely than not will be armed with a machete and knows how to use it.

As far as the FAK, you definitely want to include some antihistamine tablets and gel. If he gets stung or bit by something, even if it isn't venomous, it will likely trigger a reaction.

I would tend to mostly agree with this from my experiences. I have been to Africa twice to include living there for @70 days in Liberia. I think you are off to a good start. You may want to consider a good rain poncho or jacket in lieu of or in addition to your tarp. If he is going to be in a more urban environment, a light rain shell may be better. I don't know if you are going to get as far as you want with $150 but you can always add to a kit and send him a few things as they come along. Also, I don't believe "Desert Environment" would be a good descriptor of the overall terrain.

The water purification system is an excellent idea. You, or he, needs to add as much cash as you can. Cash is king. Each country is different but it is my experience in many of the poorer countries around the world, you can use U.S. Scoots to buy just about anything. For example, I recall there are several "internet cafes" where you can buy a few minutes of internet time. This is a great resource to communicate or check the news.

Good socks, combined with good shoes is a life saver as you will do loads of walking.

A good Petzl head lamp may be nice. You probably won't see lots of street lights or well lit highways around there. A good headlamp draws attention to you also so it has a downside as well.

Cold steel makes an 18" blade machete that may not be what you are looking for. I think you could mostly conceal one in a decent sized backpack (definitely not small like you are hoping). This too is outside of your idea so I am just pointing it out for a reference. Personally, I am not a big fan of the USAF survival knife but I am sure others will be.

I know you are wanting to keep it "lite" but there are so many things I would WANT to have that I personally don't think I could do it.

There are things you can do for free/cheap such as laminate a card with the phone numbers/addresses of the Embassy in Ghana and the ones "next door". You/he should make a photocopy of his passport as well in case his gets lost or stolen. Maps are a great idea. You can make some E&E maps and laminate them for durability.

One of the things you can't buy for your brother is situational awareness and cultural sensitivity. I would suggest buying a good travel book on the country and its culture and learning as much as he can before you go.

[Boondock]

Have you looked into the LifeStraw filter?

http://www.vestergaard-frandsen.com/lifestraw

Looks like it's designed for anyone working in an "exotic" locale, I think it's even got a neck lanyard.

As for the knife, I'd simply go with a decent folder.

[ptAltered]

I'm amazed at the statistical improbability of everyone here having only positive experiences with people from the most violent place on earth. If you're interested in the other side of the story, maybe not the Jesse Jackson approved version, send me a PM and I'll be happy to relate some anecdotes and statistics.

[majorhavoc]

I'm amazed at the statistical improbability of everyone here having only positive experiences with people from the most violent place on earth. If you're interested in the other side of the story, maybe not the Jesse Jackson approved version, send me a PM and I'll be happy to relate some anecdotes and statistics.

Sounds like you have some pretty developed prejudices about what Africans are like. Like I said, the negative stuff gets all the media attention. I base my opinions on people based on my personal experience and try not to over generalize anything negative. I'm funny that way.

[TacAir]

Tourism is a rapidly growing sector particularly among Europeans, Americans, and other internationals connected to the Ghanaian Diaspora abroad.

Ghana's political and economic stability, low crime rate, and wide use of English make the country an attractive entrypoint to West Africa for foreigners. UNESCO World Heritage Sites including Cape Coast Castle and Elmina Castle, national parks such as Kakum National Park and Mole National Park, as well as cultural celebrations such as Panafest are major centres of tourist activity.

One USD = 1.4 GHC. so the exchange rate isn't too bad.

Maps and water tabs would be the thing I would say to add. He can find a good knife there.

Please pass along our best wishes.

[Boondock]

Ghana's political and economic stability, low crime rate, and wide use of English make the country an attractive entrypoint to West Africa for foreigners. UNESCO World Heritage Sites including Cape Coast Castle and Elmina Castle, national parks such as Kakum National Park and Mole National Park, as well as cultural celebrations such as Panafest are major centres of tourist activity.

One USD = 1.4 GHC. so the exchange rate isn't too bad.

Yup. Ghana is not Somalia. Not saying it's utopia, either.

But I did know people in college who studied abroad in the capitol, they had nothing but positives about the overall experience.

I also agree, now that I think about it, with the advice about picking up a knife in country.

Or buy your brother an $11 Mora, something he could leave behind as a nice gift for one of his new friends.

[mattmayhem]

Maybe include a compact hammock, nothing fancy but just something to stay off the ground. I wouldin't want to sleep on the ground if possible.

[chrisclark1968]

Ok here goes,
The Knife: A Gerber LMF, or any of their better multi-tools, but a $10 or so Mora knife would be good(and would make a nice "parting gift"!)
The tarp/raingear: Any military poncho(makes a good shelter/tarp), as for raingear, anything "frogtoggs" brand(it's light, but really good and can be had in "non-military" colors as well!)
Hydration/water: G.I. 2 quart canteens, "camelback" hydration bladders(3 ltr., but get the "widemouth" style less prone to leaks than the old style) cool part is that the bladders can be carried in a small knapsack. The water puirification tabs (potable aqua/military types) are perfect for making water "safe", and they are small/easy to carry.
Fire: Any of the firestaters(blastmatch/fire piston/magnesium blocks are good), but a cache of "lifeboat" matches in a waterproof matchsafe are good as well. BTW drier lint is some of the BEST tinder out there(just keep it dry!)
Also I didn't hear this anywhere so far, is that the "pelican" brand hard/watertight boxes are the best(they can be had in many different sizes/stles/colors) I used a couple of them in Iraq, and could not wreck the contents inside them period!
lastly, I would suggest as far as the bag goes, something that does not look "military"(camo, coyote, or O.D.), would be best, any good quality camping/hiking gear(Jansport, REI, etc), look at campmor, L.L. Bean etc, I know you will find a good fit there. Good luck, and safe travels!

[Fenris]

So... Let me get this straight... You honestly believe your brother, your "flesh and blood", is going to" the most violent place on earth."

And you limit your purchasing power for this planned E+E kit to ONE HUNDRED AND FIFTY American dollars?

-Fenris-

[HKTackDriver]

Match stick heads (paper variety) - eat 2 or 3 a day and the sulfur in your system keeps mosquitos away. For short term use, it's a great way to prevent bites.

[derf26]

Match stick heads (paper variety) - eat 2 or 3 a day and the sulfur in your system keeps mosquitos away. For short term use, it's a great way to prevent bites.

Seriously? First time I heard of this, will need to research some more!

I can't give much advice from personal experience, except to say that if you base your opinions of a people on their expats, you're going to get a biased opinion towards people who are wealthier and better educated. Case in point: most of my friends at the international school I went to were foreigners. Is that because the people from those countries were better than the locals? Nope, I suspect they were generally the same, it's just that the locals were a broader sector of the population, whereas the foreigners were more middle to upper class.

[PackLemming]

Axe vs Machete...Axes are probably rarely seen in local agricultural settings of Africa but I would be hesitant to say there is a good reason for this being the case. Machete is cheap and does a lot of things in one package but it does not make it the best tool in the box.

If my neck was on the line, id look to a stout axe and knife combo. Something from Cold Steel for use in the broad of day around the general populance, and the axe for long term sweat work out in the bush to make life easier. In anycase you'd be surprised at how cheap local hand tools are and how the bland brand can help to not draw unwanted attention. Avoid the expensive tactical looking crap, thats the sort of poser junk that makes people wonder what else you have hidden, in trouser pockets or under the shirt

[PackLemming]

Match stick heads (paper variety) - eat 2 or 3 a day and the sulfur in your system keeps mosquitos away. For short term use, it's a great way to prevent bites.

Seriously? First time I heard of this, will need to research some more!

I can't give much advice from personal experience, except to say that if you base your opinions of a people on their expats, you're going to get a biased opinion towards people who are wealthier and better educated. Case in point: most of my friends at the international school I went to were foreigners. Is that because the people from those countries were better than the locals? Nope, I suspect they were generally the same, it's just that the locals were a broader sector of the population, whereas the foreigners were more middle to upper class.

Flowers of sulphur is used TOPICALLY to treat mite problems round here. I would not suggest ingesting it.

[roscoe]

Weird comments abour Ghana, as if Africa were a uniform place. Anyway, I would make the kit about medicine and a good Leatherman. Weapons are out, and unnecessary. Water purification, keeping mosquitoes away, and keeping a positive outlook are the primary things to think about. In my trips to remote Africa, the things I valued most were reminders of home, like photos and an occasional Cliff bar. The food will beforeign and repetetive, and even a Cliff bar is a welcome relief. But the best thing is an Ipod with his favorite music. That will really help with his morale when he is sick of the heat and having the runs.

[the_alias]

Lets keep this topic more about equipment one should have in developing countries vs politics and anecdotes about Africa - thanks guys.

I would take a small fixed blade knife and a SAK.
FAK should be able to handle a GSW.

Add cigarettes - great social lubricant and add emergency cash. Know where the local embassy is, know where other friendly nation's embassies are.

[HKTackDriver]

Match stick heads (paper variety) - eat 2 or 3 a day and the sulfur in your system keeps mosquitos away. For short term use, it's a great way to prevent bites.

Seriously? First time I heard of this, will need to research some more!

I can't give much advice from personal experience, except to say that if you base your opinions of a people on their expats, you're going to get a biased opinion towards people who are wealthier and better educated. Case in point: most of my friends at the international school I went to were foreigners. Is that because the people from those countries were better than the locals? Nope, I suspect they were generally the same, it's just that the locals were a broader sector of the population, whereas the foreigners were more middle to upper class.

My brother has done this while in Ranger bootcamp and I have done this while camping. Not great for your kidneys/liver long term, but for months/weeks, I PERSONALLY have not had issues. And it worked. YMMV. Great thing about it is that you sweat out the sulfur, so you don't have to worry about "missing a spot" on your body. That means also not worrying about your sweat washing away bug spray - IT IS THE BUG SPRAY! Just remember to stay hydrated.

Ok, I researched this for you and found a "safer" method, but it does mention the military use of match heads. Just remember to pack the match heads, so if he runs out of this concoction, he'll still have plenty to eat and keep the buggers away.

http://www.ehow.com/how_5665976_eat-sulfur-mosquito-repellent.html

[Honeypot]

Our eldest daughter spent two years teaching (math&sciences) for an NGO in Ghana, roughly in the center ("Brong Ahafo"). It was mostly an excellent experience, though she did experience considerable "oaf squad" gosse (not as bad as the worst of ZS, nor the worst of USA, just far more than anyone should ever experience).

Do you feel comfortable providing more info about what your brother will be doing, and where? Accra?

What are his interests & habits, outside of his planned work?

What's the background to his NYC mugging?


If it's Accra, that's the major port city, which did have a certain level of government employee non-violent graft (mostly centered around import type activities, at least in our experience). Like all locations, the key is to understand what the local issues are, and what/where to avoid.

Does he really need a weapon like tool?
Our daughter just carried a multitool and SAK, and never had any problems. She did considerable travel (gorgeous parks!), in a falling apart vehicle, so she did do more than a few emergency repairs (yes, her nickname is "Kaylee").
If your brother is doing blue collar type activities, will they be providing the necessary tools? If yes, forget the axe/machete stuff.

More info, please!

[TheLastOne]

My two cents:

Go for a decent fixed blade, a gerber lmf will be fine or a becker bk2. Big enough for lots of jobs, small enough not to freak out the neighbors.

Also a decent water filter maybe? Katydyn hiker or similar... They are kind of pricey, and with the two items I've listed we've doubled your budget, but based on my zero knowledge of the area, these are the two additions to the kit you've mentioned that I would want.

[ptAltered]

If I were in Africa I wouldn't plan on "bugging out" in the traditional sense. Stateside I've got family and a few locations where I'd be welcome. In Africa if SHTF I'd be trying to get to the airport as quickly as possible and get back to America.

I'd go with a small backpack that doesn't look expensive or touristy. Standard 10 essentials plus few extra bottles of potable water, expanded WEMT medical kit, local maps and the proper compass for that hemisphere and a nice machete. You'd be ready for a night in the bush under civilized conditions and for a quick run to the airport under less than civilized conditions.