I've been trying to find out about how people lived in or travelled across deserts and very hot or arid landscapes before we had motor vehicles, plastic water containers, modern navigation etc. How people coped with changes in temperatures from extreme hot to cold would be good too.Anything from pre-victorian back, really; and all aspects of life and travel would be interesting. Unfortunately, I've mostly only been able to find modern techniques and advice.
Of particular interest would be the contents of a travel pack, finding, preparing and storing food and water, clothes and shelter, but anything along those lines gratefully received!
Well one of the reason the britishers had so much trouble in the southron heat, was that they ascribed to a european timetable. Most locals woke up at around 4 AM, worked until 9 AM or so, took a break until around 3, then got back to work during the heat of the day. The british kept trying to work during that time. This is the reason farmers -even european ones- have traditionally rested in the middle of the day in hot climates. Even the polish did this, which gave rise to the Poludnica, or "Noonwraith" myth. (What they called heatstroke, believed to be caused by a wraith that stalked the rows, striking people down at high noon)