Tuesday, March 2, 2010

Clothing recommendations for ATB

Clothing.. It is the "winter" in Peru, which basically means the time of year when it doesn't rain. It does get cold up on top at night, but in the daytime you can even walk around in short sleeves if the sun is shining... even at 15,000 ft. That is because it is so dry. The sun is shining almost every day in the wintertime.

LAYERS are the key. You want to be just slightly cool so that you don't sweat, so short and long T-shirts are good. In the early afternoon, the wind always picks up and it can go from 70 degrees to 40 degrees very quickly as the afternoon winds down. You don't need anything winter, just a good sweatshirt and a fleece, it will not be colder than that. You can get wool hats and gloves in Cuzco for next to nothing, and they are better than the synthetic ones that you sweat in. But DO bring a wind-breaker too... one that is fairly water-proof (Goretex or something similar).

Sunglasses! Don't forget the sunglasses! Mirror ones, or at least very dark.

VERY comfortable, breathing hiking shoes (w/ mesh) are the best, then some Crocs or sneakers for the end of the day. Wool socks are best (not the super thick ones), so if you are buying something new, get it slightly big.

In the jungle... well you know. Cotton is always the best. You WILL want to spend some time standing in the back of the truck on the back roads, so I DO recommend you buy a pair of moto goggles. You can get inexpensive ones at
http://www.rockymountainatvmc.com/productDetail.do?&navType=type&webTypeId=66&navTitle=Helmet+%26+Goggles&webCatId=2&prodFamilyId=7486

Get a dark lense for the sun too.

A hat of some kind with a brim all around is a good idea too, as up in the Andes, the air is so thin that you burn easily.

On the personal side, even in the truck bouncing along, you can get "Monkey Butt" (not to mention on the moto seat!), so it is HIGHLY recommended to wear some sort of spandez against your skin. You will be VERY thankful you did! They wash out and dry easily, but I would still have an extra pair.

There I said it! You would not have forgiven me if I didn't speak up!

Wishing you a Happy New Year (w/ NO "Monkey-Butt"!)

Toby