This started as quicky...then got long
Camel spiders are the big brothers of what we have here in the states called Wind Scorpions, amazing arachnids that cause serious damage to prey and each other when mating/fighting, scary but not dangerous.
Anyways...
Its the small things that keep you comfortable.
The advise about the head covering was key. They make decent panama jack type of hats now with a mesh crown and fabric tops and brims for cheap. A moist bandanna helps keep you sane, plus it's valuable for keeping your nose and mouth covered, temps in the 110's feel like you're breathing in a convection oven. Also the bandanna is great for repelling gnats and to keep the capillaries in your nose moist or else expect lots of bloody noses. The gnats will find your eyes, ears, nose, mouth. The more you have covered the better.
I carry tubes of carmex with me everywhere. In my pocket, in my backpack, in my first aid kit, in the console of my truck, with my toothbrush etc. etc. between the wind and the sun, chapped happens in minutes.
Sunglasses and goggles are key as well. No sunglasses, lots of strain on the eyes, you'll find your eyes get tired and as the day wears on your vision will change. The goggles for nasty sand storms you'll experience and sunglasses for everyday use, any polarized version is nice. Have a few pairs of cheapys around too..just in case.
For footwear... the deserts in the states are very hostile as far as stickers, fangs, and spines. Overseas not so many stickers or spines, but heavy on the fangs.
Leather will crack with age and dryness but if you treat it prior to use and keep retreating it, you'd be surprised how long it lasts (your feet will get HOT in leather and any kind of boot.) Lightweight or midweight hiking boots is the ticket, a combination of materials, like full grain leather, and cordura. Gortex is way overrated in the desert, and only causes your foot to sweat more, not really allowing the breathability that your feet need. (Good luck finding a boot NOT made with Gortex now adays though.)
You will sweat up to a pint in each boot in an average day (so I've been told)
Also, honest to God the most comfortable footwear for deserts I have found are Chaco sandals, flipflops are better. They allow sand to get out BUT will dry your feet out (Tigerbalm or Udderbalm works for this).
You'll be told to always wear closed toes shoes though...sand fleas, scorpions, and a few viper species are pretty common over there.
Loose fitting clothes are also the way to go. Light colors and natural (except cotton) or synthetic materials. Loose fitting allows 'insulation' layer to be created between your skin and fabric and then the harsh heat. Plus, if there is any kind of tightness it will cause your body to get fatigued sooner. Mammut makes these awesome pants called the Champ pants that are about the toughest pair of pants available. I've seen them used in a huge variance of conditions and climates and perform so well. Also check out a company called Ibex (Ibexwear.com). They produce fine quality wool (I know it doesn't make sense but this stuff rocks) that is completely functional in a board meeting or the field excursion.
When it gets to 120 F out, your water will be warmer than bathwater and you won't want to drink it. Hydration is crucial.
My personal opinion...you can wear ANY hat, long sleeved shirt, pants, and tennis shoes ANY day in the desert and be fine but if you don't drink enough water...you're toast. If temps are over 100 degrees F and you're in it, you'll want at least 3-5 gallons PER PERSON PER DAY...no joke.
A mylar covered tent might be fine(prob. an overkill though); you won't be in it during the day and at night you want as much air or breeze moving over you. Sleeping in an insect proofed tent(all mesh) is more important than anything else..in my humble opinion (google sand fleas)
Truth be told; you'll almost always stand out as a foreigner no matter what you wear or do. You might even live in a company town or community; so I wouldn't worry about that. But a lot of what the locals have developed for surviving the desert doesnt always make sense but after ten thousand years...it just might work.
I think that is way to much typing for now. Hope my twelve cents comes in handy.
-C
