Haven't been to Africa yet but I do like the Royal Robbins (now "5.11 Tactical") and wear them all the time.

One feature I plan to get some use of is that they have knee pad pockets accessed on the inside. My knees hurt when I crawl around on hard stuff, but strap-on pads are a royal pain (I recall from my carpentry days).

Downside is that the khaki color is pretty light. An acquaintance who wore them in Iraq recommends throwing a few pairs of these in the washer with an equal number of packets of green and brown RIT dye from the supermarket, to get a "Middle Eastern mud brown" tone. Perhaps for Africa you might favor a little more green than brown in the mix.

Mancannon,

I took an olive fleece pullover for early morning in the LandCruiser. An olive baseball cap and sunglasses. One pair of Khakis that have the zipper at the knees for conversion to shorts. One pair of plain khaki pants. Two pairs of Cabelas Safari shorts. One Cabelas safari shirt and one Filson Safari shirt. I will say that the Filson held up beautifully to the Masailand thorn; the Cabelas shirt was finished by the end of the safari. I wore Russell PH boots. Pro: the quietest hunting boots I have ever worn; and required little to no "break in". Con: Provide very little ankle support. Safari Gaiters are absolutely mandatory. I bought mine from Cabelas. They were Boyt canvas gaiters.

quote:

Boots:

Ecco Track IV Highs

mrlexma,

Thanks for the tip on the ecco boots..I have seen them about but always thought of them as a bit "yuppie" so it was interesting to read some real world endorsements of them here..

Other than personal preference, is there a reason you prefer that moc style rather than the plain toe versions?

500grains,

I too wonder about the need for goretex in boots meant for the generally dry conditions of southern Africa.

With regards breathibility, I suspect the plain canvas or codura boots are the most breathable, but I am not sure how plain leather and goretex compare especially when you consider leather is usually dressed with a waterproofing wax or oil??

regards,

Pete

The two items I won't go without are my Russell PH boots, and my tan colored DSC cap. I like broad brimmed hats, but when you get in thick stuff, they just get to be a pain.

quote:

Originally posted by Pete E:

quote:

Boots:

Ecco Track IV Highs

mrlexma,

Thanks for the tip on the ecco boots..I have seen them about but always thought of them as a bit "yuppie" so it was interesting to read some real world endorsements of them here..

Other than personal preference, is there a reason you prefer that moc style rather than the plain toe versions?

regards,

Pete

Pete,

I just like the moc toe style. It's purely a personal preference. The Eccos are very durable and the most comfortable boots I have ever worn.

Eccos=Massachusetts, now that's a shocker.

Take a pair of flip-flops.

You can wear them in the shower, you can wear them around camp & let your feet air out, easy to slip on in the middle of the night.

I don't leave home without them.

Anybody ever wear the ripstop cotton khaki BDU style pants?

Good advice so far, I really like my Irish setter soft paws kangaroo leather light hiking boots on safari. Very light, very soft, very comfortable and fairly quiet. Darker tans and greens are my preffered colors as well. I like to buy and bring extra and give it away at the end of my trip. Have a great hunt and report back!

quote:

Originally posted by Duckear:
Anybody ever wear the ripstop cotton khaki BDU style pants?

I haven't, but always thought those would be a great choice. Brigade Quartermasters has some with a zipper fly (for those who don't care much for the button fly on the GI BDUs) and they are relatively cheap.

Zipper BDU

Regards,

Terry

quote:

Originally posted by T.Carr:

I haven't, but always thought those would be a great choice. Brigade Quartermasters has some with a zipper fly (for those who don't care much for the button fly on the GI BDUs) and they are relatively cheap....


Regards,

Terry

I never understood why the military stuck with the button fly until I had a pair of hunting pants with a busted zipper on a trip last year. I can sew on a button, but suck at fixing or replacing a zipper.

quote:

Originally posted by Duckear:
Anybody ever wear the ripstop cotton khaki BDU style pants?

I do, also the old-fashioned OD color. They're great for warm weather since they dry pretty quickly.

Vented Shirts

Many of the shirts I am looking at have vented backs. I seem to recall someone saying flies fly up the back vents and bite you through the polyester mesh. Does anyone have an opinion on this? Is it only a problem with tsetses in Tanzania?

Thanks

quote:

Originally posted by TexasZebra:
You have come to the right place to ask this question!
If you want the very finest cotton clothing available for Africa since the demise of Willis-Geiger, please check my website http://www.long-grass.com. The fabrics are made of the highest quality cotton that is soft, supple, and durable. Call me if you have any questions!

Happy Safari,
Melody

It amuses me that people think Africa is another planet requiring special clothing, special guns, special bullets etc. You guys are working this too hard! Just get Carrhart work pants and jacket, normal outdoor clothing. The only thing different in Africa is the sun shines in hunting season so bring a good hat. Otherwise it's stil on planet earth!

The most important thing regarding clothing is not to bring too much. At some point it has to be carried, fitted into a vehicle and most importantly fitted into a charter plane. Any outfit should offer a laundry service as standard. Bring comfy, well-worn stuff (never new boots and shoes) - and always a hat or cap. Be prepared to sacrifice some of it to mother nature ...

Johan

I don't know in the other countries, but if you go to Namibia, it is possible to buy safari clothing in Windhoek at Safariland Holtz, that is situated on Street Level in the Kalahari Sands Hotel Building.
If I knew the existence of this store my luggage was less heavvy.

However I like also wear Tag Safari clothing shirts, I have five or six of them.
You can find both on internet, but about Safariland - Holtz I have to say that the real store is better than the online store.

OldCoyote, I took a few of those vented shirts to Zambia last year and they definately helped to keep me cool, especially during midday croc hunting. There were quite a few Tsetses around, but I had sprayed the shirts (and the mesh) with Permethrin, so had no problems. The other "must have" in a shirt IMHO are the cuffs that roll up and button. Saves you from screwing with your sleeves all day.

I just had my first safari in South Africa, and the only thing I'll do different next year is pack even less! I wore blue jeans and camo long sleeve shirt. I packed 3 of each (as I've seen advised in various places). They did laundry EVERY DAY though, and next year I'm only packing one set. I'll wear one set and pack one set. I see no need for 3 sets.

why did you need the gaiters? I have been to Naimbia twice and now going to Tanzania-where these for snakes. Love to know.

Tait:

These are the low, soft type that keep pebbles, weed seeds, etc. from getting into your boot tops.

They slip over your feet and can be worn with long or short pants and ride just above the boot/shoe top.

www.boytharness.com

RCG

G L Krause
Thank you very much

Russ Gould
Buttttt.....I NEED to plan every detail so that I can enjoy the trip BEFORE I go. While I've got you, do you recommend boxers or briefs for safari?

I'm with Tait on the gators. I keep hearing half the people swearing gators are indispensable, and the other half wear shorts. That doesn't jive, or else a lot of you wear short pants and gators.

I wear gators in deep snow. I don't anticipate deep snow in Zimbabwe next month.

Tsetse flies love to crawl up your pants leg and bite you around your calves, knees, and thighs. Gaitors do a great job of keeping the little SOBs from getting up there. That why I took and used them some in Tanzania. The reason I didn't use them all the time was simply that they do hold some heat in as compared to being more ventilated on a hot afternoon without them. That said, when it comes to battling the flies, they do help.

Since this old thread got re-opened, I've been reading Stewart Edward White's "The Land of Footprints," the full text of which can be found in Nickudu's Archives.

White had some very amusing (and, IMO, correct) views on the wearing of shorts on safari (this from around about 100 years ago):

"In passing I would call your attention to "shorts." Shorts are loose, bobbed off khaki breeches, like knee drawers. With them are worn puttees or leather leggings, and low boots. The knees are bare. They are much affected by young Englishmen.

I observed them carefully at every opportunity, and my private opinion is that man has rarely managed to invent as idiotically unfitted a contraption for the purpose in hand. In a country teeming with poisonous insects, ticks, fever-bearing mosquitoes; in a country where vegetation is unusually well armed with thorns, spines and hooks, mostly poisonous; in a country where, oftener than in any other a man is called upon to get down on his hands and knees and crawl a few assorted abrading miles, it would seem an obvious necessity to protect one's bare skin as much as possible.

The only reason given for these astonishing garments is that they are cooler and freer to walk in. That I can believe.

But they allow ticks and other insects to crawl up, mosquitoes to bite, thorns to tear, and assorted troubles to enter. And I can vouch by experience that ordinary breeches are not uncomfortably hot or tight. Indeed, one does not get especially hot in the legs anyway. I noticed that none of the old-time hunters like Cuninghame or Judd wore shorts.

The real reason [that Englishmen affect the wearing of shorts] is not that they are cool, but that they are picturesque. Common belief to the contrary, your average practical, matter-of-fact Englishman loves to dress up . . . . I am not criticising the spirit in them; but merely trying to keep mistaken shorts off you."

I use lightweight gaiters-wouldn't be without them to keep seeds and crud out of my shoes.

Outdoor Research Rocky Mountain low gaiters, avail at REI or Campmor (www.CAMPMOR.com). $19.99

The shirts I've worn exclusively for safari are Cabella's Serengeti Safai, S or L. They are available in long sizes. Cat. No. 90-2464, 5, 6, 7. $28 to $33. They're tough canvas, have great pockets with zippers, great for small valuables like your passport.

Sorry guys, jeans for safari are not cool. I'm 63 years old, and was taught by my mentors many years ago to dress like a gentleman in the field at all times so as to lend respect to the sport. The public's perception of hunters is important.

Mrlexma,

I enjoyed the quote you provided! The fellow has a good sense of humor.

On the other hand I prefer shorts. I wear a pair of those tight fitting but stretchy running shorts under my regular shorts. This eliminates any friction, promotes evaporation of perspiration and keeps any critters from getting where they can't be seen and eliminated. Olive color is probably best, or a dark khaki, no bone or light tan.

I wear the Boyt gaiters to keep crud out of my boots and have found that if you allow the tops of your socks (SmartWool) to protrude from the tops of the gaiters you will not get crud going down your socks but you will promote evaporation of foot perspiration.

I like Lewis Creek vented safari shirts. No issues with bugs and the mesh. Lewis Creek is out of business but I still see a special on them from time to time. I would guess that Filson makes a great safari shirt. Their light weight fishing shirts are excellent and have held up amazingly well for me for six or seven years and still going strong. I have both long sleeve and short sleeve safari shirt but see no need for the long sleeves. Olive color is probably best here too. Green would be good too and by the end of the safari will probably be more of an olive anyway.

I also take one each cloth and mesh ball caps. I don't like mesh ball caps but the mesh is signifigantly cooler than the cloth for when its hot.

I really don't like Russell's. I found no way to get the arch support I need. I use Browning 7", uninsulated, kangaroo leather featherweights. They have the brown Vibram bob sole and are pretty quiet. Unfortunalely they have Gore Tex. If they didn't have the Gore Tex they would be perfect. But bring two pairs of boots incase you start getting blisters or have trouble with a pair. If one gives hot spots switch to the others and rotate to avoid problems. I never get blisters here but the 100* plus temps I have hunted in in the Zambezi Valley have caused a few. Even two pairs of the exact same boots will wear differently and help if you start having problems.

Good polarized sunglasses are a necessity.

Flip flops around camp are perfect and let your feet breathe. They weigh nothing and take little room in your kit too.

SmartWool socks have been the best hot weather socks I have ever tried. Bring enough pairs to switch at lunch time if it is hot out and you are doing a lot of tracking or walking.

JPK

Brice, when I'm hunting, "public perception" is the farthest thing from my mind. If I blunder into the "public" I'm probably hunting in the wrong place.

The thought never came to me about dressing like a gentlemen on a hunt, but then I'm just a kid. At 59 I've not learned the finer points of dressing to suit someone else, except maybe for my wife. She tends to roll her eyes occasionally, but that has nothing to do with hunting clothes.

I had 3 different brands of pants on my last safari. Also several different brands of shirts.
My favorite turned out to be the 511 Tactical pant and their long sleeved shirt, in 100% cotton.
I am now in LA where I have tried a pair of nylon 511 Tactical pants. I like them too.
They will dry faster and they are lighter than the cotton. On my next trip I will take some of each as when hunting and fishing out of a boat on lake Kariba the nylon pants and shirts will dry much faster when they get wet.

The shorts I prefer are nylon treated to wick moisture. No matter how hot it was or how much I perspired, the combo of the running shorts under the nylon shorts stayed dry and light.

This wasn't the case with the cotton shorts I had though the running shorts did help.

The shorts are available from LL Bean. I beleive they are calles Accadia shorts or something like that.

Still prefer the all cotton light weight shirts though

JPK

JPK,

I'll stick with Stewart Edward White and my trousers, thanks. No shorts for me.

Gators are a waste of time if you know how to walk in the bush, on my first few trips i scratched the hell out on my legs, enought of that I just learnrd how to walk in the bush and noe I hardly ever gat a scartch, I wear
Converse All-Stars low top old school shoes with zero ankle support, whats wrong with a little latteral movement of your ankles its the quiest waty to approach anything, practice is all it takes.

quote:

I'll stick with Stewart Edward White and my trousers, thanks. No shorts for me.

Me too. Thanks for the anecdote from Mr White, mrlexma! Suits my way of thinking on the subject to a T.

I am not sure why shorts would be considered more aesthetic? I am sure most would agree that keeping my snow white legs under wraps is probably best for all concerned.

Cheers,
Canuck

Just a word about those Ecco boots.
I where Ecco dress shoes for work and they are great, they wear very well and are extremely comfortable. I am a size 46, I tried onthose boots at the Ecco store in Edmonton today and they were too small in that size, i bought a pair of shoes in 46 no problem. Just a little warning if someone is looking at them online.

I'll be taking Buzz Off clothing with me this year, including hats, socks and shirts. I have read some very good reports on their use and their ability to effectively repel insects. The Buzz Off clothing is good for up to 25 washings for repelling the little devils.

quote:

Originally posted by mrlexma:
Since this old thread got re-opened, I've been reading Stewart Edward White's "The Land of Footprints," the full text of which can be found in Nickudu's Archives.

White had some very amusing (and, IMO, correct) views on the wearing of shorts on safari (this from around about 100 years ago):

"In passing I would call your attention to "shorts." Shorts are loose, bobbed off khaki breeches, like knee drawers. With them are worn puttees or leather leggings, and low boots. The knees are bare. They are much affected by young Englishmen.

I observed them carefully at every opportunity, and my private opinion is that man has rarely managed to invent as idiotically unfitted a contraption for the purpose in hand. In a country teeming with poisonous insects, ticks, fever-bearing mosquitoes; in a country where vegetation is unusually well armed with thorns, spines and hooks, mostly poisonous; in a country where, oftener than in any other a man is called upon to get down on his hands and knees and crawl a few assorted abrading miles, it would seem an obvious necessity to protect one's bare skin as much as possible.

The only reason given for these astonishing garments is that they are cooler and freer to walk in. That I can believe.

But they allow ticks and other insects to crawl up, mosquitoes to bite, thorns to tear, and assorted troubles to enter. And I can vouch by experience that ordinary breeches are not uncomfortably hot or tight. Indeed, one does not get especially hot in the legs anyway. I noticed that none of the old-time hunters like Cuninghame or Judd wore shorts.

The real reason [that Englishmen affect the wearing of shorts] is not that they are cool, but that they are picturesque. Common belief to the contrary, your average practical, matter-of-fact Englishman loves to dress up . . . . I am not criticising the spirit in them; but merely trying to keep mistaken shorts off you."

All that may be true but has negligible effect on the tourist hunter. In the typical hunting season, mosquitoes, snakes, etc. are few and far between.

Give me shorts and sandals.

Make it shorts for me too. Cutoff jeans work out fine. But I walk too far and too fast to wear sandals. If I did wear sandals, there would be no skin or meat left on my feet. Although some PHs get away with it, that may be due to the development of elephant hide on their feet after a decade or so in the bush. Most of us office workers do not have feet so well prepared for wilderness abuse.

quote:

Originally posted by Pete E:

With regards breathibility, I suspect the plain canvas or codura boots are the most breathable, but I am not sure how plain leather and goretex compare especially when you consider leather is usually dressed with a waterproofing wax or oil??

regards,

Pete

Pete, I have found that plain leather breathes better than either goretex+leather or goretex+canvas. Of course a leather/canvas boot such as the standard Russel PH boot at Cabelas breathes better than any solid leather boot.

Also consider that a quality leather hiking boot has a stiff leather outer shell and a softer leather inner, usually with some padding in between. That is a lot of leather for sweat to get out of, so moisture tends to build up inside, increasing the risk of blisters.

Some people say that a spray-on foot anti-perspirant helps reduce the chance of blisters. I have never used any, but it is worth a try.

500 Grains, you hit the nail on the head. For people who's feet sweat more than normal, either sprayon or rollon antiperspirant helps greatly. Its an old special forces trick! Nah, not SF, just moved them around a bit.

Is there any need for rain gear in Zimbabwe in July?