What to Carry (Suggestions); To Use as Packing Checklist
We will have a meeting early this fall to discuss the information below. I suggest you wait until then to buy any items you might need.
DOCUMENTS
Passport
Xerox of passport (stored in different place)
Copies of essential prescriptions
Extra money (in form of Am. Express Travelers Checks)
Yellow card (vaccination records)
Notebook for journal & pens
IMPORTANT ITEMS
Pouch for your valuables (around the neck or waist)
Camera (if desired) plus an extra set of batteries
Film (all you plan on using)
X-ray proof film bag
Compass
Sun Glasses
Extra Prescription Medicine
Extra glasses/contact lenses
Flashlights and extra batteries (or headlamps)
Small day-pack (can double as a carry on-bag)
2 Water bottles (non-leaking)
Emergency kit for allergic reactions (if you have a history of these)
Boots (that you don't mind getting wet - gortex is great)
Small bathroom kit (personal hygiene items)
Hat (for protection against the sun & rain)
Windbreaker (gortex recommended) & rainpants
OTHER ITEMS RECOMMENDED
One additional pair of shoes to wear when not in the field
Umbrella (small folding)
Insect repellent
Sun screen
Moleskin (blister protection)
Pocket knife
Binoculars
Small traveling alarm clock
Flip-flops/sandals
Swimming suit
Long sleeve shirts
Long pants (shorts are not recommended when in the forest)
Wool/Polartec Sweater (we'll use the layer approach; may purchase in S.A.)
Shorts (for hiking, etc.)
One nice outfit for restaurants, tours, etc.
2-3 pair of hiking socks and polypropylene liners
Other socks
Underwear
Pair of lightweight polypropylene underwear
Wool hat (for warmth)
Lightweight gloves
Plastic bags & zip-lock bags for dirty/wet clothes, etc.
Book(s) (paperbacks for reading on planes, in airports, etc.)
Star light
Toilet Paper
Lightweight towel
Small sleeping pad
Pillowcase
Small sheet or light bag liner
Sleeping bag
(you will not need a tent)
THINGS NOT TO CARRY:
Excess clothing
Valuables
Expensive jewelry
Large suitcase (instead, I recommend a reasonable size duffel bag and a daypack as a carry on)
Also leave some room in your bags to bring home purchases.