What to use and where to buy outdoor gear in Malaysia?
Several people have emailed me through this site asking about outdoor gear in Malaysia. Some was curious to know what gear is suitable for the Malaysian jungle while others just wanted to know where to get stuff. I can relate to many of them looking for gear because like them, I too was (once) in the dark on what gear to use and where to find them in Malaysia.
First of all, I have to admit that I am a bit of a gear junkie. Backpacks, knives, stoves and shelters have long been my passion. Sourcing for these outdoor gears in Malaysia at the cheapest price is my way of going around feeding my addiction with my mere salary.
Do you really need all these for the Malaysian jungle?
One thing is for sure, outdoor gear in Malaysia is NOT cheap. Relative to the general income bracket that most Malaysian earn, gears can be considered luxury goods I would say. For a fresh graduate in Malaysia starting at a salary at RM1600 per month for example, would probably have to spend close to half the salary earned just to get a backpack. And if he/ she is not careful, that RM800 would probably end up with a copy or replica of a branded name pack. Sad but that is reality here.
My ‘dedicated’ gear store…probably enough to start a war.
I have piles and piles of gear. Some I purchased new, some used and some were passed down to me by fellow friends who pity me with my drooling addiction over gears. But I would say I have seen through many items. Played around with many gadgets and broken many as well in the process. Despite being very fortunate to try and test out gears, one thing I have realized (though a little too late by now as all the money have been spent) now is that outdoor gear for use in Malaysia or probably any other tropical countries in this region is really simple. The basis for good and suitable gear I have learn is practicality and simplicity. No nonsense kit that does not fail you halfway and especially does not burn a hole in your pocket is probably your best bet.
We will attempt to cover bit by bit some of the basic gear, up to gears that are so high profile and sophisticated it would probably be best left alone on the shelves of the shops selling them.
The following are a list of entries on outdoor gear in Malaysia:
- The practical camping stove
- Adidas kampung
- Jungle boots
- Leech socks
- Parang Ilang of Sarawak
- Choosing backpack for the Malaysian jungle
Go to www.outdoor-gear-malaysia.com for free info on who’s who, what and where to buy camping/ outdoor gear in Malaysia.
Hi! Greetings from Central Kalimantan! How are you? So sorry I didn’t get around to reply your e-mail yet but nevertheless, ended up with good old kampung addidas…
Funnily enough, I’ve been to the peat swamp and recently just today, at secondary forest, and I’ve been walking around in slippers!! I don’t recommend it however on peat swamp – especially walking about 2 or 3 kilometers..
Had to comment on the gear post because I know what you mean! I once bought tevas for the field because I thought it would be long-lasting but it only lasted a year (it was original, bought it from the US) – the glue came apart. Yup the best stuff are the really cheap stuff, surprisingly they can last as long (sometimes longer) than the really expensive branded stuff!!
Agreed! Its always best to go simple and basic and a good rule is to see what the locals are using. They know best
Thanks for your comment!
Hi! Thanks for putting up this great blog site!
Actually my own experience is that Western “designer” boots & sandals are no match for our tropical climate, especially deep jungle and/or river work. The heat and humidity will usually cause the soles to come apart or to separate fom the uppers. or both! Seems the type of glue used is not intended for tropical conditions. Personally my favorite jungle shoes are the cheap made in china canvas basketball boots. These are clones of the Converrse All Star canvas basket ball shoe!
Hi William! I agree totally with you. Its a challenge to try to convince people that they do not need to spend hundreds of ringgit on that pair of expensive waterproof bla…bla…bla mountains boots for the Malaysian jungle. They are just not made for our tropical jungle. Well said indeed!
Hi, just chanced on your site while searching for the Wild L7 stove..
Very interesting, coz i am also a gear collector and user.
I collect
- knives (fixed blade and folders) – local, us, brazil, swedish, spanish..
- flashlights and headlamps, leds, xenon, halogen, krypton..
- backpacks – osprey atmos 50, tatonka, vaude
- sleeping bags- vaude, Body pack, Peak design…
all millitary gear..- Have got genuine malaysian camouflage Gore Tex jacket, trench coat, ponchos, boots, hats, backpacks pouches/bumbags..
Have been collecting since 20 years ago….
Probably can compare notes..
Hi,
Talking about jungle boots….there use to be a popular local Fung Keong brand of shin-high jungle boots (rubber sole and canvas) in the 60s and 70s which I used during my scouting days (similar to those used by our Malaysian Rangers and Territorial Army) but couldn’t find them nowadays…only issue is tying and untying the lace which takes a long time.
Cheers
Greetings Keong,
Thank you for putting up such an informative site!
I am traveling to the Sabah region of Borneo next month and in the process of narrowing down my gear.
Do you think it will be pretty easy to track down good, cheap Jungle Boots and a Machete once in Sabah?
Intending to go to the Maliau Basin and will be looking for a teacher/guide to intorduce me to the challenging wilderness of the jungle.
This site will be a great resource.
Thanks,
Jungleboogie
Proper jungle boots are really hard to come by, be it in Peninsula Malaysia or Borneo. I am not sure where you are from but if you are from the states, getting one, breaking them in before coming over is a good idea.
However, the jungle boots I think is only necessary if you are doing some serious jungle expedition. If your trip consists mostly of established trails, I think an amphibious shoe…like the ones from Merrel would be sufficient. When you get here, you can always invest in a pair of cheap Adidas Kampung as a back-up. They are considered the best among the locals.
As for a machete, yes, it is easy to get one locally. In fact, you may even get a really good one from Borneo. They have several designs to choose from. Machete or Parang…best to get them over here.