Sounds a little like Harry Harrison's "Deathworld" series. It was a series of books where the protagonist went to a planet where pretty much every thing could kill you. Like Australia on steroids! I really loved them, many years ago. And his "Stainless Steel Rat" series too. I think that HH was WAY underrated as a writer, and thought the Stainless Steel Rat books would have made really great movies.
Mark
Thanks Mark and everyone!