Main bag – A 50-70 litre rucksack is ideal. You won’t need to carry this far (roughly 200m to and from the boats), therefore a true rucksack is not essential, but highly advisable over a duffel bag.
Day bag/small rucksack – Needed for carrying water, paper, pens, binoculars, cameras etc. We recommend finding one with a waterproof cover. This will also be used as your hand luggage during travel.
Waterproof plastic/zip lock bags – These are very useful to keep the water out of your kit and clothes. You can line your rucksack with a bin/garbage bag and have smaller bags for clothes and items like your camera.
Sleeping bag or sleeping sheet – A light sleeping bag or travel sheet is recommended – the temperature rarely drops below about 20 degrees.
Water bottle/platypus – A combination of leak-proof bottles (total capacity 2 litres) is imperative. The ‘hydration systems’ on the market (Platypus, camelback, Ortileb) have the advantage of packing flat when not in use.
Two strong head torches – Petzl, Black Diamond, LED Lenser or other high quality light highly recommended. Ideally, bring a head torch that has a red light function so not to attract insects. There is no electricity at night at most sites, so you will use this every evening, and because of this, it is important to bring two torches so you have a back-up if one breaks. Don’t forget spare batteries!
Waterproof jacket – Rainfall is heavy in this part of the world, so a plastic poncho or lightweight rainjacket is invaluable. Expensive heavyweight Gore-Tex raincoats are not recommended – they are hot and may get snagged and torn
Watch with alarm – It doesn’t have to be anything technical. A travel alarm clock will also do.
Biodegradable soap/shampoo – To minimise impact on the environment we ask all volunteers to bring ‘green’ detergents.
Insect repellant – For any projects where you will be handling or in close proximity to animals (in particular amphibians) you will need a non DEET based repellent. However for other times DEET based repellents are fine. Many of our staff use Mosi-guard which can be bought from Amazon.
Sunblock – Factor 30, minimum, is recommended.
Talcum powder/antifungal powder – This is invaluable to help prevent and combat athletes foot/other fungal infections
Sanitary pads/tampons – Please bring a supply even if you do not expect to use them
Travel towel/sarong – Don’t bring a big thick towel as it won’t dry quickly enough.
Binoculars – These are really helpful to see much of the wildlife in the forest. 8 X 40 are the best to bring.
Camera – You will have lots of opportunities to take pictures but please bring a waterproof carrying case, zip lock bag, or dry sack for the camera.
Notebook and pencils – You may want to take notes during lectures, and we suggest keeping a field journal.
For the forest you should bring clothes that you don’t mind getting dirty! Synthetic (wicking) fabric is the best as it is quick drying. Don’t forget to buy your Opwall t-shirt from here!
Wellington/rubber boots – These are ESSENTIAL! Longer boots that approach knee height are best. Avoid short, ankle-length ones.
Crocs/sandals/flip flops/ – Anything that is comfortable to wear around camp and allows your feet to air out during the evening.
Lightweight long trousers – 2 pairs. They should fit slightly loose, otherwise mosquitoes may bite straight through. It’s preferable to have ones that zip off and convert into shorts.
Shorts – 2 pairs.
T-shirts – 5-7. Loose fitting and fast drying is preferable.
Fleece top – 1. Non-bulky if possible, useful for flights and at night.
Long sleeved shirt – 2. Something loose and lightweight to cover arms in the forest and the evenings to avoid mosquito bites.
Swim suit/board shorts – There is a pool at the hotel in Georgetown.
Socks – Enough for 1 week.
Underwear – Enough for 2 weeks.
Sunglasses – Useful for travel on river.
Nightwear – Something comfortable to sleep in.
Although every expedition will have its own medical supplies, and medical teams on site, you should carry your own personal medical kit
Antihistamine tablets
Antihistamine/hydrocortisone cream
Paracetamol
Ibuprofen
Rehydration salts
Plasters/band aids
Alcohol wipes and hand sanitiser
Prescribed medications (including anti-malarials)
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