There are some more good tips, thanks everybody. Here's something funny. I can't find cargo shorts in stores because of the winter season. So, I was going to buy inexpensive cargo pants from Costco, cut them into shorts and then seam the bottoms for neatness. Now, I'm thinking I won't seam the bottoms so that I intentionally look raggedy and poor.

You can get good cargo shorts at Cabelas. The best are their original "7-Pocket Hiker Shorts". They have discontinued these in favor of their new "Hiker II" shots. There are a few oddball sizes of the original on clearance. So if you just happen to be size 30 or size 50 in the waiste you're set. Don't be fooled, the new Hiker II's are far far inferior. They look similar, but gone are the large pockets, pleats and bellows on the pockets, and button closures. I wouldn't buy the new model.

Second best from Cabela's are their "Trail Shorts". These come in either a 5" or a 9" inseam. The 5" are pretty short, but just fine if you were highschool/college age in the 70's. We were used to short shorts back then. The 9" are more in keeping with todays styles though.

I sure hope Cabela's abandons their stupid new Hiker II's and reverts back to the original Hikers.

I thank you for the shorts tip.

I'm currently looking for nylon fishing shirts, shorts and pants with big pockets that dry quickly when wet.

I don't know what your budget is but Rail Riders makes some of the best nylon outdoor gear I've ever seen.

www.railriders.com

If available in the US then the Craghoppers Nosquito Cargo Shorts or Convertible or double convertible trouser might be worth a look.


Craghoppers Convertible Trousers

Long sleeve and short sleeve shirts are also available. Some even have a Bear Grylls moniker on them.

They are pretty good at keeping away biting insects but not so effective at keeping away the kidney thieves and rabid dogs (which no one has yet seemed to mention).

I spent time in Panama with the USA and the weather can be fierce. Very hot and HUMID! A week isn't enough time to adjust so take it easy. Thunder storms can catch you with little notice.Lock any valuables in the hotel safe. Limit what items of value you and your girl friend take into the country. Your going to poverty like you've never seen before.

I would suggest going to the State Dept.'s web site and get the latest info on travel in that region. You can also pre-register with the consulate in Belize so that they will know to look for you if something bad goes down.

The folks at the embassies can be life savers.

You might try REI - they have a lot of these items available

BassPro Shops has a "second" line walled World Wide Sportsmen.. they have nylon (Boca) shorts that wear exceptionally well, as do their caped back long sleeved nylon fishing shirts...DuPont "supplex" is very comfortable and drys quickly.

The first and most important part of any trip to anywhere!