Red Oxx Manufacturing co-owner Jim Markel traveled to Zambia in September 2003. Yes, he brought lots of Red Oxx gear! Jim tested his new Red Oxx Gear in the heart of Africa. Now it's available for purchase. Here's Jim's story, part 1:

"I started assembling my kit months in advance, customs, forms, shots etc.. one by one the lists kept getting done. I was on list number six by the time it all started coming together. Leaving my business for three weeks is not something I had done before and it required quite a bit of extra work.

"Time to pack, drawing on my experience in the Marines I assembled all my gear in the living room of my home and started to organize. Static displays have a purpose and when you are getting ready to go out on mission or a safari the goal is the same. Have everything you need and be ready for any contingencies. (See our living room photo below).

"Once packed I tried to sleep, no luck, some things never change. I figured I could sleep on the bird. Our travel agent Linda at Falcon Travel had taken care of all the travel details. We all rendezvoused at the Hampton in Atlanta. Our party was Larry "Beano" Bohnen and My Cousin Shawn Meiman and, of course, yours truly Jim Markel. The boys all had their Red Oxx gear stuffed to the gills. We had quite the pile between the three of us as we headed off to the airport.

"Once in the air it was time to relax and let someone else do the flying. Most people dread long flights but I actually enjoy them. It gives me time to reflect without the constant interruption of the phone or email. Simply crack open a good book and get lost in the story..."

Part 2: coming next week

My Red Oxx Equipment

New Trifold Shaving Kit
PR5 SF Beano
PR6 SF Beano
Binocular Case
Gator Bag

Digital Camera case (custom shop)
Flat Dog Gun Slip (coming soon to the Flat Dog)
Lil Roy qty 2 (for small items)
Leatherman pouch (custom shop)
Ruck Sack (new size, coming soon!)

My Other Gear:

Bear track gun case
.375 H&H built by Norsman Sporting Arms
.270 Weatherby Magnum
Nikon Digital Camera
Bogen Tripod
Leica 10x42 Binoculars
Sebenza Knife by Chris Reeves
Surefire Z3 combat light
Shorts 3 pair
Khaki shirts 3
Chaco Sandals
Wilderness Medical Kit
Roll of Duct Tape
20 foot of Parachute Cord