How much should my pack weigh?

Maximum 20kg. You'll be lifting this onto truck roofs multiple times daily. Pack essentials only - you can buy basics like soap and shampoo in most African cities.

What sleeping bag temperature rating do I need?

5°C minimum. Desert nights drop to near freezing even when days are 35°C+. A good down bag compresses small and lasts the entire trip.

Should I bring camping gear?

Most overland trucks provide tents and cooking equipment. Focus on personal items: sleeping bag, clothes, toiletries, and electronics. Check with your tour operator first.

How do I protect electronics from dust?

Triple-bag everything in ziplock bags. African roads create fine dust that gets into everything. Bring lens cleaning wipes and consider a dust cover for your camera.

How to pack gear for African overland travel

Pack light but smart for African overland travel: focus on quick-dry clothes, a good sleeping bag rated to 5°C, and essential items like water purification tablets and a headlamp. Your total pack should weigh 15-20kg maximum since you'll be living out of it for weeks or months.

Choose the right backpack. Get a 65-75L backpack with a detachable daypack. Osprey Farpoint 70 or Gregory Paragon 68 work well. Pack weight should never exceed 20kg - you'll be lifting this onto truck roofs daily.
Pack for temperature extremes. Bring layers for 5°C desert nights and 35°C+ daytime heat. Pack 1 warm fleece, 1 rain jacket, and clothes that dry in 2-3 hours. Avoid cotton except for underwear.
Prioritize water and food safety. Pack water purification tablets (Aquatabs), a LifeStraw or similar filter, and Imodium. Bring electrolyte sachets - you'll lose salt fast in African heat.
Pack essential electronics protection. Bring a portable power bank (20,000mAh minimum), universal adapter, and waterproof phone case. Dust kills electronics - pack everything in ziplock bags.
Include overland-specific items. Pack a good headlamp (Petzl Tikka), quick-dry towel, toilet paper, hand sanitizer, and a Swiss Army knife. These basics aren't always available in remote areas.
Organize with packing cubes. Use 3-4 packing cubes to organize clothes, electronics, toiletries, and documents. You'll need to access things quickly during border crossings and truck stops.

How much should my pack weigh?: Maximum 20kg. You'll be lifting this onto truck roofs multiple times daily. Pack essentials only - you can buy basics like soap and shampoo in most African cities.
What sleeping bag temperature rating do I need?: 5°C minimum. Desert nights drop to near freezing even when days are 35°C+. A good down bag compresses small and lasts the entire trip.
Should I bring camping gear?: Most overland trucks provide tents and cooking equipment. Focus on personal items: sleeping bag, clothes, toiletries, and electronics. Check with your tour operator first.
How do I protect electronics from dust?: Triple-bag everything in ziplock bags. African roads create fine dust that gets into everything. Bring lens cleaning wipes and consider a dust cover for your camera.