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.

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.