» Outdoor gear Malaysia

My minimum kit into the jungle; Part 1

Keong — Thu, 21 Apr 2011 12:55:43 +0000

Part of my minimum kit each time I head out into the jungle

We never go into jungle without a minimum kit. This is especially true if it is just a day trip. It is a kit that contains some must have items with us. Something we adopted from one of our previous jobs and it has stuck with us ever since. While some of our friends thinks it is simply overloading, we find it necessary…even when we are with a group of friends. So…here’s a little bit on our minimum kit.

Opinions on the contents of a minimum kit varies tremendously and we suspect it is due to influences of geographical locality/ environment, local laws and most of all…individual preferences. When it comes to individual preferences, the mixture of ideas and opinions is limited only to one’s imagination. So…this is OUR minimum kit, a kit that we carry on day trips whenever we step into the jungle. If we knew it was going to be an overnight trip, we’d carry more stuff definitely.

The objective of (our version) minimum kit is quite simple…to be able to sustain ourselves for a night or two just in case we get stuck out in the jungle. We could be stuck out there for many reasons. (Touch wood) We could be lost, we could be absolutely tired or a member in the group is injured and not able to walk…a host of reasons why our day trip into the jungle could end up being extended into an over night trip. So…our minimum kit ought to have enough to see us (at least for one person) through the night. For both of us, we carry a similar kit to each.

The stretcher hammock I have in my minimum kit

During a recent over night trip to a nearby jungle with friends, I (Keong) decided to try out my minimum kit. From the very beginning, the group planned to overnight, but I thought I’d treat it like a day trip and see how I do with only the stuff I have in my pack. Generally, on a day trip, my kit would consist of the following (and often times a little bit more):

Parang
Fire starting kit (usually a lighter with some inner tire tubes)
Coils of ropes
Lengths of strings
A pot with several sachets of instant drinks/ soups
A small knife attached to a whistle and a smaller fire starting kit
Water purification tablets
FA Kit
A stretcher hammock
A multi tool with pliers
Head torch with spare batteries
A spare LED torch
A pair of spare specs
A 3m X 2m flysheet
2 units of 1.5 liters drinking bottle

All the above packed into my favorite pack.

My min kit all packed in the Blackhawk Patrol pack

So…this was the challenge I set for myself. Spend a night in the jungle with only the minimum kit. More on this in the following parts.

Jungle hammock

Keong — Sat, 04 Sep 2010 08:31:06 +0000

Hammock is the way to go in the Malaysian jungle

I have always been a firm believer that a lightweight hammock & a reliable flysheet is the best way to sleeping shelter in the jungle. Hammocks keeps you off the ground, easy to set-up and is probably the one shelter with the least impact on the natural environment.

If you are looking for a hammock to use in the jungle, try browsing Outdoor Gear Malaysia. Together we some friends, we have set-up this online gear store to provide an affordable and (more importantly) practical range of outdoor gear.

Outdoor Gear

Keong — Sat, 04 Sep 2010 03:21:33 +0000

It is possible to find outdoor gear in Malaysia but more often than not, they are impractical, overly priced and limited in terms of choices. And since we have been getting quite some questions from readers all over (normally from tourists coming to visit Malaysia) about gear (where to buy?, should I get this & that? , can I use my Goretex shoes in Malaysia? etc)…we thought we might as well share some useful information about outdoor gear in Malaysia here.

Find practical, affordable & field tested equipment at www.outdoor-gear-malaysia.com

A few of us then got together and decided it is time to start an online site that talks about outdoor and camping gear in Malaysia. It is a resource that we hope over time will provide not only free and practical solutions to those looking for gear but also a place to shop at unbeatable prices!

So…we are happy to announce that with the collaboration of a few friends (writes & field testers), outdoor equipment suppliers. we bring you www.outdoor-gear-malaysia.com

We do hope you will find this new site useful and informative. If you have any questions or would like to place an inquiry on some outdoor gear you have been looking for, do write to us here.

So, do visit this page from time to time as we will be updating them whenever we spot something really great for use in our Malaysian jungle.

Thanks for your visit!

Keong, Meun and Sox

Buying kayak in Malaysia

Keong — Sun, 28 Jun 2009 08:09:47 +0000

Finally, we bought our kayaks!

We thought about buying kayak for our own use in Malaysia for a very long time. Having once worked in an outdoor education center where ocean expedition is a major activity, it is only natural that we had a longing to paddle again. While finances and budget has been the major factor holding us back from buying, the other ‘excuses’ includes not knowing where to paddle and where to buy them from.

We decided on them kayaks because it is something that we have always wanted to get. To add on to it, it is going to be our first wedding anniversary soon and we thought this would be a great gift for the both of us. So, out came the bank book and off kayak shopping we went.

We didn’t actually shop to be honest. We have always known Mr Najib of Renegade Quest Sdn Bhd from previous business dealings. He is a very humble and nice chap. He is the main distributors of a few well known kayaks in Malaysia. So, if you are ever considering buying kayaks, forget them retailers…go straight to Mr Najib. His number is 019-2363013 (or just google Perception Malaysia and you will find his website).

Najib showed us a few models of kayak. We already knew what we wanted but having a look around is never a bad idea. While there are newer models (but definitely more expensive), we decided to stick to our plan (and budget!) which is the Perception Swing Plus.

The Perception Swings are rather long, 3.9m to be exact. They are Sit On Tops and personally we think they are the way to go in Malaysia. They are easy to learn, with hatches to carry gear and very stable. It would be a nightmare to use a cockpit kayak in Malaysia with ’spray skirts’ because of the hot and humid weather. I have previously tested the Swing tandems and they are awesome. Swings are obsolete models but we know for a fact they are good SOTs and within our budget.

With Najib and his cousin’s help, we got both our Perception Swings onto my Vitara. Thank God we fitted the Vitara with a second hand Vitara carrier. We tied them down with tie downs and set to bring the babies home.

Our Perception Swings stacked beautifully on our Suzuki Vitara. No issues.

The first thing we did when we got the Swings back home was to give it a ‘shower’. After a quick wash, we brought the kayaks into the house only to realize that they were way too long for us to conveniently store them anyway.

Meun busy giving the kayaks a quick wash

Now we realize the kayaks are way too long for the house!

Well, there is no way we are gonna be able to fit our kayaks into our storeroom. So, our best next option is to have the kayaks leaning on the wall. With a wall plug through the wall, we are able to secure the kayaks from rolling over.

The kayaks being stored at home.

We have our kayaks and paddles. We now need PFDs and we are all set to go kayaking Malaysia!

Go to www.outdoor-gear-malaysia.com for more information on buying kayaks in Malaysia.

Choosing a jungle backpack for use in Malaysia

Keong — Mon, 06 Apr 2009 21:42:35 +0000

Which backpack to choose for Malaysia jungle?

How do you choose a jungle backpack for use in Malaysia? This is one question I get very often from friends. An important and valid question considering the amount of investment that’s going into this piece of outdoor gear.

More often than not, people purchase packs based on brands, fanciful designs and whatever’s current. It is also common that people choose a particular pack because of the ‘prestige’ feeling that comes with the brand. I know this because I am one of them …well, at least I used to be.

I have come to realize that in the Malaysian jungle, it all boils down to how practical the pack is for the environment. One may choose any brand or design that one fancies but the most important thing is that the pack should fit comfortably (with load) and should be made of reasonably durable material.

This pack back panel allows no ventilation at all. Probably more suited for the cold/ dry climate

It may also be worthwhile to look at the back panel of the pack. I sweat profusely in the heat and humidity of the jungle. This has in many cases caused mild to severe rashes on my back. While this could be due to the fact that I have not showered in days, I also belief that it is caused by the constant ‘clamping’ of the pack to my back without any ‘airing’. My back is soaked with sweat and without some air ventilating it, becomes a great place for bacterial growth. The rashes will go away on its own (keep dry and wash with soap) but it certainly is one of them irritating things that will just ruin your trip.

The back panel of my Macpac Tekapo 45+, well suited for me

This is not bad as well

Another rather good design

So, if you are looking for backpack to use in the Malaysian jungle and your plans include hours of walking, it would be wise to consider a pack with a back system that allows some form of ventilation for your back. Different brands have different sorts of back ‘systems’ but as long as it keeps your back ventilated, it would do the job.

Avoid backpacks that are designed for cold weather. The back panels of such packs will normally ‘stick’ to your back, with no room for ventilation. This makes sense in the cold where such designs would help keep the body warm but would probably a disaster for the rainforest kind of climate.

Osprey's airspace technology allows great ventilation

Osprey brand of backpacks used to have close contact back panels but their recent ‘airspace’ models are excellent for the jungle where there is high humidity. The back panel has a mesh and beneath the mesh there is a layer of foam with protruding ‘nipples’ (I don’t know what else to call them). This allows air to ventilate on a bigger surface area, hence a more comfy back for jungle use.

Osprey's airspace foam 'nipples' allows air to ventilate

SEE also other entries on outdoor gear by clicking on the following links:

Looking for more information on outdoor and camping backpacks in Malaysia? Why not try www.outdoor-gear-malaysia.com

Outdoor gear in Malaysia; A gear junkie perspective

Keong — Sat, 14 Mar 2009 12:36:01 +0000

What to use and where to buy outdoor gear in Malaysia?

Several people have emailed me through this site asking about outdoor gear in Malaysia. Some was curious to know what gear is suitable for the Malaysian jungle while others just wanted to know where to get stuff. I can relate to many of them looking for gear because like them, I too was (once) in the dark on what gear to use and where to find them in Malaysia.

First of all, I have to admit that I am a bit of a gear junkie. Backpacks, knives, stoves and shelters have long been my passion. Sourcing for these outdoor gears in Malaysia at the cheapest price is my way of going around feeding my addiction with my mere salary.

Do you really need all these for the Malaysian jungle?

One thing is for sure, outdoor gear in Malaysia is NOT cheap. Relative to the general income bracket that most Malaysian earn, gears can be considered luxury goods I would say. For a fresh graduate in Malaysia starting at a salary at RM1600 per month for example, would probably have to spend close to half the salary earned just to get a backpack. And if he/ she is not careful, that RM800 would probably end up with a copy or replica of a branded name pack. Sad but that is reality here.

My ‘dedicated’ gear store…probably enough to start a war.

I have piles and piles of gear. Some I purchased new, some used and some were passed down to me by fellow friends who pity me with my drooling addiction over gears. But I would say I have seen through many items. Played around with many gadgets and broken many as well in the process. Despite being very fortunate to try and test out gears, one thing I have realized (though a little too late by now as all the money have been spent) now is that outdoor gear for use in Malaysia or probably any other tropical countries in this region is really simple. The basis for good and suitable gear I have learn is practicality and simplicity. No nonsense kit that does not fail you halfway and especially does not burn a hole in your pocket is probably your best bet.

We will attempt to cover bit by bit some of the basic gear, up to gears that are so high profile and sophisticated it would probably be best left alone on the shelves of the shops selling them.

The following are a list of entries on outdoor gear in Malaysia:

Go to www.outdoor-gear-malaysia.com for free info on who’s who, what and where to buy camping/ outdoor gear in Malaysia.