I planned to wear the heaviest items on the plane which would also act as my "going-out" gear although formal wear didn't feature on this trip and managed to pack for a week's kayaking and camping trip in less than 10kg to check-in and about 4kg carry-on. One of party's check-in luggage went missing for half the trip so the next time I fly I will try to pack everything into a carry-on.
Here's what I learned:
1) Find multi-use items
I've long been a fan of the Columbia brand so I looked there first. The Silver Ridge range is very worthwhile because it doesn't crease so can easily be rolled into a barrel bag and is super light-weight. The pants zip off at the knee to become shorts and the shirt has tags that keep rolled-up sleeves neat. The fabric is treated to provide UV sun protection and the shirts have lots of vents that keep you as cool as possible even in the steamy rainforest. The shirt also has a collar which, while nothing near formal, can pass as a smart-casual item to wear to a restaurant.
I packed a Canterbury-brand Mercury zip-up as a top. Also, very lightweight it works very well as a windbreaker. I also took a Columbia rain jacked that is light and rolls up.
2) Use the right tool for the job
For kayaking the Reef Rash Vest is an essential item. I also took Reef neoprene Bermuda shorts which helped to keep me warm even while sitting in water for about five hours at a time. I found that the neoprene gave a better grip on the kayak than the board shorts which I wore the second day. Other kayakers who just wore long tee-shirts got more sunburned than I did and the high neck provides a lot of protection.
The most valuable item I took was a Columbia cap with neck flaps. Even slathered with sun cream, the others got burnt on their necks. Aside from the French Legionnaires' vibe, the cap is also rain proof and protected my head, face as well as the back of my neck from the rain. The neck flap also folds up into the cap so it can be worn just as a baseball cap but I found it looked a bit lumpy. I also wore the cap during night walks in the forest as a way of protecting me from things falling from trees down the back of my neck. It also helped to keep mozzies off me - a real battle.
3) Pack a kikoi and gloves - and the cap, of course
I always travel with a kikoi or two but a seasoned kayaker suggested it is an excellent way to keep legs out of direct sun and dipping it in the water helps to keep things cool. The same veteran suggested I pack cycling gloves to use on the kayak. Great advice not only to keep the sun off my hands but others developed blisters from gripping the paddle.
4) Put your best foot forward
Footwear tends to weigh the most in any bag of luggage and Columbia's Power Drain amphibious shoe wins because it is very light and also multi-purpose. I found that during long hikes I needed to wear socks which became soggy when walking in damp areas but these shoes provided excellent traction for climbing mossy rocks and were easy to swim in. I made the mistake of taking my thick mohair socks on this trip which took forever to dry. I'll make a point of getting quick-dry socks next time.
5) Two for One
The On Guard Range doubles as SPF 30 protection and natural insect repellent. Madagascan rainforests are about as buggy environment as you can get and I went through two bottles of the stuff. I also used a paraben-free product designed for riders, The Seventy One Percent (the amount of earth covered by water) 2-in-1 SPF cream has a lip applicator and is essential for protecting the face and neck.
It is a thick cream and needs soapy water to get off but it provide hydrating agents: karite butter, vitamin E and Macadamia. It protect against UVA and UVB rays and while more costly than perhaps expected I think it is absolutely worthwhile.
6) A camera for all occasions
The new Olympus Tough TG2 is the most superb camera I have ever tested. I loved it so much I purchased it. One device tracks GPS and plots all photos on a map, takes superb underwater shots and is drop and bash proof. It is also small enough to always keep in your pocket and takes HD video.
