Clothing for Biking in Africa

Spending three weeks in SA riding from Cape Town to Namibia and Back.
Not all of it on tarmac roads.
Have been looking around for some light weight Bike clothing more suitable for hot weather but have not had a lot of joy.
Anyone got any ideas?

Spent 2 weeks out there a couple of years ago and even in my summer gear i cooked

From a different continent maybe,but one of these might prove useful.


:P

The Hein Gericke Air or Airtech range is very airy, in fact cold unless its quite hot.
I've use the pants in Thailand and Greece and even tho black were fine. I also have a Spidi mesh jacket which is too cold. Ive seen some really nice mesh ones which have zips in a windproof layer which is a good compromise.
HG also do the Tuareg summer stuff which has a lot of vents.

Personally I always worry a bit when not wearing cordura on tarmac, so going on and off road means carrying a jacket or something for me.


But I'd ask on a SA bike forum TBH or here
http://www.advrider.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=33
There are guys from SA posting there.

If you come up with anything let us know, its tricky findign a good balance for hot on/off road mixed trips

ok being seriouys then What kind of material do the Dakkar boys use?

Originally Posted by Peter Henry

From a different continent maybe,but one of these might prove useful.


:P

That reminds me of Billy Connolly with the powder blue safari suit

Originally Posted by Dr Rich

But I'd ask on a SA bike forum TBH or here
http://www.advrider.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=33
There are guys from SA posting there.

I'd agree with the good Dr. TBH

Originally Posted by Peter Henry

ok being seriouys then What kind of material do the Dakkar boys use?

Armour and mx gear, or enduro type stuff which never seems that light to me personally. But they dont have the tarmac issue really I guess and I suppose they go quick too so keep cool.

Oh and pos here too, lots opf the guys posting here live in hot places
http://www.advrider.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=6

The key is aclimatisation, or at least it's a large factor.
You will need one week to acclimatise to an appropriate level, whereby basic movement will not cause you to dehydrate yourself to death!

Fitness affects aclimatisation rates, so get fitter. Use a camel back water pouch and stay hydrated whilst out there. Clothing that wicks sweat away is necessary as your body relies on sweating to prevent you boiling yourself. Trouble is, armour and wicking don't really work that well together.... you should therefore come to the best compromise that suits you - how much protection v comfort do you feel happy with.

try looking for an online SA bike shop - what clothing do they sell? (not forgetting that the locals are already aclimatised!)

The key is aclimatisation, or at least it's a large factor.
You will need one week to acclimatise to an appropriate level, whereby basic movement will not cause you to dehydrate yourself to death!

Fitness affects aclimatisation rates, so get fitter. Use a camel back water pouch and stay hydrated whilst out there. Clothing that wicks sweat away is necessary as your body relies on sweating to prevent you boiling yourself. Trouble is, armour and wicking don't really work that well together.... you should therefore come to the best compromise that suits you - how much protection v comfort do you feel happy with.

try looking for an online SA bike shop - what clothing do they sell? (not forgetting that the locals are already aclimatised!)

Not had alot of joy with SA web sites
But have opted for Army surplus desert boots
will still keep loking for an ideal jacket and trousers