The Experts get their 'Talons' into our Rufiji Clothing!

In order to make Rufiji the best outdoor and safari clothing range available today we realised that we would need to give it to the best safari experts to test. These are after all the guys and girls who usually don thick cotton khakis and protect themselves from insects by using Dettol. They are hardcore and need hardcore clothing too. We therefore sent a few samples of our Rufiji MaraTech SafariElite & SafariLife shirts as well as our Rufiji MaraTech Zip-Off trousers to the Expert Guides at Talon Safaris to test. Chris took our Rufiji clothing to a guide training camp he was running in the Eastern Cape and here are a few images and comments from Chris.

About Chris: "I grew up in South Africa, and spent most of my free time in game reserves all over the country. I have a deep love for this land, and understand the need for its preservation. This country offers so much beauty, majesty, mystery, diversity and adventure, and it is for that reason that I love it so much." 

Chris now works full time as a highly sought after expert private guide and has travelled throughout most of Africa. His qualifications include: PADI Divemaster; Swift water rafting guide level 2; Abseil instructor; Head game ranger at Phinda Private game reserve 2005-2009. FGASA and DEAT registered guide (with VPDA), first Aid level 2. His special interests include: predator behaviour, birding, international dive master, rescue diver and wreck diver. To use Chris as your private guide for Africa please visit www.talonsafaris.com.

Chris' comments about the built-in RipStop: "The eastern cape acacia trees have some of the largest thorns I have ever seen. Some were easily 15cm long. Walking through the plethora of dagger like thorns could seem hazardous to ones clothing, but I am pleased to say, that yours remained intact! Cant say the same for me, but at least the clothing maintained" 

Chris' comments about the Vent+ System and Wicking Finish: "The vents are very effective, but when the weather warmed up, I was really pleased to be in a shirt that was made from lightweight fabric, with good ventilation. The shirt does not retain moisture (yes, I did swim in a river in it) which is great for personal comfort. Nothing worse than been on a 4 hour walk or safari in a vehicle with wet or sweaty clothing." 


 

Chris' comments about our new SilverPlus anti-bacterial finish:"The clothing certainly lived up to its reputation of not needing to be washed on a regular basis, good thing to, as washing out in the field can sometimes be a luxury, rather than an everyday occurrence, especially when one is doing ranger training, and sleep outs in the field are a regular happening. The silver plus technology ensured that the clothes always smelled clean, despite their only receiving a wash once a week!"

 

Chris' comments about our new Rufiji MaraTech Zip-Off Trousers: "The pants were great! I am not one for trousers, never have enjoyed them. Can’t stand starting a day feeling comfortable, but then feeling steamy by 10:00am, as we all know how Africa can really warm itself up. Having the option of just zipping the legs off was a first for me, and I thought it was great. I have seen pants like this before obviously, but for some reason assumed it would be a mission to take off and put back on, but this was not the case."  

 

Some valuable advice from Chris: "Our last time in the bush, was spent in the Eastern Cape, in Shamwari Game Reserve just north of Port Elizabeth. The weather can be a little chilly that side, and the wind blows nearly every day, so at times I found the shirts to be a bit on the cold side  which is my fault though as it is necessary to layer clothing which I did not do effectively"  



Posted Oct 19th 2011, 13:37