Travelling in the ess developed parts of the world is not like a camping trip. You will find plenty . . . → Read More: Sleeping Gear]]>

Travelling in the ess developed parts of the world is not like a camping trip. You will find plenty of cheap food and accommodation everywhere, so you won’t need a stove, tent or sleeping bag,

There may be occasions where you would think a sleeping bag might be useful, in a cold room, sleeping outside (when it is warm), protection against insects, as a seat or cushion, etc., but consider the alternatives first.

Long underwear or other warm clothing will be fine in emergencies, on buses, trains, and cold hostels. A sleep sheet packs small, is light and easy to wash, and should suffice for all other times. Combine this with a plastic sheet, bivouac bag or poncho and you can replace a tent and sleeping bag.

If you do decide to take a sleeping bag then you there are certain things to look out for when choosing one.

Sleeping bag

For camping, cold climates, and trekking in the mountains, you can buy the most expensive, warmest bag you can find. But this will be way too warm to use in the tropics. It will also be bulky, heavy, oftentimes flimsy, as well as hard to wash and dry.



So look out for a small-packing, light bag that is both easily washable and hard wearing. Choose one that is inexpensive so that you won’t mind if it gets damaged, lost or stolen.

The new super-light synthetic bags are good, and one with the zips in the right place can turn it into a blanket for sleeping or picnics.

Down bags can sometimes be too warm (unless you are going somewhere really cold) and don’t perform well when wet. You also need to dry them properly after you wash them to maintain their insulating properties.

I use a Western Mountaineering ExtremeLite down bag. You can find a good selection of both down and synthetic bags at Blacks in the UK or REI in the US.

Using a sleep sheet (see below) inside your sleeping bag will delay the need to wash it for a long time.

Sleep sheet/Sleeping bag liner

Basically a sheet, made from either cotton or silk, folded and sewn into the shape of a sleeping bag. These are mandatory for sleeping in hostels. If you don’t have your own then you will have to buy one. A good substitute for a sleeping bag in warm climates.

I use a Lifeventure Advance Sleeper Cotton bag (shown here). This comes in a rectangular shape (for hostel sleeping or rectangular sleeping bags) or a mummy shape (for mummy-shaped bags). It has anti-bacterial, anti-bedbug and anti-mosquito treatments, and packs quite small.

You can read more about sleep sacks and buy them here or here.

Bivouac sack

The waterproof version of the sleep sack. The cheapest are made of plastic, some are made of nylon, the most expensive are made of Gore-Tex and are like small one-man tents, some with built-in mosquito nets.

Mostly used as emergency shelter when hiking or mountaineering, but can be used when travelling to protect your sleeping bag (on the outside), for extra warmth, and as a replacement for a sleeping bag or tent in warm climates.

They are lighter and easier to wash and dry than a tent/sleeping bag combination, but can be colder and more cramped to sleep in.

In warm weather you don’t usually have to worry about the rain, just the insects. When I am sleeping out in hot climates I use a Bug Hut 1 tent from REI (shown here). This is an ultralight shelter that is fast to put up. It fits completely over your sleeping bag and the poles keep the mesh away from your upper body.

Hammock

A good compromise sleeping solution is a hammock. These are lighter than a tent and more comfortable to sleep in. I use mine for emergencies when travelling.

You would be surprised at the number of places you can use it. The best manufacturer and model I have found (and one that I own) is the Hennessy Hammock UltraLite Backpacker A-Sym (shown here).

Read more about hammocks and sleeping in them here.

Sleeping Pad

This is what you lie on when sleeping on the ground when camping. It both insulates your body from the cold and the hard, sometimes rocky ground.

They come in two basic types, the closed-cell foam type, which is thin and bulky which either rolls or folds up, and the inflating type, which insulates better and packs smaller, but is heavier and more expensive.

Therm-a-Rest (shown left) make the best of the latter kind. These are ‘self-inflating’ (although they sometimes need help).

The lightest weighs just over 1 pound, (455g) but this model is also the shortest and least insulating.

Their construction means that they can get damaged on thorns and other sharp objects, and will stop working if they get punctured. They can be hard to repair (they come with a repair kit).

They come in a variety of sizes (long, regular, short lengths) and insulating properties (3- 4-seasons, for example). I have the Therm-a-Rest ProLite 4 Regular which is a 4 season, regular length (72″, 183cm) sleeping pad.

You can buy them from Blacks in the UK or REI in the US.

Pillow

Inflatable pillows can make it easier to sleep on a plane, train or bus. There are two types, one that fits around your neck like a collar and ones that look like regular pillows.

You can also buy a stuff-sack which, when filled with clothes, can make a good pillow, particularly the ones that are specially made for this that come with a cloth lining (turned inside-out when used as a pillow).

Check them out here. They come in two sizes, I use the 10″ x 20″ model for my sleeping bag stuff sack.

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.