Jungle Medicine Course

Please follow the kit list and bring adequate kit. Jungle environments are hot, humid, wet, and physically demanding, so it’s essential you’re equipped to deal with prolonged humidity, heavy rainfall, river crossings, and minimalist camping conditions.

As a minimum we recommend you bring:

You need to be prepared for heat, humidity, rain, mud, and water immersion. When operating in the jungle you must be fully prepared for rapidly changing conditions and limited opportunities to dry kit. If you have any questions about equipment, just give us a call or send an email.

Packing:

You need a hiking rucksack that is at least 70 litres for the jungle hike. The rucksack needs to be able to fit your personal kit for 2 nights minimalist camping. If you have a large volume sleeping bag, you may need a bigger bag. You will also need to split food and cooking equipment between your team (usually about 6-8 people).

A daysack (20-40litres) is useful for our shorter hike and as hand luggage on the plane. You don’t need a 40L daysack, but don’t buy a new smaller bag if all you have is a 40L, for example. We recommend a day sack of approximately 25L with cover as ideal.

Sleeping:   

• 2 season sleeping bag
• If you are someone who gets cold easily, a sleeping bag liner can make your sleeping bag warmer
• 20+ meters paracord or utility cord for erecting shelter and repairs
• Lightweight hammock (the Hennessy Hammock is the best, includes, hammock, mosquito net and tarp/flysheet). If your hammock is not all inclusive you will need a lightweight hammock (fabric not string), a tarp/flysheet, and a mosquito net.
• Small adventure mat (optional) for use when stepping out of your hammock

Jungle trekking:  

• Waterproof jacket- useful, however breathable fabrics do not work well in high humidity. Gore-Tex waterproof jackets are the best. When it rains in Costa Rica…it pours.
• Umbrella- optional but surprisingly useful!
• 3 quick-dry long sleeve shirts (safari type shirts or polyester/quick-dry)
• 3 T-shirts (polyester/quick-dry)
• 2-3 pairs of lightweight quick dry trousers
• 4 pairs of socks – at least 4 – but all will get soaking!
• 1 pairs of shorts, lightweight
• 1 lightweight fleece (polyester, quick-dry)
• 1 broad-brimmed hat, 360° ideally, or buff and sun cap is another option
• 1 pair of work gloves (leather garden gloves)
• Jungle boots – NOT walking shoes/trainers, you need ankle support. The US/British military jungle boots are popular but need breaking in and female sizes can be very difficult to get hold of so start looking early! If you cannot find jungle boots, then summer/lightweight walking boots that drain water and are NOT waterproof are a second option
• 1 pair of Teva-type sandals – for rafting and around camp / better with straps if for swimming
• 1 pair of swimming trunks/costume
• 1 quick dry towel/sarong
• Rucksack liners and separate dry bags for equipment (more the better, we will be doing river crossings)
• Rucksack outer – waterproof shell OR everything inside dry bags inside your bag
• You need at least 2 litre water carrying capacity. Options include 2 x 1 litre water bottles, wide-mouthed Nalgene type, or 1 x 2 litre bladder water container such as Camelbak or Platypus. If you are someone who sips away whilst walking in the heat then the water bladder may be a better option for you. But we would still recommend bringing a wide mouthed bottle for around other camp. Cleaning water bladders can also be tricky if you are away for a long period of time (less relevant for this trip).
• Water disinfection – please bring at least 2 different options -we will look at different options and learn about methods of disinfection whilst we are away. 2 methods are always better than 1. Chlorine dioxide, UV sterilisation pen, life straw, Grayl bottle are some options.

Toiletries:  

• Biodegradable soaps and shampoo
• Lip balm with SPF / sun block
• Personal toiletries
• Suntan lotion (no less than SPF 20). Many of us use SPF 50.
• Insect repellent, DEET 100/‘expedition’ skin-so-soft bug guard (brilliant – SPF / repellent and water resistant)/ Avon Skin so Soft. You may need to experiment, different people find different products work for them in different places

Cooking and eating:  

• Hand gel
• Mess tins x1/bowl/plate – own choice
• Mug – best if it has a top
• Spoon or spork
• Matches, waterproof container (old camera film case) and strike board
• Lighter
• Tinder box equipment if you have one – be careful where you are flying through and what you are allowed to bring

Navigation:  

• Compass
• GPS if you have one
• Whistle

Miscellaneous:

• Camera in case
• Binoculars (optional) – there is a lot of bird life and wildlife in Costa Rica
• Sunglasses – and spare pair is a good idea
• Torch – Head torch is best and spare batteries
• Small candle or portable light (optional)
• Solar chargers (optional) – there is no power at the course venue. A better option is portable power packs for charging phones and devices.

Important – Never leave kit preparation until the last minute. Jungle environments are unforgiving of poor kit choices. Prepare well in advance, test your equipment, and review your kit several weeks before departure.