My Top Ten Gear Items For Safari

[Tanks]

...A camera buff friend of mine told me that to beat an I Phone 11, you would need to spend $1,000 PLUS on a good camera, and even with that, you won't benefit in photo quality/pixels, as it's only because the camera will have a telephoto lens...

Well, most decent cameras are approaching that price range or a bit more. I don't know what you mean by telephoto lens reducing pixel counts/photo quality unless you are talking about cropping.

One thing to consider is not to take more camera equipment than necessary. I pondered about taking my Nikon Z7 and a multitude of lenses (or even just one lens), however I will be at a hunting safari not a photo safari and do not need the extra weight or the hassle of the bigger cameras. I even considered my Leica M with just one lens (but it is manual and too much of a hassle to give to someone to take photos).

After some research I decided to test the Fuji X100V, it is 28MP and 35mm equivalent. It is 5"x 3"x 2" weighing 1 lbs, so pretty compact and handy. I am looking at some case options with a belt loop so I can carry it on my belt and not worry about digging it out from my backpack. If a camera is not handy, it does not get used. So far testing has been pretty good, the f2 aperture is open enough for low light photos and it has enough overall resolution to do the equivalent of a digital zoom. Next test will be the video capabilities. I should have it dialed in by the time my hunt comes along in August.

 

[Goose Cracker]

Really thoughtful. I will definitely change my packing routine for my rifles based on your other video - I'll remove the middle piece of foam and pack in a soft case like you do. There are several times the soft case would have been really nice to have, especially banging around in the bakkie.

Completely agree on boots being very personal. Also agree that lightweight hiker-types are more useful in Africa. I prefer the 6-inch height boots with canvas gaiters. I liberally treat my canvas gaiters with Permethrin on the inside and waterproofing on the outside. I also liberally douse each pair of lightweight wool hiking socks with Permethrin as well.

Our gear lists are very similar, with a few idiosyncracies for me.

• A multi-tool or pocket knife is a must. I have a little Gerber multi-tool I like, but I frequently carry a Spyderco folder.
• I prefer lightweight binos - I carry my little 10x32 Meoptas with a leather strap. They weigh about half as much as rangefinder binos. My PH uses rangefinding binos, so he ranges targets for me.
• I know others hate them, but I carry my extra ammo in a leather buttstock holder. I don't like anything on my belt.
• I always have chap-stick and a small flashlight in my pocket.
• I wear my polarized sunglasses - or they are on my hat. With a Cablz retainer to ensure I don't lose them.
• My phone is always on me, in a cargo pocket.
• I usually have a robusto-sized cigar, cigar cutter, and a torch lighter with me in case a celebration is in order. Or a pity party. Plus you never know when a lighter will come in handy.
• And finally I always wear a paracord bracelet my younger son made for me years ago when I'm hunting.

I carry a small hunting backpack instead of a sling pack - it usually stays in the truck unless we are off for a long walk. My backpack has a load of different stuff in it, including my jacket, shemagh, gloves, TP, first aid kit, extra socks, etc.

 

[Tanks]

...
I think I am a fairly sophisticated guy but I honestly hate opera. I’ve been to big cities and even Vienna Austria operas and just can’t get into it!good for you though.
...

It is an acquired taste. My mother loved theater and opera, my dad not so much. So, from a very young age I became the designated escort to my mother for those types of events. That continues to today 50 years later.

 

[Charles Rosamilia]

Great topic and lots of insight. It's really funny how people from different backgrounds, hunting in diverse habitats come up with the same lists. I guess hunting is hunting and eventually most of us figure out what works.
My trip scheduled for June 15th to Namibia looks highly unlikely. Don't know if I should try to move it to August 2020 or to next year. Missing Africa.

 

[Tanks]

...
My trip scheduled for June 15th to Namibia looks highly unlikely. Don't know if I should try to move it to August 2020 or to next year. Missing Africa.

I would move it to next year and keep bags packed for another hunt in the fall if things open up, there should be deals.

 

[Shakka]

Well, most decent cameras are approaching that price range or a bit more. I don't know what you mean by telephoto lens reducing pixel counts/photo quality unless you are talking about cropping.

One thing to consider is not to take more camera equipment than necessary. I pondered about taking my Nikon Z7 and a multitude of lenses (or even just one lens), however I will be at a hunting safari not a photo safari and do not need the extra weight or the hassle of the bigger cameras. I even considered my Leica M with just one lens (but it is manual and too much of a hassle to give to someone to take photos).

After some research I decided to test the Fuji X100V, it is 28MP and 35mm equivalent. It is 5"x 3"x 2" weighing 1 lbs, so pretty compact and handy. I am looking at some case options with a belt loop so I can carry it on my belt and not worry about digging it out from my backpack. If a camera is not handy, it does not get used. So far testing has been pretty good, the f2 aperture is open enough for low light photos and it has enough overall resolution to do the equivalent of a digital zoom. Next test will be the video capabilities. I should have it dialed in by the time my hunt comes along in August.

Sorry Tanks, yes my post is a bit confusing. What I meant to say was that my friend told me that pixel wise, an IPhone11 was comparable to a $1,000 camera, and that if you DID take a camera instead of the IPhone then you had the benefit of the Camera's telephoto lense.

I am mostly interested in taking great trophy pictures and pictures of my surroundings, landscape, trees, rocks, etc and not game animals at far distances so for this reason I am wondering if I am good to go with the IPhone

 

[Ryan]

I am mostly interested in taking great trophy pictures and pictures of my surroundings, landscape, trees, rocks, etc and not game animals at far distances so for this reason I am wondering if I am good to go with the IPhone

Yes, for those purposes a good phone camera will work just fine. That's exactly what I used two years ago. Well I have a Samsung, but same idea. And my PH at the time used his phone camera for trophy pics too. All the pics from my last hunt report were from a phone camera. As an example I happened across a rock monitor while on a stalk. I whipped that little phone out, took a quick pic, slipped it back in a pocket and move on. Easy. Add a photo editing app to your phone and you can work on color, contrast and cropping right at your fingertips. And they're pretty clear pictures with a couple 8x10s on the wall right now.

 

[Philip Glass]

Liked the video, especially the Rick Young Bino Harness. I haven't seen those before, looks like a better mouse trap that I will have to check out.

It’s THE best!

 

[Philip Glass]

i do have a question Philip. has the exposed scope turrets ever been an issue in your hunts?
thanks.

No the Swaro locks and has not been an issue. I have always worried about that and it is why I am slow coming to the use of turrets. My Leupold 4-12 on my Tikka 7mm Mag does not lock so I always check it. I do appreciate the question as I’m sure others have had the same thoughts.
Philip

 

[Philip Glass]

Phil, I'm curious as to which Camera you have. A camera buff friend of mine told me that to beat an I Phone 11, you would need to spend $1,000 PLUS on a good camera, and even with that, you won't benefit in photo quality/pixels, as it's only because the camera will have a telephoto lens.

I don't know much about either so I am wondering what your thoughts are....thanks!

I have an Olympus Tough TG-5. It’s super simple to operate which is a must for me! I’ve also heard and read what your getting from your friend but it has just not been my experience. The camera pics were without a doubt far superior to my new iPhone 11. Now I regret all the times I didn’t use it!
Philip

 

[Tgood1]

Thank you sir, been leery of such myself

 

[Philip Glass]

Thanks for the video, relevant and informative...

I would add one item as being essential. Nothing worse than grass seeds getting into your socks and scratching and irritating the hell out of you while walking in the bush. After a few days it can become so raw that people want to climb the walls. Bring two pairs. Leather(can be hot) or strong material. Be careful of canvas it can be noisy.

Ha! I actually had them on for the video but you can’t see them. I didn’t want to get too much into clothing on this vid but maybe next time. It would be fun to do another one especially so everyone on this side can give me trouble for the short shorts!
Philip

 

[Philip Glass]

Really thoughtful. I will definitely change my packing routine for my rifles based on your other video - I'll remove the middle piece of foam and pack in a soft case like you do. There are several times the soft case would have been really nice to have, especially banging around in the bakkie.

Completely agree on boots being very personal. Also agree that lightweight hiker-types are more useful in Africa. I prefer the 6-inch height boots with canvas gaiters. I liberally treat my canvas gaiters with Permethrin on the inside and waterproofing on the outside. I also liberally douse each pair of lightweight wool hiking socks with Permethrin as well.

Our gear lists are very similar, with a few idiosyncracies for me.

• A multi-tool or pocket knife is a must. I have a little Gerber multi-tool I like, but I frequently carry a Spyderco folder.
• I prefer lightweight binos - I carry my little 10x32 Meoptas with a leather strap. They weigh about half as much as rangefinder binos. My PH uses rangefinding binos, so he ranges targets for me.
• I know others hate them, but I carry my extra ammo in a leather buttstock holder. I don't like anything on my belt.
• I always have chap-stick and a small flashlight in my pocket.
• I wear my polarized sunglasses - or they are on my hat. With a Cablz retainer to ensure I don't lose them.
• My phone is always on me, in a cargo pocket.
• I usually have a robusto-sized cigar, cigar cutter, and a torch lighter with me in case a celebration is in order. Or a pity party. Plus you never know when a lighter will come in handy.
• And finally I always wear a paracord bracelet my younger son made for me years ago when I'm hunting.

I carry a small hunting backpack instead of a sling pack - it usually stays in the truck unless we are off for a long walk. My backpack has a load of different stuff in it, including my jacket, shemagh, gloves, TP, first aid kit, extra socks, etc.

Cool! Thanks for the list of must haves. It’s always a thought provoking discussion here on AH!
Ditto pemerethin on most everything.
Philip

 

[Trogon]

Thank you for making and posting your video, this will be very helpful for my first safari, whether this year or next (most likely now). Greatly appreciated!

 

[Tokoloshe Safaris]

Number one on my list is a package of baby wipes, sooths the savage beast! When I have it one can of spam! Small GPS. I try to see that the headlight, torch all use the same batteries as the GPS AAs.

 

[Philip Glass]

Great topic and lots of insight. It's really funny how people from different backgrounds, hunting in diverse habitats come up with the same lists. I guess hunting is hunting and eventually most of us figure out what works.
My trip scheduled for June 15th to Namibia looks highly unlikely. Don't know if I should try to move it to August 2020 or to next year. Missing Africa.

You’re right that most everyone “figure out what works” eventually. I just want to help the first timer get a jump on the mistakes and over packing most of us did years ago!
Thanks,
Philip

 

[Philip Glass]

Thank you for making and posting your video, this will be very helpful for my first safari, whether this year or next (most likely now). Greatly appreciated!

You are so welcome and I appreciate your kind words. Can’t wait to read your hunt report!

 

[JG870]

Cool! Thanks for the list of must haves. It’s always a thought provoking discussion here on AH!
Ditto pemerethin on most everything.
Philip

Hi Phillip

Really enjoyed your video, very informative and well done.
Do you apply the Permethrin shortly before packing for the trip or after arriving?

 

[Witold Krzyżanowski]

Very good video.

 

[BeeMaa]

Hi Phillip

Really enjoyed your video, very informative and well done.
Do you apply the Permethrin shortly before packing for the trip or after arriving?

Spray (soak) your clothes a few days before you leave.
Pay particular attention to seams and cuffs.
Allow them to dry completely, then pack them.
It's good for a few washings, even longer if you don't dry them.
We do it before every hunting trip.
Tick bits suck and chiggers are no better.