Helllllllo dear backpacker,
One question that often crops up when talking about the Amazon Rainforest is 'What do I need to pack?' In todays blog we are going to explore exactly that.
Its you backpacking architect friend here Jack Thompson and as someone who Mosquitos seem to love ... I was nervous before heading into the rainforest. However, I actually came out pretty much as I went in (very few bites) and I put that down to good preparation and sensible clothing decisions. I put a lot of thought into this due to past trauma with Mosquitos which left me with a blood virus in my early teen years! I can still remember the pain today and would not wish it on anyone so am always looking to stop the bites before they start. For me it was the biggest threat but you also need to be aware of the following:
Humidity
Mosquitos
Sun UV rays
Wet conditions
Muddy and long hikes
Healthcare/ well being
The fact of the matter here is that you almost need to pack as though you are going on a 5 day hike into the wild, because you kind of are. Thats not to say that you cannot find shops and everyday items, you can, its just a different kind of environment where access to health care may not be nearby so a bit of early preparation goes a long way. So lets look at essential items to take on your backpacking adventure of the Amazon Rainforest. The post should be pretty impartial and hopefully useful for both males and females, but let us know your thoughts at the end of the blog in the comments.
For quick links, we are going to do the following:
Lets go explorers.
Amazon Rainforest Essential Travel Items: Clothing
Item 1 - Waterproof Backpack
Lets start with keeping everything dry. You need a durable, waterproof backpack its critical! Generally I am going to assume if you are a backpacker and here you will have one but if not then check out our blog post Free Backpacking Checklist for 2024. Its crucial to keep your clothes and gear dry. In the amazon it can be blue skies one moment and thundering down the next! There is nothing more miserable than having wet clothes. I will do a separate post on my top 5 backpack picks for summer 2024 ... I love my Osprey 40, but it does not have a built in waterproof cover, you have to buy one separately which is one thing that does wind me up a little! So a backpacker with a waterproof covering is Item 01.
Item 2 - Lightweight, Long-Sleeved, Anti Mosquito Shirts.
This is where I felt like I excelled (for once). I took several long sleeved mosquito repellent shirts and had several pairs of mosquito proof lightweight trousers as modelled by myself in Leticia, Colombia in the image over there >. These have long sleeves that role up and down.
At night I would button the shirt all the way to the top and even pop my collar up to protect my neck. I kept my hair down and had a hat on but also put on my lightweight rain jacket as an additional mosquito guard. You can hear the mosquitos buzzing past your ears and I hate to say it but the tact I took was, I just have to be more difficult to bite than the person next to me!!!
Item 3 - Lightweight, Long-Sleeved Trousers
The trousers I have on in the image above are lightweight and also made of mosquito proof material. They have zip up pockets which are unbelievably useful as you will be getting in and out of boats a lot. Get your phone in your pocket or backpack and zip it safely away! I found this useful generally, not just in the Amazon Rainforest, but for backpacking everywhere! Its good to know you have an extra barrier of defence against pick pockets! The final thing to say about these trousers is they have a zip on the knee line so they can be turned into shorts which was even more useful in beach locations, but not the height of cool!
There are a couple brands I would recommend for anti mosquito clothing mainly Mountain Warehouse and Craig Hoppers. The items I have on above are from Mountain Warehouse and consist of the navigator II Shirts (which I love) Even when not on the road I use them everyday, and the trousers are also Navigator.
What you end up with are breathable, quick-dry fabrics that help protect against insects and the intense humidity.
Item 4 - Your Kicks
OK again if you are already on the road you may not have much choice here, but if you have not yet left and are just going for a few weeks then hiking boots or your best trail runners are going to be key. You will be jumping in an out of boats, on muddy and slippery trails, I am not going to dish out a shoe selection, although happy to if you want me to .... let me know in the comments! Just weigh it up against your luggage allowance but take something with a lot of grip and ideally waterproof.
Item 5 - Mosquito Repelling Socks
Like your shirt and trousers these guys are super useful tuck your trousers into your socks at night and turn yourself into a human sleeping bag to ensure those pesky mosquitos are kept at bay. These are always good for the rest of your backpacking adventures anyhow so make sure you have a good few pairs on you!
Item 6 - A Hat
It does not have to be mosquito repellant but you will be surprised how many things land on your face (especially when on a boat trip at night). A baseball cap or a hat of some sort stops you having to slap your forehead every few seconds! Take one in the bag it also helps with the next item ....
Item 7 - Sunglasses
Simply for the cool factor, no thats a joke, when boating up and down the Amazon you will be surprised how much reflection you get off the water. To stop you having to constantly squint make sure you have a cheap but good polarising pair with you.
Item 8 - Lightweight Rain Jacket
Sudden downpours are common in the rainforest. A lightweight rain jacket will keep you dry and comfortable on excursions you can leave it on the boat or pack it way, but have it on you for when those heavens open. Again check out the 2024 backpacking checklist for my Berghaus choice on this!
Those are my super key items for clothing, there are not many but sensible choices of each are key, think functionality over fashion. Lets head across to healthcare considerations.
Amazon Rainforest Essential Travel Items: Healthcare
Ok with the essential clothing out of the way lets talk healthcare items
Item 9 - Anti Malaria Tablets
Heads up you need to start taking these before you go and there are side effects to them. Not everyone takes them, but my personal decision was to battle the side effects of the pills (if I had any) rather than end up with terrible effects of full blow Malaria. Get them before you go from your local pharmacist, they are incredibly hard to find in Colombia, Peru or Brazil so if you think you will end up in the Amazon, take em with you!
Item 10 - Insect Repellent
Nice simple one, opt for a repellent with DEET or Picaridin to ward off mosquitoes and other bugs. If you are going to be in the amazon use it as you need but just be aware that DEET is not good for you and your body will absorb it so be a bit careful! I have a link to a cream applied repellent here, Make sure this is in its own waterproof separate bag! I once put mine in my wash bag, the pressure from the plane make it leak and I ended up with insect repellant all over my tooth brush!
Item 11 - Mosquito nets
TAKE A DOUBLE, a single just too small! I made this mistake. Most places should have them if they need them and when in the Amazon, excursion/ tour providers do a fantastic job of building mosquito proof habitats, check out my blog post on 3 days in the amazon to see some videos of the accommodation. But, there are times where you will think ... Im going to put my mosquito net up, so its handy to have up and down Central and South America. A Larger one also will help accommodate more tricky sleeping / bed situations.
Item 12 - Water Purification Tablets or Filter
Clean drinking water is vital. Carry water purification tablets or a portable water filter to ensure you stay hydrated safely. Again I can recommend the Grayl Geopress Water filter bottle, which is 710ml (24 FL OZ) but the UltraPress Water Purifier is much more compact (500ml, 16.9 FL OZ) if you do not want to carry the admittedly chunky Geopress, but the titanium one (linked) is also not cheap. I also carry a life straw just encase all else fails!
Item 13 - First Aid Kit
A comprehensive first aid kit should include bandages, antiseptics, pain relievers, tweezers, and any personal medications, you will also need a small pair of scissors I will link one below as again these are easily found at Mountain Warehouse or Amazon.
Item 14 - Sunscreen
Go big, protect yourself ... factor 50, you are close to the equator and the last thing you want to do is ruin your trip through getting sunstroke or burnt. Try to get an ecologically friendly brand like Coola Organic.
OK so with those considerations lets head across to items that will make your time in the rainforest more comfortable.
Amazon Rainforest Essential Travel Items: Ancillary
Item 15 - Multi-Tool
A multi-tool can be invaluable for a range of tasks, its perhaps not an essential, but can be useful. Gerber have a great little tool that does multiple things!
Item 16 - Headlamp or Flashlight
This is a MUST TAKE the dense canopy makes it dark even during the day, If you are on a night excursion and climbing in and out of boats it makes things 100 times easier! Don’t forget extra batteries! Something like the LHKNL Headlamp Flashlight will sort you out
Item 17 - Portable Charger
Do not expect electric in the Amazon on your excursion. If you have tech you want to take (your phone for photos etc) you will need a portable charger. Have one that allows more than one charge as one charge likely wont be enough when you start taking photos of every incredible thing around you but try to use your phone sparingly! I have an Anker gifted to my by my brother (thank you Sam) its been very reliable and extremely useful.
Item 18 - Dry Bags
For extra protection of electronics and important documents, keep everything safely and securely in bags, just assume your bag will get wet at some point! If you dont have something like an EarthPak or a Osprey Wildwater and are alread on the road then anything will do, heck get a bin liner and wrap your laptop in that, do what you have to do.
Item 19 - Binoculars
Not essential but good for spotting wildlife high up in the trees. I am not good on Binoculars! So am not going to recommend anything.
Item 20 - Snacks and Energy Bars
Whilst you will be well fed on excursions (Gamboa Tours provided more food in a day than I usually eat!) High-energy snacks can be a lifesaver during long treks. I am always a fan of a breakfast bar that contains nuts for good energy (naturally those with food allergies check the labels) but I am a fan of things like the Kind breakfast bars
Amazon Rainforest Essential Travel Items: Final Thoughts
Exploring the Amazon is a thrilling experience, but being well-prepared with the right gear can make all the difference. Make sure to pack lightly with looser fitting, anti mosquito clothes and you will enjoy the adventure of a lifetime, let us know if you would add anything to the list below and please get in touch if you have been to the Amazon and would like to blog about your experience for us.
Until the next one take care explorers, Jack
For the Curious Explorer
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