Travel Gear
Here is a list of the some of the most useful travel gear available, and perfect for a country like The Gambia where you never know when you might be in need of a mosquito net, headlamp, or iodine.
Sleeping bag liner
These come in either cotton or silk, the latter being lighter and more compact, quicker to dry, and more expensive than the former. Use this as a regular sheet to sleep in when duvets are just too hot or when you don't find the cleanliness of the hotel sheets up to your standards. Most sleeping bag liners have a pillow cover built in - choose this type of design and you'll be drifting off peacefully no matter where you rest your head.
Micro-fibre travel towel
Super light weight, super quick to dry, and super handy. Most varieties have an antimicrobial treatment to reduce odours, though why it should start smelling if you've been washing it all along doesn't make much sense...
Headlamp
It's a flashlight/torch for your head. It takes up hardly any space, the little coin cell batteries tend to last a long time, and most models have a red emergency light function too. Headlamps are great for walking around, inside and outside, at night when the electricity has gone out. Hands-free means you don't have to do any balancing tricks in the bathroom, kitchen, or where ever you may need it.
Travel mosquito net
There are several types of these available, some for one person, some to fit a bed, some with various anchor points, and some with frames. Choose one that's right for you, preferably the most light weight and one that's made of good quality fabric that won't tear easily. Make sure you have some rope or hooks to suspend it with.
Iodine
Use this ocean chemical as a disinfectant on cuts or as a water purification treatment. And in case of a nuclear fallout, iodine taken orally can help protect the body from radioactive exposure. Iodine can come in liquid form and in tablets. Note: an allergic reaction to iodine is possible so be sure to patch-test it first.
Wind-up radio
These gadgets now come with a built-in flashlight/torch and adapters and ports to charge up a mobile phone or camera. Either hand-crank it or use the solar panels to charge the internal battery of the radio. You'll be a hit at your compound with one of these tuned to the BBC.
Sarong
Ok, this is even something useful for male travellers. Use a sarong as a sheet, pillow cover, towel, beach blanket, picnic blanket, table cloth, sling, shawl, head scarf, bathrobe, turban, laundry pouch, or curtain. Fold it up into a hobo backpack, wear it as a dress or skirt, or carry a child with it tied on your back.
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