jaydh42

Does anyone know what type of duffle bag OAT will be sending us. From what I understand we are to put all our belongings in it and can take only one carry-on each. This will be about a 2 week trip. Doesn't seem too promising as far as packing goes.
Thought/comments appreciated.

sandi

Ask OAT the size of the duffle they send.

Inasmuch as you don't require more than 3/changes of daily attire - 1/wearing, 1/for next day, 1/being laundered; along with a fleece, sweather lightweight jacket, 2/pr of shoes, underwear, it's doable... believe me. It's not like you'd be packing heavy winter attire.

There are many threads here re packing.

I sure have no issues with a 26-28" bag for 3/wks of travel and still have room for gifts being brought to Africa and/or souvenirs I bring home.

As they say - pack whatever you believe you need; remove all; get rid of half of that, and maybe do this again... you'll be set.

No need for anything special, most of which you probably already have in your closet and for sure if you have to buy anything, do not spend lots of money.

uhoh_busted

You will do fine. We have two OAT duffles from a trip we planned (but had to cancel last-minute due to serious family illness) and we used them for a self-planned 3 week trip to SA just last fall. Believe us when we tell you, because laundry is done for you in the camps, you only NEED about 3 pair of trousers (zip off work wonderfully) and maybe 4-5 shirts, plus a fleece. I always pack a week worth of underwear. Two pair of shoes should do you just fine. Maybe a pair of cheap flipflops. The reason for the limitation of luggage to duffles, is because you will at some point(s) be flying in a small aircraft, and the weight is important. Ditto for any ground transportation used in your trip.

It may seem like a leap of faith, but you will be pleased to have as little to carry around as possible.

jaydh42

Thanks for your thoughts. What about a carry-on? Is a backpack or mini-backpack best do you think? Wife is concerned about all her sundries! Sandi, please chime in here!

sandi

We all have 'stuff' and especially items we should always NOT check - passports, documents, meds, etc. - these go into your carryon and along with camera can be taken onboard any internal flights. Just be certain the OAT duffle bag doesn't weight over 33/lbs. And unless your carryon/camera equip doesn't appear overweight will be okay. If agent feels either of these too heavy there might be overweight fees, but these based on KG (2.2/lbs) vs LBS.

While OAT might sent a bag (nice of them), if it has wheels, metal frames/handle... know these often weight 7/lbs before you even put anything inside. You might just want to stop into a Target, Marshal's or even a site as www.ebags.com where you can find a truly soft-duffle for about $25-30. Soft bags can easily then be folded up on return home and stored into that OAT bag. Just a thought!

amyb

Jay, my carry-on was what I ended up using as my day-bag in the vehicle on game rides. So it was big enough for my cameras, wildlife book, insect spray, sunscreen, bottled water, snacks, hat, glasses, but on the plane it also held cameras and other "non-checkables" as well as a change of clothes in case my luggage was lost. It fit comfortably under the seat.

I brought too much clothing, despite the warnings. Never needed a fleece (coming from 20 degree Boston, 55-60 degree mornings were balmy!) but did need a light rain coat. One too many pants, three too many tops. The addage "wear one, wash one, keep one for tomorrow" is perfect. I wore hiking shoes and had sandals for dinner and sitting around at night.

What I would not forget is a headlamp (to help you rummage through a duffle in the tents at night) and another form of flashlight, particularly if staying in tented camps where lighting is minimal.

No place actually weighed luggage but I definitely saw the advantage of duffle over wheeled luggage, in terms of both being lighter overall and more manageable. It fit better in the smaller planes and land rovers and was easier to maneuver on dirt paths at the mobile camps.

atravelynn

Get a safari vest and stuff it full for the flights. I never wear the vest on safari, just for the flights. It's like an extra bag.

Tie any shoes/boots that you are not wearing to the outside of the carryon bag. That produces lots of room.

The overnight flights are so cold, I always were 2 pairs of trousers. That saves some space.

Your binocs can be worn as an accessory in a pinch.

Safari njema.

carterANW

Received my OAT duffle several weeks ago for a June safari in Tanzania. It has wheels, which I think is a change over previous models. It's a little difficult to measure the dimensions of an empty bag, but it's approx. 27 x 11 x 16. Mostly khaki with black base and trim, 2 outside pockets, lots of strap and handle options.

jaydh42

Thanks for the update Carter. We go in July....our first.
So I guess you got your YF shot! Any reaction? What type camera are you taking ....Bridge cAMERA OR P&S or other?