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.

Many tropical diseases, such as malaria, yellow fever, and Japanese encephalitis, West Nile virus, Lyme disease, are transmitted by . . . → Read More: Avoiding Insect Bites]]>

Many tropical diseases, such as malaria, yellow fever, and Japanese encephalitis, West Nile virus, Lyme disease, are transmitted by insect bites, usually through the insect’s saliva.

No antimalarial drug is 100% effective and in the case of some diseases (for example, dengue fever) there is no protection at all, so it is best to avoid getting bitten in the first place.

Luckily, insects aren’t a problem in most countries around the world, just annoying, and in those places where they are, only some of them carry diseases.

For example, there are more than 3,000 species of mosquitoes worldwide, and 420 species of the Anopheles mosquito, of which only about 70 are capable of transmitting malaria. Of those 70 species, only about 30 to 40 species are considered “good transmitters”. For each of these 30 to 40, only 5 to 10 percent of the insect population is capable of transmitting malaria.



These may seem like good odds, but the sheer numbers of the Anopheles mosquito around the world can make them appear less favourable. In parts of Africa, research has shown that some (unprotected) people suffer around 300 to 1,000 infectious bites per person per year, i.e. one to three malarious infections per day.

To get infected, you have to be bitten by a disease-carrying insect, and although it may take more than one bite from that insect to transmit the disease, you can still get infected from just one bite from one insect.

You can greatly reduce the chance of any infection by taking precautions to limit the number of times you get bitten. Even in low-risk or non-malarious areas it pays to do so, as insect bites can be irritating and sometimes painful.

When reading about and comparing repellents, insecticides and netting, remember that a lot are sold for domestic use (in the backyard at home), some just for backcountry use (in the USA), and some for use abroad.

Be careful to choose the right combination for your situation. For example, a close mesh net is ideal for keeping out tiny insects in the forests of the US but would be too hot in the tropics where a more open mesh mosquito net (treated with an insecticide) which lets in the breeze would be fine.

Clothing

One of the best ways to stop getting bitten is to reduce the amount of exposed skin by wearing long-sleeved shirts and long trousers, as well as enclosed shoes and long socks (not open sandals or flip flops).

Covering up in this way also (partially) protects against exposure to the sun.

Fabrics must be either thick or closely woven (not knit) as well as loose-fitting, as insects can bite though thin fabric or can reach your skin through tight clothing.

Luckily, loose clothing is also more comfortable in hot climates.

Also, light colors (khaki, for example) appear to be less attractive to mosquitoes.

The best shirt I have found that meets all of the above criteria is the Craghoppers Nosquito Long Sleeved Shirt. I personally have two of these (in Stone and Khaki) and they are worth every penny. Part of the ‘Bear Grylls’ range of clothing they are practical as well as very stylish. You can read more about them in the Clothing section of this website.

Craghoppers also make the best travel trousers too in the Craghoppers Kiwi Trousers. They are similar in performance to the shirt and are (justifiably) a best seller.

To deter ticks, tuck trousers into socks, and remember to inspect yourself for ticks after outdoor activities.

Spraying or soaking your clothes with an insect repellent or insecticide is also recommended (see below). The Nosquito shirt above is treated like this.

You can find anti-mosquito clothing treatments here or here.

Repellents

The next method for keeping the insects away is to use an insect repellent on your skin.

Humans and animals give off various chemicals that attract insects. Insect repellents are thought to work by blocking the stimulation of the receptors that detect these chemicals.

The most popular (and also the most effective) repellents are those which contain DEET (diethyl-meta-toluamide). Others contain oil of lemon eucalyptus, botanicals, and other chemicals (picardin) but despite their claims, these may not be as protective.

Read more about the alternatives here. There is an update to this information here. Both give recommendations for domestic (USA) use. To find information about overseas travel, read the information here.

When evaluating claims make sure they are comparing like with like (some tests use lower concentrations of DEET, for example, when they claim their product is more effective), and check which insects they protect against (some are only more effective against ticks and certain (non-malarial) mosquitoes).

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency considers DEET-based products safe when used as directed. This means they should not be used under clothing or on open cuts, wounds, or irritated skin, and shouldn’t be used with sunscreen.

Combination repellents and sunscreens are still being evaluated by the EPA, but because sunscreens are meant to be applied liberally and frequently and DEET products are used sparingly, you will inevitably end up putting on too much of one or too little of the other. Better to use separate products at the same time, applying sunscreen first, then the insect repellent.

DEET-based repellent should be applied following the manufacturer’s instructions to all exposed skin. It should also be kept away from your eyes, mouth and nasal membranes, and definitely should not be swallowed. Spray the repellent onto hands and then apply to face. You should use just enough to cover exposed skin and it should be washed off whenever safe to do so.

Even though you should not use it on your skin under clothing, many people apply it to the outside of their clothes on sleeves, collars, socks, and cuffs as additional protection.

Be aware that DEET can also melt some plastics, such as eyeglass frames, rayon, spandex, and other synthetic fabrics, and can damage leather and painted or varnished surfaces.

DEET products come in different concentrations which can be confusing. In concentrations over approximately 25%, DEET does not work better, it just lasts longer. If you are hiking or sweating a lot it will dissipate much faster and last a lot less.

Products containing 25% to 35% DEET are recommended by the CDC for adults. These will usually repel mosquitos for several hours (read the instructions), and there should be no need to reapply it more often that this. Ultrathon, made by 3M, contains 33% DEET which slowly releases the DEET for an effectiveness of up to twelve hours. Another similar product is Sawyer’s Controlled Release.

Some DEET products consist of a 100% formulation for maximum effectiveness of up to eight or ten hours. 100% DEET is probably overkill for mosquitoes, you just don’t protection for 12 or 13 hours. For most situations of casual use (and for a few fours in the morning or evening when mosquitos bite), around 25% should be fine. You can always re-apply it every few hours if you’re in the jungle, too.

There may be circumstances where constant reapplication may be impractical, however, such as where there is a rapid loss of repellent due to rain or heavy sweating. Some people also use higher concentrations when traveling to an area where there is a very high density of biting insects.

As well as being a lower concentration, Ultrathon is also absorbed less through the skin, thus making it safer than 100% DEET. In addition, it is recommended by many health care professionals. If you have sensitive skin you can get it in a spray can at a 23% concentration which lasts up to eight hours.

Insecticides

Whereas insect repellents are designed to keep insects away, insecticides stun or kill insects that come into contact with it. In this way the two methods compliment each other and should both be used (one does not replace the other). Ideally, use a combination of a DEET product on exposed skin, and wear insecticide-treated clothing.

Permethrin is a common synthetic chemical, widely used as an insecticide and as an insect repellent. It is usually applied to mosquito netting (see below) and clothes. Permanone, Coulston’s Duranon, and Sawyer’s are brand names of permethrin.

When applied to clothing by aerosol or trigger spray, Permethrin provides protection lasting up to two weeks or two washings. Clothing soaked in a Permethrin solution is effective as am insecticide for months if it is stored out of the sun.

There should be no problems using it as long as it is used according to the instructions, as it has a low toxicity, is poorly absorbed by skin, and is generally environmentally safe except that it is toxic to honey bees and other beneficial insects, fish, aquatic insects, crayfish, and shrimp.

More recently, Deltamethrin has become more popular and widely used. It is a member of one of the safest classes of pesticides. However, it is still a neurotoxin and should be treated with care. It is used by companies (e.g. Tana Netting and Travel Health Help) to manufacture long-lasting insecticidal mosquito nets.

Mosquito nets

Mosquito nets are a very useful and practical way to prevent insect bites, especially when sleeping at night. There are a number of things to look out for when buying a net.

There are basically two types, circular or rectangular. The circular type hangs from the ceiling by a string, with the net fanning out from a ring at the top and tucked tightly under the mattress on all sides. The rectangular type ties to the ceiling with four strings and hangs straight down on all sides of the bed, with the fringes again tucked under the mattress. Whichever type you choose it should be wide enough not to touch the body while sleeping.

The mesh size should be large enough for air circulation but as small as possible to keep out the mosquitos. For effective malaria protection, the mesh size that is recommended is 120-200 holes per square per inch. This will not keep out some types of sand flies, however, which can also transmit diseases to humans.

‘Noseeum’ netting is a lot finer at 500-600 holes per square inch, but the airflow is greatly restricted which can be stifling. Spraying or soaking mosquito netting in Permethrin or Deltamethrin dramatically increases effectiveness (see above). Store the net in a plastic bag to keep the permethrin effective longer.

Finally, make sure there are no gaps or holes in the netting around you and that there are no mosquitoes already inside the netting before you get inside or got to sleep.

Mosquito head nets may also be useful. Head nets alone are not enough in malarial areas, though.

Other preventative measures

Mosquitoes can bite any time. However, the peak hours of mosquito biting activity are usually at dawn and dusk, so try to reduce the amount of time you spend outdoors at these times.

You can use insecticides in the form of aerosols, vaporizers, candles, smoke spirals or others in living and, most of all, in sleeping areas. Close all doors and windows and spray the walls.

Mosquito coils are spiral-shaped candles that repel mosquitoes and other bugs with the natural chemical pyrethrum. They burn for several hours, and are useful when cooking dinner while camping, or in hotel rooms without screening.

Citronella (in the form of candles, soaps, sprays, etc.), is a natural repellent, useful in backyards in the USA but is not effective in serious biting insect areas.

Avoid wearing perfumes and aftershaves, which attract some mosquitoes. Also, for the same reason, don’t use scented soaps, shampoos, or deodorants. Unscented deodorants are available.

Mosquitoes do not attack as long as you walk quickly or if there is a breeze as they need to land on you to bite. While many hotels in the tropics lack screens, they often have fans which produce enough breeze to prevent mosquitoes from landing as long as the power holds out.

Stay in mosquito-protected rooms after twilight and at night, that is in rooms with air-conditioning or mosquito nets attached to windows and doors and those with fans.

For tours in the country, or if camping out, carefully select sites for sleep. Try to keep away from stale waters, ditches and water barrels. Also try to avoid traveling in high-risk areas during the rainy season.

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.