Now then travel gear advice please

8 Comments

1. Gerry says:

   25/01/2010 at 14:41

   Thanks for all the help.

   I took full advantage of the rohan sale – stocking up on walker shirts, goa top, ultimate cargo shorts and the convertible trousers!

   Just need to book the flight now!
2. Bruce says:

   17/01/2010 at 16:58

   Hi Gerry, After trying out the gear in Vietnam, what worked the best for me were:
   X-static underwear, and walker shirts – both were simply brilliant at keeping me dry and comfortable in very humid conditions. The hot and temperate socks were also great (so much so I almost forgot about them). The ultimate cargos were just great travelling/exploring trousers where I was confident that my wallet was secure and was able to carry documents, my phone and camera safely in the pockets.
   I hope you have a great trip.
3. Gerry says:

   04/12/2009 at 09:44

   Now then indeed

   Thanks for the top responses gents (and lady).

   Looking at heading out in march/april and heading to Laos, Vietnam: Phu Quoc, Ko Sukorn and going from whats been said, my backpack will contain:

   - Convertible Ultimate Cargos
   - ultra t
   - polo plus
   - seersucker shirt
   - goa top
   - a kway pack-a-mac in case of any ‘showers’
   - cool trunks!
   - a pair of speedos (not really)

   Just need to decide on footwear, as would like to do some treking…
4. Jonathan Dusheiko says:

   21/11/2009 at 19:39

   I have been to Thailand and Borneo. In Borneo I had the now discontinued Tropical Check S/S Shirt, wore it almost every day, even went snorkelling in it! JP has got it spot on for that part of the world. If you have the space I’d add the the S/S seersucker Walker Shirt, kept me cool in Morocco and Turkey this year.
5. Brook says:

   21/11/2009 at 16:49

   Hi,
   I’m going on an extended trip round SE Asia in January. I have the same question as Gerry, only for a woman.
   It’s quite tricky, as it’s mostly winter stock now, and I am told the warm-weather clothes will be available in late Jan/early Feb, which is too late for me.
   Can anyone suggest what should get at this time of year which will be suitable for the Thai climate? I’m not a sun worshiper, so despite the heat it will be long-sleeves all the way.
   Brook
6. JP says:

   19/11/2009 at 18:56

   Sawasdee krap (hello) Gerry!

   My name’s JP, I work at the Rohan store in Manchester.

   When are you planning on going, and where abouts to?

   I spent a month out there on my own recently, so I’d be glad to offer any advice I can.

   If you can say when you’re going, that would help so we know what kind of season you’ll be greeted with. I went for the whole of May, and around that time, Thailand is just about to leave the hot season and enter the rainy season. I can assure you though, as brilliantly violent the rain can be, you’ll find you won’t be wanting any waterproofs other than a Shelter Cape. The Rohan Shelter Cape will not only help keep the rain off, but it’s incredibly light weight and big enough to even fit over a motorbike (should you decide to join the throngs of 2 wheeled traffic). It can also be handily togged up to anything overhead, and used as a make-do shelter.

   If you’re planning on being there when it’s stiflingly hot, I’d suggest an ultra-t or two, same goes for the x-static tees and maybe even an additional core-t for the wicking aspect. Trouser wise, I wouldn’t recommend anything except for the Ultimate Cargo Convertibles. These can be used as a full length trouser, but converted also to 3/4 length or even down to shorts. They have an insect repellent built into the fabric, but also 40+ UVA sun protection, and they’re incredibly lightweight so they’re just perfect for that humid environment.

   I’ll tell you something they’re even more perfect for, and that’s sight seeing. If you plan on visiting any temples, you’ll find they generally have a “cover up” rule, i.e. showing some modesty. When I visited Wat Phra Kaew/The Grand Palace in Bangkok, there was an extraordinarily large queue for tourists who weren’t allowed in, simply because their attire was inappropriate. So not only do they have to go and change clothes, they also had to pay for “temple friendly” clothes rental. I skipped by all this by simply re-converting my 3/4 length Ultimate Cargos back to full length.

   It may be worth investing in a couple of the Expedition long sleeve shirts too, if you wish to have a bit of a smarter look. Again, they have the insect repellent and sun protection built in, but they also have a roll up sleeve and button, meaning you can convert to short sleeve. Doesn’t sound like much, but it’s a life saver when the sun goes down and all the mozzies start to congregate around the Farang (Westerner)! And again, good for modesty. I can’t stress the modesty thing enough, although Thais are incredibly laid back, some places are devoutly Muslim and although these people still tend to be fabulously polite, it saves everybody a bit of grief by adjusting to their customs. So make sure you’re reading up on where abouts you want to visit, and their local way of life.

   And if there’s one Rohan item I absolutely adored when in Thailand, it was the sandals, specifically the Colorados. I believe there are still some available in The Souk section of this website, but get them fast as there are limited sizes. They’re the comfiest things I’ve ever had on my feet. Given the climate, I never bothered with socks, I simply travelled all over Thailand in these sandals. When I got back home and to work, imagine my dismay when I realised I would no longer be able to wear them all day every day in the Manchester weather

   If there’s any other advice you need, not just on apt Rohan clothing, but also on your trip to Thailand, don’t hesitate to ask.

   All the best, hope you have a fantastic time in the most wonderful country.

   Jp
7. Ben Evans says:

   18/11/2009 at 10:39

   Hi Gerry,
   I second what Bruce has advised you on. For lightweight travel to Thailand and Vietnam from the current Rohan range, one outfit i would advise is the following. Ultra T, Convertible Ultimate Cargos and Long sleeve Expedition Shirt. You would have great versatility and protection from the sun/insects with these 3 garments, aswell as numerous security pockets and of course all three garments will wash and dry overnight.
   Lightweight, easycare, protective, hardwearing, security. I sound like a Rohan Catalogue!

   Enjoy your journey
   Ben
8. Bruce says:

   17/11/2009 at 16:40

   Hi Gerry,

   I will be visiting Vietnam in December as part of a cruise. I have chosen the same kit for all my shore excursions to save me packing much for the flight out there. It is Ultimate Cargoes, Expedition Shirt, X-static underwear, Hot and Temperate socks and a pair of Raid eVents. By adding some Ultra-T’s and or some Walker shirts and perhaps Ultimate DC Cargoes (which convert into shorts) you should be well sorted.
   I will let you know how my kit works for me when I get back. Hope you have a brilliant time.
   Bruce

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