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Basha In Africa - Silly Idea? Basha In Africa - Silly Idea?
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  #1  
Old 21 Oct 2008
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Basha In Africa - Silly Idea?
I was planning only to take a Basha and Bivvy combo with me for my sleep system, but how will this fare in Africa?

Is the threat from beasties high enough that a proper tent is a more sensible proposition?

My basha is also in DPM, is this the equivalent of wearing a sticker across my head saying 'please shoot me, I'm an elite soldier from your neighbouring country spying on you, maybe I'll even steal your cows while I am at it?'

Thanks

Joel
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  #2  
Old 22 Oct 2008
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Thumbs up No Worries, but try a Hammock too!
IMO, if you're alone and don't have much gear then you can't go wrong with a decent doss bag, biv and basha - small, light, cheap, easy and versatile.

From a climate/weather point of view, I think you'll be sweet unless you have lots of kit which could get wet or blown away.

Mozzies and other bugs could be a problem but as for big beasties, I think you'll be okay.

If you plan on setting up camp for more than one night, then a tent gives you a bit more freedom in terms of filling it full of your stuff and going for a wander.

I definately agree with you about DPM though - very high profile. Personally I would take an OG basha instead.

Having said all that, if it's size and weight that's putting you off a tent, then the Hennessey Hammocks ( Hennessy Hammocks )are the bees knees! I have an Explorer Deluxe asym with Snakeskins (makes setup very quick), which is a bit bigger than the standard, but more comfy and you can fit a backpack in with you. With some imagination it can be used as a tent too (with bikes or sticks etc) for those featureless sandy areas. It's about the same size and wieght of my Goretex biv and basha together and far more versatile.

I would go with the hammock or biv & basha - I don't have a tent!
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  #3  
Old 23 Oct 2008
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Basha
Hi.
These guys do a good OG basha with re-inforced tie points.
Camelot Outdoor Supplies
Cheers.
Dave.
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  #4  
Old 2 Nov 2008
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Another vote for the hammock. I bought something similar (though not as good) to the one mentioned above in Thailand several years ago. I used it many times while taking groups on walking expeditions in Hong Kong and the Philippines. In hot and humid conditions they are much cooler than a tent and, providing you can find a couple of handy trees, are much quicker to put up. The biggest problem was having somewhere to store my gear at night but if you are on a bike with panniers this is not an issue.

Iain
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Old 2 Nov 2008
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You will need a good impregnated mossie net; you can get really good hammocks with good nets for about $100USD. You will definitely need protection from creepy crawlies and insects. Don't forget to check your boots/helmet in the morning if not in the tent!

Agree issue bashas might cause you problems in some countries.

SW
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  #6  
Old 22 Jan 2009
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Beasties breaking into the Tent worry you eh?

Not entirely sure if the Basha or Hammock tent would provide more protection from a Hippo/elephant.

I'm fairly sure (from experience) that Leopards are not enticed by hammock tents, and walk underneath
Lions well again I have experienced them swatting Tents with upright walls.

So my vote would go with either the A tent (sealed Basha) or a Hammock Tent.
However I have always thought that a Hammock tent should be strung high for safety, much like a meat safe.

Baboons can undo zips so god alone knows what they'd make of a basha.

I wouldnt stress about which one to take, something that you can put things in and hide away from prying eyes is good.

DPM doesnt go down well in Africa, something plain green is best, and in some instances highly visible can be useful.

Cheers G
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