| Waterproof
poncho* |
For
me this is a must. But buy a good one - one which will
double as a tarpaulin, with para-cord for drawstrings.
Best I've had so far were from E-camo (see link below). |
| Jungle
hammock* |
You
won't find these in Manaus. There are only two basic
types to speak of - the Hennessy and the Clark, and
each has their fans and detractors. Speaking from
experience, both will do the job of keeping you dry and
mosquito free, which is what it's all about here. |
| Knife |
This
is a problematic one, given the travel restrictions in
place, and you'll need to make your own decision. I've
tried a few, but the one I find I use most often is the
American Buck knives-based Doug Ritter RSK. It's a
brilliant knife. |
| Survival kit |
You
can make your own up quite cheaply, but otherwise
Ultimate Survival do an effective basic kit in a
waterproof container. Fortunately, I've never had
occasion to use mine, but it always goes with me on the
river. |
| Repellent* |
The
more DEET the better (but watch what you put it on, as
it's very destructive of anything plastic or rubber. My
current favourite is Jungle Formula (from Boots).
Roll-on is easiest to use, I find. |
| Malaria
tablets* |
Check with your doctor and you'll find he knows less
than you. Better to check the traveldoctor
website first (see below), and make your own decision.
IF YOU ARE THINKING OF NOT BOTHERING TAKING ANYTHING,
PLEASE READ THE USEFUL INFORMATION PAGE FIRST.
Incidentally, you will find it almost
impossible to buy malaria tablets in Manaus. This is
simply because you cannot take these tablets for
prolonged periods, so they're no use to the locals. |
| Boots |
You
don't want big, heavy climbing boots - too
uncomfortable. Lightweight trekking boots with some
ankle support are the ones to go for. When you're not in
the jungle, all you'll need or want will be flip-flops.
|
| Long
Trousers* |
You'll spend most of your time in shorts, but it's
always useful to have a pair of long trousers
(especially at dawn and dusk, to keep the moquitoes at
bay). Go for linen ones if possible (Next do some
excellent ones). |
| Shirts* |
T-shirts obviously, preferably linen, but again it's
useful to have some long-sleeved ones. |
| Bedsheet* |
If
you're overnighting in the jungle, and expecially if
you're overnighting on the river, you'll be perished
(yes, really) unless you've got something to cover yourself
with. A
simple, single, lightweight cotton bedsheet is perfect.
|
| Water
purifying kit |
Unless you're going into the middle of nowhere for some
time, it's not worth buying anything like this - take
mineral water. If you really want to take something, take your pick of drops,
tablets or water purifiers. The only time I've used the
latter, I found it gummed up too quickly because of the
incredible amounts of sediment in the river water. |
| Rehydration
solution |
If
you dehydrate, first of all come and get a clip around
the ear from me, 'cause it's generally your own fault.
Then mix up some sugar and salt in water and get it down
your neck and you'll be fine after a few hours. |
| First aid kit |
If
you're off into the jungle on your own, bring a basic
kit, particularly to cover cuts and bruises (including
something to sterilise/clean a wound). Overly
complicated kits generally aren't worth the extra
weight. |
| Mosquito nets |
Only
bring one if you know you're going somewhere where
you'll need it and if you don't have a jungle hammock.
In the city, the combination of aircon and insect spray
(see below) is usually sufficient. If you are buying
one, however, make sure the mesh is fine. |
| Insect spray* |
Don't bother bringing this with you as you can find it
(usually under the name Detefon), in any supermarket. |
| Hat* |
It's
a personal choice. The ubiquitous Tilley is good (but
really too
expensive). Anything with a brim will do - baseball
style caps are fairly useless, IMHO. The Jack Pyke
Digger Hat is probably a reasonable choice (from E-camo
- see below). |
