We have a 'thread-jacker' in our midst... <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> No worries S-H... <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

It's also got a lot to do with the route you intend to take. Are you going to 'stick out'? How big is the group? When crossing a stretch of ground are you silhoutted againt the skyline? Sometimes taking the route less travelled takes a little longer but is by far the safer choice.

Living along the coast I've spent many a night sleeping on the beach and you'll be amazed at how far away you can see the coal of a cigarette. Something a simple as having a smoker in the group can drastically effect your ability to remain hidden. When I did my 'BASICS' Training in the Military there was mention of the fact that you could see a cigarette coal 3km's away, now I'm not sure if that's true, but nevertheless the point was made.

I know when we would have a "Military exercise" those on guard duty were not allowed to smoke if they were in a blackout situation.

And you are correct about being "Highlighted". A "Hunters Moon" is dreaded by military clandestine operators as well as anyone trying to move about undetected. Also, you might be surprised how far a slight breeze can carry the smell of burning tobacco.

ZX, I am guessing that your area is more arid or semi arid and not a jungle environment, correct?

Thinking back on my blade recommendations, and that can be a morale factor because the more confident you are in your equipment the better you feel, Maybe THREE blades would be best.

1. Longer blade, machete or a large 9 inch or longer like the DF or B11.
2. A Midsize blade for normal camp type chores, like the S5, 511 or the Wardog and the Ratmandu would also work of course.
3. A smaller blade like the Scrapivore, Rodent solution, Mud Puppy or Swamp warden. This would be for "Pocket knife" type chores and save your larger blades.

Plus the smaller blade especially the Scrapivore and Swamp Warden could (maybe should) be worn as a neck knife so you will always have a blade no matter WHAT happens. AND BE SURE YOU INCLUDE A QUALITY SHARPENER! I am once again going to recommend the Eze-lap model M for it's strength and longevity.

Most of the area in South Africa could be referred to as Savannah Grasslands but where I'm from it's very overgrown, I suppose you could say jungle type foilage. I'm heading home in 2 weeks a I'll definitely post some pics for you guys. I'll live along the East Coast of South Africa, in the province of Kwazulu/Natal. It's greenest of all the provinces.

I've attached a random aerial shot, courtesy of google, of my town. Well more specifically the area bordering the beach just to give you an idea. The area is so dense that recently a Lioness was able to avoid capture for 4 months till eventually she dissapeared... <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" />

Ok, you definitely DO NOT live in an arid area of the country. But as you already know, if maybe haven't thought of, is that you should tailor your BOB and supplies and support equipment to the area you will be traversing the most of.

Oh and something you probably HAVE NOT thought of, get yourself a good (I would strongly recommend wood of some type) hiking staff, at least 5-6 ft tall, NOT LESS than 5 ft. That would give you enough length to help stave off undesirable creatures that slither, crawl or jump or fly and can make a large difference.

Here we go, I found a newspaper article regarding the Lioness and there's a pic of what the area looks like...

http://www.zululandobserver.co.za/Pages/f14story1.html

http://www.zululandobserver.co.za/Pages/m15story1.html

http://www.zululandobserver.co.za/Pages/m20story5.html

As for the knife choices, that's exactly what I was looking for, thanks so much S-H.

You know I've never really considered the importance of an excellent blade. I mean fair enough I have knives of all sorts but I never thought about it in regards to steel choice, hardness of the blade, how comfortable the handle is, how well the grip suits ones hand, etc.

And I say I recommend wood. There a lot of "Survival staffs" out there and a lot of them are well thought out and very good at their job. BUT what if for some reason you lost it or had to abandon it and it was found by "the bad guys". That would just alert them that you MAY not be to far away.

Most of us never do. Face it, MOST of us never have to use a knife or machete or a bladed cutting instrument for hours on end. Just a few minutes to skin out small game or maybe a deer, gazelle, kudu or eland (Just for you my friend). So handle comfort isn't really all that critical. But in a survival situation, or even one where you just plan on "Getting out there" for a week or longer, those criteria can make a large difference. As I said earlier, IF you are confident that your tools can take it, you will be removing one stress factor from your life.

Nice articles and I can see why she remained free for so long. Escaped from a game reserve. Ok, explains a few things.

You know, another blade that would fit into the "Sorta 5 inch group) would be the ScrapMuk. About everybody that has them just rant and rave about how good they are for a multitude of tasks.