Expeditions

PACKING IT IN

Q What’s the best way to pack a vehicle so that everything is where you want it on an expedition?

A Make the most of the space available, but don’t make it too complicated. It’s all very well wedging your bags into the rear load bay on top of each other, but what happens when you need to get your passport our of the bottom bag? Will you need to unpack everything?

Soft bags are the best for fitting into tight spaces, although hard plastic waterproof cases are best for extreme conditions. Work our where you are going to store them – and stick to it.

One important piece of advice is not to overload the roof rack. It may be tempting to use all that vacant space for jerry cans, spare wheels and water, but in reality these heavy items are best stashed low down inside the car..

Put lighter items, like clothes or tents on the roof, making sure they are well protected from dust, road dirt and rain. Containers which lock on the roof rack make a great deal of sense.

NEED TO PREPARE

Q What specific preparations do I need to make to my Land Rover before setting off on an expedition?

A Thorough preparation is essential in order to minimize the risk of breakdown, but what you need to add depends on the type of expedition you are planning to do, whether you are traveling alone or in a group, and where you plan to go when you get there.

If you intend sticking to tarmac or dirt roads, a winch is probably unnecessary, but a roll cage is a good idea. Alternatively, for a trip mainly off-road, a winch would be indispensable.

A roof rack, off-road tires, more comfortable seating, camper conversions, roof tents, load space protectors and rear window grilles are also things you may want to consider fitting, depending on where you are going

EXPEDITION FACTS

	The average adult requires eight liters of water a day in a hot, dry climate. This can reduced to six liters for a few days if you star running short, and four liters in a real emergency.
	Allow a 20 percent margin of error for fuel and water supplies when traveling in remote areas, and even more in the terrain is particularly inhospitable and the weather very hot.
	In tropical jungles it is essential to have a mosquito net and some means of being able to sleep off the ground. Sleeping bags should be kept in waterproof bags when not in use, and you should inspect yourself frequently for leeches.
	The Expedition Advisory Center at the Royal Geographical Center in London is able to provide information of past expeditions and advice for those planning trips. Of particular value is the Center’s Expedition Planner’s Handbook and Directory