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What uncle ray writes about cloting in arid enviroments:
Wollen socks inside lightweight leather boots. If not available consider ex-military desert boots.
Underwear should be loose-fitting cotton. He likes to wear shorts, but long trousers are needed for evenings and to protect your skin from thorns, insects and the sunif if its very hot. Hats are a must against the sun and heat. Generally he advises lose-fitting, tightly woven cotton.
About the wet, humid climate: Here all the praise of cotton will become a problem. Cotton is only a good choise in arid conditions as it holds on to moisture (your sweat!) which will help you keep cool. In wet conditions - especially if it can get cold - you would want to stay the hell away from pure cotton fabric (50% cotton in shell-layer like trousers or wind/work jacket is OK, and is very common - like in military clothing).
So to sum that up you'll have to compromise somwhere. I'd say go for loose-fitting trousers in nylon-cotton or poly-cottonfabric in a light, rip-stop version. The same can be aplied to the shirt/light jacket that you might wear in the hot climate. That jacket or shirt is still usable in wet climates but less esential as you would bring a waterproof shell anyways. Choosing a loose wool shirt if you dont need a jacket might be a good choise since that would double as a great inner-layer for other climates
For insulation down has by far the best weight and packability. Down must be kept dry which is no problem in the desert. Down is also good for cold climates and generally as something that stays in your packthe whole day untill you put it on in the evening or mornings.
For something insulative that you wear while active (for cold climates and in the night in arid climates if you're doing tasks there, i guess) a simple fleece shirt is propably best. It is lighter than a similar wool shirt and will dry quicker. It will get more smelly, but that is less of a concern when it's not the closest to your skin.
