Posted: 2006-06-01 03:09:00
I am fortunate to be sandwiched between a Patagonia Outlet 45 miles to the south and a North Face Outlet 30 miles to the North. Even at outlet prices (with the extra sale mark downs), travel clothing is expensive, so what destinations make it worth while? And what items are the best investment?
Some items are truly worth a hefty investment:
Back pack - I am still using the North Face I couldn't afford but bought when I was 19.
Down Jacket - squishable, light weight and tempature adaptable
What would you be willing to layout good money for?
When do "travel" clothes make sense?
Rainforest or hotter climates: convertable pants? On the Inka Trail these were indispensible.
"Bug Off" repellent clothing? I'm tempted but haven't yet. I still treat clothes with Permathrin.
"Packable" Clothes?
What do you look for when investing in travel clothing and gear?
Eire
--- Life is not measured by the breaths you take but by the moments that take your breath away.
I find functional clothing that transports water away from your body and keeps you dry very good.
These garments are usually drying very quickly and don't need to be ironed. It helps packing light because you can easily wash them on your travels in the evening and put a freshly washed clothing on in the morning.
Martin
--- Today is the first day of the rest of your life, enjoy it!
since several years I use almost exclusively garments made of synthetic fibres for trekkings or hikes in cold, hot, dry and humid regions and I'm convinced of them.
I fully agree with the points mentioned by Martin. These clothes don't dry quickly only after washing, they don’t absorb much water and dry also much faster on your body. Imagine your blue jeans become soaked with water on a cold day in the backcountry. It would take ages and a lot of your energy to dry them with your body heat and eventually cause hypothermia.
But the synthetic garments have also some disadvantages.
One problem is that the formation of bad odours is much faster compared to natural fibers. Some fabrics are equiped for example with silver ions to prevent or slow down this.
Another observation I made is, that my dark colored (red, blue) shirts bleached quite fast from the sunlight, much faster than cotton shirts.
I also use an anorak, raingear and trekking shoes equipped with goretex, but only for cold and cool regions with occasional or frequent precipitation (as swiss mountains).
To keep me warm I wear a fleece jacket under the anorak and if needed also fleece underwear.
You are right, the equipment from the famous outdoor companies is expensive, but some items are really worth an investment.
I bought my Schöffel goretex anorak in 1989 and used it a lot. It's not completely waterproof anymore, but still in quite a good shape. Also my small Jansport backpack, which I bougt in 1994 in the Grand Canyon N.P. and is in daily use since then, is still in a good condition.
Posted: 2006-06-27 17:53:00
With theft being such a danger - and becoming more vulnerable as I get older - I find being able to put things well away is very important. I mentioned the theft of a digital camera in one of my reports on Peru. I spent a lot - and I don't regret it - on what's called a cargo vest here - a jacket without arms but with numerous inside and zipped pockets large enough to hold important documents, camera, dictionary and notebook.
Actually I have two for different seasons - although I should still be tempted by a REALLY cool one if I saw it - but no compromise with strength of material.
--- Grieve not for that which you cannot do but rejoice in that which you can.
Posted: 2006-06-27 22:15:00
Both of you make good points! I have to look for a vest like David describes - it sounds ideal. Would you mind giving a couple of brand names? It sounds almost like a fly fishing vest.
I have several pairs of quick dry convertable pants which I keep threatening to leave behind when packing on return but can never bring myself to part with. They are pretty worn out so maybe India is their last trip!
I also have a couple of long sleeve techno shirts but I haven't tried any of the bug-off ones yet.
Eire
[ This Message was edited by: eirekay on 2006-06-27 22:21 ]
--- Life is not measured by the breaths you take but by the moments that take your breath away.
Posted: 2006-11-06 22:35:00
A bit gross, but "technical" quick dry clothing is good for the smell too. You don't have to wash it as often, or as well....
My best investment in "travel" clothes was my sleeping bag season 4, I really was happy to have it on my Everest Base Camp, I am sure it will last me years! That was my prority in my travel budget
As David mentionned earlier Camera equipment will also be in my investment budget. Taking great pictures on a trip is nice. It will last for ever.
My second best investment was my swiss knife, everywhere I go, he goes with me! It has got a compass and a mini maglight torchlight!
Take care
Isabelle
--- "It is far more better to have seen it once than to have heard about it a thousand time." Mongolian proverb
Posted: 2006-11-08 03:16:00
i've been trying out merino over the winter as i am thinking about clothing to carry around south america during the spring and summer.
it dries quickly and also seems to adjust to my body temp.
buy new zealand made though!!!
--- "Don't listen to what they say. Go see." ~ Chinese proverb
Posted: 2007-02-24 03:52:00
I love this topic, and am grateful for everyone's answers here! I am happy to share my most-loved and valued clothing discoveries... A list of many of my favorites with short reviews is here: http://www.whereisliz.com/packing/packing2.html
At the top of my list is the Macabi skirt: http://www.macabiskirt.com which is cleverly designed, light, cool, very comfortable, and durable.
I also really love SmartWool socks...they don't get as smelly as the synthetic socks, are not itchy, are very cushiony, and do surprisingly well under both cold and hot conditions.
Made-for-travel clothes that have hidden zippered security pockets are really worth it, and the fabrics that are fast-drying are a godsend for overnight washing (and for when you get caught in that torrential downpour!).
