If you're planning for your first backpacking holiday, you're probably wondering what the best gear would be to take. After all, you're going to carry your backpack around quite often and you don't want to have to lug around excess weight. Many first-time backpackers make the mistake of packing several pairs of jeans, thinking that these are comfortable and versatile. They then wear those jeans once or twice before spending part of their budget on mens cotton drawstring pants.
When you think of drawstring pants, you probably think of two varieties. One is the wide and loose type made of a white muslin type of fabric so thin that you can see right through them. The other is the type with stripes in different bright colors, favored by NGO workers and people with dreadlocks. However, there are many different styles and colors to choose from. You can even buy a more tailored type with many pockets, similar to cargo pants.
One of the main reasons why backpackers choose lighter trousers rather than jeans is that they're less bulky. They take up very little space in any backpack, unlike jeans. They also weigh much less, which is good news since you don't want to drag around a backpack that weights about as much as a baby elephant.
Another reason why backpacking veterans leave the jeans at home is that it takes so long for them to dry. There will be times when you get caught in the rain or when you have to hand-wash your clothes and you'll have wet trousers. If they're made of a light fabric, they'll dry within only a couple of hours, while jeans will probably still be damp the next day.
You don't want to walk around in damp trousers because this can cause painful chafing. This is also why jeans are a bad idea if you're backpacking in a hot and humid climate. You'll be sweating quite a lot and your jeans will never really feel dry. Light and loose-fitting pants are cool and comfortable and they won't chafe your skin.
You may think that nothing is as versatile as a pair of jeans, but this is not true. With drawstring trousers in a solid earthy or dark color, the possibilities are endless. The wide type makes comfortable sleepwear but can also look quite smart if you wear them with a nice shirt or even a fitted T-shirt. The type that is quite tailored already can be worn anywhere, whether it's for adventure sports or a night on the town.
Another great feature of drawstring trousers is that you can adjust the waistline. Because you're more active and eat less junk food on the road, you'll probably lose weight. Some backpackers drop two or three sizes during their trip. By pulling the drawstrings more tightly together, it's easy to adjust your pants and wear them without having to pull them up all the time.
Pants with drawstrings are not that difficult to find. Regular clothing stores may not always stock them but you should be able to find them at outdoor clothing specialists or online. In warm countries, you'll also find especially the wide and loose type for sale in tourist centers.
When you think of drawstring pants, you probably think of two varieties. One is the wide and loose type made of a white muslin type of fabric so thin that you can see right through them. The other is the type with stripes in different bright colors, favored by NGO workers and people with dreadlocks. However, there are many different styles and colors to choose from. You can even buy a more tailored type with many pockets, similar to cargo pants.
One of the main reasons why backpackers choose lighter trousers rather than jeans is that they're less bulky. They take up very little space in any backpack, unlike jeans. They also weigh much less, which is good news since you don't want to drag around a backpack that weights about as much as a baby elephant.
Another reason why backpacking veterans leave the jeans at home is that it takes so long for them to dry. There will be times when you get caught in the rain or when you have to hand-wash your clothes and you'll have wet trousers. If they're made of a light fabric, they'll dry within only a couple of hours, while jeans will probably still be damp the next day.
You don't want to walk around in damp trousers because this can cause painful chafing. This is also why jeans are a bad idea if you're backpacking in a hot and humid climate. You'll be sweating quite a lot and your jeans will never really feel dry. Light and loose-fitting pants are cool and comfortable and they won't chafe your skin.
You may think that nothing is as versatile as a pair of jeans, but this is not true. With drawstring trousers in a solid earthy or dark color, the possibilities are endless. The wide type makes comfortable sleepwear but can also look quite smart if you wear them with a nice shirt or even a fitted T-shirt. The type that is quite tailored already can be worn anywhere, whether it's for adventure sports or a night on the town.
Another great feature of drawstring trousers is that you can adjust the waistline. Because you're more active and eat less junk food on the road, you'll probably lose weight. Some backpackers drop two or three sizes during their trip. By pulling the drawstrings more tightly together, it's easy to adjust your pants and wear them without having to pull them up all the time.
Pants with drawstrings are not that difficult to find. Regular clothing stores may not always stock them but you should be able to find them at outdoor clothing specialists or online. In warm countries, you'll also find especially the wide and loose type for sale in tourist centers.
