Hi

i am going to Namibia on a working holiday and need some gear but not sure what.

I need walking boots that will help keep my feet cool. I need a pen knife / tool. I need a bed roll.

But I am not sure what to buy or what to look for? has any one got some suggestions?

I do not want to spend a lot of money, but do need some reasonable quality stuff.

thanks
Linda

bed roll- go to Alpkit, great value for money!

yup second the alpkit for the roll mat, i just got a slim aric.

Pen knife - cant beat good old victorinox

as for boots if you are wanting to keep your feet cool dont get gortex lined ones or if you really want goretex then go for something breathable like the aku boots!

Why boots? Sandals or mesh trail shoes will be much cooler.

With sleeping bags down is cooler than synthetic in the heat, and a silk liner can be used on its own when really hot.

Having spent quite a while in various Arabian deserts some years ago, I found desert boots of the lightweight suede type to be best. Problem with sandals could be bugs, beasties and sand (not sure if Namibia has scorpions?). Mesh shoes could let in quite a lot of sand, but *if* you are Ok with that they'd be good.

Avoid anything heavy, thick or waterproof.

Desert areas can get quite cold at night so don't go too cool on the sleeping bag front.

My desert experience is in the SW USA, which has scorpions and other bugs, rattlesnakes and cacti and other spiny plants. I found hard soles that spines couldn't penetrate important. I hiked a while with a companion wearing running shoes. Cacti spines went right through the soles of his shoes but not those of my Teva sandals. Knocking sand and grit out of sandals isn't a problem, just knock the toe on the ground. Getting it out of shoes and boots is harder as you have to take them off.

If you want boots Karrimor do a mesh/suede one called the KSB Outback that's designed for hot weather.