I don't know if you want to try and sneak pointy or dangerous objects in your carry on. If you are going to be a contractor in the badlands, the last thing you want to do is raise the ire of people who may already be displeased with a foreigner's presence in their home country.

Maybe you could whip up an E&E bag (a non-descript fanny pouch with the essentials) and keep it in the top of your check-in baggage. When you get in country, pop it on first thing so if you get separated from your gear, at least you have that. Maybe run a D-ring around a loop or the pack strap and your belt so if they try to grab it will give enough resistance for you to react accordingly.

Do you get some sort of pre-deployment briefing? That would be a good time to ask.

Are you able to get in touch with other contractors who have been through a rotation recently? They would be the best bet for intel.

I'm guessing lots of lipbalm and sunscreen. <img src="/images/graemlins/cool.gif" alt="" />

Stay safe!