Amazon Rainforest Essential Travel Items for backpackers and explorers.
- Jack Thompson
- Jul 26, 2024
- 9 min read
Updated: Mar 7
Essential Amazon Rainforest items to pack to help ensure a safe and comfortable time during your adventure.
Heading to the Amazon Rainforest? You lucky thing you. One question that always comes up when talking about exploring the amazon is 'What do I need to pack?' We are going to guide you through it because there are some things you should take/ do do really up your comfort and you safety for your time in the Amazon. I am not going to do the obvious (passport for example) just the things that are Amazon Rainforest Essential Travel Items! Add to the list as you like to make sure you have all you need.
🌳 Welcome To The Amazon
As a quick introduction its your backpacking architect friend here Jack Thompson 👋🏻 and as someone who Mosquitos seem to love ... I was nervous before heading into the rainforest. However, I actually came out pretty much as I went in (very few bites), I put that down to good preparation and sensible clothing decisions. Before heading out to South America I put a lot of thought into what to pack due to past trauma with Mosquitos which left me with a blood virus in my early teen years ... and that was from Portugal! I can still remember the hot flashes of pain that would course through my body and the doctor giving me pills and saying you have to ride it out! As you can imagine it left a mental scare and for that reason I approach travel trips to really defend against mosquitos! However there are other factors at play here you need to be aware off before heading to the airport including:
Humidity
Mosquitos (as mentioned)
Sun UV rays
Wet Conditions
Dry conditions
Muddy and long hikes
Healthcare/ well being
General comfort expectations
Language barriers
You need to pack as though you have no idea what the weather is going to do (something we Brits are fantastic at!) because the Amazon can go from hot and humid to cold and wet in a moments notice.
You can find shops and everyday items it the main towns that spring you into the Amazon, (find out more about these on the Amazon gateways post) 👇.
Travelling To The Amazon Rainforest: The Gateway points in Peru, Colombia and Brazil
From Peru the spring board is Iquitos a reasonably large city only accessible by boat or plan, Colombia is Leticia (the smallest) and Brazil is usually Manaus. Manaus is a big modern city sat on the edge of the river so you can find things you may have forgotten but once you have started your excursion, it will be just you and what is in your bag. But this is part of the adventure.
Just as a note this blog post will contain affiliate links but I promise I do not (and never will) endorse anything I do not use personally or believe is valuable to you as a backpacking adventurer.
👕 Essential Clothing Items for the Amazon Rainforest
Item 1 - Waterproof Backpack
Lets start with keeping everything dry. You need a durable, waterproof backpack its critical! I was asked to leave my big bag behind and just take my day bag!
In the amazon it can be blue skies one moment and thundering down the next! There is nothing more miserable than having wet clothes. If your backpack does not have a waterproof cover built in then buy one!
Item 2 - Lightweight, Long-Sleeved, Anti Mosquito Shirts.
This is where I felt like I excelled (for once). I took several long sleeved mosquito repellent shirts and had several pairs of mosquito proof lightweight trousers. Now days I tend to stick with Craghoppers shirts, trousers and socks for most of my travel gear, actually I wear them when not travelling as frankly, I love them!
Mosquito Repellent Clothing from Craghoppers
At night I would button the shirt all the way to the top and even pop my collar up to protect my neck. I kept my hair down and had a hat on but also put on my lightweight rain jacket as an additional mosquito guard. You can hear the mosquitos buzzing past your ears and I hate to say it but the tact I took was, I just have to be more difficult to bite than the person next to me!!!
Item 3 - Lightweight, Long Trousers
Utilitarian trousers are an absolute weapon in the rainforest. Phone, Mosquito repellant, hand sanitiser, wallet (you wont really need this) but there is room for everything and again they stop you getting bitten!
Shorts? Yes these are fine during the day but heading out at night stick to the trousers, even if it a little bit warmer than the shorts!
Item 4 - Mosquito Repelling Socks
Like your shirt and trousers these guys are super useful tuck your trousers into your socks at night and turn yourself into a human sleeping bag to ensure those pesky mosquitos are kept at bay. These are always good no matter where you are in the world so fill your boots (get it 😉)!
Item 5 - A Hat
It does not have to be mosquito repellant but you will be surprised how many things land on your face (especially when on a boat trip at night). A baseball cap or a hat of some sort stops you having to slap your forehead every few seconds!
Item 6 - Sunglasses
Simply for the cool factor, no thats a joke! When boating up and down the Amazon you will be surprised how much reflection you get off the water. To stop you having to constantly squint make sure you have a cheap but good polarising pair with you.
Item 7 - Lightweight Rain Jacket
Sudden downpours are common in the rainforest. A lightweight rain jacket will keep you dry and comfortable on excursions, you can leave it on the boat or pack it way, but have it on you for when those heavens open.
Item 8 - Your Kicks
If you are already on the road you may not have much choice here, but if you have not yet left and are just going for a few weeks then hiking boots or your best trail runners are going to be key. You will be jumping in an out of boats, on muddy and slippery trails.
Take some sandals as well but honestly you will spend 90% of your excursion in your shoes so take a trusted pair.
My generally day to day attire when in the amazon can be seen below👇, photo taken in the Leticia guest house I was in when arriving into Leticia
⚕️ Amazon Rainforest Essential Travel Items: Healthcare
Item 1 - Anti Malaria Tablets
Heads up you need to start taking these before you go and there are side effects to them. Not everyone takes them, but my personal decision was to battle the side effects of the pills (if I had any) rather than end up with terrible effects of full blow Malaria. Get them before you go from your local pharmacist, they are incredibly hard to find in Colombia, Peru or Brazil so if you think you will end up in the Amazon, take em with you! Make sure to consult your doctor/ pharmacist before taking them. I am simply not a doctor so do not know who they are (or are not) suitable for!
Item 2 - Insect Repellent
Opt for a repellent with DEET or Picaridin to ward off mosquitoes and other bugs. If you are going to be in the amazon use it as you need but just be aware that DEET is not good for you and your body will absorb it so be a bit careful!
Item 3 - Mosquito Net
For all backpacker, take a double in the bag. A single just too small! I made this mistake. Most places in the Amazon should be netted already, however you never know, its an item you would rather have in the bag and not have to use than need and not have!
Item 4 - Water Purification Bottle
Clean drinking water is vital. I carry a Grayl Geopress, not cheap but an investment piece that can go everywhere with you if you are an outdoor adventurer!portable water filter to ensure you stay hydrated safely.
Item 5 - A Life Straw
As a back up encase you lose your bottle.
Item 6 - Compact First Aid Kit
A comprehensive first aid kit should include bandages, antiseptics, pain relievers, tweezers, and any personal medications. You will also need a small pair of scissors. I have never had to use mine 🙏 but have lent it to others many a time!
Item 7 - Sunscreen
Go big, protect yourself ... factor 30+, you are close to the equator, it get surprising hot when the sun hits you in the face you can really feel it and the last thing you want to do is ruin your trip through getting sunstroke! Stick to a reputable brand like Banana Boat.
Item 8 - Micro Travel Towel
Always get the biggest size going here, there is a reason these things are so popular and its because they really are the perfect travel companion great!
Item 9 - Travel Soaps
I am not sure if this is an Amazon rainforest essential or just an essential, but either way make sure you have some soap with you, you will need to wash away the heat of the day!
Item 10 - Insurance
Not really a 'packable item' but an absolute essential for those looking to explore the Amazon. I have linked to Safety Wings who have a nomad option on a rolling payment that is great if you do not know how long you will be gone for! Naturally make sure to check the policy before you buy.
☺️ Amazon Rainforest Essential Travel Items: Ancillary
Item 1 - Multi-Tool
A multi-tool can be invaluable for a range of tasks, its perhaps not an essential, but can be useful. Gerber have a great little tool that can be handy when on the road.
Item 2 - Headlamp or Flashlight
This is a MUST TAKE the dense canopy makes it dark even during the day, If you are on a night excursion and climbing in and out of boats it makes things 100 times easier!
Item 3 - Portable Charger
Do not expect electric in the Amazon on your excursion. If you have tech you want to take (your phone for photos etc) you will need a portable charger. Have one that allows more than one charge as one charge likely wont be enough when you start taking photos of every incredible thing around you.
Item 4 - Earth Pak or Osprey Dry Bags
For extra protection of electronics and important documents, keep everything safely and securely in bags, just assume your bag will get wet at some point!
Item 5 - Binoculars
Not essential but good for spotting wildlife high up in the trees.
Item 6 - Snacks and Energy Bars
Whilst you will be well fed on excursions (Gamboa Tours provided more food in a day than I usually eat!) High-energy snacks can be a lifesaver during long treks or if you are feeling peckish between outings.
🦜 What to Expect in the Amazon Rainforest
There is a chance you landed here from my blog about my excursion through the Amazon rainforest but if not and you want to see what a 3 day 2 night excursion looks like then make sure to check out my blog post,
'Solo Backpacking the Amazon; A Three-Day Adventure of a Lifetime'
If you are thinking 'is the amazon dangerous?' Then you can find my thoughts on taking on the Amazon as a solo backpacker below,
'Is The Amazon Dangerous? My Solo Adventure in the Amazon Rainforest Leticia, Colombia'
-- Amazon Rainforest Essential Travel Items:
Final Thoughts --
Exploring the Amazon is a thrilling experience, but being well-prepared with the right gear can make all the difference. Make sure to pack lightly with looser fitting, anti mosquito clothes and you will enjoy the adventure of a lifetime, let us know if you would add anything to the list below and please get in touch if you have been to the Amazon and would like to write about your experience. Make sure to check out all our other Amazon Rainforest blogs and subscribe to Backpackers Blueprint at the home page.
Until the next one take care explorers, Jack
For the intelligent explorer
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