What Am I Missing? - (Trip Gear/PSK)

kgd

kgd

Joined
Feb 28, 2007
Messages
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Hi everyone. I'm getting ready for my trip and will be leaving on Sunday to Dubai, UAE for the next 27 days. During that time I will be living out of a hotel in an urban setting. However, I will be spending a great deal of time on day trips in the field doing boat work and sampling the marine ecosystem there. All the sampling infrastructure is already there, so the gear I'm bringing is mostly the personal stuff. I will also go a few nights camping in the dessert mountains with a friend who lives there and has a tent, camp stove + mess kit to bring along. At the end of my stay, I will be visiting Germany for a week but this will mostly be tour by rental car and bed & breakfast stays.

Here is a list of what I've packed so far, focussing on my gear bag and first aid/psk (combined) kit. Note - there are no forests there (only transplanted Palm trees living in little bits of imported dirt) so the need to bring a big 'chopper' isn't apparent. I'm also a bit sketchy on customs and don't want to risk loosing my good 'survival' knife. Please critique any glaring holes that you see.

Field GEAR – All in mesh duffle bag
-collapsed, folded daypack
-SAK (Camper model)
-Leatherman Juice
-Buck Diamond Back
-GPS; 2 x Compass (Silva and Brunton)
-Whistle; Reflective mirror
-Mini-mag light LED; micro mag light (keychain model)
-Spare Batteries (AAA and AA; for GPS, flashlights & MP3 Player)
-Auto-inflate PFD + spare cartridge
-Cordage: 100’ ¾” rope; 100’ paracord; 50’ reflective guy line
-Zip ties (50 x 14”; 50 x 8”)
-Tape: electrical tape and duct tape (full rolls)
-Shorty wet suit; Scuba booties; Mask, snorkel, Fins
-Tweezers (jeweler and larger size)
-Work Gloves – neoprene and leather
-Light sleeping bag (rated to 0oC)
-Digital Camera (Nikon D50; 18-55 mm 70-300mm zoom) iin Pelican case
-2x 1L nalgene bottles (washed so as not to worrying about BPA :))
-2 x Tilly hats
-2 x prescription sunglasses plus spare set of eyeglasses
-eyeglasses cleansing solution (spray bottle) & microfiber cloth
-Footwear: Sandals; Hiking Boots; Regular shoes
-Field notebook, pencils, pens, sharpies
-Daypack
-Laptop + accessories (for the hotel and data management)

First Aid & PSK – in medium Sized Floating Kit Box
-small first aid kit bag (collapsed to build a day kit)
-Band-Aid’s all different sizes, most of the elastoplast type
-Gauze various sizes, self-sticking mesh wrap, gauze tape
-Moleskin 3x sheets
-Triple antibiotic ointment; Antiseptic wash solution; several antiseptic packets
-Hand sanitizer;
-Small Vaseline tube
-5 pair nitrile gloves
-Safety scissors
-Sam splint
-4 x triangle bandages; 10 safety pins (2 sizes)
-1 x tension bandage
-Tweezers (smaller jeweller and larger sized)
-2xScalpel and 5 sterile packaged blades
Drugs: Imodium (30) , Gravol (24), Ibuprofen (50), Aspirin (100), Rolaids (3 pack), Zantac (24), Antihistamines (24)
-Emergency blanket
-First aid guide + SOAP notes + pencil, pen, sharpie
-Firesteel; Paraffin-based firestarter (not sure if I can bring matches and a lighter on the plane - but will get a bic light to add to kit when I get there)
-20’ paracord
-Candle (wrapped with 30’ x 20lb test fishing line + 5 worm hooks – 2 sizes)
-6’ duct tape; Aluminum foil (6’; heavy duty)
-4 sewing needles, black thread, 2 buttons
-12 water purifier tablets (sodium chlorite - not that useful given there is no freshwater there)
-Sunblock (60 and 30 SPF)
-Other – solarcaine lotion, multi-vitamin; personal hygene products; variety of clothes (field gear & dress clothes; Gortex shell & primloft insulated wear for Germany)

So - what am I missing?

Edited Added Items:
Jeff Diotte Custom Knife - 4" 440 blade, 3/16" thick, full tang, bocote slabs
Binoculars
Bottle Pot
Sharpmaker
Hockey tape - switched in for electrical tape
Gatoraide packets
Plastic garbage bags (to make solar still)
Small battery operated radio
Dry sac
Headlamp


Thanks for your help
 
I would get a better knife than the diamond back. NOt dissing it but, it is not suited to hard work very well. There have been a few reports on them breaking. Might I suggest a Buck Nighthawk or a 119?
 
Agree with the diamond back. I have a 119 user that can go into the gear bag.

Also added since post:
-Nikon field binoculars
-Bottle pot (stainless steel pot that fits around a nalgene bottle)
 
Also, dont forget a good watch. Might I recommend a timex digital compass? That way not only do you have a good watch, but you also have a back up compass in case you get serperated from all your gear.
 
I need one of those bottle pots, does yours have the folding handles?
How cold does it get at night in Dubai? OoC might be warm, but I have heard it gets chilly in the desert at night.
Hydration and sun exposure would be my main concerns.
 
Aceofblades thanks for the watch suggestion. I have my well scratched seiko to go with me and its fool 1 hr proof timer (a simple but effective working bezel). Also Dubai is famous for its fake watches. Last time I bought a fake Rollex for $20, looked authentic (but it fell apart on the plane :() My Brunton compass is a pin-on type and it is attached to the belt of my PFD. The other compass in my bag.

Liam, the bottle pots do work well. Yes, mine does have folding handles which makes it a better cooker/cup. I figured even if I don't use it camping, it will still come in handy as a cup in the hotel room. The bag is a little too warm (the lows are around 50oF, 11oC this time of year) but it is very compact for its heat rating.

I agree that hydration is one of the biggest issues. I will bring 2-4L water in my bag every time I go out and the ship will also have bottled water on board as well. However, I am concerned as there is essentially no freshwater in the entire area. Hardly any rain at all and all the drinking water is derived from desalination plants. I am a bit of a sun'o'phobe and always wear full covering (UV-blocker full sleeve shirts) + tilly hat + heavy duty sunscreen on the face.

Thanks for your comments!
 
Maybe rehydro salts or electrolyte in the FAK. How about budgeting the $$ to buy the steel when you get there? I've never been, but I'd imagine that something capable could be found in Dubai, even if a little pricier. Maybe hockey tape would be better in the heat than electrical tape? Even though I'm a Canuck, I must ask (tongue in cheek) why 2 Tilleys when one will last forever. 'Give 'em hell' and all that !:D
Maybe a large piece of linen or cotton (when in Rome ?). Esbit stove given the lack of fuel ?

Dunno, just kicking ideas around for someone in an envious situation !
 
Good point about the hockey tape DeadeyeLefty - plus it gives them something to tease me about (invite a Canuk to the desert and he brings hockey equipment :)). I also like the idea electrolytes and will look for some gatoraid packets.

Two tilleys - just an insurance policy against loss. I'll keep one mostly in the hotel room and it will stay nice and clean to be my 'walk'n around town hat' while the other one gets speckled with marine sediments and such.

I've checked on-line for knife shops in Dubai, there is one there that retails Buck, Benchmade and Gerber. The models being offered seem limited and I did note that they didn't sell any knife over 5". This got me thinking that maybe there is a knife size restriction, although a frantic search on the internet didn't uncover anything. So, along with prodding from my wife, I did decide to switch out the 119 (6") for my Jeff Diotte Custom (4"). I will be keeping my eyes out for quality steel when I am there though. This could be the opportunity to finally get my hands on a benchmade.
 
I might be going over board but I would include solar still materials. If you get lost and need some water it might be your only viable option. It wouldn't take a lot of room to include a Tube and some mylar or a plastic sheet.

Have a great trip!
 
fyi - bullfrog for aquatic environments was great when I did coastal research some years ago. Perhaps even the 'white' stuff lifeguards use (name escapes me right now). Both were very welcome when on the coast all day, etc.

edit to add zinc (the white stuff), also some lip balm of some sort

Also, a dry bag. Things really heat up in them, but they are invaluable when boating. (YMMV) It won't protect like a pelican case, etc. but will keep your stuff dry and they float.

A head mounted led light may be useful. Hands free factor.
 
electrolytes as mentioned before are a great idea - you may want to check out eletewater.com

bring a radio - in case of emergencies it's a great source of information. without it you will have to rely on the word-of-mouth reports of others. it also is a source of weather forecasts and entertainment!
 
Its a long read with some useful info...


Climate: Dubai has a year round sunny climate with rain a very rare occurance, happening only a few times a year.

The winter months (November to March) are the most suitable for tourists, with the weather averaging a pleasant 30C and humidity on the low side. The summer months can become very hot, with frequent low visibility caused by sandstorms - with average daytime temperatures rarely dipping below 40C (and often rising about 45C) and high humidity to accompany the high temperatures at night.

Local laws: Although you are allowed to drink in many of Dubai's numerous bars, remember this is a Muslim country. If you wander around the streets drunk then there is a good chance you will be arrested.

There is also zero tolerence towards drinking and driving. That means the legal limit is zero and being caught will usually end in a prison sentence.

Certain prescripton drugs which are legal elsewhere in the world are banned in Dubai. If you need to take these then you must ensure that you take a doctors prescription with you.

A list of which drugs are illegal can be found at the: US consulate to Dubai's website

Clothing: You will only need summer clothes when you're here, however it is a good idea to bring a few light sweaters or cardigans as the air conditioning in some restaurants and malls can be chilly.

While there is no official ruling about exactly what you can and can't wear, Westerners will be expected to dress with more modesty than you would at home in similar temperatures.

This doesn't mean that women have to cover up completely or wear a veil but they should try to wear clothes that are not too revealing. Men should avoid short shorts and bare chests. Dubai is a liberal emirate, but it is also part of an Islamic country. You should also be respectful of Gulf culture.

Transport: The car is king in this city, and with wide, fast roads criss crossing the emirate, it’s the easiest way to get around.

A car can be hired from any of numerous car-rental companies operating in the city and with such a competitive market, rates are pretty reasonable. A renter needs to provide original passport, two photographs, and a valid international driving license or national license.

Compared to Europe and the United States, taxis are very cheap in Dubai. They are also plentiful and you won't usually have to wait more than a minute before one races past. An average 10km journey will set you back around Dh15 (around $3.50)

The bus service in Dubai is cheap, clean and popular, but it is also limited. It tends to run mostly in Deira and Bur Dubai although there are services running along the Shaikh Zayed Road.

If catching the bus, male tourists should be wary of sitting next to women they don't know as this is frowned upon in Muslim culture.

A monorail system is currently being built in Dubai. It is due to be completed in 2009 and will be one of the longest mass transit systems in the world - stretching some 40km from one end of the city to the other.

The final - and most traditional way to get around Dubai is by abra. The abra has been the best method of crossing the creek for decades now and despite the presence of bridges and tunnels, each trip from Deira to Bur Dubai and back is crammed full of businessmen, workers and tourists.

Shopping: Many people come to Dubai solely to shop. Tax free Dubai is known as a shopper's paradise. Most of the major designer brands in the world are available in the enormous shopping malls which populate every corner of Dubai.

Malls get much busier at the weekends (which are officially Friday and Saturday).

Annual shopping events include the Dubai Shopping Festival which usually takes place in February (see last years time table ) and Dubai Summer Surprises which runs during the scorching summer months.

Dubai is famous for offering top international brands at sale prices during these festivals. Independent shops are generally open from 10am until 1pm and from 4.30pm until 10pm.

Opening hours at shopping malls throughout the day are roughly from 10am - 10pm although some stay open until midnight. On Fridays, they open from 2pm - 10pm.

Away from the air conditioned haven of the megamalls, there are bargains to be had in Dubai's souks (the gold souk and the spice souk are in Deira) as well as the textile specialist areas of Karama and Satwa where you will find both the material, and the tailor, to have bespoke clothing made for very reasonable prices.

Venturing into the living vastness
By Zoi Constantine and Emmanuelle Landais, Staff Reporters
Published: November 02, 2007, 01:20


Dubai: Stunning, tranquil, mysterious and ever-changing. These are just some of the ways in which the UAE's vast expanses of desert have been described by those who prefer to spend their time navigating through sand dunes and sleeping under the stars.



However, while the urge to explore this unique, mysterious landscape is all too tempting for some, the desert can often be a challenge even for experienced off-roaders.

This hard truth was all too evident in May 2007, when the desert proved just how unpredictable an environment it can be. Two Ukrainian men were found dead after being lost for 20 hours near Ras Al Khaimah.

Now, with the winter season in full swing and more people venturing out, experts and authorities alike are warning people to be aware of the risks, while appreciating and preserving the wonders of the deserts.

For the last 16 years, Zahed Dalanti has spent around 95 per cent of his time in the desert and calls it his "favourite environment." As one of the few people who can legitimately call the desert 'home,' Dalanti says that all adventurers must plan thoroughly and for any eventuality, before embarking on any desert trip.

A desert safari leader and off-road driving trainer for Gulf Ventures, Dalanti says that there is nothing like being in the desert on a clear night.

"The atmosphere is quiet; the views are stunning with the different colour sand and shapes and the clean, fresh air. You can watch the stars all night, away from traffic and noise and experience what it was like for people who used to live here 50 or 60 years ago," he explained.

"It gives you a very different perspective and lets you forget your troubles. It is very inviting and peaceful environment."

Dalanti feels so in tune with the environment that he has little use for modern technological innovations such as Global Positioning Systems (GPS).

"I know the stars and directions because of experience. But I certainly wouldn't advise this for many other people," he said.

Likening the dunes to "works of art", Dalanti, from Syria, says that he never tires of the desert and has spent up to three weeks at a time in the "constantly changing" environment.

"There is nothing like the moment at dusk when the sun kisses the sand. It really is my home and I can never imagine settling all the time in the city," he said. "The more time you spend there, the more you want to be there. When you see the sand, you feel you want to walk on it and touch it."

Heatstroke

Two men, identified as Ukrainian geologists, were found dead near Ras Al Khaimah in May, after apparently succumbing to severe heatstroke and exhaustion. They were found by an Emirati who reported the case to the police. The men were in the area to conduct a survey as part of a team of nearly 30 geologists, the rest of which were found and rescued.

Make sure you have

Extra food and water, First aid kit, mobile phone and charger, global positioning system (GPS), extra fuel for longer trips. Carry it on the outside of the car, matches, shovel, jack, tool kit, blanket, work gloves, hand axe, tow chain or rope, flashlight, flares, compass, signal mirror, sand mats (metal mesh or stiff canvas), extra motor oil, knife, plastic spray bottle

Car checklist

Check engine oil, brake fluid, water and radiator. Always be aware of the car's temperature. If you are an experienced desert driver, your tyres should be deflated to 15psi. Make sure that your tank is full and keep filling up when you reach a station.

On guard

Adventurers need to follow some important but basic guidelines to make sure any trip into the desert has a positive outcome for the environment as well as everybody taking part.

Dos
Make sure you travel with at least one other person. Always tell people about your plans and where you intend to travel. Take enough water — 12 bottles per person per day in summer. Three to four bottles per person in winter. Always check for a phone signal. When you leave the campsite make sure you take everything with you. Look after other travellers. If you see anyone stuck or in trouble, stop to help them. Put two to three torches on the top of your tent so that people driving at night can see where your tent is. Always concentrate and listen for the noise of engines. Cover the campfire with sand in the morning, and put up a sign to remind yourself where it is.

If you are stranded, what do you do?

Call 999
"If you break down, immediately call the police rescue. Try not to drink too much and do not attempt to walk around. Stay where you are — where you told the rescue team you would be. Don't walk a lot, because it is tiring and don't be nervous. Stay calm, especially when speaking to the rescue team as communication is very important. Always stay positive."
- Zahed Dalanti, Desert safari leader


Dubai Civil Defence safety and security guidelines

By Alia Al Theeb, Staff Reporter

According to Brigadier Rashid Thani Al Matroushi, Director of Dubai Civil Defence, the UAE sees a marked increase in camping trips and outdoor activities during the winter period and as such it is vital to abide by safety rules when venturing outdoors.

Tents
Tents should be located away from deep valleys where flooding can occur. Do not place heat near the tent. Camping sites should be near roads and within mobile range. Keep the stove and electric generators away from tents. Keep a fire extinguisher with five kilograms of powder inside the tent. Keep electric generators away from the tent and opposite the wind direction. Do not fill the generator with fuel while it is
switched on. Do not store fuel near
the generator.

Floods
Avoid parking cars, camping or spending the night in valleys where flooding can occur. Avoid camping in places where floods can cut off escape routes. Keep a fire extinguisher in the car. Conduct checkups before starting the trip. Fill up the car with oil, fuel and water. Wear seatbelts. Provide the car with towing equipment.

Communication
Ensure that everyone has a mode of communication to reach other members of the group as well as relevant authorities should there be a need. Notify family or friends of the camping location and expected time of return.

Preserve the environment
Tents should be set up in a place that does not affect the environment, especially trees and water sources. Make sure that you clean up the area and do not leave anything behind after your trip.

Campfire
Choose a location for the fire that is away from the tent and opposite the wind direction. Dig a pit for the fire to avoid flames and hot coals flying around. Avoid sitting downwind around the fire.

First aid and food
Provide a first aid box with bandages, medicine for cuts, burns and insect bites, and antiseptics. Prepare enough food and water based on the number of people in the group, as well as the period of the trip.
 
Looks good. I might add a small CPR mask (and know how to use it). I usually have a sheet of steri-strips and a small suture kit, as well as an irrigation syringe. The steri-strips are always with my kits because they are so small, and the suture and syringe if I think I might need them.
 
psy-ops said:
I might be going over board but I would include solar still materials. If you get lost and need some water it might be your only viable option. It wouldn't take a lot of room to include a Tube and some mylar or a plastic sheet.

Have a great trip!
Click to expand...

I like the idea of a still and even remember Survivorman's 'How to drink your own pee' tutorial. Plastic garbage bags will be included to work with the bottle cup (reservoir).
 
gdtrfb said:
fyi - bullfrog for aquatic environments was great when I did coastal research some years ago. Perhaps even the 'white' stuff lifeguards use (name escapes me right now). Both were very welcome when on the coast all day, etc.

edit to add zinc (the white stuff), also some lip balm of some sort

Also, a dry bag. Things really heat up in them, but they are invaluable when boating. (YMMV) It won't protect like a pelican case, etc. but will keep your stuff dry and they float.

A head mounted led light may be useful. Hands free factor.
Click to expand...

Dry bag and head mounted light are good items. I have both on hand so I have now included them. The dry bag is of the folding nylon type so takes up little room. The handlamp - Black Diamond, a little led-light job that works great. Not sure why I didn't think of it before so thanks for remending me.
 
Lots of great information there Martino910.

I have been to Dubai on week long trips twice before so I am aware of the cultural sensitivities of the muslim culture. Yep, not good to walk around town drunk, but then again there isn't any problems getting a little bit s***t-faced at the hotels themselves. In fact, the strict muslim country comes rather alive in the drinking establishments at night :) :)
 
naked said:
Looks good. I might add a small CPR mask (and know how to use it). I usually have a sheet of steri-strips and a small suture kit, as well as an irrigation syringe. The steri-strips are always with my kits because they are so small, and the suture and syringe if I think I might need them.
Click to expand...

Yeah, Naked I really want one of those breathing masks. Especially after using them in Wilderness Advanced Medical aid. Just haven't been able to locate one in the local drug mart. I did find a small disposable face shield, but I'm not convinced it will work in practice. The valve looks like the kind of thing you would find ona beach ball :eek:

I also like the irrigations syring. What I found was a squeeze bottle containing disenfectant. This isn't as efficient as the syringe, less pressure, but would provide some pressure for wound washing. Also, having concentrated iodine solution and then diluted would give you a large volume of disinfectant so you wouldn't be constrained by the amount of irrigation you perform. I just don't want to travel with that concentrated solution on the plane though.

Again thanks for everyones suggestions. I keep adding them to the edited list up top and am scouring around to locate the items and include them my luggage.

This is great and wish I did it for all my trips. Keep the suggestions coming!
 
have a great trip...

(I'll be in Dubai today...live about an hour outside of Dubai...shopping with DW of course...)
 
Okay so I made it safe and sound. The trip was long (8 h flight from Detroit to Frankfurt; 7 h wait time; 7 h flight from Frankfurt to Dubai). I arrived at Frankfurt at 5:30 am and it was pretty boring. Actually the Frankfurt airport is probably the worst internation hub I've been to. Hardly any seating anywhere - even the buisness lounge was full!

So then I get to my hotel and the reservations had some error which took a while to straighten out. Internet isn't free at UAE hotels which I find annoying. Given my stay here I ended up shelling out for the 30 d package which is $330 CDN!!! I know that is only $11/day but still it is a bit outrageous. At least I'm connected now!

Its raining like crazy - who would have thought it would be pooring rain in the desert :( At least I have my gortex with me.

Here is a shot of the view (not much) from my hotel balcony, although I couldn't step out on it because it has accumulated 4" of water. My home base for the next month.

005-1.jpg


006-2.jpg


007-3.jpg


I'll try to get some pictures of the city later on or when the weather cooperates more.
 
As you are already there, it may not matter much now, but having worked on international assignments myself for many years, I would always recommend bringing your own personal syringe kit, you can buy these at any drug store in Canada and they come with a letter for your doctor to sign stating that it is for personal emergency use (rather than for illicit drug use). After having passed out in a Cuban hospital many years ago only to be awoken by a very large glass syringe of something being injected into my rear-end, I would even suggest bringing it to the hospital with you if you were ever to need care in a foreign country, I have used my kit on two separate occasions.

I also always make sure I have a good supply of Bactrim or Cepro for those nasty gastrointestinal infections that bismuth subsalicylate (Peptobismol) won't cure (I also always bring a good supply of Peptobismol, I've found it difficult to get in most places). Peptobismol is probably the medication I have used more than anything else while working overseas; it will prevent/cure traveller's diarrhea 65% of the time. Use your Immodium only as a last resort!

An Epipen is always a good idea, I always carry one in my first aid kit; when in a foreign place (new food, new plants, new animals), you never know when you or someone on your crew could have a severe alergic reaction to something, and an Epipen can be a real life-saver.

I also always have a copy of "Medicine for Mountaineering" by JA Wilkerson, I've found this to be the most comprehensive and realistic First Aid book out there, it deals with how to treat and diagnose when you are truly on your own away from medical help (including administration of medications). I've learned over the years to always get a second or third opinion when getting medical advice in any foreign country.

Cable-ties are always a good thing to have, great for sealing zippers on luggage and 101 other uses.

There's probably more (there always is :)), but overall your kit looks pretty good
 
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