Trekking in a tropical environment is a hot, humid and wet endeavour, which presents a number of challenges to the traveller. For this reason we’ve put together this Jungle Trek packing list as a guide to make sure you leave with everything you need for an enjoyable, safe and healthy trip!
Essentials
- Sunhat
- High Factor Sunscreen
- Sunglasses
- Wash Bag (a rolled, hanging one is best)
- Travel Towel
- Document Wallet (preferably a waterproof one)
- All Purpose Soap
- Dry Wash Bath/Sink Plug
- Insect Repellent – Deet based
- Bite Relief Click
- First Aid kit (with sterile needles and blister pads)
- Chaffing Cream
- Binoculars
- Head Torch
- Water Bottle / Hydration System
- Water Purification and Neutraliser
- Travel Adaptor
- Multi-tool
- Dry Bags
Clothing
Travel Clothing is designed to be lightweight, easy-care, fast-drying and hard wearing. Most is designed twith built-in UPF sun protection, added ventilation, and secret security pockets. It is almost impossible to stay dry in the tropical heat of the rainforest, so make sure you have a ‘dry’ set of clothing for night time use that is stored in a dry bag during the day. You can get cosy in your hammock in your dry kit, before changing back into your wet kit for the following day’s trek.
- Underwear
- Lightweight Trousers
- Convertible Trousers
- Shorts
- Long Sleeve Shirt
- Short Sleeve Shirt/T-Shirt
- Lightweight Fleece
- Lightweight Waterproof Jacket
- Lightweight Waterproof Trousers
Sleeping
Nights in the tropical jungle can be as warm and humid as the days, although it can get quite cool before the sun rises. Most nights will be spent in a hammock, under a mosquito net, in a sleeping bag liner. There are however, more than likely going to be nights where you’ll need the extra warmth of a sleeping bag. Down-filled sleeping bags offer a lightweight and warm solution, though will not keep you warm if they should get wet. A synthetic bag is bulkier but will still keep you warm if it gets wet. Remember, a silk sleeping bag liner is lovely to sleep in on its own, but will also add about 5 degrees C of warmth to your bag. It is easier to clean than the sleeping bag too, is small, and takes up next to no pack space.
- Sleeping Bag (1-2 Season)
- Sleeping Bag Liner
- Mosquito Net
- Hammock
- Pillow Case (for hygiene)
Luggage
The choice of which bag to take on you travels is diverse. You can choose from: a front loading pack that usually come with its own day pack, a top loading trekking pack, or a duffle bag if you have lots of kit to carry. Check that your main pack, as well as your day pack, comes with a rain cover and/or separate your gear with dry bags so you keep your dry kit dry, and your wet kit contained. Whichever bag you choose, make sure it fits you and your travel needs.
- Travel Pack
- 20-25 Litre Daypack (if your main pack doesn’t come with one)
- Raincover and Waterproof Dry Bags
- Padlocks
Footwear
Looking after your feet in the jungle is vital, but can be tough. Regardless of what you wear on your feet, they’re going to get very hot and sweaty in the humid heat of the tropics, and may well get drenched in torrential rain or frost streams. For this reason, don’t go for a waterproof pair, as these won’t allow your feet to breathe as well as a better ventilated, non-waterproof pair. Plus you’ll be able to dry out non-waterproof boots far more easily than waterproof ones, which act to hold in the water once soaked.
As with all shoes and sandals, make sure you leave plenty of time to choose the right pair for you and your feet, as blisters can be painful and unnecessary. As geeky as it sounds, socks are great to wear with your sandals in the evening to stop anything nasty biting you. Be sure to take extra care of your feet at night by making sure they stay dry and covered.