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One consideration is FOOTWEAR.
Since these
trips involve walking in the rain forest you will require boots:
"high top" jungle-type , like the US Army issues.
I personally recommend
Hi-Tec Magnum boots. They
are a little bit more forgiving on civilian feet than the army issue kind.
Boots are available locally at US$35 a pair (July 04), if you are willing
to take the chance they have your size in stock.
To be sure though
bring them with you and if you can break em in before you come, I don't
know wear then to work on causal day, they will look good with jeans.
But seriously, you
will want to do a few hikes with them before you come any way.
Don't forget a few
pairs of cushion sole hiking socks. I have had great success with high
top, double layer running socks, make of CoolMax. Not only to they pad
your feet well even when wet, I seem to have reduced the amount of athlete's
foot I am troubled with and they reduce occurrences of blisters.
Cotton sport
socks are a mistake!
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American/European style low ankle leather hiking boots are NOT acceptable! |
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Appropriate clothing
is loose fitting, light cotton, natural colours.
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No Coats or sweaters
are required. |
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you will need: |
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Trousers:
with some kind of ankle closures, preferably draw stings.
Long Sleeved Shirt
T-shirt
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By the way the
commando look is not "in" in Brazil, so don't go overboard on
army surplus. Trousers are the one possible exception since the boys in
green have the best ideas on protecting your feet and legs from anything
that might want to crawl up them. |
Bandanas:
We will get bananas locally |
Hundred and one
uses, you can even wear it around your neck. |
Pack:
comfortable medium sized, and day pay or fanny pack. I suggest some
thing like this although no need to spend that much: |
 
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Comfort
kit:
Personal toilet supplies, aspirin, sun screen, anti-Diarrhea medicine like
Pepto Bismol tablets, Foot powder to prevent athletes foot, small first
aid items like band aids, Polysporen, to deal with cuts and scraps,etc.
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Bug dope:
My personal favorite brand is produced by Tender Corporation check out
their site. But come right back!
I also use OFF Lotion.
Works well and is not as harsh as many others.
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 Click
on the Image. |
Pocket
Knife:
Swiss army knife or Multi-tool. I use the Leatherman super Tool but I have
seen these and they are also of very high quality. Don't bother with cheap
poor quality steel. It will let you down when you need it most.
Sorry "Rambo"
style survival knives are not worth the effort required to carry them.
|
 
 Gerber
Multi-Plier
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Rain
poncho:
Very highly recommend US army issue. Another brilliant piece of kit the
boys in green use. The only practical rain gear in this temperature. |
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Hat
and sunglasses:
What can I say it rains and suns. |
 Hey
I'm no fashion consultant, OK.
It's just a hat!
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Shorts
and/or bathing suit:
Swimming in the rivers and streams is wonderful. Don't worry about the stories
of Piranhas, that's a fiction. |
 Light
and comfortable. |
Sandals:
To rest your feet around camp, or in boats, or swimming, or even in the
shower. |
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Flash
light:
Mini Maglight and/or head lamp (for those jungle walks at night) I like
the Mini mag because it is so tough, and you can use a strap to wear it
on your head like a head lamp. |
  Petzl
Duo |
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Sleeping Arrangements:
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If you are coming
on a trip that includes sleeping in the rainforest; Hammocks are the only
practical way of sleeping comfortably. We provide hammocks, bug
nets, and tarps for camping in the rainforest.
Personally I love
sleeping in a hammock, in the forest. The night sounds are fascinating.
But there is a right way and a wrong way. We will show you how to sleep
in a hammock very comfortably, straight and level.
No
tents or sleeping bags are required. For that chill just before
daybreak we suggest you bring along a beach towel, some people
have enjoyed a light track suit . We also recommend an inflatable "horse
shoe" neck Pillow, the kind you can pickup at any travel store,
or airport gift shop.
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Optional Items:
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| GPS
Unit |
Almost useless under
the tree cover but handy and fun on the river. We use them sometimes. |
| Compass |
Only bring good ones
and learn how to use it before you come. |
| More
elaborate first aid kit |
As you wish, but don't
worry about a "snake bit kit" under these conditions it comes
under the category of bullet proof vests and portable lighting rods. |
| And
if you don't bring a camera your crazy! |
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| Handy
Items: |
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| Zip
lock Bags |
101 Uses in a humid
environment |
| Tripod
type camp stool. |
I carry on every where
in the forest. You don't really want to sit on the ground do you? |
| Defog
for eyeglasses |
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| Binoculars |
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