Originally Posted by
parasky
I agree with you Hiyo that light synthetics are better up to a point and I know its just my personal opinion but just know that if you do wear those shirts and pants with the hat, people will be making fun of you. It always cracks me up when people go trekking with all of these expensive clothes and hiking boots when the local guide is usually wearing 10 cent flip flops.
L'etoile, I've solo backpacked through SE Asia, most of Africa, and throughout Nepal so I think I'm allowed to have an opinion. And those clothes most definitely do look silly "in the bush". I think somebody has seen "Out of Africa" one too many times.
Form vs function. You must be a very sensitive person to go around worrying about people making fun of you.
As for me, I'd prefer not to sweat my guts out, get sunburned and bitten up. Of course you are allowed to have an opinion here, but your attitude isn't helpful nor kind.
I live in a place that is extremely hot in the summer. We were Ex Officio shirts and pants all summer for very good reason. We want to stay as comfortable as possible. We also have the REI brand and others, whatever we can get on sale.
You want to field test hot weather clothing? Come out to west Texas. Plenty of chances to do so. We won't charge you much.