When it comes to preparing for travel, especially the kind that includes long days outside, changing weather, and a bit of unpredictability, packing isn’t about looking good in the airport or bringing a dozen outfit options. It’s about being ready — ready for rain, for heat, for hikes, for quiet moments with a journal, and for sudden wildlife sightings. It’s about packing light, but smart.
We’ve pulled together this list based on years of experience leading students and educators through all kinds of terrain and weather. These aren’t luxury items. They’re the things that tend to come up again and again — the ones people say, “I’m so glad I packed that,” or “I wish I had brought that.”
The Basics: What You’ll Pack Everything In
You’ll need two bags: a main pack and a daypack. That’s it.
- Main Pack: A backpack or duffel (50–60L) that you can carry yourself. It should be small enough to fit in an overhead bin so you don’t have to worry about lost luggage. Bonus if it has shoulder straps.
- Daypack (20–32L): This is the bag you’ll use daily for hikes and travel days. We recommend one with hip straps for comfort and enough space for water, rain gear, and the essentials.
- Make your bag stand out: Tie a bright ribbon or colored string to the handle. It saves time when loading and unloading buses or identifying your bag quickly in a group.
Clothing That Works for the Places We Go
You’ll be moving between warm, humid regions and cooler, wetter highlands — often in the same day. The key is lightweight, quick-dry clothing that you can layer.
- Shirts: A mix of short sleeves, tank tops, and 1–2 long-sleeves (quick-dry if possible)
- Pants: A couple of hiking or field pants, and one travel pant that can also be dressed up if needed
- Warm Layer: Bring a fleece or synthetic jacket — even in the tropics, the mountains can get cold, especially at night or after rain
- Rain Gear: This deserves its own section…
About Rain Gear
Rain is part of the experience — sometimes misty and soft, other times full-on downpour. We suggest packing both a rain jacket and a poncho. Why both? Some days you may get wet twice before noon, and your gear might not dry in time. A poncho also covers your backpack and offers better protection in wind or sideways rain.
Also pack:
- A few plastic bags or large ziplocks to protect notebooks, phones, and other essentials in the field
- A garbage bag liner inside your backpack or duffel is a great waterproofing trick if you get caught in heavy rain during transit
Footwear: Be Kind to Your Feet
- Waterproof hiking boots: If your feet are wet all day, it’s going to be hard to focus on anything else. Get boots that are truly waterproof (not just water-resistant) and already broken in before your trip.
- Strapped sandals or water shoes: For river floats or getting wet — think Chacos or Tevas, not Crocs or flip-flops.
- Flip-flops or slides: Nice for showers or wearing around the station at the end of the day.
- Extra socks: Especially wool or synthetic hiking socks. Your future self will thank you.
A Few Essentials That Make a Big Difference
These are the items we’ve learned not to travel without:
- Flashlight (not just a headlamp): Headlamps attract moths and other bugs to your face at night. A good flashlight gives you better visibility for spotting wildlife on night hikes and reading at night. Just don’t forget extra batteries.
- Water filter + reusable bottle: Access to clean water matters everywhere. We like Sawyer filters (they’re compact and screw right onto bottles). A collapsible bottle like Platypus saves space and pairs easily with most filters.
- Sunscreen stick: No mess, TSA-friendly, and it won’t explode in your bag
- Bandana or buff: Useful for sun, wind, sweat, or makeshift towel moments
- Small towel (quick-dry): Handy for river days or just getting caught in the rain
- Baby powder + moleskin: For chafing and blisters — common issues in humid environments
- Dental floss: Yes, for your teeth — but also for sewing up gear in a pinch, hanging clothes to dry, or even fishing line in an emergency
- Small meds kit: A few painkillers, allergy meds, anti-diarrheal tablets, motion sickness meds, etc. — just enough to cover common discomforts
- Dr. Bronner’s soap: One bottle can wash clothes, skin, hair, and gear — and it’s biodegradable
- Stuff sacks or ziplocks: For separating clean from dirty, dry from wet, or just keeping your bag organized
Things That Add Meaning (or Just Make Life Easier)
- Notebook or journal: These experiences are worth remembering. Writing things down helps you notice more.
- Waterproof field notebook: Great for jotting down thoughts or observations during rainy hikes
- Binoculars: Especially nice to have if you’re into wildlife or birding — they really do help you see more
- Hand sanitizer and a mini roll of toilet paper: Just trust us on this one
- E-reader: A lightweight way to bring your books along (without hauling your entire library)
What Not to Bring
Some things just won’t serve you here — and may even get in the way.
- Bulky cotton towels (they take forever to dry)
- Large or heavy books
- Expensive or sentimental items you’d be heartbroken to lose
- Full-size shampoo or beauty products
- Any clothing that might be culturally inappropriate or attract unwanted attention
Final Thoughts
This isn’t about “packing light” in the trendy minimalist sense. It’s about packing right — for flexibility, for comfort, and for unexpected conditions. You’ll be sweating through jungles, crossing misty mountain passes, and maybe even dancing in a rainstorm. Your gear should keep up.
And most of all, pack with purpose. Every item you bring should help you stay present, connected, and ready to experience the wild, wonderful world that’s waiting for you.
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