blujeans

LLBean 'eh? Since I get a catalog almost weekly (and obviously haven't looked at one lately!) I'll have to check it out.
Great tips! Thanx everyone! Cheri
( and I meant Hey, not "Heys", on my Post title...sigh)

tmt

I'm so glad I saw this post. I'm headed for Panama last minute and wondering what am I going to bring for those jungle hikes. You answered it.

Now, question: what kind of material works best....nylon seems to hot and sticky.

I'm getting a pair for my husband too!

Taylor

Jessie_

Cheri, LLBean also has some great coolmax shirts in tank or short sleeve that are really comfortable and easy to rinse out.

pdxgirl

The REI outlet website has several different types of zip-off pants on clearance. www.rei-outlet.com

Marilyn

Taylor, if you buy them from a company like REI or Royal Robbins, that specializes in high quality gear, the material will be good for hot weather. I was a real sceptic about this, since I favor natural fabrics, but I became a convert in Cambodia. I'm glad I had 2 pair, because I wore them every single day.

Has anyone else had a problem with CoolMax? I find that the fabric pills very badly and holds odors even after washing. Do you find a difference between different brands, or is it all the same fabric?

pepper131

athleta.com

Steve - I know what you're saying. This seems to be a writer using fodorites as research rather than getting off their butts to do their "homework". It's a real peeve.

dhswor

tmt--I have 2 pair of the nylon zip-offs. They are not hot and they dry so fast. If you get hot, take off the legs!

Marilyn--I have found that the good name-brand coolmax tops don't pill, but the cheaper ones do. I have not had any trouble with LLBean, REI, NorthFace, etc. but some earlier EMS ones have pilled a lot. Maybe it was the early fabrics that are now better - not sure.

Another good source is campmor.com

Marilyn

Thanks, dhswor. Our CoolMax was from TravelSmith, which I generally have had good luck with. Maybe I'll try something more recent from one of the companies you mentioned.

scubajen

I know you said zip off, but I couldn't resist and bought 2 pairs of nylon capris from REI the other day, one Royal Robbins, and the other an REI brand.

1. Royal Robbins - "Global Traveler Capris" with "Dot Matrix" teflon fabric. Supposedly doesn't stain easily or stick to you when wet. Very lightweight but nice fabric. Great fit. Did not adhere to curves in an unsightly way like some nylon pants do. Pockets-2 front, 2 rear zip, 1 zip cargo. Colors - khaki, orange, blue. ($54 REI).

2. "REI Sideout Capri" Nylon with zip leg pocket (olive/orange, other fun colors). ($48 REI).

As a scuba diver, I do not like to stay wet long after a dive. When we head to Playa Del Carmen Mexico (near Cancun) in May for our annual trip, we usually do some Cavern diving and the jungle is hot, humid, and buggy. Post-dive, I don't like my clothes to hang wet on me and attract volkswagon sized mosquitoes. If I wear shorts, I end up with large mosquitoe welts all over my legs. The zippered pockets keep me from losing my pesos, room key and girlie stuff.

Another favorite brand (no joke) is "Horny Toad". They are kind of expesnive. I have a comfortable pair of Yoga pants by them. REI had a cute pair of Capri (the new thin wale rough look) but they were $66.

Oh, and Target had some great new styles of swimsuits to go along with the new warddrobe.

Happy shopping ladies. Men will never understand the shopping thing.

scubaJen

dcd

Cheri, before we went to CR for the first time last Dec, my wife (and I)bought some Ex Officio and REI zip offs and loved them. These are made of synthetic materials but aren't too hot and, unlike 100% cotton, they dry so fast they never seemed to get wet despite being outside in a steady misting rain. Both brands have a website which can direct you to any stores in your area. You can also order from the websites.

Dave