Going to visit the amazon during South America trip, what are the essentials?

[JacknDiane]

Trying to cram everything into a backpackers backpack!
What is essential and what can I leave out?

A head net. It feels slightly odd at first if you've never used one before but you soon get used to it and appreciate not having insects in your face/hair. Just wear it over a sunhat and the peak of the hat will keep the mesh from touching your face.

They're tiny when not in use and fit in a pocket. Also hardly weigh anything.

Example:
https://www.mountainwarehouse.com/p/024238/mw/anti-mosquito-head-net/Black

I absolutely bloody hated the Amazon… but I’m still glad I did it. Never again though. I had 100% DEET to put on my skin. Perhaps the rules have changed since then 🤣.
Good advice from pp.
I’d also have a pair of flip flops for around the camp/lodge in evenings.
And definitely anti sickness and anti diarrhoea meds.

@BlueShed, was flips flops ok with all the bugs around, didn't you get eaten alive?

Long socks as you may need to wear lodge provided wellies

Oh and a waterproof poncho is more use than a short coat.

The only thing with Nosilife is it kills the innocent bugs also 😢

What the fact it’s in the material?

Absolutely no to flip flops. Any mozzues around and they will eat your feet! Socks and shoes at all times. Keep covered.

I cannot emphasise enough, DO NOT TAKE JEANS

Well I was doused in DEET, and I was fine! I might have kept socks on inside flips flops. But I sure as hell wasn’t pulling boots on to rush to the loo a hundred million times (I got vv ill, hence the meds reco).

I think it's more a case of not wearing the clothing where there aren't dangerous bugs e.g in the UK

You don’t need boots! Socks and sliders are fine but I would not be sitting around with exposed feet! Keeping covered really is not onerous. Even my dc managed it!

Thanks all again

Can I ask, the repel 100 spray for clothing, shoes etc...should they spray everything with this before going to the amazon or even before leaving the UK?

Is sports socks ok?

@JacknDiane Absolutely. Not short trainer socks though. We were pleasantly surprised at how we didn’t get bitten! Just avoid gaps! No skin showing on ankles or arms. Spray as required though.

I’m going to have to fish out my photos (easy because they were on 35mm film and therefore printed off!), because I have zero recollection of this no skin showing thing. I’m sure we were all just in shorts and t shirts. It’s so so humid, I can’t imagine wearing more.

@BlueShed If there are NO biting insects at any time, of course wear shorts and vests! If you know there are mozzies and the rooms have mozzie nets, take the precaution of not having much flesh on show. If a mozzie never bites you, great. They bite me and not DH. I know to cover up and it’s no big deal in the evening. Don’t get bitten in the day as a rule. You just dress according to need.

Hi we are due to go on a trip to the Amazon in 4 weeks and in terms of light weight suitable clothing- Vinted has been our friend! I’ve picked up some excellent bargains with well known outdoor brands like Rohan, Craghoppers, Peter Storm and Mountain Warehouse. Because we also have Puerto Rico in our itinerary I’ve bought trousers with the zip off shorts option to use there. We were also advised by friends who have done similar to keep clothing as light coloured as possible as mozzies like black!
Have bought a spray on insect repellent for clothing but that’s been recommended to use only 24hrs before we wear the clothes.

Vinted sounds ideal @user1471557598.
So going by this thread, its lightweight long trousers and long sleeved tops, spray to spray on clothes 24 hours before wearing them, spray for the face and body, long socks and hiking boots. And a lightweight rain jacket.

And a hat!

I still think you needs shorts and a t shirt for the day time because it’s so bloody humid and a pair of sliders for when in camp/lodge, even if you keep socks on. I am prepared to die on this hill!

I think a head net would be better than putting chemicals on your face tbh.

Vaccinations.

Maker sure your young person has done a travel consultation.

@JacknDianeWe went with dc and none of us had heavy duty hiking boots. Just not needed unless you are going through mud. We took stout walking boots but I do agree with covering up. Take shorts and t shirts if it’s insect free. Never sprayed any clothing. There is insect repellent safe for faces. Nets are absolutely awful. You simply won’t need one.

I just wore hiking trainers and was fine. I used the strong DEET though (roll on is better as strong DEET is bad for plastics and spray is more likely to go wrong). From memory tucked my trousers into my socks.

A long piece of string can be useful, as you can string it up to give you a drying / airing line for wet / sweaty clothes. I also took a small tube of concentrated handwash so I could quickly wash things if needed. You can normally find someone you can pay to do washing for you but e.g. if you are about to move on having the ability to do it yourself overnight is helpful.