Dressing for the occasion

Someone appears to have stolen a bolt from my handlerbar protectors whilst I was in Luang Prabang. The people at the hotel are off looking for a replacement and so whilst they are off doing that, I thought that I would write another post. This time I thought that I would talk about what I actually wear on a trip like this as I pack relatively light.
After a few different bike trips and some research you learn quickly the importance of being dressed appropiately for both environment, culture and riding type. One of my first trips a few years back was to Fraser Island. I was totally unprepared for it. It was the height of summer and I was wearing a jacket with no ventilation. The heat was up to 45 degrees on this trip and so if I was not drowning in my own sweat, I was riding without a jacket on. This created a messy situation when I was descending a steep sand section on the bike and I came off. Landing on sand is pretty good by bike standards, except where they have re-enforced matting underneath to prevent erosion from 4wd. That resulted in a bloody gashed-graze on my arm.
So I bought a highly ventilated jacket for summer which was good in some ways, but the problem with too much ventilation is that you actually overheat in extreme conditions. How?!? Basically your body needs to perspire to cool down. When you have too much ventilation it does not allow for perspiration. Whilst externally you can feel ok, your core temperature can increase. So the trick is to allow some ventilation so that you can perspire and the breeze that comes through cools you. I eventually bit the bullet and bought a BMW Rallaye suit, like the ones they use for the Dakar rallaye. Yep they are expensive, but worth every cent when you are wearing it day in, day out for weeks or months at a time. Actually I reckon with it's durability it is better value than most clothes, just not that great to wear when flying intercontinental. I could go on for hours about it, but you would just be better off trying one instead.
As for what I wear under the suit, anyone who knows me will be aware of my obsession for merino clothing. Light, compact and will keep you cool or warm even when wet, is a good start. The fact you can wear it for days on end before it needs washing or smells and feels great just adds to the qualities. There are a few brands out there, but personally I think the New Zealand company Icebreaker makes the best. T-shirts, underwear (long johns are great to wear whether hot or cold), socks and jumpers... as far as I am concerned it beats the hell out of man made materials.
Feet - a pair of solid motorcross boots are great. I have come across other riders wearing sneakers or army boots, but these offer no protection from the elements or in an accident. Like the suit, they are a pain in the proverbial to walk around in, but a dream on (or stuck under in an accident) the bike.
I met a guy who said that his first day was spent in tears from all the dust. He was kicking himself for not having any goggles. Sunglasses don't stop the dust getting in and offer little protection from stones being kicked up by other vehicles. Add a motorcross helmet to allow plenty of ventilation and a visor for early morning and late afternoon sun and apart from riding gloves, that is about it.
Because merino is so versatile, I only carry one spare set. Throw in a pair of shoes and shorts and that is everything I need to wear.