Anyone do jungle hikes

[Chickenman Testa]

Going to Costa Rica soon and then plan to go to some other Central American countries in the near future. Not going to do any crazy stuff, but want to be comfortable on any excursions in the jungle.

What clothing and hiking gear (type of boots) came in handy? What would you have left behind?

I have a lot of gear for temperate hiking and hiking in hot, dry climates, but not hot, humid, very rainy, mosquitoey climates.

Cost not a huge consideration - I like splurging for gear and plan to do multiple trips

 

[PSU_522]

Central America you say? ... Machete!

 

[PSU87]

Going to Costa Rica soon and then plan to go to some other Central American countries in the near future. Not going to do any crazy stuff, but want to be comfortable on any excursions in the jungle.

What clothing and hiking gear (type of boots) came in handy? What would you have left behind?

I have a lot of gear for temperate hiking and hiking in hot, dry climates, but not hot, humid, very rainy, mosquitoey climates.

Cost not a huge consideration - I like splurging for gear and plan to do multiple trips

I'm by no means an experienced hiker, but for traipsing around in the muck down here in Florida, I haven't found anything better than old fashioned Vietnam jungle boots.

Rugged as heck. The right soles for mud. Dry fast. Steel shank in case you step on anything sharp.

Stay away from the off brands. Go with Altama or Wellco or whatever the Army or Marines are wearing these days.

 

[Thomas1945]

I don’t know if it helps much, but I did hike around the Disney Animal Kingdom Resort once. Wore sneakers, shorts and a t-shirt, but also carried a water bottle.

 

[psuro]

Have you been to Costa Rica before?

 

[ILLINOISLION]

I don’t know if it helps much, but I did hike around the Disney Animal Kingdom Resort once. Wore sneakers, shorts and a t-shirt, but also carried a water bottle.

Hope you remembered to wear sunscreen!

 

[olelion]

Did Borneo (Kalimantan) once. That's it for me

 

[Sproul]

Got leeches in Australia in the rainforest. You’re either hot as hell wearing pants, or you show some skin and you’re going to attract any number of things that will harm you. Hopefully you have a couple days to adjust to the heat and you can bear wearing pants.

 

[Chickenman Testa]

Got leeches in Australia in the rainforest. You’re either hot as hell wearing pants, or you show some skin and you’re going to attract any number of things that will harm you. Hopefully you have a couple days to adjust to the heat and you can bear wearing pants.

I know - that’s what sucks. I’ve got cold weather climes dialed in, but wearing pants in sweltering hot weather seems awful.

 

[Chickenman Testa]

I'm by no means an experienced hiker, but for traipsing around in the muck down here in Florida, I haven't found anything better than old fashioned Vietnam jungle boots.

Rugged as heck. The right soles for mud. Dry fast. Steel shank in case you step on anything sharp.

Stay away from the off brands. Go with Altama or Wellco or whatever the Army or Marines are wearing these days.

I heard that from a few people. It makes sense

 

[Chickenman Testa]

Have you been to Costa Rica before?

Never been. A few days in the jungle and near Arenal and then off to the beach to do nothing.

I’m so close to Central America, but have never been. Good way to expand my travel horizons without long flight times

 

[psuro]

I

Never been. A few days in the jungle and near Arenal and then off to the beach to do nothing.

I’m so close to Central America, but have never been. Good way to expand my travel horizons without long flight times

I love CR. Definitely go to Arenal and stay at Tabacon Resort at the base of Arenal for a night or two.

Regarding hiking the best I did was in the northeast part of the country which is where the rainforest is if I recall. Lots of low lying animals which can nip at your ankles. Snakes galore. Mine was a guided hike and a few years ago.

CR has moderate climate year round. Usually between 78-85 F. Rather n comes and goes quickly for most part. I recommend not driving in CR. Their roads were not well marked and easy to get lost. You can hire s driver.

I think you can hike around Arenal.

I would be remiss if I did not mention CR has great WW rafting. If you can- do it I recommend the Pacuare River.

CR is safe they prorected by the US military.

Taxi drivers go on strike semi regularly. Just FYI.

Enjoy.

 

[ralphster]

I have hiked to the Boiling Lake in Dominica, in the Darien province of Panama, and a fair bit in Kenya, Belize, and Costa Rica. So I have just a modest amount of experience. It may be cool in the mountains near Arenal this time of year. By cool I mean 60s to 70s. Certainly not sweaty jungle hot. Better check temps. Any good hiking shoe/boot you would use in Pennsylvania will be fine. Wear DEET insect repellent.

 

[ILLINOISLION]

I


I love CR. Definitely go to Arenal and stay at Tabacon Resort at the base of Arenal for a night or two.

Regarding hiking the best I did was in the northeast part of the country which is where the rainforest is if I recall. Lots of low lying animals which can nip at your ankles. Snakes galore. Mine was a guided hike and a few years ago.

CR has moderate climate year round. Usually between 78-85 F. Rather n comes and goes quickly for most part. I recommend not driving in CR. Their roads were not well marked and easy to get lost. You can hire s driver.

I think you can hike around Arenal.

I would be remiss if I did not mention CR has great WW rafting. If you can- do it I recommend the Pacuare River.

CR is safe they prorected by the US military.

Taxi drivers go on strike semi regularly. Just FYI.

Enjoy.

Snakes.....I H A T E snakes!

Seriously, my nephew went on his honeymoon to CR about five years ago and I have had a couple of other friends go there. Nothing but lots of love for CR from everyone.

 

[Tom McAndrew]

 

[emertmakeshiteup]

Nine months hiking Cambodia and Nam. If you feel something tickling your leg, pull your pants up, as probably a leach. Double up on ground cover, because if it has APC (anti-personal carrier) ants or termites or whatever the hell they were, and you hear rhythmic clicking (chewing) all night long, you'll wake up to strips chewed thru your ground cover (vinyl). They were either to tired by the time they got to the air mattress or could not chew thru rubber fortunately! Make sure you take your anti-malarial drugs, although not 100% effective, at least in 70, as I contracted it X2, and both times falciparum, which you kill it or it kills you, but no recurrence. I came home with it, knew what was going on and had my parents just take me to Valley Forge! I digress: Although no one actually "REPLACED YOU" in nam because of constant attrition, due to end of tour, casualties, R&R, etc. Anyway, I felt that if I did not take my dose, so I would contract it and get out of the field, as many did (not take), someone would take my place and if they got killed, it would be on me! If they have a monsoon, do not worry if you get covered in dirt before it rains as, the rain will wash you and clothes 100% clean. If dry and you get covered in dust, you'll sweat 100% clean. Have fun!

 

[tgar]

I


I love CR. Definitely go to Arenal and stay at Tabacon Resort at the base of Arenal for a night or two.

Regarding hiking the best I did was in the northeast part of the country which is where the rainforest is if I recall. Lots of low lying animals which can nip at your ankles. Snakes galore. Mine was a guided hike and a few years ago.

CR has moderate climate year round. Usually between 78-85 F. Rather n comes and goes quickly for most part. I recommend not driving in CR. Their roads were not well marked and easy to get lost. You can hire s driver.

I think you can hike around Arenal.

I would be remiss if I did not mention CR has great WW rafting. If you can- do it I recommend the Pacuare River.

CR is safe they prorected by the US military.

Taxi drivers go on strike semi regularly. Just FYI.

Enjoy.

We rafted they Pacuare into the Eco Lodge, spent three days hiking, rappelling, Zip line, Bird Watching and lounging in our spring fed plunge. Then we rafted out. The Lodge is remarkable. I have been lucky enough to visit a great deal of this planet and that was one of the all time great short trips.

 

[psuro]

We rafted they Pacuare into the Eco Lodge, spent three days hiking, rappelling, Zip line, Bird Watching and lounging in our spring fed plunge. Then we rafted out. The Lodge is remarkable. I have been lucky enough to visit a great deal of this planet and that was one of the all time great short trips.

^^^^^^^THIS^^^^^^^

 

[ftlpsu]

I have done jungle humps....Southeast Asia, Mexico, Panama, not fun hotter than balls, monkey shit thrown on u, centipedes thicker than you’ve ever seen, not to mention poisonous snakes, black palm with huge f in ants that sting....Did I say it’s hot?

 

[tgar]

^^^^^^^THIS^^^^^^^

Yeah, I should mention everything we did was guided by the locals from the jungle working there. The food was excellent as well. Our bungalow overlooked the river.

I am not certain I would hike in that jungle with out a guide.

from a gear standpoint for the OP, I wear fly fishing shirts made by Simms with breathable long sleeves. I wear a pair of pants that is almost like a skin that breathes and can get wet and dries as soon as the rain or vegetation stops. I always wear a brimmed hat. The smaller the backpack, the better.

plan your trip and line up drivers and guides if possible. It makes a world of difference.

 

[ftlpsu]

Oh and mosquitos... Forgot about mosquitos the size of birds.. Bring bug cream.. Notice I said cream not spray

 

[Lion84]

Never been. A few days in the jungle and near Arenal and then off to the beach to do nothing.

I’m so close to Central America, but have never been. Good way to expand my travel horizons without long flight times

As there with the family over the summer and stayed at Arenal Kioro Hotel - really nice view of the Volcano and did the 1/2 day jungle hike over the hanging bridges - it’s pretty good hike and very hilly. We went in the summer when it’s the rainy season but it only rained when we were in the rainforest - go figure. Stayed at the beach at the Westin all inclusive in Guanacaste the last 4 days. We just brought rain gear and some hiking book - I would just make sure whatever you bring you make sure you break the boots in first or you might have issues if the rub you heel or your toes do t ft right. You will have a great time - Costa Rica is awesome.

 

[hereforthebeer]

To actually answer the question:

Your desert gear will serve you well, depending upon the material. You can waterproof or wear Gore Tex all you want, but there's no point. It will just rain again. With the exception of your feet, you're better off with gear that will dry.

https://www.columbia.com/mens-insect-blocker-mesh-jacket-WM6703.html

https://sawyer.com/products/permethrin-insect-repellent-treatment/

https://m.llbean.com/llb/shop/68997...T8lP2jJ_pjH1lbHXHTbIhl_T7QU3A3XkaAsVCEALw_wcB

https://www.muckbootcompany.com/pro...iG8HczgTGzsoRyhZ8UdJk_bkR1e0qIyIaAuavEALw_wcB

https://www.rei.com/product/150401/...9zm5XwiQ-yBzQWGbzH28juD2J2bFZ7JQaAhKIEALw_wcB

- Check the CDC website, make sure your immunizations (yellow fever, etc.) are good.

- Log your trip via STEP with the Dept of State if you're going riskily far away from the beaten path.

 

[LionLen]

Going to Costa Rica soon and then plan to go to some other Central American countries in the near future. Not going to do any crazy stuff, but want to be comfortable on any excursions in the jungle.

What clothing and hiking gear (type of boots) came in handy? What would you have left behind?

I have a lot of gear for temperate hiking and hiking in hot, dry climates, but not hot, humid, very rainy, mosquitoey climates.

Cost not a huge consideration - I like splurging for gear and plan to do multiple trips

I’ve spent a fair amount of time in the Costa Rica rainforest doing teaching and research. Depending on where, galoshes were a good idea. Not because it can rain a LOT in the rainy season but because of a bothersome critter called a fer-de-lance. So, at least go for high top hiking boots in the lowlands. Oh yes, you also need to know what a bullet ant is and not to go leaning on a tree when you take a break.

Going to Costa Rica soon and then plan to go to some other Central American countries in the near future. Not going to do any crazy stuff, but want to be comfortable on any excursions in the jungle.

What clothing and hiking gear (type of boots) came in handy? What would you have left behind?

I have a lot of gear for temperate hiking and hiking in hot, dry climates, but not hot, humid, very rainy, mosquitoey climates.

Cost not a huge consideration - I like splurging for gear and plan to do multiple trips

 

[brupsu]

And watch out for natives with blow guns.

View embedded media

One of the best opening scenes ever

 

[JJTopp99]

Waaay too many nasty creepy crawlees in jungles for me...and the very deadly venoms and diseases they carry...have fun, if u can...

...but, just in case things start to go all wrong, some advice...





...oh, and watch out for old landmines...

 

[Chickenman Testa]

To actually answer the question:

Your desert gear will serve you well, depending upon the material. You can waterproof or wear Gore Tex all you want, but there's no point. It will just rain again. With the exception of your feet, you're better off with gear that will dry.

https://www.columbia.com/mens-insect-blocker-mesh-jacket-WM6703.html

https://sawyer.com/products/permethrin-insect-repellent-treatment/

https://m.llbean.com/llb/shop/68997...T8lP2jJ_pjH1lbHXHTbIhl_T7QU3A3XkaAsVCEALw_wcB

https://www.muckbootcompany.com/pro...iG8HczgTGzsoRyhZ8UdJk_bkR1e0qIyIaAuavEALw_wcB

https://www.rei.com/product/150401/rei-co-op-sahara-convertible-pants-mens?CAWELAID=120217890007633407&CAGPSPN=pla&CAAGID=30320805880&CATCI=pla-448921841448&cm_mmc=PLA_Google|404_165409|1504010050|none|_kenshoo_clickid_|pla-448921841448&lsft=cm_mmcLA_Google_LIA|404_165409|1504010050|none|_kenshoo_clickid_&kclid=_kenshoo_clickid_&gclid=Cj0KCQiA0NfvBRCVARIsAO4930lVmLmCHwzhYaYYVBUT-939zm5XwiQ-yBzQWGbzH28juD2J2bFZ7JQaAhKIEALw_wcB

- Check the CDC website, make sure your immunizations (yellow fever, etc.) are good.

- Log your trip via STEP with the Dept of State if you're going riskily far away from the beaten path.

Thanks man. Good stuff

 

[Chickenman Testa]

I’ve spent a fair amount of time in the Costa Rica rainforest doing teaching and research. Depending on where, galoshes were a good idea. Not because it can rain a LOT in the rainy season but because of a bothersome critter called a fer-de-lance. So, at least go for high top hiking boots in the lowlands. Oh yes, you also need to know what a bullet ant is and not to go leaning on a tree when you take a break.

Oh, I’ve heard about bullet ants. Read a funny story about a guy who voluntarily gets bitten and stung by stuff to come up with a pain meter for critters. He said the pain from a bullet ant is off the charts.

I had a buddy do a night jungle walk in Ecuador. The guide warned him sternly - walk only where I walk, step only where I step - don’t touch anything. He said they were out about 2 hours and they may have gone 150 yards out and back. Said it was the single scariest thing he had ever done.

 

[ILLINOISLION]

Oh, I’ve heard about bullet ants. Read a funny story about a guy who voluntarily gets bitten and stung by stuff to come up with a pain meter for critters. He said the pain from a bullet ant is off the charts.



I had a buddy do a night jungle walk in Ecuador. The guide warned him sternly - walk only where I walk, step only where I step - don’t touch anything. He said they were out about 2 hours and they may have gone 150 yards out and back. Said it was the single scariest thing he had ever done.

There’s a series on television now about the pain meter guys. Haven’t seen it, just seen the previews for it, it’s absolutely insane.

If I catch it again, I’ll post the name & channel for you. (Probably National Geo!)

 

[brupsu]

Scorpions,braz wandering spiders and large jungle centipedes.Wandering spiders I guess they could show up anywhere and I think their bite is deadly.

 

[BoulderFish]

Going to Costa Rica soon and then plan to go to some other Central American countries in the near future. Not going to do any crazy stuff, but want to be comfortable on any excursions in the jungle.

What clothing and hiking gear (type of boots) came in handy? What would you have left behind?

I have a lot of gear for temperate hiking and hiking in hot, dry climates, but not hot, humid, very rainy, mosquitoey climates.

Cost not a huge consideration - I like splurging for gear and plan to do multiple trips

I've gone on a few easy to moderate hikes in the jungle of Costa Rica.

Some Solomon hiking boots or shoes.
Shorts are fine - just bring a lot of bug spray if you're one that attracts mosquitos.
Tech tee shirts and light rain jacket for up top.
Baseball cap.

Have fun!

 

[STPGopherfan]

Got leeches in Australia in the rainforest. You’re either hot as hell wearing pants, or you show some skin and you’re going to attract any number of things that will harm you. Hopefully you have a couple days to adjust to the heat and you can bear wearing pants.

I don't know about Australia, but i hiked around Tikal for like two to three days in 09' Besides mosquito "proof" clothing, Malaria pills would be a good idea. Not sure if they had "no see ums", but it felt like it.

In Guatemala (Tikal) they had night Jaguar hikes. Sounded kind of neat, but I didn't do it.



https://www.google.com/search?q=mos...mAhVabs0KHaBaAJkQsxh6BAgQECw&biw=1600&bih=757

 

[Mr. Potter]

Going to Costa Rica soon and then plan to go to some other Central American countries in the near future. Not going to do any crazy stuff, but want to be comfortable on any excursions in the jungle.

What clothing and hiking gear (type of boots) came in handy? What would you have left behind?

I have a lot of gear for temperate hiking and hiking in hot, dry climates, but not hot, humid, very rainy, mosquitoey climates.

Cost not a huge consideration - I like splurging for gear and plan to do multiple trips

OFF DeepWoods Repellant

 

[paulrandythomas]

I did one in college. I needed a road map and she needed a razor.

 

[Bobpsu]

Going to Costa Rica soon and then plan to go to some other Central American countries in the near future. Not going to do any crazy stuff, but want to be comfortable on any excursions in the jungle.

What clothing and hiking gear (type of boots) came in handy? What would you have left behind?

I have a lot of gear for temperate hiking and hiking in hot, dry climates, but not hot, humid, very rainy, mosquitoey climates.

Cost not a huge consideration - I like splurging for gear and plan to do multiple trips

Jungles SUCK!

 

[PSUQBKeeper]

 

[PSUQBKeeper]