Best Photo Safari Apparel

Active Junky’s stalked amazing wildlife and urban scenery across North and South America the past nine months.  Apart from technical photo gear, the team’s spotted great apparel to put comfort and agility in focus.  Sun-blasted boat decks to shaded craft markets and mountain trails, here’s the best among the many.

Men’s ExOfficio BugsAway Sandfly Pants:  Guard your going

Men’s ExOfficio BugsAway Pants

For warm to hot weather protection at fractional weight in your luggage, this is unquestionably the pant.  While the mesh thigh panels add ventilation as they slash grams, this is not a see-through model.  Between flap and zip pockets, plenty of stowage and a trimmer-than-expected fit (a good thing), BugsAway strolled through the traditional Sunday morning market in Loreto, Mexico to find beguiling images.  Looking good while packing light makes this the next-generation pant in a storied international travel line.

Tester Comments: For once, a pant looks better on than in the picture.  ExOfficio’s experience with international travel – including photo safaris – shows up in this pant.  While not tuned for heavy brush or abrasive environments, BugsAway suits ocean, lake and river locations where a hatch of gnats or mosquitoes is on the way.

Best For: Second pair on top of shorts or heavier pants (if cool weather is expected)

Men’s Timberland Amherst:  Fashion on the bow

Timberland Amherst Chukka Boot - Men's

This is one we kept on-deck at all times.  From slippery fiberglass boats pursuing distant whale sightings to cruising Loreto, Mexico for stellar fish tacos, Amherst laced up and went even on short notice.  With powerful sunshine and sketchy surfaces, the shoe handled all challenges with enough style in reserve.  As a second pair to more technical paddling sandals, Timberland owned the travel miles between Denver and Baja (via LAX).  A great value ready to make transitions without losing its grip.

Tester Comments:  Shooting stills and video of grey and blue whales allowed Amherst to sink or swim as a slick-surface shoe.  Success as it survived watery environments to endure post-trip home laundering, coming back strong and kicking.  Consider a water-repellent treatment to improve resistance to dust, grit and moisture.

Best For: Warmer weather journeys including multi-modal travel 

Women’s Woolrich Lane Chukka:  Rugged elegance

Woolrich Footwear Lane Boot - Women's

The chukka movement doesn’t appear to have peaked yet.  No matter what’s ahead, Lane is among the finest styles we’ve reviewed.  As the brand states, “we’ve stripped away all unnecessary embellishment.”  Absolutely, and the minimal, lugged rubber outsole prevents Lane from stepping into Lumberjane territory.  Key to the look; a foot-loving teak suede upper.  Critical to the comfort; a felted wool footbed.  White leather ties add balance to the understated design.

Tester Comments: “This one’s ideal for travel.  Light and breathable on the plane, it has enough determination to stroll Santiago’s markets and explore smaller towns with camera in hand.  Make certain to care for Lane even though the leather is water resistant; these are built for years of wear.”

Best For: Casual wear in urban and travel settings