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Dressing for extreme travel - don't screw it up
No matter how badass you are, if you're wearing the wrong clothes, you can totally spoil your own extreme travel experience. Being ill-equipped is like using the wrong tool, or shooting yourself in the foot. If you follow these guidelines, you should never have a problem. Good luck to you in your ambitious journeys!
Dressing for Extreme Travel
1. Dress for comfort.
This may seem like a no-brainer, but when you're heading for an extreme location, you may be tempted to stock up with the latest designer gear. This is overkill. Don't pack a bunch of heavy clothes with too many bells and whistles unless they are absolutely the most comfortable things you have ever owned.
2. Layers, layers, layers.
Layers can actually help you lighten your load. For example, rather than packing two pairs of bulky snowpants, you can pack one shell and two pairs of long underwear or warm leggings to go underneath (so you can wash one if need be). If your adventure is taking you to a warmer climate, consider layering as well -- something lightweight and breathable over your minimal tank and shorts can help protect your skin from the sun and bugs, and keep you looking appropriate in cultures where it's rude to show too much skin. The shorts and tank underneath will help absorb sweat, and you can strip down to them easily in private.
3. Decide in advance: Bag or pockets.
Whether you're skiing, rock climbing, or visiting remote villages with no electricity or water, you're going to need supplies on your person. Decide in advance whether you're comfortable carrying a bag (which is the most likely thing to get nicked or pick-pocketed). If not, you need to either invest in an outfit with lots of pockets, preferably hidden (see the ScotteVest products and Tilley Hats), or get a money belt to strap to yourself under your clothes. Deciding you have to carry a bag can be very liberating, as then you can wear anything you want. Don't rule it out; it might make you more comfortable. You just have to be a little extra vigilant.
Filed under: Gear, Women's Travel
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Fiznatty Jan 25th 2010 12:41PM
Versatility is important, especially for those traveling light.
I never travel without convertible pants and a wide brim hat. The pants are good for almost any travel activities (the exceptions being winter conditions or if formal attire is required), and the legs can come off to make shorts. The "floppy" hat, as I call it, is good for blocking the sun or keeping the rain outta my face.
Max
Mo Jan 25th 2010 1:23PM
While hiking the Delicate Arch trail outside Moab, UT a couple summers ago, I passed a gentleman in loafers, dress pants, and button down shirt complete with pocket protector heading for the most strenuous part of the trail at high noon, with no water. He needed to read your post.
Elizabeth Feb 13th 2010 4:25PM
It used to be (many yrs ago) the usual travel clothing was to be "dressed to the 9s" ie: stockings, hat, gloves, etc. and your best dress, yes dress.
Now it is acceptable to be dressed for comfort. If you have an overnight flight dress in loose comfortable clothing that doesn't wrinkle.A pair of well broken in shoes are great. Don't break-in new shoes.
Don't forget a sweter or wrap as the plane can get chilly. I travel with a horseshoe shaped neck collar. It can be used for the neck, as a footrest and as a seat cushion.