What I Pack: John Managh

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Do you travel light or heavy?

Light.

Cattle or first class?

First is my first choice but I never seem to get upgraded. A mate of mine and I once even bought suits from the op shop before flying home to NZ so we had a better chance. No luck there - they got chucked in the bin before boarding and after all that the plane was so full we couldn't even sit next to each other.

I can't travel without...

My Kathmandu utility toilet bag. Genius invention.

What's always in your hand luggage?

I would like to say something wise, smart or clever but I am normally running late and forget to pack anything wise, smart or clever.

What's the best thing you've brought back?

I bought a whole lot of carvings from Africa. I thought they were cool at the time but a couple of years later when I got home and unpacked them I realised they were quite naff.

Favourite or most exciting airport to land in?

Dutch Harbor in the Aleutian Islands, Alaska. It is very short with water on both ends. Because of the weather and the hills, planes often have to have a few attempts and normally are banking hard just before landing.

Most memorable trip?

Travelling from London to Cape Town on a Scania overland/house truck. Eight people started, 32,000km, 182 days, stuck hundreds of times, 17 spare tyres (all used), hundreds of cans of spag, baked beans and tinned sausages (in the middle of the desert they tasted sweet), a couple of guns under the noses, most nights camping around the fire surrounded by Africans who would just sit and watch us living. Kind of like the African version of Big Brother. Only five finished.

Best packing tip?

Don't do it five minutes before you leave.

John Managh is founder of Roadcraft and Wilderness Motor Homes.