Hi I am a 31 year old slim guy who is backpacking and doing a around the world trip (hot humid Thailand to cold snowy Switzerland).
I have looked into mart wool but it seems very expensive, if I purchased a few items it would be several hundred dollars. While Synthetic are cheaper I have have read complaints about stink, has this been fixed with treatments?
Like aegis, etc and do they work? What about bamboo?
I need thermal underwear, tshirts, long sleeves shirts, and polo shirts. What ways would you suggest to have the benefits of wicking, no wrinkle, don't need to wash for days, antibacterial, fast drying, keeping you cool, and not look out of place in other cultures yet able to afford these items on a budget.
I tried ebay and couldn't find many items used, target's items seemed like they lacked antibacterial treatment. Exofficio, Icebreaker, Ibex, Columbia, Mountain Hardware, etc... seems way to overpriced, rei has some stuff but it tends to be expensive.
Any generic brands?
For places like Europe, Asia, etc what do you think about wearing golf polos as they tend to wick moisture, are more dressy than a tee.
How about Pants that don't look shinny / athletic and out of place yet have all these benefits?
Any tips or hints would be much appreciated!
Syntetic vs Smart Wool Frugal Travel Clothing for Around the World
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Try Campmor. Name brands and others. Plus the heavyweight items are on sale now.
My kids got a lot of outdoor gear for scouts from them.
http://www.campmor.com/outdoor/gear/StoreCatalogDisplay?storeId=226&catalogId=40000000226&langId=-1
One DS did a science experiment on different types of fleece fabric and their warmth/weight/etc. From what I recall, the greatest advantage of the fleece fabrics is the wicking properties. When you wick away moisture from your skin, you stay warmer/cooler.
Amazon carries some Ex Officio stuff at cheaper prices. You could also look at Travelsmith, although they tend to be expensive.
But how long are you going to be in Switzerland, where and when? You only need heavy duty cold stuff if you're climbing a mountain in the winter. Otherwise a fleece and just maybe thermal underwear - by which I mean a lightweight bottom layer - try REI. And you can probably pick it up much cheaper in Thailand down the Khao San Road.
Have you heard about the advantages of packing light? You certainly seem to be headed in the other direction. Go hang out at Lonely Planet's thorntree some and talk to the backpackers there. Or you could try my packing list, which has taken me round the world with a backpack three times - start here: http://mytimetotravel.wordpress.com/2010/02/08/what-to-take-part-one/
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For me GoreTex has best moisture resistance and wicking properties my fav. travelsmith.com LLbean.com great backpacker gear also backpacker.com GearFinder onebag.com packing tips layers for me Nice Stylish Cargo Pants that zip to shorts light GoreTex hikers/socks drip dry nothing dries. Money belt dummy wallet columbusdirect.com or other good insurance amust for me. bootsnall.com only indie Backpacker site left since commercialized LP was sold down the river to the BBC.
Happy Trails!
A few thoughts that may help ...
-bamboo socks, love them, not expensive, my feet never stink with them
-wool socks, great, come in different weights, good against odour too
-love wool slacks, blends are cheaper
-polos, yes they look better, you need tees also though
-jeans are essential for me
-cotton great for hot climates but it absorbs,does not wick much, linen good too.
-to save money go to thrift shops (used clothing), surprisingly good stuff. So cheap you can give away when finished with it.
-if cold climate first then ditch that stuff when finished
-many clothes available in wrinkle free, stain resistant
Someone told me just to get standard synthetics that wick from like target and get a spray like this
http://www.purestcolloids.com/mesosilver-colloidal-silver-spray-cream-gel.php
What do you think?
Where do I get those bamboo socks, or whats the brand.
Now to find the right jacket and mid layer jacket. Also some button ups with wicking and all the advantages.
Some people say to bring Jeans and some hate them, any travel jeans or pants you can recommend that don't make the wearer look out of place. Also of them look really bad and not like normal pant, more sports wear with too many zippers and way to shinny, but the benefits of the travel fabric is needed wish there was something more nondescript.
The problem with jeans is not how they look (within reason), but that they are heavy, bulky, amd take a long time to dry.
Try looking at TJ Maxx or Marshalls -- I lucked out and snagged several 100% thin wool Columbia brand long-sleeved t-shirts. They are excellent base layer, very nice quality.
This is the only thing that worries me: "don't need to wash for days" .... You have to wash them. The wool shirts dry overnight whereas cotton might not unless it's hot. Personally synethics make me itchy and hot, and I'm sceptical that spraying cheap clothes with silver colloid is a good plan, but I'm the sensitive type.
Not sure if you have them in the USA but Tilley clothes are designed for travel. I have some, slacks, hat,drawcord loungers and really like them although they can be expensive.
http://www.tilley.com/default.aspx
Clothing depends on the climate and your preferences. What you like I might not care for. I do believe in paying for high quality performance clothing. Socks, shoes and a waterproof shell are the most important.
You sound like a new traveler. You need to try out your gear before packing it. REI is my favorite. Join for $20 (lifetime). They have an awesome return policy. They can also guide you on what to purchase.
Depending upon your area, now is a good time to shop for wool (I love smartwool) the winter clothes are going on clearance. I got a great deal on a smartwool sweater recently and socks too.
I don't live in a cold climate but have been very happy with long silk underwear. It dries quickly and packs small.
In the past I have spent a little more on natural fibers such as wool, silk, and linen, and never regretted it. My experience is that they last longer--is that the power of suggestion due to the fact that I spent more?...I'm not sure, but that has been my experience. I love jeans, but I don't take them to hot, humid climates. If they don't dry fast enough, you'll be stuck with that "moldy" smell in your backpack. Even in the Alps during the summer and early fall it takes too long for jeans to dry, and we ended up with our just-washed clothes smelling not-so-good at times.
I also hate the shiny travel pants with zippers that scream look I'm A tourist with a passport and other valuables zipped up in here." Sometimes I like to bring a pair of "normal" pants in darker color like gray. There are also lighter weight denims that don't take quite as long to dry. The main problem is the weight!
I always bring "normal" pants. If I don't want to wear something at home, I won't wear it away from home.
I also like a golf pant for travel, they usually look more normal and have deep pockets. Sometimes there is even a zip pocket.