While we have a lot of experience packing for such field trips, it may be a bit confusing or intimidating if this is your first trip to the tropics. We’ve compiled a list of items you may want to consider:
Essentials:
- Rubber boots (many streams to cross, protection against snakes and bugs)
- Field clothes (long trousers, long-sleeved shirts, T-shirts, hat/cap. We recommend regular changes due to humidity and rain)
- Camp clothes (shorts, several t-shirts, walking sandals or light shoes)
- Bedding (light sleeping bag, bed sheet or silk travel sheet, pillow)
- Swimwear
- Bath towel
- Light raincoat
- Small backpack to carry water/lunch/camera in the forest (~20 L)
- Large ziplock bags to protect electronic equipment from humidity
- Refillable water bottle/hydration bag (recommended size: 32 ounces/ 1 litre)
- Headlamp or flashlight and spare batteries
- DEET-based mosquito repellent
- Hand sanitizer
- Sunscreen
- Toiletries
- Prescription medicine if any (allergies and other)
The following items are non-essential but may come handy:
- Your favourite snacks (chocolate, cereal bars, trail mix, etc.)
- Pajamas or night clothes
- Light fingerless gloves for trekking in the forest (hand protection)
- Solar camping shower (sorry, we only have cold showers at the field station!)
- Electronics: camera, phone/tablet, e-reader and chargers
- USB Power Bank for your phone/tablet/e-reader
- GPS receiver to record field observations
- Biodegradable laundry soap
You can also download this packing list as a PDF or Excel spreadsheet.
If you need to purchase any of these items, you may want to consider doing this through Amazon Smile and choosing Conservation through Research Education and Action as your target charity. Alternatively, you can also click on any item on this page as it generates donations that will go directly towards our conservation work.