In October 2013, Namibia鈥攐ne of the few countries with conservation mandated in its constitution鈥攈osted the , an opportunity for 650 delegates from 60 countries to meet, network, and, of course, explore southern Africa.
Legend Ultra HD Binoculars.
Clearwater CNX.
X7R flashlight.
Equatorial Long Sleeve Shirt.
Tropical Flats Shorts.
Capture Pro Camera Clip.
LTM6 Airflo Nylamtium hat.听
Here鈥檚 the gear that survived the adventure.
; $275
When you want to see a leopard鈥檚 whiskers without becoming its next meal, the Bushnell Legends are your secret weapon. Tracking an injured hyena in Namibia, our safari guide could see its wound鈥攁 lion bite鈥攆rom 600 feet away. Late that day, the binocs let us identify 47 bird species in three hours, even when some were circling 1,000 feet above us. The extra-wide field of vision glass maximizes available light and gives you a color-tuned, high-res image whether you鈥檙e peering into the forest or the dunes. Bushnell鈥檚 permanent water-repellant coating keeps your lenses clear from sweat or precipitation. The company guarantees you鈥檒l love them or they鈥檒l buy them back.听
; $100
From Namibia鈥檚 famed Sossusvlei dunes to the Kalahari, walking in sand is one of the desert鈥檚 greatest challenges. It feels better barefoot until the sun is high. Then, you need a shoe that protects your feet from the skin-searing surface but doesn't overheat on the inside. Keen鈥檚听Clearwater CNX听is the perfect solution. It has a barefoot feel thanks to multidirectional grooves on the thin but supportive sole, and the webbed upper drains sand as well as it drains water.听
; $240
Stopping under a camelthorn to peer into the one-ton nest of a sociable weaver colony, the 70-to-500 lumen adjustable beam听LED Lenser听chased away shadows and helped our resident safari photographer capture a great pic. And, at night, its beam pierced the inky darkness, pinpointing a leopard crouching by a waterhole, and illuminating it well enough from 500 feet away for a gallery worthy picture. The X7R uses two LEDs in one beam, and it鈥檚 USB rechargeable.
; $95
On African safari, the humidity is low, but the sweat volume is high under the hot desert sun. The Equatorial shirt dried in minutes and never soaked through, even on the stillest days. And it鈥檚 tough enough to protect you from the claws of camelthorn and other grabby desert bushes. The collar flips up to keep your neck from burning.
; $69
Keep cool and pack light with Patagonia鈥檚 Tropical Flats Shorts. Weighing in at a mere 5.4 ounces, these shorts are made from sun protective, quick dry nylon and spandex. For extra venting, the pocket snaps open to catch the breeze. They're stretchy enough for any activity, from hiking to fishing to kicking back with a cold one and watching wildlife.
; $80
Keeping you camera out of the sand is key in the desert. So is being able to switch between camera and bincoulars. Enter Capture Pro Camera Clip. It attaches to your camera and any backpack shoulderstrap or belt and supports even a substantial zoom lens on a full DSLR without bouncing. The quick release lock can take up to 200 pounds of force without accidentally releasing. The transition from ready to action is seamless with a simple slide clip that doubles as a tripod mount.听
; $79
A fat rim for sun protection and good venting鈥攖hose are the basic requirements for a safari hat. Tiley鈥檚 hand-sewn Airflow Nylantium gives you that, plus UPF 50 with a dark underbrim for glare protection. And, should a freak storm arise, it鈥檚 water repellent.