Your kit list document is a guide to the expedition kit you will need for your expedition based on what you will be doing in Honduras and the experience of previous expeditions.
When packing, you need to be thinking of the minimum amount you can take whilst remaining comfortable and safe. Check your airline’s baggage and hand luggage allowance and ensure to weigh your bag before you go. You want to be aiming for light, compact, durable, quick-drying and versatile equipment. The list below is an essential kit – unless stated as optional. If you have any questions about the information below, please do not hesitate to contact your nearest Opwall office or email Honduras@opwall.com.
To download a copy of the full kit list, click here.
Insurance documents – Bring a copy of your personal insurance documentation. It is useful to have this information close to hand.
Photocopy of passport – This is in case your passport gets lost, so keep it in a separate location from your passport itself. 2 copies is recommended
ID Guides – Bring a copy of your ID guides included in this pack.
Internal Travel Documentation – Bring a print out of your travel documents, along with any information for required VISAs.
Marine medical form – You must complete these online via the Opwall portal at least 3 months prior to travel. It’s recommended that you bring out a printed copy of the completed form with you on expedition, particularly if you’ve had it signed by a doctor or dive medic.
Proof of dive qualification – If you are already a qualified diver, we will require proof of your dive qualifications on site. We accept qualifications from any recognised dive agency, as long as it is equivalent to or more advanced than PADI Open Water.
Unfortunately, working in such remote locations often involving numerous flights and forms of transport, luggage can be delayed. It is best to be prepared just in case, so here is what we recommend you pack in your hand luggage.
Valuables – Think passport, money, camera, phone etc. If completing your dissertation you will most likely wish to bring your laptop and this should be taken in your hand luggage.
Personal medicine – Extremely important to bring your personal medicine with your hand luggage, in original packaging/labelled.
Change of clothes – Including spare underwear. You might want to wear your fleece/hoodie to save space.
Head torch – Essential for your expedition, so this is not something you want to lose. Small headlamp models can be ineffective at spotting wildlife such as herpetofauna so keep that in mind when browsing for one. Don’t forget spare batteries!
Water bottle – An essential piece of expedition kit – at least 2 litre capacity.
Toiletries – Toothbrush and biodegradable wet wipes.
Sleeping bag liner – If you have to borrow a sleeping bag its nice to have your own liner to use.
Walking boots – Wear these on the plane, reduces space and makes sure you don’t lose them.
Travel adapter & power bank – Pack these so you can keep your devices charged and usable during transit and unexpected delays. There are a few different plugs at our Madagascar sites. In the forest we have extension cords for UK plugs and also European 2 round pin plugs. At the marine site, the plugs are all mostly European. Bringing a universal adaptor is a great idea, as well as a power bank!
Rucksack / Main bag – Please do not bring a suitcase. Whilst you will not have to personally carry your rucksack long distances, you still need to move it to and from your tent at the forest site, and it needs to be able to fit on the Zebu carts. Minimum 50 litre capacity.
Waterproof rucksack cover – A strong black bin liner can suffice but will not be as durable as a proper waterproof cover
Day bag / Small rucksack – Needed for field work for carrying water, paper, pens, binoculars, cameras etc.
Sleeping bag – It will be fairly warm at night so we recommend a 1-2 season sleeping bag. Occasionally it can feel a little cooler so you might want to bring a sleeping bag liner as well for added comfort. It is also much colder for your nights in Antananarivo so make sure you have some warm layers!
Roll mat or Thermarest – Necessary for comfort when sleeping in a tent in the forest so please do bring one. Roll mats can be purchased very cheaply, whereas Thermarests are more of an investment (be sure to buy a repair kit).
Water bottle / platypus – A combination of leak-proof plastic bottles (minimum 2 litres) is imperative. The ‘hydration systems’ on the market (Platypus, camelback, Ortileb) have the advantage of packing flat when not in use.
Travel towel / sarong – Don’t bring a big thick towel as it won’t dry quickly enough.
Tough bin liner – When you travel to a satellite camp, it can be used to store excess belongings at base camp as well as to store old clothes for the remainder of your expedition.
Waterproof bags – Supermarket zip-lock bags are cheap and great for keeping a small number of items dry. You could invest in a proper dry bag, which could be used again in the future.
Watch with alarm – It doesn’t have to be anything technical. A travel alarm clock will also do.
Notebook and pencils – Essential for all projects.
These are the general items of clothing you will need for your expedition. We have included rough quantities for each item but please feel free to bring more or less, it’s personal preference and up to you…as long as it fits! 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, but cotton is kinder to the skin. Don’t forget to buy your Opwall t-shirt(s) here!
Walking boots – Make sure your boots have firm ankle support, a semi-flexible sole with good grip and dries relatively quickly. Wear these on the plane to save space.
Waterproof jacket / Poncho –Jungles can often get quite extreme periods of rain so a lightweight rain jacket is invaluable. Expensive heavy Gore-Tex raincoats are not recommended as they are very hot. We highly recommend you bring a rain poncho as this will allow you to keep paperwork dry on survey.
Waterproof trousers – To protect against vegetation and insect bites. Tight trousers and leggings don’t provide the best protection
T-shirts (6-8) –Loose-fitting and fast drying is best.
Long sleeved shirts (3-4) – Insects are quite prevalent so you’ll need to cover up on survey, and also protect yourself from any rough vegetation. You will be asked to wear long sleeves on evening surveys!
Lightweight long baggy trousers / walking trousers (3) –These can be worn more than once but you will need long trousers for surveys in the forest. Looser is better as insects can bite through skintight fabric.
Shorts (3) –Two of these could be board shorts to wear when diving or snorkelling
Fleece / Hoodie / Jumper – Non-bulky if possible, useful for flights and evenings in your first week. It can get cold at night (below 10 Celsius) in Cusuco National Park (It’s a cloud forest)
Nightwear / Pyjamas –You will be in shared accommodation.
Underwear, socks and bras –We recommend you bring enough underwear for 2 weeks. And for long treks, it may be better to wear hiking socks over cotton socks. Bring multiple bras.
Headwear –A warm hat for cold forest nights, and a sun hat or bandana for your marine week.
Sunglasses – A good pair are useful to protect your eyes from the sun and glare reflected from water in the marine site.
Comfortable shoes / flip flops / sandals (1 pair) – These are a must for the marine site
Other footwear – Wellington boots are useful as some surveys also involve river walks! Trainers for day-to-day use
Swimwear – For your time at the marine site.
Additional clothes – One set of ‘regular’ style clothes for when you are at any hotels during your transfers or for travelling back at the end of the expedition. You might want to bring a few ‘regular’ outfits too for wearing in an evening at the beach, or in between activities at the marine site.
Below you will find equipment specific to the terrestrial portion of your expedition.
Headtorch – Essential for the expedition as previously mentioned.
Wellies – Wellies are essential if you want to take part in river surveys, they are also useful after heavy rain.
Below you will find equipment specific to the marine portion of your expedition.
Dive Training Materials – If you’re learning to SCUBA dive on expedition, you will need dive training materials. These are now entirely online so to make things easier for you we’ve arranged them on your behalf. You’ll receive an email from us in the run up to the expedition with login details and information on how to access them. We highly recommend bringing a smartphone or tablet with you so you can then access them on expedition. If you have independently bought dive training materials please let us know as soon as possible by emailing diving@opwall.com.
Marine medical forms – You must complete these online via the Opwall portal at least 3 months prior to travel. It’s recommended that you bring out a printed copy of the completed form with you on expedition, particularly if you’ve had it signed by a doctor or dive medic.
Proof of dive qualification – If you are already a qualified diver, we will require proof of your dive qualifications on site. We do accept non-PADI qualifications, as long as it is equivalent to or more advanced than PADI Open Water.
Wetsuit or rash vest –If you wish to use one it is essential that you bring your own wetsuit. The purpose of a wetsuit is twofold, to keep you warm whilst underwater, and to protect you from marine life that may sting you. It is for this reason you cannot dive in just your swimwear. The water is very warm though so a rash vest and swim shorts is actually the best option. If you do wish to use a wetsuit, ensure that the neoprene is thin (3mm or below).
Dive watch or computer (optional) –This is a requirement under PADI regulations for qualified divers. However, PADI allows Open Water divers to go off diving in buddy pairs on their own without a Dive Master whereas Opwall regulations require that all divers are accompanied by a Dive Master who times their dives. Under these circumstances we don’t consider it necessary but if you have a waterproof watch or dive computer please take it.
Mask, snorkel and fins (optional) –The hire costs of these items is already included in your package price to Opwall so these items will be provided for you to use onsite. You may however wish to bring your own mask & snorkel if you already have one.
Top tips for packing and organising all your expedition gear and some added optional extras for you. Label your baggage, clothes and kit; there are many volunteers, and some may have the same or similar items to you.
Waterproof plastic / zip lock bags / dry bag / bin liners –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.
Pillow – A small travel pillow is highly recommend for the long travel days to and from the forest site. It also provides added comfort at the forest site. Alternatively, bring a pillowcase and stuff it with clothes.
Camera –You will have lots of opportunities to take pictures but please bring a waterproof carrying case/bag for the camera
Binoculars –These are really useful to see much of the wildlife in the forest. 8×42 are the best to bring but any you may have at home will suffice.
Earphones / cards / books – Coach journeys can be long so bring something to keep yourself entertained.
Language / phrase book – This is a recommendation stressed by previous volunteers. Also worth noting many translating apps allow you to download language packs you can use offline.
Folding fan – You will be glad you brought one when the midday heat hits.
Handheld mirror – You will have no access to mirrors in the forest so it may be useful to bring one.
Earplugs / eye mask – If you are someone that generally struggles to sleep, you may find that the lively sounds of the forest or people walking by with their torches on keeps you awake. Also useful for a long plane and coach journey!
Nail clippers / tweezers – If you are staying in camp for a long amount of time these will be very useful.
Snacks & condiments – Cereal bars, protein bars or things to spice up your meals!
Good tip to travelling light is to get into small groups to combine things like toiletries to split the load of shampoo and sun block for example so you don’t bring a bottle each.
Toiletries bag – How are you storing your toiletries? Makes it easier to take things to and from the showers.
Toothbrush & Toothpaste – Avoid bringing an electric toothbrush as you may struggle to charge it in the forest. We would recommend bringing a case to keep it clean.
Hair and Body Wash – Biodegradable if possible, small travel sizes or bars rather than liquids to save space (make sure you have a tin if you have bars).
Insect repellent – Malaria and dengue is extremely rare in this area but there are a lot of biting insects so for your own comfort and to protect from bites, please bring some repellant. DEET based products are very important for day to day on camp due to a natural resistance held by the local mosquitos however, if handling animals (particularly amphibians) you will need non DEET based repellent as DEET can
pose a risk to the wildlife encountered. See: www.alternativeinsectrepellent.co.uk/.
Talcum powder/anti-fungal powder – This is invaluable to help prevent and combat athletes foot/other fungal infections.
Sun cream –Factor 30, minimum, is recommended. Please ensure it is a coral friendly sun-block if you intend to use it in the water.
Sanitary towels / tampons – Please bring a supply even if you do not expect to use them as travel can disrupt your cycle.
The medical provision on site is excellent and there are medics based at all camps. However, there are some items listed below you should carry yourself (as appropriate).
Antihistamine tablets – For insect bites. It’s useful if you can bring both drowsy and non drowsy.
Antihistamine / hydrocortisone cream – Bite/sting cream. Can be very beneficial for reducing itching and swelling of insect bites.
Paracetamol / aspirin – For headaches etc.
Ibuprofen – For swelling etc.
Rehydration salts –Essential! Rehydration salts kept in camp do not have the most appetising taste so please bring your own. We utilise purified water which contains a low concentration of beneficial minerals found in normal spring water. Because of this, we recommend you take a dosage of rehydration salts every day. Don’t forget to read the correct dosage to ensure you are absorbing the salts correctly
Antiseptic wipes – Cleaning cuts or grazes
Plasters/band aids (assorted sizes) – For cuts or grazes.
Personal medication – It is vital that you bring any prescribed medications. This includes any anti-malarial medication you have been prescribed by your GP or Travel Clinic; make sure you consult your GP or Travel Clinic for a comprehensive list of any travel vaccinations or medications you need!
Vitamins – If you normally take these.
Hand sanitizer (optional) – Great for extreme cleanliness and hygiene, especially during the long travel days.
Ear/eye drops (optional) – If you are prone to swim ear (for diving) or prone to dry eyes.
Sea/travel sickness tablets – In case you need these.
Below you will find a selection of helpful resources for your expedition
A Guide to Buying Dive Equipment – https://www.opwall.com/article/all-the-gear-but-no-ideayet/
Top Eco-Friendly Kit Ideas – https://www.opwall.com/article/top-eco-friendly-kit-ideas/
Beginner Fieldwork Equipment – https://www.opwall.com/article/beginner-fieldwork-equipment/
What Equipment to Borrow or Buy – https://www.opwall.com/article/the-festive-guide-to-gearing-up-for-your-expedition/
Top 10 Must Have Items! – https://www.opwall.com/article/lets-find-out-what-you-couldnt-live-without/
Hair & Skin Care at an Expedition Site – https://www.opwall.com/article/hair-and-skin-care-at-an-expedition-site/
Ecological Apps to Download – https://www.opwall.com/article/ecological-apps-so-you-can-identify-appsolutely-everything/
Spending money is an optional extra to cover personal on-site expenditure only. This may include snacks and souvenirs you wish to purchase. The local currency is Lempira. Changing money to Lempira is possible before you leave, however, you can also change money at San Pedro Sula airport, or withdraw from ATMs whilst in Utila (American dollars are widely accepted)
It is always worth thinking about bringing some extra snacks such as cereal bars as snack choices available to purchase in the forest are limited however there are biscuits, crisps and fizzy drinks! In Utila there are lots more mini shops and a restaurent on site.
You can wash clothes by hand in the Terrestrial base. When in Utila, there is a launderette which will wash a bag’s worth of clothes for 7 dollars; however be aware that it may take a few days for the washed clothes to return.
It is a good idea to keep one set of clothing clean for your flights to and from country, this makes your travel and the people around you more comfortable.
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