Operational Gear
Insights into our approaches to clothing and equipment for travel in complex and higher-risk environments.
Travelling to complex and higher-risk environments comes with significant demands on your personal capabilities and resourcefulness.
Your choices regarding the clothing and equipment you take along with you can make your assignment easier, or can make it significantly harder.
This article will share insights into how to pack for assignments in higher-risk environments. Specific gear recommendations will be provided, where appropriate (no affiliate links or promotions — rather, kit we use in practice). Hopefully, there will be a few useful ideas that you can adapt for your own travels.
This article is part of a series called ‘The Basics’, which explore some of the fundamental concepts of personal security while operating in higher-risk environments. I hope you find it useful.
UPDATE: On 1 April 2024, I launched a new brand of bags and accessories called Station XV. If you’re looking for discreet, lightweight and durable bags for travel or just around town, please take a look at our website.
Operating context
In my work as a security and crisis management consultant, I’m often on the go. Many projects arrive with minimal notice and typically often involve travel to complex and higher-risk environments.
It’s common to go into a location not knowing how long I’ll be there for, whether I’ll be going home from there, or whether I’ll be travelling onward to another destination.
My projects take me to a diverse range of locations, from moderns cities to remote field camps (and everywhere in between). This diversity of travel demands a lot of flexibility when it comes to clothing and equipment.
Guiding principles
There are a few simple principles that apply when it comes to selecting and packing gear:
- Carry as few things as possible. Less to carry = less to maintain and less to lose.
- Weight accumulates, so carry the lightest item in each category.
- Wherever possible, limit yourself to carry on bags. Carrying on is logistically simple and brings with it packing discipline. Less gear to worry about, no more waiting around baggage carousels and no dragging heavy bags or suitcases around town.
- Prefer items that can perform more than one function. The ultimate multi-function device we all carry these days is our phone.
- Avoid clothing or equipment that appears tactical or ‘military looking’. Carrying such gear is a sure fire way to get yourself in trouble in some places.
- Layer your kit based on its importance. Keep critical gear in pockets on your person, and important gear in a satchel or daypack that you carry when out and about. Other items, such as clothing, can be left in another bag back at your accommodation.
- Adopt a consistent packing system that keeps things in the same place. This approach makes it easy to find things when the power goes off and you’re rummaging around for something in your bag.
Key equipment
Here’s a run down of the types of kit I’ll typically pack for an assignment in a higher-risk location. The kit has been broken down into functional groups: devices, documents, cash & cards, communications, navigation, backup power, photography, hydration, lighting, medical, clothing and bags (amongst others). As much as possible, try to standardise what you carry to make life a little simpler and to prevent forgetting things.
Devices
Most of us will typically carry a laptop of some type. If you plan to be moving around a lot and don’t need the functionality of a laptop, try to get by with an iPad Pro with a keyboard. The iPad Pro is a great tool, and the smart keyboard is coffee/dirt/beer/dust/sweat resistant. In many contexts, you may be able to get away with just a phone. A large screen phone with a Bluetooth keyboard provides a good balance of weight and functionality.
Document pack
Your travel will go smoother if you’re well organised and keep documents and the like together. Use a travel folio to keep air tickets and hotel vouchers (always good to have in hard copy), insurance documents, passport photos and other bits and pieces in one place.
Remember to pack additional copies of key documents in case the originals get lost or stolen.
Cash and cards
Having ready access to cash is essential. Lots of problems can be solved quickly and painlessly with a few crisp $20s.
Plan your cash requirements before you travel. If you’re unable to draw cash locally, you’ll need to carry it in with you. If this is the case, make sure that you divide it up and pack it away carefully so it’s not easily accessible. Keep some cash on you, and split the rest up between different bags.
In all cases, ensure you have enough local cash on you to deal with any issues you may face on arrival, for example paying for a visa on arrival and getting a car to your accommodation. Pack at least a few hundred US dollars in new $20s and $10s in your travel folio. Make sure you have new notes. In many locations you’ll find they won’t accept notes from specific years, or notes with any kind of damage.
With credit cards, a good option is to have one or two cards specifically set aside for travel that aren’t tied to dozens of other things back home. If you lose a card, or if it’s compromised, this makes getting a replacement less administratively problematic. Two cards should be sufficient. In most contexts a Visa and a MasterCard should suffice. American Express cards are typically okay for hotel and flight bookings, but you’ll find they are not widely accepted in some parts of the world.
Communications
In higher risk locations, your phone is your lifeline. A reliable phone is probably the most important and useful piece of kit you’ll carry.
Our phones are more than just communication devices. They are flashlights, compasses, maps, magnifying glasses, voice recorders, cameras, notebooks, calculators and translators (amongst dozens of other things).
Depending on where you’re travelling to you may want to consider carrying a second phone specifically set up for travel. Also consider packing a mobile router.
If you’re going to be in a place with poor connectivity, consider packing a satellite phone. The Iridium Extreme 9575 handset is a good choice for most contexts. Fortunately, poor connectivity is less and less of a problem due to the increased reliability of cellular networks. If you are considering taking a satellite phone with you, remember that not all countries permit them. Be sure to check before you travel.
In addition to (or in lieu of) a satellite phone, consider a satellite communicator such as the Garmin inReach Mini. This device is a great backup if the mobile network goes down and is essential if you’re out of range of the network. The inReach Mini is not ideal for any urgent communications, as there can be a bit of a delay in messages being sent and received. It does, however, have an SOS feature, which can be useful in higher-risk locations.
In some higher-risk locations, you could use the inReach Mini to track your location. For some projects, you may choose to have your position actively monitored by someone in your team located elsewhere.
While there’s nothing objectively bad about using a device like the Garmin inReach Mini in higher-risk locations, note that there’s always a risk that authorities may not fully understand its purpose. As a result, they may make incorrect assumptions about the nature of your activities. Devices like this will therefore need to be used with appropriate discretion.
Navigation
Remaining orientated when in a vehicle or when moving about on foot is a basic requirement in higher-risk environments. A small compass, such as the Suunto M-9, is useful for maintaining rough NSEW orientation. This type of compass is easier to refer to than using the compass on your phone and significantly more practical than walking around with a full-size compass in your hand. Plus, it will never run out of batteries. Just make sure it’s balanced for the correct hemisphere (north or south).
If more precise coordinates are needed, the Garmin InReach Mini satellite communicator has a GPS function. However, this device is not ideal for navigating on the go.
Otherwise, use whatever iPhone mapping app works best in your location. This may be Apple Maps, Google Maps or Maps.me.
Backup power
With all the devices you carry when travelling, a reliable supply of power is essential. In many of the locations, you’ll find that the power supply is unreliable. Sometimes there may be only a few hours of generator power a day, and the power may cut out at regular intervals.
As a result, it’s good to carry power banks. Consider the Goal Zero Sherpa 100AC and the Goal Zero Sherpa 100PD. You could leave the 100AC in a bag in your accommodation and carry the 100PD around with your. These power banks are a bit heaver than other models, but will charge a phone, tablet or camera multiple times. Effectively, these power banks will lengthen the life of your phone by a few days, which is the objective.
If working remotely (remote from civilisation, not remote from office), or in locations where the power supply will be unreliable, pack a solar panel. Note that solar panels have limited utility in denser urban environments unless you have rooftop access. Goal Zero also make solar panels. Make sure they’re compatible with your choice of power bank.
Also consider packing a small car charger so you can charge devices while driving around. It’s good practice to have all devices fully charged just in case things go awry. The key is to make sure you set up your device charging so that if you need to exit the vehicle in a hurry you don’t accidentally leave your phone behind.
Photography
Many projects require some form of photography or video. This photography could range from documenting different aspects of the project, to conducting surveillance, or highlighting security vulnerabilities at a client facility.
By far the most useful imaging device at your disposal right now is your phone. The latest iPhone Pro models (amongst other brands of phones) have excellent cameras. The advantages of phones is that they are always available and the quality is good enough for most work. Phones are also discreet — everyone is carrying one.
For the last few years I’ve been using the Leica M for more serious project photography. I’ve carried this camera through all types of projects, ranging from documenting the aftermath of the terrorist attacks in Colombo in Sri Lanka to street photography in Homs and Aleppo, in Syria. The Leica M is a great camera — a real workhorse . Its simple controls and manual settings all but ensure a good photo.
Whatever camera you choose, make sure it’s discreet and doesn’t increase your profile.
Hydration
Hydration is always important, particularly when you’re on the go and finding it difficult to stop for breaks. At a minimum, carry a 500ml water bottle with you when out and about. Consider using Hydrapak soft flasks. Pack two of these for the trip and keep at least one with your when out and about. The soft flasks are a good product. Otherwise, using a standard plastic water bottle — the kind you’ll be provided by your hotel — is perfectly fine (remove the hotel label from the bottle before heading out).
Access to potable water can be a real problem in many locations, particularly in developing countries and in remote areas. If you’re lucky enough to be staying in a hotel, it may be possible to boil water. Regardless of where you plan to stay, it’s useful to carry something to filter and sterilise water. A good option is the MSR Trailshot water filter, along with a pack of purification tablets as a backup. The MSR Trailshot has an effective design for field work due to its long intake hose, which can be poked into nooks and crannies.
Lighting
One of the more important pieces of gear you’ll carry in the field is a small but powerful flashlight. There are many good options out there, including the Surefire E2D, Fenix PD35 and the Nitecore E4K. The Nitecore E4K has a max output of 4400 lumens of *blinding* light, along with strobe and beacon functions. Pretty useful.
In addition to a flashlight, carry a small headlamp for situations when you need to work with both hands. The Petzl e+lite is nifty little device that can be stuffed into a shirt pocket so that it’s always handy.
Medical
Many of the locations you’ll travel to will have less than adequate medical infrastructure. As a result, it’s essential that you pack a good personal first aid kit.
When packing a first aid kit, take a modular approach. By doing so, you’ll be able to tailor what you carry for your operating environment. Start with a basic kit, then supplement this kit as necessary based on your specific needs. Add on kits may include a gastrointestinal kit (highly useful in almost all travel contexts), a trekking kit (for blisters and chafing) and a trauma kit (for penetrating injuries and bleeding). The trauma kit contains pressure bandages, a tourniquet, chest seals and a few other bits and pieces.
In addition, pack several N-95 face masks. While face masks are now common place due to COVID-19, they are also essential for working locations with heavy air pollution.
If you want to know what should go into your first aid kit, read Adam Gent’s post on his website REAL First Aid.
Toiletries / Laundry
Pack a small toiletry kit and try to keep it as compact as possible. Body wipes and hand sanitiser are both massively useful for those times when you don’t have ready access to bathing facilities or decent toilets. (My mind goes back to one project where the communal bathroom could be summed up in three words: pit, planks and pigs.)
Mesh laundry bags are also useful for dirty clothes. Using a mesh laundry bag makes life much easier when using communal laundry facilities or when handing your clothes over to the local dhobi.
Maintenance and odds and ends
It’s always useful to have a small maintenance kit. This kit can be adapted for different types of assignments, and can include things like non-residue duct tape, zip ties, kevlar cord, a small ceramic blade, velcro ties, some rubber tubing, tamper-evident stickers and other odds and ends.
Clothing
You may end up in a diverse range of locations when on projects, ranging from urban to rural and freezing cold to steaming hot. Your selection of clothing may also need to be diverse, requiring presentable office clothes, untidy street clothes or some unholy mix of the two.
If you’re able to, limit to four days of clothes regardless of the length of your trip. This number includes whatever you wear on the plane. Four days of clothes allows you to do laundry every couple of days. If needed, you can supplement your clothes with additional items from local shops or markets.
For office clothes, take a look at Ministry of Supply. They make adaptable men’s and women’s clothing perfect for business-style travel.
For street clothes, avoid outdoor brands unless you’re actually in the outdoors. Take your queue off the people you see in the street. You don’t need to wear local garb, but try your best to blend in with the colours and styles you see around you. For men, take a look at the clothes by Proof. Their range of clothes are basic and hard wearing, which makes them ideal for field work.
In principle, choose clothes that wear well and will dry quickly when washed. For shirts, merino wool is a great material for cooler places. Focus on neutral colours, which are less likely to attract attention. Boring is good.
Pack a lightweight insulated jacket and a waterproof shell jacket. Even if you’re on a project in a warmer climate, there’s always the chance the work could extend into a cooler season. Alternatively, you may have to move from there to a colder location.
For almost all projects, you’ll be able to get away with having only have one pair of shoes (the ones you’re wearing). Gore-tex shoes made by Salomon and Arc’teryx provide good options for street and field shoes. Norda trail shoes are also excellent. If in a temperate field environment, a pair of sandals may be useful. Luna make super comfortable sandals that fit securely to your feet. (UPDATE: I’ve had two pairs of Luna sandals break on me, so I can no longer recommend them.)
Bags
I’ve always struggles to find good bags for the type of travel I do. The key features I’m looking for in a good field bag are:
- Lightweight
- Discreet
- Durable
- Weather resistant
- Simple
- Field repairable
There aren’t that many bags out there that meet these basic requirements. Bags that are durable tend to be heavy. I’ve also found bags to be very complex, with lots of extraneous straps and clips.
As a result, I decided to take things into my own hands and design a range of bags that meet these requirements. Station XV bags and accessories are made using Challenge UltraWeave and UltraStretch fabrics, making them lightweight, weather resistant and extremely durable.
Steer away from tactical or military-style bags. Also avoid bags with lots of straps, pockets and other gizmos. Too much additional weight and complexity.
Things to part with
As you finalise your packing, consider throwing in a few things that you can give away during your travels. Such items can include cash, cigarettes, or (depending where you’re travelling to) alcohol. You can pack other items specific to the location and the people you’re likely to be working with.
A well-timed gift can help speed up visas and permits, get you out of a minor traffic infringement or make a new friend. Forever useful.
Fly-in kit
In addition to what you carry in with you, you can also prepare a ‘fly-in kit’. This kit is a small box of replacement items that you’re unlikely to be able to easily procure once on the ground. Such items could be laptops, phones, a satellite phone or satellite communicator, cables, SD cards and SSDs.
The intent behind a fly-in kit is — if you lose a bag while travelling — you can get a colleague to courier the fly in kit to you.
Lay it out on a table
Once you have all your kit together, lay it all out on a table.
Who are you? What type of person packs this kind of clothing and equipment?
This is a useful litmus test to determine whether or not you may experience problems during your assignment. To avoid getting on the radar of the local security and intelligence services, what you wear and what you carry should be congruent with who you say you are.
Consider where you’re going
When you are deciding what to pack, consider where you’re going . If you’re travelling to an impoverished area, then it may not be appropriate to pack the latest gadgets and gizmos or high tech outdoor clothing. Be sensitive to local conditions. This approach helps to avoid awkward moments and also helps keep you safe by lowering your profile.
Final thoughts
Packing is part of the travel ritual. It’s part of the transition between here and there, that starts with an idea and ends with you arriving in a new and exciting place, bags in hand. As you pack each item, you are shaping the trip to come. In a way, if you pack too much, you are at risk of bringing your normal world along with you.
Try to travel as light as you can. Learn from each trip, and if you find you’re not using particular items, leave them behind (aside from items you may only need in an emergency, of course). Packing light changes how you approach travel. It’s an instructive process to try to pare down your gear to the absolute minimum.
Gear is just a tool to enable you to work effectively. As such, there’s minimal value in obsessing too much about it. At the same time, there’s no doubt that good gear choices can make life much easier. Once you find gear you like, stick with it and make it part of your travel system.
More important than the gear you pack is your own personal resilience and resourcefulness. You still need to be able to operate effectively when you don’t have access to your gear. You’ll need to be sufficiently resourceful to able to source items locally on matter where you are in the world.
I’ll update this post from time to time if I start using any other new gear. More importantly, it would be great to hear from you about the gear you choose to use when travelling in higher-risk environments.
Thanks for reading!
My name is Grant Rayner, and I’m the founder of Spartan9. I’ve been working in the field of travel security for over 22 years, and have supported travellers and organisations through a host of complex incidents. I’m the author of The Guide to Travelling in Higher-Risk Environments, the Field Guide Series, Dangerous Travels and Under the Radar, amongst other niche titles. I’ve also designed a range of bags and accessories for travellers who push the boundaries, available at Station XV.
Safe travels!
