Why Equatorial Gear?

WHY AN EQUATORIAL GEAR REVIEW?
I set out to write this blog because of encouragement by friends to write one as I have much to share about buying equipment, use and appraisal. There's already heaps of stuff out there, reviews, field tests, , so why write some more?  The reasons are much of the reviews we read on the web that originate mainly form temperate climates.  But there's a lot less written about use in the context of the tropics, the equatorial region. The conditions here and its impact on the equipment would, at times, have significantly different impact on equipment. But why equatorial? Because, I live in Singapore. Travel mainly in SE Asia. What happens? Wet, constant high humidity, passing showers, insufficient drying time, temperatures in the 30s (deg C)...  Sometimes equipment just don't work, things break down fast! Other times, some equipment shine in what it does and more!

We just need more reviews on use of things in the equatorial region. If you've tried something and have an opinion about it's use in tropical conditions, I'd love to hear about it.

Yes, I'll also include reviews on other things that might not have so direct an impact on the geographical conditions.

Many of the thoughts come from what I've written to help friends make decisions for purchases. I love helping people out.  I'll give my opinion. But I recall a friend of mine say - "Opinions are like as$ho#@s, everyone's got one!" So I'll share my piece, gladly. But ultimately, it's the buyer and user who will have to make the final choice and live with the decision of the purchase.

Context and experience: We will never know the actual and full circumstances that surround the use of each thing. More often than not, the experience of a person shapes the preference for the use of a particular type of thing. The context that s/he uses it in will of course differ from another is some way - sometimes very different, sometimes insignificantly. But we must always be conscious of these conditions.


WHO AM I?
I'm mudskipper. I've been involved in outdoors and equipment use in travel and community development expeditions launching off from Singapore to SE Asia. I've been a Scout a big part of my live, so the use of equipment in the tropical conditions is a natural. Adapting tropical natural resource is a second. My inspiration comes from tribal and ethnic adaptability around the region.

I'm an applied anthropologist with geography as a complementary core. I've spent many years in people and community development in the SE Asian region. That's my passion. I've many other interests too, but that's a many story for story for other days.

So where do I start? Anywhere I guess... It's a blog. Sometimes planned, sometimes spontaneous.

I hope you enjoy the read!