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Rainforest Gear Checklist

Gear up for potentially sweltering heat and downpours with this gear selection.

by: The Backpacker Editors

Clothing
Outerwear
  • waterproof/breathable jacket
  • waterproof/breathable pants
  • fleece jacket or wool sweater
  • waterproof gaiters
  • synthetic hiking pants
  • synthetic shorts
Base Layer
  • midweight long john top
  • midweight long john bottoms
  • long sleeve T-shirt
  • synthetic briefs
  • synthetic sports bra
  • synthetic T-shirt
Accessories
  • wool or fleece hat
  • midweight wool or fleece gloves
Footwear
  • camp footwear (optional)
  • waterproof hiking boots
  • wool or synthetic socks (3)
  • liner socks (2)
Extras
  • rain hat
  • bandanna
Gear
  • Internal or external frame backpack
  • three-season tent
  • down sleeping bag (10° to 40°F)
  • inflatable sleeping pad
  • trekking poles
  • canister stove and fuel canisters
  • lighter and waterproof matches
  • cookset
  • eating utensils, bowl, and insulated mug
  • headlamp w/extra batteries and bulb
  • 32 oz. water bottles (2)
  • water treatment (filter, tablets, or drops)
  • pocket knife or multitool
  • compass or GPS (and map)
  • sunglasses
  • first-aid kit with personal medications
  • stuff sacks
  • assorted zipper-lock bags
  • insect repellent (optional)
  • sunscreen (SPF 15+)
  • lip balm (SPF 15+)
  • toilet paper and trowel
  • personal locator beacon (optional)
  • bear-bagging rope (or canister)

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Reader Rating: -

READERS COMMENTS

As the owner of a Botanical garden in Costa Rica who takes people out on field trips I feel this list refers to a rainforest like you might find in Olympia Washington.
It certainly isn't a list you'd want to use in the tropics.
Posted: Aug 27, 2009 douger

I'm from the Philippines, and a lot of stuff on this list is right on target though, probably except for the down sleeping bag and the inflatable pad, which we substitute with a no-frills aluminum-coated styro.

Yet there isn't a single, definitive list for each camping climate anyway, so this is still a great list to follow.
Posted: Aug 18, 2009 troen

A down bag?! In a rainforest?Last time I checked down doesn't work so well in the rain.
Posted: Dec 15, 2008 swild

As an archaeologist who has worked multiple extended seasons in the rainforests and jungles of Belize, I hardily endorse this list. I wouldn't head down there without a good bug spray, though.
Posted: Sep 10, 2008 Jeff

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