camo/surplus stuff and africa - is it a good idea?
 

Hi guys,
When looking around for camping equipment, I often end up surplus army stuff - its basically good stuff and cheap, two things I love as a cheapskate Dutchie! However what are the risks involved when driving around Africa with an army backpack strapped to the back of a bike, or an army sleeping bag, tarp, water bottle, tool roll etc? ?c? Cheers
Paul

Doubt it would cause a problem unless you have loads of camouflaged gear and a tin helmet on.
East Africa wouldn't be a problem, though it might just give an official an additional reason to stop you in West Africa if you have really obvious military gear on you.
It will raise some questions in North Africa/middle east when stopped at borders and checkpoints, but nothing more.
I've drven an ex-army LandRover complete with desert paint all round North Africa and not had any problems. A couple of times I was just asked if I was in the army.

Oke thanks for the answer. Yeah my gear isn't camo, just green.

You might get a little hassle at road blocks in Zimbabwe with army-type gear, but nothing you can't talk your way out of.

I have been stopped on a couple of occasions in Zim for wearing camoflague style shorts. It is generally just police trying to angle for a bribe, but after it started happening several times a day, I simply switched to a different pair of shorts.

Camp is banned in Zambia from memory.

It is generally not a good idea for various reason. If you buy something try to paint it or die it another colour etc.