Clothing for Thailand trekking?
Discussion
Jer_1974 said:
Nobby Diesel said:
Tried to book State Tower roof top for dinner, but couldn't due to having the kids with us.
Anyone got a recommendation of a roof top restaurant that will allow kids (well behaved ones, I might add)?
We have a 6 year old and have booked vertigo for the three of us.Anyone got a recommendation of a roof top restaurant that will allow kids (well behaved ones, I might add)?
Great meal and great views though.
Can also thoroughly recommend "the face" out at about Soi 38 or so on Sukumvit road: great cocktail bar with both an Indian and Thai restaurant on site and a French Choclatier too! Take a look: http://www.facebars.com/bg/
mikeyr said:
Going to Thailand later this year and doing a fair amount of trekking/kayaking. Knowing that PH is full of adventerous millionaire explorer types I though this would be the best place to look for advice! 
Not having been to Asia before I'm guessing that lightweight cotton is the way forward but has anyone got any recommendations on websites/firms that specialise in that sort of clothes?
I managed to pick up some Craghoppers stuff in the Debenhams sale (Kiwi trousers and light t-shirts) but wondering where else would be good to look? In particular - any recommendations on this style of walking sandal/shoe - are they comfortable?
Those sandals are fine for plodding about in the evening or wandering down to a beach.Not having been to Asia before I'm guessing that lightweight cotton is the way forward but has anyone got any recommendations on websites/firms that specialise in that sort of clothes?
I managed to pick up some Craghoppers stuff in the Debenhams sale (Kiwi trousers and light t-shirts) but wondering where else would be good to look? In particular - any recommendations on this style of walking sandal/shoe - are they comfortable?
When I went back packing in Thailand including a week jungle trekking I wore hiking trainers. The trails were not so tough a full boot was needed and I prefer a lighter shoe, they can also be used for pounding city streets.
My own personal favourites are pretty much anything from Merrell.
You dont want to be carrying to much with you when your trekking so a small back pack with just a few choice items is best.
A sports t-shirt not cotton for daytime use
A t-shirt for the evenings
I found cycle shorts better than regular undewear for walking in a hot humid environment...having everything neatly stowed prevents uncomfortable chaffing
Trousers or shorts are fine for walking in, you get stinking hot and sweaty whatever.
3 pairs of hiking socks
Deet, pain killers, lots of sticky plasters, beroca (sp?) or similar salt and sugar laden powdered drink, talcum powder (great for sticky areas). Tiger balm is magic at removing the hideous itching caused by mossie bites.
Deet can burn like a mofo if your skin has been irritated by sweat or sunburn. Dont put it on your face or head because when you sweat it runs in to your eyes.
A small towel to put around your neck and over your shoulders under your backpack straps.
A travel towel is good to...they are like man made chamois and soak up way more water than you thought possible.
Sleeping bag liner and pillowcase...most of the villages have blankets and hard square pillows but obviously these are not washed between visitors.
Camera and batteries and as mentioned get it warm before taking out of your bag!
I think thats about all I bothered taking on the treck, the rest of our gear was locked up at the hotel for us and was still there when we got back.
Even with minimal kit you still feel like a wuss when the guides have a pair of faded shorts, a ripped t-shirt and no shoes and are always first to the top of a steep hill without braking a sweat.
I remember one day we did 9 hours of walking between villages and upon arriving at the 2nd village the guides from the first village turned around and SPRINTED back in to the jungle!!
You might be asked to carry some other stuff by the guides, when we went part of the agreement of staying in some villages is that the tourists bring supplies and perhaps move things on to the next village. Nothing to heavy though..blankets and the like.
nick s said:
Nobby Diesel said:
turbobloke said:
Update on the Red T-shirt Occupation. The latest news on Thai websites is that the pro-Thaksin anti-Government protesters are still occupying the area around the parliament buildings in BKK - which is good, as that means they're nowhere near the airports. However a news story today has the Thai equivalent of Chief Wiggum using the public address system to tell the protesters to stop blockading parliament and disperse - with threats of shield toting cops barging them out of the way...this is the LoS equivalent of riot police action. He's promised no guns, as previously some shooting or other has been suspected as being a deliberate Red T-Shirt act, an own-goal to foment more anger and more protest, so Khun Wiggum is making sure the PR win is scored this time. The Red T-shirt leader responded by urging more people to join the blockade.
Anybody travelling now may face, at worst, the drenching to be expected during the Thai songkran festival. Officially 13 April for 3 days but Thais like to get moist early and late. However, the best advice is, duck. Playful Thai youths sometimes drop a cube or two of ice in, and others aren't too choosy where the 'water' comes from.
Hope it goes well for any travellers now and future
PS whatever you do, don't arrive and wander about in a yellow T-shirt right now.
Thanks Turbobloke.Anybody travelling now may face, at worst, the drenching to be expected during the Thai songkran festival. Officially 13 April for 3 days but Thais like to get moist early and late. However, the best advice is, duck. Playful Thai youths sometimes drop a cube or two of ice in, and others aren't too choosy where the 'water' comes from.
Hope it goes well for any travellers now and future
PS whatever you do, don't arrive and wander about in a yellow T-shirt right now.
Hopefully all will be ok.
My 2 kids are looking forward to Songkran. We'll be on the islands by then, so it won't be as hectic as in BKK or up north.
The kids do indeed love the water fun of Songkran.
Have been going at Easter for several years now
GlenMH said:
Jer_1974 said:
Nobby Diesel said:
Tried to book State Tower roof top for dinner, but couldn't due to having the kids with us.
Anyone got a recommendation of a roof top restaurant that will allow kids (well behaved ones, I might add)?
We have a 6 year old and have booked vertigo for the three of us.Anyone got a recommendation of a roof top restaurant that will allow kids (well behaved ones, I might add)?
Great meal and great views though.
Can also thoroughly recommend "the face" out at about Soi 38 or so on Sukumvit road: great cocktail bar with both an Indian and Thai restaurant on site and a French Choclatier too! Take a look: http://www.facebars.com/bg/
Thanks.
I'm a big trekker and swear by Merino Wool baselayers. It may sound odd but trust me, nothing, nothing comes close to them for traveling and trekking, particularly in tropical climates.
I used to wear synthetic baselayers; polyester and or polypropolene from the big companies but these feel plasticy against the skin and most crucially STINK! after a few hours.
Check out: www.icebreaker.com/
A top notch Kiwi company that has had huge praise.
Their baselayers (t shirts, long sleeve, underwear, socks etc) are legendary. Merino wool is very fine and soft, much softer than lambs wool, it wicks sweat, stays comfortable all the time and most importantly does not smell even after several days. I cannot recommend thier stuff enough.
I went trekking last year in North and South America and wore their stuff all the time. It really works and looks good on unlike the usual stuff from the North Face, Mountain Hardwear, Berghaus and others.
I would also rate Patagonia clothes for their sheer elegance, quality and performance. Real outdoor/mountain clothes.
I used to wear synthetic baselayers; polyester and or polypropolene from the big companies but these feel plasticy against the skin and most crucially STINK! after a few hours.
Check out: www.icebreaker.com/
A top notch Kiwi company that has had huge praise.
Their baselayers (t shirts, long sleeve, underwear, socks etc) are legendary. Merino wool is very fine and soft, much softer than lambs wool, it wicks sweat, stays comfortable all the time and most importantly does not smell even after several days. I cannot recommend thier stuff enough.
I went trekking last year in North and South America and wore their stuff all the time. It really works and looks good on unlike the usual stuff from the North Face, Mountain Hardwear, Berghaus and others.
I would also rate Patagonia clothes for their sheer elegance, quality and performance. Real outdoor/mountain clothes.
Blown2CV said:
Deviant, from your name I think I have twigged why you were in Thailand!
+1 on just about everything you said mate, that's pretty much exactly what I had with me.
Tiger Balm or Monkey Holding Peach Balm (!) in Thailand for mozzie bites and aches and pains.
+1 on just about everything you said mate, that's pretty much exactly what I had with me.
Tiger Balm or Monkey Holding Peach Balm (!) in Thailand for mozzie bites and aches and pains.
Rumbled!
Even today I still gently remove the souvenir ping pong ball from its silken pouch and take a long...deep...sniff.
torres del paine said:
I'm a big trekker and swear by Merino Wool baselayers. It may sound odd but trust me, nothing, nothing comes close to them for traveling and trekking, particularly in tropical climates.
I used to wear synthetic baselayers; polyester and or polypropolene from the big companies but these feel plasticy against the skin and most crucially STINK! after a few hours.
Check out: www.icebreaker.com/
A top notch Kiwi company that has had huge praise.
Their baselayers (t shirts, long sleeve, underwear, socks etc) are legendary. Merino wool is very fine and soft, much softer than lambs wool, it wicks sweat, stays comfortable all the time and most importantly does not smell even after several days. I cannot recommend thier stuff enough.
I went trekking last year in North and South America and wore their stuff all the time. It really works and looks good on unlike the usual stuff from the North Face, Mountain Hardwear, Berghaus and others.
I would also rate Patagonia clothes for their sheer elegance, quality and performance. Real outdoor/mountain clothes.
Interesting...I used to wear synthetic baselayers; polyester and or polypropolene from the big companies but these feel plasticy against the skin and most crucially STINK! after a few hours.
Check out: www.icebreaker.com/
A top notch Kiwi company that has had huge praise.
Their baselayers (t shirts, long sleeve, underwear, socks etc) are legendary. Merino wool is very fine and soft, much softer than lambs wool, it wicks sweat, stays comfortable all the time and most importantly does not smell even after several days. I cannot recommend thier stuff enough.
I went trekking last year in North and South America and wore their stuff all the time. It really works and looks good on unlike the usual stuff from the North Face, Mountain Hardwear, Berghaus and others.
I would also rate Patagonia clothes for their sheer elegance, quality and performance. Real outdoor/mountain clothes.
Off to West Africa this year, so possibly not as crazy humid as SE Asia, but might give them a go. Bloody expensive though!
VxDuncan said:
torres del paine said:
I'm a big trekker and swear by Merino Wool baselayers. It may sound odd but trust me, nothing, nothing comes close to them for traveling and trekking, particularly in tropical climates.
I used to wear synthetic baselayers; polyester and or polypropolene from the big companies but these feel plasticy against the skin and most crucially STINK! after a few hours.
Check out: www.icebreaker.com/
A top notch Kiwi company that has had huge praise.
Their baselayers (t shirts, long sleeve, underwear, socks etc) are legendary. Merino wool is very fine and soft, much softer than lambs wool, it wicks sweat, stays comfortable all the time and most importantly does not smell even after several days. I cannot recommend thier stuff enough.
I went trekking last year in North and South America and wore their stuff all the time. It really works and looks good on unlike the usual stuff from the North Face, Mountain Hardwear, Berghaus and others.
I would also rate Patagonia clothes for their sheer elegance, quality and performance. Real outdoor/mountain clothes.
Interesting...I used to wear synthetic baselayers; polyester and or polypropolene from the big companies but these feel plasticy against the skin and most crucially STINK! after a few hours.
Check out: www.icebreaker.com/
A top notch Kiwi company that has had huge praise.
Their baselayers (t shirts, long sleeve, underwear, socks etc) are legendary. Merino wool is very fine and soft, much softer than lambs wool, it wicks sweat, stays comfortable all the time and most importantly does not smell even after several days. I cannot recommend thier stuff enough.
I went trekking last year in North and South America and wore their stuff all the time. It really works and looks good on unlike the usual stuff from the North Face, Mountain Hardwear, Berghaus and others.
I would also rate Patagonia clothes for their sheer elegance, quality and performance. Real outdoor/mountain clothes.
Off to West Africa this year, so possibly not as crazy humid as SE Asia, but might give them a go. Bloody expensive though!
torres del paine said:
I'm a big trekker and swear by Merino Wool baselayers. It may sound odd but trust me, nothing, nothing comes close to them for traveling and trekking, particularly in tropical climates.
I used to wear synthetic baselayers; polyester and or polypropolene from the big companies but these feel plasticy against the skin and most crucially STINK! after a few hours.
Check out: www.icebreaker.com/
A top notch Kiwi company that has had huge praise.
Their baselayers (t shirts, long sleeve, underwear, socks etc) are legendary. Merino wool is very fine and soft, much softer than lambs wool, it wicks sweat, stays comfortable all the time and most importantly does not smell even after several days. I cannot recommend thier stuff enough.
I went trekking last year in North and South America and wore their stuff all the time. It really works and looks good on unlike the usual stuff from the North Face, Mountain Hardwear, Berghaus and others.
I would also rate Patagonia clothes for their sheer elegance, quality and performance. Real outdoor/mountain clothes.
+1I used to wear synthetic baselayers; polyester and or polypropolene from the big companies but these feel plasticy against the skin and most crucially STINK! after a few hours.
Check out: www.icebreaker.com/
A top notch Kiwi company that has had huge praise.
Their baselayers (t shirts, long sleeve, underwear, socks etc) are legendary. Merino wool is very fine and soft, much softer than lambs wool, it wicks sweat, stays comfortable all the time and most importantly does not smell even after several days. I cannot recommend thier stuff enough.
I went trekking last year in North and South America and wore their stuff all the time. It really works and looks good on unlike the usual stuff from the North Face, Mountain Hardwear, Berghaus and others.
I would also rate Patagonia clothes for their sheer elegance, quality and performance. Real outdoor/mountain clothes.
Icebreaker is excellent, much better than synthetic baselayer.
Update: as shown on BBC news the red T-shirt protests, encouraged by exiled ex-PM Thaksin Shinawatr, have moved to Pattaya (note to beeb, pronounced pat-a-yar not pat-eye-a) to disrupt the Asean conference, which has had to cancel meetings over 2 days as the political leaders from Asia can't get access to the hotel, some violent skirmishes outside. Also hundreds of people wearing pro-government blue T-shirts (previously yellow) have started to gather, leading to more tension. While this means the red numbers left in BKK are smaller, it may be that the pressure is being turned up - keep an eye on things if you're heading out in the near future.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/asia-pacific/7994...
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/asia-pacific/7994...
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