Clothing

Clothes maketh the man

The only banal items in this kit are 2 pairs of briefs, a pair of swimming trunks and 2 handkerchieves (I was brought up to always carry a clean handkerchief - and to spell the plural of that word properly. If you think that makes me old-fashioned, just wait until you see what I wear!). Everything else has been specifically selected to suit its purpose. 

Let's start with the socks. Two spare pairs - one inner and one outer. The inner socks are knee length socks from Hoggs of Fife (Scotland). Made from 40% Merino wool, 40% pure new wool and 20% acrylic they are designed to meet the demands of the gillies, crofters and shepherds who spend their days on the rugged Scottish highlands. The outer socks are of a similar composition: 77.5% Australian Merinio wool and 22.5% synthetic fibre. These are the 7502M Mining Boot Sock from Merino Country and they are designed to meet the rigorous demands of people who work hard and sweat had in Australia's underground mines. I've used them since I was a teenager and from long experience I know just how really good they are. The upper parts of these (short) socks will be folded down to cover the tops of my boots, to protect my feet without overheating my legs, to prevent my laces from coming undone and to stop small twigs and stones from slipping into my boots.  The high percentage of Merino wool in both pairs of socks acts to wick way perspiration and to gently exude traces of lanolin onto the skin. They have the nickname of 'healing socks' and they are excellent in preventing the formation of blisters.

1 spare T-shirt. It's a Hi-Tec Sibic T-shirt. The polyester fabric wicks away perspiration, is hard wearing and is quick drying. I'll be washing it in the evening and packing it in the morning, so this is important. From my time in the Australian bush, and from kayaking, I've always understood the need for a lightweight shirt with long sleeves. Protection from both sun and insects is important, and will be necessary on this trek. For this reason I have selected Kiwi Men's Outdoor LS shits by Craghoppers (one to wear, one to carry). These shirts are sun protective, insect bite-proof, hard-wearing, have double fold collars to provide extra neck protection when needed - and still look smart. Added benefits include that they are made entirely from recycled materials and they are guaranteed for life.

I plan to walk in shorts most of the time (except perhaps in the Camargue where extra insect protection might require long trousers). The shorts I have selected (one on, one in the pack) are BDU 2.0 Tactical shorts by Pentagon. Made from rip-stop polyester & cotton, with reinforced seat and seams and a useful array of pockets, these shorts are intended to withstand harsh treatment and yet they shed water and dry quickly after washing. I've chosen 1 pair of long trousers in the same design (BDU 2.0 Tactical) to wear in the Camargue and if the weather turns nasty. In addition, I have selected a very light-weight pair of trousers, Quechua Men's Hiking Trousers MH550, which can be zipped off into shorts if needed. These are intended for evening use as they are smart enough for casual dining - but they can serve as hiking trousers if needed, given that's what they are designed for.

All of the above is stored in a Robens Dry Bag (8L), however 2 other items in this photo will sit in the top pocket of my pack for ready access. They are the wet weather apparel. I have chosen light-weight components here, as I can gain any needed warmth by layering my cold-weather clothes. The most suitable items for me, I found, were the Stow and Go Packaway Jacket from Highlander and the corresponding Stow and Go waterproof trouser.