Clothing for Thailand trekking?
Discussion
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?
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?
Can't offer any advice on the cothing source but as somebody postponing a possible visit to Thailand (for reasons other than trekking) due to Thaksin's Red T-Shirt brigade threatening to close the airports - again - good luck, keep an eye on Thai news sites. Hope it all goes well for you, in transit and on arrival.
turbobloke said:
Can't offer any advice on the cothing source but as somebody postponing a possible visit to Thailand (for reasons other than trekking) due to Thaksin's Red T-Shirt brigade threatening to close the airports - again - good luck, keep an eye on Thai news sites. Hope it all goes well for you, in transit and on arrival.
cheers, we don't go until August but I have bought a red t-shirt so maybe i won't wear that on arrival! 
mikeyr said:
turbobloke said:
Can't offer any advice on the cothing source but as somebody postponing a possible visit to Thailand (for reasons other than trekking) due to Thaksin's Red T-Shirt brigade threatening to close the airports - again - good luck, keep an eye on Thai news sites. Hope it all goes well for you, in transit and on arrival.
cheers, we don't go until August but I have bought a red t-shirt so maybe i won't wear that on arrival! 
At the moment it's confined to outdoor congregation and around the parliament buildings:
How does your shade of red match up
turbobloke said:
Can't offer any advice on the cothing source but as somebody postponing a possible visit to Thailand (for reasons other than trekking) due to Thaksin's Red T-Shirt brigade threatening to close the airports - again - good luck, keep an eye on Thai news sites. Hope it all goes well for you, in transit and on arrival.
Where did you read this?Going out to BKK on Thursday night with the family for the Easter hols, transfering to the islands next Monday.
You've got me worried now!
My brother came back from Thailand/Loas/Vietnam not long ago and he mainly took light, quick drying clothes. TK-Maxx usually have cheap Craghoppers in store. He also took a lightweight fleece (he went up into the mountains) for the cooler evenings.
His favourite item of clothing was one of those lightweight waterproof poncho things.
His favourite item of clothing was one of those lightweight waterproof poncho things.
Nobby Diesel said:
turbobloke said:
Can't offer any advice on the cothing source but as somebody postponing a possible visit to Thailand (for reasons other than trekking) due to Thaksin's Red T-Shirt brigade threatening to close the airports - again - good luck, keep an eye on Thai news sites. Hope it all goes well for you, in transit and on arrival.
Where did you read this?Going out to BKK on Thursday night with the family for the Easter hols, transfering to the islands next Monday.
You've got me worried now!
www.thairath.co.th
The caption in Thai just names the guy on stage as leader of the red T-shirts yada yada and there's no occupation yet of either Don Meung or Suvarnabhumi airports so hopefully you'll be OK.
Scrap the cotton t-shirt idea! I used to wear cotton in these climbs, but have taken to the breathable (plastic?) walking base layer type things. You know, like a jogging top or thin football shirt. Far more breathable, dries quickly (you'll be washing 2x t-shirts a day) and won't smell after a few days of hand washing/packing it away wet. Seriously, I know cotton is recommended, but everytime I go to hot climbs I wear these breathable synthetic walking t-shirts (ca. a fiver each from decathlon) and hardly bother with the couple of cotton t-shirts I did bring.
Other than that (and this sounds obviously but I didn't do it) - wear the shoes in so they are comfortable. And don't underestimate just how hot and humid it will be. You're talking drenched in sweat after half an hour until you're used to it. Even the locals sweat buckets.
Last thing - warm cameras up before taking them outside if they've been in an airconditioned room seeing a grands worth of DSLR dripping in condensation isn't nice! Keep cameras either in the bathroom (which tends not to be air-con'd in cheap hotels, under a desk lamp, or warm it under your pits!
Other than that (and this sounds obviously but I didn't do it) - wear the shoes in so they are comfortable. And don't underestimate just how hot and humid it will be. You're talking drenched in sweat after half an hour until you're used to it. Even the locals sweat buckets.
Last thing - warm cameras up before taking them outside if they've been in an airconditioned room seeing a grands worth of DSLR dripping in condensation isn't nice! Keep cameras either in the bathroom (which tends not to be air-con'd in cheap hotels, under a desk lamp, or warm it under your pits!
staceyb said:
His favourite item of clothing was one of those lightweight waterproof poncho things.
Actually that's a good point - I wouldn't take a rain coat at all, unless you are going to be somewhere cold. In monsoon rains an urmbella is far better. If it's hot and humid you still get wet in a rain coat - just from sweat... eugh!VxDuncan said:
staceyb said:
His favourite item of clothing was one of those lightweight waterproof poncho things.
Actually that's a good point - I wouldn't take a rain coat at all, unless you are going to be somewhere cold. In monsoon rains an urmbella is far better. If it's hot and humid you still get wet in a rain coat - just from sweat... eugh!ETA One of these
Edited by staceyb on Saturday 28th March 18:25
Get some enclosed 'soft-roader' walking trainers, no sandals as you will get your feet bitten to s
t and they will probably fall to bits. Depends how far you are on foot. Also, lightweight long pants and long sleeves and a hat but you can get all that in Bangkok if you are going via there. It's hot as you like and it will be wet season in August. Mozzie spray!! It's up to you whether you take malaria remedies as tbh they will prob have some side effects such as nausea or extreme sun exposure. If you are up in the Golden Triangle then I might well brave the medication though as you will be far from medical assistance. Don't be tempted into Jap-Enc as it costs $$$
t and they will probably fall to bits. Depends how far you are on foot. Also, lightweight long pants and long sleeves and a hat but you can get all that in Bangkok if you are going via there. It's hot as you like and it will be wet season in August. Mozzie spray!! It's up to you whether you take malaria remedies as tbh they will prob have some side effects such as nausea or extreme sun exposure. If you are up in the Golden Triangle then I might well brave the medication though as you will be far from medical assistance. Don't be tempted into Jap-Enc as it costs $$$turbobloke said:
Nobby Diesel said:
turbobloke said:
Can't offer any advice on the cothing source but as somebody postponing a possible visit to Thailand (for reasons other than trekking) due to Thaksin's Red T-Shirt brigade threatening to close the airports - again - good luck, keep an eye on Thai news sites. Hope it all goes well for you, in transit and on arrival.
Where did you read this?Going out to BKK on Thursday night with the family for the Easter hols, transfering to the islands next Monday.
You've got me worried now!
www.thairath.co.th
The caption in Thai just names the guy on stage as leader of the red T-shirts yada yada and there's no occupation yet of either Don Meung or Suvarnabhumi airports so hopefully you'll be OK.
I'll keep looking at the FCO, Bangkok Post and The Nation websites.
J4me5 said:
I went trekking in the mountains to stay with some of the hill-tribes... wore trackies and trainers with old t-shirts - was fine... just take some long sleeved stuff for the night time.... keeps the old malaria away.
You were lucky if you escaped being eaten alive (no not in BKK) as farang skin is aroy mak mak and the little bastids usually find a way.mikeyr said:
bit harsh Digi - just want some suggestions for some quality travelling clothing sites - and I've never tried those trekking sandal things so no idea if they are comfortable or just insect traps!
the bites and sharp things piercing your flesh through the gaps won't be comfy!Gassing Station | Holidays & Travel | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff