One question that springs to mind about clothing is, is there a difference between that which you wear at . . . → Read More: Clothing]]>

One question that springs to mind about clothing is, is there a difference between that which you wear at home and that which you wear when travelling?

Certainly, if you live in the UK or the USA and you are travelling to Europe for a week, then you can just wear what you normally wear. In fact, you might look out of place if you don’t walk around in jeans, tshirt, a hoodie and running shoes.

Travelling further afield does involve some additional considerations, however, mainly to do with the varied climates you will encounter. But there are also cultural differences of which to be aware.

The best advice, wherever you go or whatever you choose to wear, is to try to look relatively neat and tidy. Also, especially if you are female, try not to wear clothes that are too revealing (showing skin other than your face and hands). Even if you think you should be able to dress however you want, not only is it objectionable and sometimes rude in some countries to do so, it is often unsafe and can put you in real danger.

Dress neatly and consider the environment and culture you are in and you will find that people will think better of you, will talk to you more often, and even offer you their hospitality. You will get fewer hassles, both from the locals and from officials such as customs and border police.

Also bear in mind that many religious buildings require skirts for women, trousers for men, (and sometimes long sleeves for both), and that you remove your shoes.

Tempting though it may be, in some places it helps not to try to dress like the locals, as they connect religious and/or cultural significance to what they wear.



The main criteria when choosing clothing for travel include whether or not it provides sufficient protection from the elements, and its lightness and compactness due to your space and carrying considerations.

In hot climates your clothes mainly function as sun and insect protection. Long sleeves and collars on loose-fitting shirts, baggy trousers, and a hat with a wide brim (at least 3 inches, 7.5cm) will work better than skimpy tops and shorts for keeping you cool and protected.

Jeans are not a good idea as they are hot to wear, hard to wash, slow to dry, and heavy to carry.

In the cold it is best to layer clothing and look for fabrics that are wicking, insulating, and wind blocking. The new, thin, purpose-made synthetic fabrics are best, worn in layers. They are light, wash well, dry with body heat and are most efficient in terms of weight, bulk and functionality.

A windproof coat or rain shell, long underwear, insulating layers of clothing, gloves, heavy socks, and hats are essential in the cold.

If possible, try to get clothing that has a dual purpose, but without compromising. Find things that can be used both in the daytime and the evening. Keep it simple including the colours. Black, navy, and white are good choices.

A rough guide is to take three outfits, including the one you are wearing. This way you wear one, can wash one, and have a spare set. If everything mixes or matches you should be fine for a long time. If you need a change, or if things wear out, you can always buy replacements (cheaply, usually) wherever you are. Also, clothing you buy overseas will be appropriate for the climate or conditions in which you find yourself.

The next few pages list things to consider when choosing travel clothes, working from the inside out, top to bottom.

Undershirt/base layer

Good as a first layer in cold weather, a long-sleeved silk, cotton, wool or synthetic undershirt can . . . → Read More: Underwear]]>

Undershirt/base layer

Good as a first layer in cold weather, a long-sleeved silk, cotton, wool or synthetic undershirt can be bought quite cheaply. You can also use it as a thin shirt on its own in hot weather.

Boxers/shorts/undergarments

Whichever you wear (some travellers don’t wear any!), look for fast drying fabrics and choose comfort over style. Nylon is not so good in hot weather as it doesn’t breathe and this can cause infections.

Cotton underwear is good, as are some of the new synthetics. Some travel underwear is designed to be washed in the sink in the evening and will be dry by the morning.

Choose darker colours (not white), beige or off-white are good, as white will eventually go that way anyway. You can buy good quality underwear anywhere in the world (cheaply too) so don’t take more than 2-3 pairs to start with.

When I am at home in the States or in Europe I wear cotton boxers but when I am travelling, especially in hot countries (or far from a laundry) I wear Magellan’s boxers (shown here) as they meet all of the above criteria.

Long (thermal) underwear/long johns

You can buy high-tech, lightweight (polypropelene) underwear (leggings) which are good for layering. Try to get some dual-use ones that can also be worn on their own as trousers.

These combined with a similar top can, in terms of weight, be as useful as an extra sweater or down jacket for keeping warm.

You can also get leggings made of very thin merino wool. Icebreaker make the Bodyfit 150 which is the lightest pure merino base layer available. They make thicker models but the 150 is their all-weather model.

You can buy them from Blacks in the U.K., although they have stockists worldwide.

Swimsuit/bathing suit

Shorts can sometimes be used as a swimsuit (for men) and vice versa. Those with pockets are better for use as shorts.

Be aware that, despite their infrequent use in the USA, Speedos are worn all over Europe and are mandatory in some swimming pools there, they just won’t let you in if you are wearing any kind of shorts. But you can buy them (and shorts) locally wherever you are.

For women, a one-piece bathing suit or tankini can also be adapted for day wear.

Socks

Don’t wear cotton socks, even if you do them at home and are happy with them. Far better to use one of the new synthetics in hot countries, such as CoolMax, Capilene, and PolarTec. Socks should ‘wick’ (draw) moisture away from your feet, something that cotton does very badly which can mean blisters, infections, and bad smells. Cotton is also slow to dry if you wash your socks (or get them wet).

Make sure they fit your feet correctly and avoid one-size-fits-all socks.

You must wear socks with boots but you don’t have to if you wear sandals or running shoes. Bear in mind, though, that if you choose not to, your shoes will eventually smell (very badly).

Also, the right socks can help you avoid blisters and will stop your shoes and sandals from getting and feeling sweaty. You can get very short socks for sandals which are cooler and look like you aren’t wearing any.

Choose off- or non-white colours. Remember that socks can also be bought anywhere in the world so only take 3-4 pairs to start with.

Thorlo or similar are good for hiking or walking. These are padded and are made of CoolMax. They come in a variety of thicknesses depending on how they are used. For general use (for example, walking around cities in hot weather), I wear Thorlo Light Hiking Mini Crew socks (above). I also have a few pairs of Brasher socks, also made of CoolMax.

Tie/scarf/bandana

A wool scarf can be very effective in cold weather but can be bulky. You can always buy . . . → Read More: Middlewear]]>

Tie/scarf/bandana

A wool scarf can be very effective in cold weather but can be bulky. You can always buy one wherever you are if it gets too cold.

A good substitute is something like a bandana or a sarong, or maybe a towel or just buy a thin locally bought scarf. This can also help vary your outfits as it makes a good accessory.

A cotton bandana is probably the most versatile for not only can it serve as a neck or head scarf, you can use it for a cravat/tie, a hat or headband, sun shade or sleep mask, a mini-curtain in a bus or car, napkin, handkerchief, dust mask, tablecloth, mat for sitting on, towel, washcloth, bandage, tourniquet, cold compress, short cord, pot scrubber, or a small carrying sack.

Shirts

Counter-intuitively, the more covered up you are in hot weather the cooler you can be. Loose, light, long-sleeved shirts will keep you cooler than wearing t-shirts (or bikinis). They will also protect your arms from sun and mosquitoes.

Not only this, in some countries bare arms are considered immodest for both men and women. You will also look more presentable at border-crossing and other formal occasions.

Two or three long-sleeved shirts (or blouses for women) and a couple of short-sleeved shirts should suffice (and remember, you can always roll up the sleeves on a long-sleeved shirt). They should be comfortable, washable, and look good even when dirty.

A cotton-polyester mixture is best. You won’t have to iron them and they can be washed and dried easily. Collars can be pulled up to protect your neck from the sun, and buttons can be undone for when it is hot or buttoned up when it gets colder.

Any colour other than white should be fine as these will show less dirt. Also, the more robust they are the more they will stand up to the sort of vigorous washing you may sometimes do (or have done) down at the river.

A great shirt that you can wear in any climate is the Craghoppers Nosquito Long Sleeved Shirt (shown right). This has mosquito repellent and an anti-bacterial treatment built in, as well as protection from the sun (SPF 40+).

It can be washed in the sink or a machine and is quick drying (and there’s no need for ironing). It also has a secret, zipped security pocket. I have two of these shirts, in Stone and Khaki colors and I am very pleased with them.

I also have a shirt from Coolibar. This is an American company that brings Australia’s approach to sun protection to the US market. Their sun protection products block 98 percent of the sun’s ultraviolet rays.

Another good idea is to take a heavier, long-sleeved shirt in flannel or heavy rip-stop cotton which can be used instead of a sweater, especially when it gets cold, almost like a thin jacket. These are more durable and protect against the sun and insects better than thinner fabrics.

T-shirts

Very useful and fashionable at home, maybe not so much when travelling. They can sometimes be hot and, if too tight, can be constricting, so if you must take them make sure they are loose-fitting and light-coloured.

Sweater/jumper/cardigan/hoodie

A warm sweater is essential travel equipment. Even in the hottest climates you will probably need one when it gets cooler in the evenings. Choose a fine-woven wool over a bulky-knit.

A cardigan (or a thin hoodie) is good for layering, and can be used as a substitute jacket at a pinch.

Jacket

Can be useful if you anticipate more formal occasions and some companies make special travel jackets (Tilley and TravelSmith, for example).

Trousers/pants

Two pairs of trousers should be enough. Take one pair for general, everyday use that is tough enough for hard, dirty travel, and a second (just as tough) pair that can be used for walking in cities, at border-crossings and customs, public offices, and more formal occasions.

Try to buy a lightweight cotton or cotton-polyester mix and choose a fit that is not too tight. They should weigh under one pound (454g) each, and should be easy to wash and dry quickly.

One of the best pairs of travel trousers you can buy (and one which I own) is Craghoppers Kiwi Trousers (show left). Like the Craghopper’s shirt above, they have UV protection, as well as a water repellent finish. They are easy to wash and dry and don’t need ironing. As worn by Michael Palin on his world travels.

I also have a pair of Rohan Cargos (non-convertible). These are anti-bacterial treated, are windproof, protect against the sun, and have zippered security pockets.

Travelling with jeans, however, is not such a good idea. They may look good but they are heavy (about 1.5 pounds (680g) a pair), bulky, are hard to wash, and take forever to dry. They are also pretty hot to wear in the tropics. If they are tight against your skin then you will also be vulnerable to insect bites.

Shorts

Very popular these days with travellers are trousers with zip-off legs which convert them to shorts or capris (sometimes both). They are probably quite useful, and can certainly cut down the number of items you have to carry by one, but anything with extra zips will mean more things to break or go wrong.

You also have to find somewhere to stash the extra bits when not in use (and make sure they don’t get lost). And, when used as trousers, they just look like shorts with bits zipped onto the bottoms, so they may not be suitable for the fashion-conscious. Better to take separate trousers and shorts (and anyway, swim trunks can be used as shorts if necessary and are a lot lighter).

Craghoppers make Kiwi Zip Off Trousers in which the legs zip off making them into walking shorts.

Be aware that shorts that show lots of bare leg (on men and women) can be seen as indecent in some places (or even effeminate for men in some countries!) and for women can invite unwanted attention.

Long trousers protect your (lower) legs from the sun, poison plants and thorns, cuts and scrapes, bugs and insects, and hot (and cold) metal bus parts, things that shorts don’t often do.

If you must wear them, find shorts that are as tough as your trousers and loose-fitting. Mid-length (just around the knee) are a good compromise, not too short, not too long.

Skirts

Worth considering for female travellers as they are good around town in hot climates and for areas where trousers on women are considered inappropriate (in some Muslim countries, for example). They are also cool, comfortable, compact, and easy to wash and dry. They should fall far below the knees to be acceptable in most places.

Belt

Nylon or canvas are best as they dry quickly and don’t rot in humid conditions like leather. Don’t use a cheap plastic belt, and try to make sure the buckle is of reasonable quality.

I wear an Eagle Creek all terrain money belt (shown right), which is good quality and has the added advantage of a hidden money compartment on the inside.

Sarong

Worn all over Asia and the Pacific, this is a length of thin cotton cloth a few yards/metres square. Like the bandana, it is another multipurpose item. You can use it as a temporary wrap on the beach or hotel corridor, a shawl, hat, sheet, towel, bag, curtain, pillowcase, tablecloth, blanket, shorts, trousers, skirt, and a mosquito defence.

Hat Most of the time you probably won’t need a hat, but they are useful in certain situations.

Figures . . . → Read More: Outerwear]]>

Hat
Most of the time you probably won’t need a hat, but they are useful in certain situations.

Figures vary from about 7% to 75%, but whichever it is, a lot of body heat is lost through your head. For cold weather, a good, simple solution to this is to carry a lightweight, waterproof, silk, woollen or wool mix cap/hat(shown left), they can even be worn in bed.

For the sun, choose a hat that is light and soft instead of a stiff one so it packs well. It should have a wide brim which will protect your face, ears, and neck.

Make sure you have a chin strap, if not, make one out of a shoelace to stop your hat blowing away (as it inevitably will).

Baseball caps provide some protection from the sun and cold and are very portable, but they are not ideal as they leave the back of your neck exposed in the sun.

My hat of choice is the Tilley Airflo Hat (shown right). This is such a good hat, everyone should buy one.

It blocks 98% of UVA and UVB rays, has a UPF 50 rating and mesh in the crown for ventilation when it gets really hot. The brim is wide and stiff which keeps both the sun and the rain off your face and neck.

It floats in water, repels rain and mildew, and has a secret velcro pocket where you can store id’s and spare cash, keys, or credit cards.

It has a cord that wraps under your chin and another at the back of your head for when it is windy. It is machine washable, and is guaranteed for life by Tilley against shrinkage or wear.

Jacket/coat

A thin coat or jacket on top of multiple layers is better than a bulky, thick one. Down jackets are best if it is really cold.

Rain jacket

In moderate climates a rain jacket will be better in the rain than an umbrella as it will keep both your hands free.

A rain jacket will also make a good wind-breaker or light jacket for cooler weather. One with a hood is even better.

In hot climates, an umbrella may work out better in the rain (an extra jacket may be too hot) and has the added advantage of being able to be used as a parasol or sunshade. A rain jacket can also be used as a ground cloth for sitting on the (usually, wet) ground.

Try to find a cover for your backpack too. You can buy these custom-made but a simple black plastic bag will do just as well.

Poncho

A waterproof poncho can be used as a rain coat, a backpack cover, a ground sheet or picnic blanket, and even a tarpaulin for sleeping under in an emergency. You can also spread it over your mattress to protect against bedbugs. They can be bought very cheaply in most cities in the world.

I use an Ultra-Sil Tarp-Poncho.This has multiple uses, for example, a raincoat/poncho, a tarp, a pack cover, emergency shelter, or a groundsheet.

Rain trousers

In wet climates these can be useful (essential when mountaineering). They keeping your trousers dry and can keep you warm when it is cold.

Not really recommended in hot climates, but can be used as trousers if worn alone. And you never know when you may need extra protection on chilly nights or something to wear when on a boat or when rafting.

Gloves

Not necessary in hot countries, and unless they are thin synthetics, they can be bulky to carry around with you, especially if you never use them. And anyway, they can be bought easily and cheaply if you need them in cold climates.

Try to find fast-drying ones, such as pile and polypropylene, if you decide to buy some.

One of the most important choices you will have to make when it comes to equipment is your footwear. . . . → Read More: Footwear]]>

One of the most important choices you will have to make when it comes to equipment is your footwear. That said, some people wear flip flops (thongs) for their entire trip, some wear hiking boots, some go barefoot.

Space requirements will dictate what footwear you can take. If you bring shoes, sandals, running shoes, flip flops, and hiking boots, then you might not have much room in your pack for anything else.

Two pairs of footwear should be sufficient for most situations; one pair of ‘proper’ closed shoes or boots with good support and protection from dirt, rocks, thorns, nails, glass, jagged metal, insects, parasites, snakes, and little accidents; and a pair of sandals/flip flops.

Make sure all footwear is broken in and comfortable when walking any distance.

Shoes

Regular dress/business/work shoes are not recommended for travel. A good compromise, if you need something more dressy or formal on occasion but something more practical at other times, are walking shoes, especially in dark or neutral colours.

Sandals

These include brands such as Teva, Birkenstock, Keen, etc. They are light like flip flops, but also supportive and protective, however, they are not always cheap. If you get the right pair they can pretty much fulfill all your footwear needs.

After searching long and hard and trying on hundreds of shoes I finally picked a pair of Keen Sandals(shown here). As soon as I tried them on I knew they were perfect, the fit was just right, I might almost go as far as saying that they are the most comfortable shoes I have ever worn.

If you wear them with socks then you can avoid sunburned feet and smells. I wear Brasher ankle socks (with my Keen Newport sandals I bought in England), they wick sweat away from your feet and keep your sandals smelling good, and because they are short they are barely noticeable.

Boots

Hiking boots can be heavy, hot and take a long time to dry if they get wet. If you need to walk any distance off the beaten track then you can get away with good quality running shoes, walking shoes, light leather or canvas trail shoes.

If you do choose to wear boots then make sure they have support for you ankles and arches.

Remember, if you take them with you, then if you aren’t wearing them then you will be carrying them, which will take up space in your bag and add extra weight.

Flip-flops

Good for walking to the shower, on the beach and for short walks around cities. However, they leave your feet exposed to the sun, insects, dirt, thorns, etc., and give no support.

Sports/running/tennis shoes

Support and protect your feet (but not your ankles which you will need to do for hiking). Also can be packed away quite easily if you want a change of footwear. Will dry quickly but any leather on them will eventually rot.

Modern hiking shoes are a cross between sports shoes and hiking boots and also have a shank in the sole to protect your arches on rough surfaces and are a good compromise.