WHAT TO CARRY ONCE YOU LEAVE THE VEHICLE

Mtn_Infantry · Saturday at 11:56 PM

Mtn_Infantry said:
I’m very much a less is more, especially in Africa.

I carry my rifle (no sling), Swaro Binos (slung under arm). I wear a culling belt with spare ammo + fixed blade + Gerber (photo below). In my pockets I have my cell phone (sometimes leave in the truck), a small folding knife and small surefire flashlight clipped in my pocket, a tourniquet, a water bottle in each back pocket, a lighter, and small mint/match tin with a couple ibuprofen and 2 water purification tablets.

Backcountry hunting is vastly different.

View attachment 785062 View attachment 785063

I should add i also carry baby wipes

uplander01 · Sunday at 6:46 AM

On my belt, ammo carrier (8 rds) front, binos in eberlestock pouch left side, in the pockets of that pouch, ear plugs, chapstick, eye drops. A second small pouch contains hydration supplement, small 1 cell surefire handheld or headlamp. Right side of belt some sort of knife…depends what I feel like carrying that safari but always some sort of fixed blade, sometimes a small one in pants pocket. I rely on trackers to carry water bottles and snacks. If I’m using a rifle with optic, the rear peep sight, Lyman or Talley will be in second small pouch. I apply bug dope and sunscreen once in morning while dressing and don’t worry about it the rest of day. I also like a suede belt (galco) as they are silent and very supple.

M70375! · Sunday at 6:56 AM

MHYOUNG 375 said:
Folks,

The thread on carrying a knife on safari reminded me that I hadn't seen a post on what you personally need to carry once you leave the Cruiser to make a stalk or follow tracks.

After hunting 9 different African countries over 30 years, I've come to the conclusion that less is more.

All you need is:

Rifle
Ammo in a buttstock carrier. You can't forget your extra ammo that way.
Binos. Small
Toilet paper (can be very important just ask me)
Pocket camera but these days your phone will suffice
Pocket knife and multi tool
Sunglasses

The only caveat might be if you are using a double an ammo belt worn in the front is a good idea. it's completely unnecessary with a bolt rifle.

Make sure the crew is carrying water for you, but you don't need to.

And good God you don't need to carry a backpack.

Also "Safari Clothes" are not necessary. Anything cotton in gray/green will be fine. Long sleeves and long pants are my recommendation.

Remember you are there to hunt not do a fashion shoot for Cabela's.

Cheers,

Mark

Very well said love it. I totally agree less is more.

JG26Irish_2 · Sunday at 8:35 AM

375Fox said:
It’s been awhile but it has been discussed in other threads. I only carry a small pocket knife, an ammo wallet on my belt (I wouldn’t carry open rounds on buttstock that could fall out), and my iPhone for photos plus 1 loose round in my front pocket. I don’t usually carry binoculars. They can stay at the truck. Just one more thing to hang up on a tracking hunt.

This is spot on. My load out is similar:

Rifle with sling carried Rhodesia style on weakside shoulder muzzle down.
Extra ammo numbering 6-10rds carried in either a belt slide pouch or in the ammo loops of my hunting vest. I have seen hunters using the rifle butt loops have all or most of their ammo fall out. I have only twice needed more than two rounds and in both cases was not very far from the vehicle. Most times I do not use more than 10rds per rifle for the entire safari.
The lovely big Murray culling belt full of ammo is not needed unless you are actually culling.
Either me or my PH will have the laser range finder. PH is preferred. Same for sticks.
I have a small butt pack that I wear in front that contains items such as folding knife, para-cord, bottle of water, snakebite kit, a few bandaids and if planning to be out for hours, perhaps a small bag of dried fruit or nuts.
A small ziplock bag with 4-5 wet wipes.
If there are meds that you cannot live without for two days bring a few in a small ziplock bag.
Cotton clothing in earth tones, no camo or synthetics all treated with Permethrin before washing with unscented detergent.
I do not carry binos, the PH will. If I need to glass a beast, I will be doing so with my rifle scope.
Quality sunglasses.
Hat.
No watches or jewelry or loose jangling items in my pockets.
Phone or camera - iPhone serves as both. Not necessary but nice to have. I have only needed a knife once so it is not a necessity either.
I carry my Passport on my person at all times in a water resistant zip pocket of my hunting shirt or vest. USA Passports bring big money on some black markets so, avoid tempting folks with them.

Less is more and my butt pack only weighs about 3lbs more or less. In addition - I keep a back pack on the truck with an extra box of ammo for each rifle, and a few other things I might want while out in the bush.

Honestly, you can get by with only the rifle and some ammo and water. But, I am an old boy scout so be prepared was my motto.

MHYOUNG 375 · Sunday at 6:29 PM

As for the sunscreen, I'll put some on at the Cruiser on my neck and face, but the long pants and long sleeve shirts give me as much protection as I'll probably need.

"Make do" on the toilet paper doesn't work for me. I got caught short in Zim once. No leaves nothing. I pulled out some really filthy Zim dollars and used them, but I considered going dirty as the Zim Dollars were soooo soiled.

Sunglasses? No macular degeneration for me. Please

Guys,

You are all free to carry whatever you like including the kitchen sink, but my list is what I take, and it has worked nicely for me.

Mark

steve white · Sunday at 11:58 PM

MHYOUNG 375 said:
As for the sunscreen, I'll put some on at the Cruiser on my neck and face, but the long pants and long sleeve shirts give me as much protection as I'll probably need.

"Make do" on the toilet paper doesn't work for me. I got caught short in Zim once. No leaves nothing. I pulled out some really filthy Zim dollars and used them, but I considered going dirty as the Zim Dollars were soooo soiled.

Sunglasses? No macular degeneration for me. Please

Guys,

You are all free to carry whatever you like including the kitchen sink, but my list is what I take, and it has worked nicely for me.

Mark

What do you mean, "no macular degeneration"? I thought sun glasses were preventative....

Charlie64 · Monday at 1:40 AM

.

Good post Mark!

- Rifle
- Binocs
- Belt with ammo, Leatherman, pocket flashlight & knife
- iPhone
- bottle of water
- lighter
- head bug net in my pocket

Trackers will carry water but there were often times when the trackers were not nearby & I wanted a drink of water - they had gone on ahead, one had followed another track, the PH & I were hunkered down watching a herd & the tracker was 50 m behind et cetera et cetera.

Fully agree less is more & could not imagine schlepping a rucksack around in the jess when out on a hunt, same goes for camel packs / bladders. Extra & IMO unnecessary weight & stuff to get snagged & caught on thorns & bush!

.

Foxi · Monday at 3:49 AM

In the African bush

I basically carry the same things that are recommended here.
I always wear a sling on my rifle. I also would never have known how to climb the rocky kopjes along the Save River or in Gwayi safely with just one arm.
I also always attach a fabric/rubber magazine pouch to it. I’ve never had a cartridge fly out of there either.
Obviously, the rubber loops shouldn’t be as stretched out as a pair of worn-out underwear.
I always put a cartridge-shaped high-performance LED flashlight in the last loop.
For simplicity’s sake, I still mark the three or four full-jacket cartridges I always carry on my bolt-action rifle with a black marker on the primer cap.
I also always wear a lightweight Beretta shooting vest, which has never bothered me, even in extreme heat.
It also has deep pockets so-mostly- nothing can fall out.
I much prefer this to having to stuff my pants pockets full.

But I have one important question for you:

Where do you keep your money? After all, you’re carrying around quite a bit of cash.
At camp, perhaps?
I also always carry a daypack, or hand it over to my tracker when we leave the vehicle and go on a stalking hunt.
I feel more secure doing that than leaving the cash at camp.
Foxi

Mtn_Infantry · Monday at 5:01 AM

Foxi said:
In the African bush

I basically carry the same things that are recommended here.
I always wear a sling on my rifle. I also would never have known how to climb the rocky kopjes along the Save River or in Gwayi safely with just one arm.
I also always attach a fabric/rubber magazine pouch to it. I’ve never had a cartridge fly out of there either.
Obviously, the rubber loops shouldn’t be as stretched out as a pair of worn-out underwear.
I always put a cartridge-shaped high-performance LED flashlight in the last loop.
For simplicity’s sake, I still mark the three or four full-jacket cartridges I always carry on my bolt-action rifle with a black marker on the primer cap.
I also always wear a lightweight Beretta shooting vest, which has never bothered me, even in extreme heat.
It also has deep pockets so-mostly- nothing can fall out.
I much prefer this to having to stuff my pants pockets full.

But I have one important question for you:

Where do you keep your money? After all, you’re carrying around quite a bit of cash.
At camp, perhaps?
I also always carry a daypack, or hand it over to my tracker when we leave the vehicle and go on a stalking hunt.
I feel more secure doing that than leaving the cash at camp.
Foxi

Several outfitters I've hunted with provide safes in their client tents/chalets even in places like Mozambique, Zimbabwe or Zambia. Another option is to secure your cash inside your locked hard-side gun case or ammo box. I typically put my passport in there, and sometimes my watch and electronics.

steve white · Monday at 10:08 AM

Foxi said:
In the African bush

I basically carry the same things that are recommended here.
I always wear a sling on my rifle. I also would never have known how to climb the rocky kopjes along the Save River or in Gwayi safely with just one arm.
I also always attach a fabric/rubber magazine pouch to it. I’ve never had a cartridge fly out of there either.
Obviously, the rubber loops shouldn’t be as stretched out as a pair of worn-out underwear.
I always put a cartridge-shaped high-performance LED flashlight in the last loop.
For simplicity’s sake, I still mark the three or four full-jacket cartridges I always carry on my bolt-action rifle with a black marker on the primer cap.
I also always wear a lightweight Beretta shooting vest, which has never bothered me, even in extreme heat.
It also has deep pockets so-mostly- nothing can fall out.
I much prefer this to having to stuff my pants pockets full.

But I have one important question for you:

Where do you keep your money? After all, you’re carrying around quite a bit of cash.
At camp, perhaps?
I also always carry a daypack, or hand it over to my tracker when we leave the vehicle and go on a stalking hunt.
I feel more secure doing that than leaving the cash at camp.
Foxi

Excellent question, Foxi. I wear my money and passport on my person with an underclothing super lightweight belt with zippered pocket. If I leave binoculars etc in camp they will be locked in my metal gun case.

Tbitty · Monday at 11:19 AM

Good idea for a thread.

As many have said, my carry depends on the journey. I almost always have a light backpack for my gear because it's the most convenient way to carry for me. I've excluded the worn gear, like a hat or sunglasses.

Always list:
Spare Ammo
Binos (worn on chest harness)
Multi-tool / knife
First Aid kit
A bit of paracord
Water
Light (headlamp or small flashlight)
Phone
Toilet paper / wipes
Lighter

"Usually" list, pending conditions:
Jacket (if not wearing it)
Optional clothes (gloves, beanie, etc.)
A granola bar or similar small snack
Rangefinder on belt (if not using binos with built-in).
Sunscreen / bugspray - when needed
Rain gear, only if necessary.

Any expanded list depends on the hunt. Specific to Africa hunting where you're generally within walking distance of the truck, it's very minimal extras. In some instances I may have a 2nd bag left in the truck, but even that is rare. You don't need much beyond the basics in a Plains Game Africa hunt.

MHYOUNG 375 · Monday at 12:23 PM

steve white said:
What do you mean, "no macular degeneration"? I thought sun glasses were preventative....

Sorry! I meant that I use sunglasses so as to avoid damage to my eyes.

Tanks · Monday at 12:34 PM

Fine list, I'd just add a couple of things:

A light if you are hunting in the late afternoon. We got caught 2 miles from the car when the sun set while tracking a buffalo, between the 2 trackers, the PH and myself I was the only one that had a headlamp. I also had my Garmin InReach+ with a waypoint at the truck, though it was not necessary as we used the PH's GPS tracker.

MHYOUNG 375 · Monday at 12:37 PM

Guys,

On the money question I recommend hunters not take a bunch of cash. Leave a trophy fee deposit with your agent. In that case you only need a little pocket and tip money. You can settle up your bill at hunt's end.

Lock up what cash you do have in your gun case or safe if available.

Cheers,

Mark

Tanks · Monday at 12:37 PM

Foxi said:
But I have one important question for you:

Where do you keep your money? After all, you’re carrying around quite a bit of cash.
At camp, perhaps?
I also always carry a daypack, or hand it over to my tracker when we leave the vehicle and go on a stalking hunt.

I put ca$h, passport etc. in my suitcase or gun case and lock it up with the padlocks. I check in the evenings to make sure the locks are intact.

Russ16 · Monday at 12:39 PM

Foxi said:
In the African bush

I basically carry the same things that are recommended here.
I always wear a sling on my rifle. I also would never have known how to climb the rocky kopjes along the Save River or in Gwayi safely with just one arm.
I also always attach a fabric/rubber magazine pouch to it. I’ve never had a cartridge fly out of there either.
Obviously, the rubber loops shouldn’t be as stretched out as a pair of worn-out underwear.
I always put a cartridge-shaped high-performance LED flashlight in the last loop.
For simplicity’s sake, I still mark the three or four full-jacket cartridges I always carry on my bolt-action rifle with a black marker on the primer cap.
I also always wear a lightweight Beretta shooting vest, which has never bothered me, even in extreme heat.
It also has deep pockets so-mostly- nothing can fall out.
I much prefer this to having to stuff my pants pockets full.

But I have one important question for you:

Where do you keep your money? After all, you’re carrying around quite a bit of cash.
At camp, perhaps?
I also always carry a daypack, or hand it over to my tracker when we leave the vehicle and go on a stalking hunt.
I feel more secure doing that than leaving the cash at camp.
Foxi

I put my money and passport in the case I brought my ammo in and locked it. I left it in the tent. I asked my PH about security and he said that there are only about 10 people in camp and if something goes missing it is pretty easy to figure out who took it. If they have to they have the very large camp manager do the questioning.

Evidently a few years ago one waiter did take a ring that was left laying out in a tent. He just got out of jail and his description of the experience is quite a deterrent.

Russ16 · Monday at 12:40 PM

MHYOUNG 375 said:
Guys,

On the money question I recommend hunters not take a bunch of cash. Leave a trophy fee deposit with your agent. In that case you only need a little pocket and tip money. You can settle up your bill at hunt's end.

Lock up what cash you do have in your gun case or safe if available.

Cheers,

Mark

I only took tip money and that was still several thousand in cash for the PH and all camp staff. But I know all hunts are different in terms of how many people need tipping etc.

Tanks · Monday at 12:40 PM

MHYOUNG 375 said:
Guys,

On the money question I recommend hunters not take a bunch of cash. Leave a trophy fee deposit with your agent. In that case you only need a little pocket and tip money. You can settle up your bill at hunt's end.

...

Tip money can add up to several thousand dollars on a 14 day DG hunt, for example on the packing list pics in my media it was at $5,625. I never carry the trophy fee with me as I wire it afterwards.

MHYOUNG 375 · Monday at 12:43 PM

You can have the tip money for the PH held back also but it's best to tip the crew in person with USD.

BryceM · Monday at 12:45 PM

Well, a “quick look” can quickly turn into an all-day stalk & retrieval, so best to keep Everything you need available.

For me it’s a rifle with a full magazine, one in my pocket, and 5-6 more in a belt of some sort. If it’s hot, I always have a small water bottle in my pocket. I usually carry a lightweight Havalon knife with a couple spare blades. A lightweight LED headlamp goes in another pocket and I don’t go anywhere without rangefinder Binos. I might ditch them for a tracking hunt in thick stuff, but for most anything else I want to make sure that I like the animal as much as the PH. Also, more than once I have been looking at two animals while the PH could only see one.

Hats and sunglasses are part of the uniform. A sling usually comes too.

WHAT TO CARRY ONCE YOU LEAVE THE VEHICLE

Mtn_Infantry

uplander01

M70375!

JG26Irish_2

MHYOUNG 375

steve white

Charlie64

Foxi

Mtn_Infantry

steve white

Tbitty

MHYOUNG 375

Tanks

MHYOUNG 375

Tanks

Russ16

Russ16

Tanks

MHYOUNG 375

BryceM

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