What to wear in the jungle ??!!

[Plentyof]

Ok, not sure whether this is better here or in the holiday section.
I’m off to South America shortly and will be doing various stints in the jungle. It will obviously be hot and humid and wet and buggy.
I’m reading conflicting opinions online about whether cotton or synthetics are better.
Some folk say thicker cotton as it stops the bugs biting through and won’t smell when sweating. But difficult to dry when wet due to humidity.
Others say to go with technical/sport wear which is breathable and will dry quicker but then it also stinks when sweaty and not bite-proof.
Anyone experienced in this sort of environment give me an idea of what is best to go for?
Will be long sleeves and cargo-pant kind of trousers, probably with zip off legs. I’m limited to a backpack so can only take a few changes of clothes.

These sound like you want, not the most stunning but they seem technically right. Remember synthetic fabric dried quicker than cotton.

I went with technical/ sports wear type leggings or trousers and vest with a thin linen or cotton shirt over the top. Plus a cap. And gallons of DEET containing Mozzie spray re- applied regularly.

Omg the humidity- I'm having flashbacks 😁

Technical stuff, hands down, cotton just didn't dry when we were there. The humidity is insane. But deet and suncream mean that you can't be precious about it either, so I wouldn't spend £££.

Happy travels!

Bumping as I'm doing a similar holiday but in Central America... When you say technical stuff do you mean gym leggings? Would appreciate some links. Good point about DEET ruining everything.

Craghoppers do insect repellent clothing, trekking wear, zip off trousers.

I’ve been told to avoid anything close fitting as the bugs will bite through easily so not leggings. But synthetic thin clothes, Mountain Warehouse do a range, Rohan, Craghoppers. Will you be going somewhere buggy? I’m heading straight into mosquito country so not getting bitten is a priority (as well as the heat and humidity).
i think I’m going with several tank tops, a couple swim crop tops, worn with a loose fitting cotton long sleeved shirt over the top that I can strip off easily. A couple zip off trousers in khaki/green. And a big fetching waterproof brim hat with a toggle strap.

You can get mozzie-proof clothing. I think Craghoppers might make it.
I had some but it was about 20 years ago.

Shop All Products | Craghoppers UK
Nosilife

I wore synthetic cargo trousers/shorts and tops in the rainforest. Definitely not cotton. Don't plan on re-wearing something without washing it first, so if you're travelling light it needs to be material that will dry quickly. That said, it's very humid so probably won't dry brilliantly.

Things like this:
Mountain Warehouse zip-off trousers
Quick-dry long-sleeved top

I wore short sleeves and was fine in Costa Rica. I used Incognito shampoo and spray, plus the anti-insect stickers. I had no bites at all and usually get bitten a lot.

@Plentyof Interesting, I'd have thought tight-fitting was better so I could easily tuck them into my socks. We're going to Costa Rican rainforests so yes, relatively buggy I expect.

@RealHousewivesOfTaunton Very useful, thanks! Those trousers are not too hideous, I'll get a pair. I also saw these linked on the flattering walking trouser thread - they say they're specially constructed to avoid bites. Did you find normal trousers were okay? I was looking at something like this as I like the Acai trousers.

Yes the Acai trousers would be fine. All I'd say is get some waterproof shoes because it got muddy in places. I went with trainers and got wet feet every day.

Thanks @RealHousewivesOfTaunton , I already have some decent Adidas waterproof trainers. Problem is they can be sweaty in the heat so you probably can't win. What time of year were you there? We're not going till November so it should be towards the end of the wet season.

We were there late July to early August, starting in Rincon de la Vieja, then working our way across to Tortuguero. We had 2 days where it absolutely poured down for a few hours but it was otherwise bright and sunny.

Technical full length trousers tucked into socks, long sleeves with cuffs to stop the little critters getting up the arms, deet insect spray in industrial quantities

Have an amazing time, it's on my bucket list, well South America though I'll skip the jungle bit and straight to Patagonia

Definitely Sweaty Betty explorer shorts. Take quick drying materials.

You can but this kills insects on impact, not just the mozzies.

In the Brazilian wetlands I went with baggy synthetic cargo trousers. They are light and comfortable to wear, and also easy to wash & dry.

I also drowned myself in high-octane insect repellent.

Thanks everyone, seems the high-tech material is winning over traditional cotton.

I got badly bitten through gym leggings in Costa Rica, so I would avoid anything tight. In the past I only sprayed bare skin with bug spray but several people advised us to spray all over our clothes as well when going into buggy areas.