BootsnAll Travel Community

I recently found a post by someone listing everything she took to CA for 5 months, which was helpful. But I was wondering if some women could give me advice about clothing to bring that is a)comfortable, b)practical (as far as security, warmth, etc), and c) respectable-just in general, not necessarily for churches or museums.

What did you bring that you found absolutely essential? What did you find to be useless or cumbersome?
Would you recommend against skirts or dresses? Two-piece bathing suits?
Any advice would be appreciated!
Thanks so much,
Jessica

what part of CA? speaking from my own experience..

in western belize, i was comfortable wearing a tank top (not spaghetti straps or anything) and jeans. a lot of the local women there, and in guatemala near the border, wear skirts, halter tops, etc.

i've found that all the 'island culture' spots in CA are pretty used to skirts, shorts, and bikinis (but bikinis just on the beach or in the water).

i personally have never traveled with a skirt/dress, and i don't intend to. i don't want to always worry about flashing someone when i'm climbing into a bus, or walking down some stairs.. i'd rather opt for shorts. but then again i've never had to do anything super formal that required a dress in CA..

when it got super hot, i was very thankful that i had tank tops with built-in support, instead of having to wear a tank top on top of an actual bra. when it got chilly, i was glad that i had a hoodie.. i never wished i had more than that. i found that jeans were almost always ok everywhere i went, but i also always bring along a pair of cropped yoga pants when it gets too hot.

oh, don't underestimate the importance of bug repellant!

Thanks, xoom!

I second everything that xoom said, but I will say that I think quick-dry, moisture-wicking shirts (even pants) are essential when traveling in warm climates. I brought a few such t-shirts on my recent trip to Costa Rica. They're comfortable and it helps eliminating that constant, gross sweaty feeling. Plus they're great for packing because they don't really get too wrinkled. I do have one skirt that I like to travel with; it's a casual, knee-length black skirt. I wore it a couple of times in CR and it was more than appropriate. What I think are cumbersome and unnecessary are blue jeans. They're heavy and take up too much space in your pack/bag. And bringing a long sleeve hoody or light jacket is always a good idea. Just bring what's comfortable and stuff that you can easily wash by hand.

Ok, another quick clothing question: what would you recommend as far as shoes go? I plan on bringing hiking boots, since it seems like those will be needed especially during the summer months. But what else? I just have flimsy flip-flops (no Tevas or anything)-are those ok? And sneakers? How many?

My usual for warm weather is two pairs of zip off pants( I wear mens because the shorts are usually almost knee length which seems more aceptable in most areas other than beaches) a long easy pack skirt for for churches and other more formal places; chemises with built in bras and light weight shirts to go over the top. I take one pair of sports sandals( not slip but heavy duty ones with traction and back strap) and one pair of comfortable tennis shoes with good traction. I also take a long sleeved button up shirt- easy care- high tech fabric and a breathable rain jacket. Then of course underwear and socks.

Do you plan on doing any heavy duty hiking? If not, you can probably leave the hiking boots at home. Talk about cumbersome... a pair of waterproof or Gore Tex low hikers would probably suffice. That's what I had in Costa Rica and we did do some pretty muddy hikes. They can take the place of your sneakers. Sports sandals - good ones, like the ones a601mom described - are also versatile. They're good for sporty activities but can also be worn with casual clothing. That's pretty much all I bring with me, and maybe a pair of flip flops for the hostels/hotels.

Thanks, ladies!

I've never been, but my MIL has- and from what she told me, I came up with a pretty good packing list.

I'm taking a two pairs of jeans (I plan on using a laundromat) 1 pair of bermuda shorts, some light weight cargo pants, and a longish skirt. Everybody says jeans are too heavy, take to long to wash/dry- but, you can wear them more than once, if you're not rolling around in the mud- and I couldn't imagine not having a pair on my trip.
As far as shirts are concerned- I have tattoos, so I won't be opting for the spaghetti straps, unless I want faded globs on my arms when I'm older... But, I'm bringing one along with a pair of pajama shorts to sleep in.
Im opting for lightweight cotton shirts- in monochrome colors, so I don't have a wardrobe disaster the whole time I'm there.
We're both going to be there during the start of the rainy season- so I'm packing a light rain-proof jacket and a hoodie, as well.
I'm packing a rash guard and a bathing suit for surfing (no tie bottoms, that surf will rip em right off).
For shoes? I'm taking a pair of flip flops, a pair of nice leather sandals, and a pair of sambas. No hiking boots, no crazy ergonomic strappy things. I think keeping it simple is the key.
Wear what you normally wear, within reason. You have to respect cultural boundaries- especially down there. And, you have to wear something that is at least some what well suited for the climate.
I think, since the climate is similar to Florida's- wearing pretty much the same thing as I wear here wouldn't hurt....

I second the above people. Light clothing is a must. Avoid heavy jeans, try to find a few pairs made of light materials. Your clothes must also be able to breathe - nothing too tight or not porous enough. Cotton is great. Skirts are good, just exercise the necessary caution when wearing them.

I just treated my pants, long sleeved shirts and jacket with Sawyer Permethrin- we leave for Nica in a week- let you know how it works.

Shoes v boots? Hi-tops (basketball boots / converse / call-em-what-you-will) for me every time! Good ankle support and enough grip for light hiking, wading through creeks without cutting up your feet on rocks, throw 'em in the washer and dryer when they get disgusting, and they're lightweight.

Oh, and I'd forget the jeans!

My packing list is #15 on the Thorntree Forum; since I posted that a few years ago I've added a card reader so I can blog as I go and take a UV Steripen for water purification instead of a pump.

I usually travel for 3-4 weeks at a time but the list wouldn't change for more, though a light fleece and goretex raincoat is the most I need for the places I go.

I agree - lightweight, wicking shirts and pants are the best - easy to wash, dry quickly, comfortable in the heat and humidity. I don't usually take a dress or skirt but have a sarong that serves multiple purposes including skirt as needed. I don't take any jeans or cotton t-shirts because they aren't as comfortable for me in the tropics and take forever to dry; when you wash them and line dry them (or someone else does) they're usually stiff.

Happy trails!