Jungle Kit List

Here is a suggested Kit List. Most is essential for a comfortable trip. Some additional notes are below regarding the starred items.

Equipment Books (kindle is effective) Hammock* Gardening gloves (big thorns in jungle) Thin sleeping bag/ sleeping bag liner* Water bottles- min 2L volume in total Thermarest* Mess tin Wash kit Plate Quick drying travel towel Cup (metal one) Travel pillow- for plane & hammock Spork Waterproof stuff sacks for clothes Tarpaulin for shelter* Clothes Knife* Gaffa tape Socks Paracord approx. 3m Shoes* Bandana/ buff T shirts (Exile will provide x2) Thin waterproof jacket and trousers Long sleeve t shirts Insect repellent 50% DEET Jumper x 1 Camera (batteries/ memory/ Shorts waterproof case) Long trousers x2 (one into shorts is Suncream handy) Aftersun Swimming stuff Watch Sun hat Spare torch Sunglasses Headtorch (suggest Petzl Tikka) Shoes* Notebook Permanent marker Medical Whistle iPod & headphones Stethoscope Wetwipes Pen torch Earplugs Anti malarials* Personal medical kit – compeed, cotton buds, simple analgesia, hand anti-bac gel, dioralyte,

Food In the forest, there is no reliable means of keeping food cool. Cooking facilities are limited to boiling food up in hot water, or adding hot water to dehydrated meals. No cooking pots are provided in which to cook, though mess tins work well. Expedition meals, such as Wayfarer are convenient and tasty. Otherwise head over to the exile medics website to place an order for some (personal recommendations include the curry and porridge with maple syrup….)

For breakfast, some eat porridge type stuff, many of us just have cereal bars. Lunch is whatever you can find. Every one is different, and has different food requirements in terms of volume and taste so its largely down to you. For information, many Exiles take at a minimum:

Peanuts Ritz crackers Salami- for the salt Cake bars- about 15 of them Cereal bars- about 30 of them Squash concentrate, coffee sachets Cup -a- soups etc (water gets dull after a while) Camp meals- 10 of them

Additional Notes

Hammock- A Hennessey hammock provides the ideal jungle shelter (though other hammocks are available). They have inbuilt mosquito nets and are easy to get in and out of. They are very straightforward to put up in the dark rain, and are very robust.

Sleeping bag/ liner- It is very hot in the forest, but it does get uncomfortably cold at night. Taking a jumper and sleeping bag to bed is recommended. Exile Medics suggests a 3+ season sleeping bag for mountain jungle, thinner if in river basins or secondary forest. Beware that if you sleep on a boat or by the river, there is usually a breeze that chills even more.

Thermarest – Not essential but excellent for insulation in a hammock. There is a chance of camping occasionally and a thermarest is much more comfy than a rollmat. ¾ length one would do.

Tarpaulin- Tarpaulins are used as a sun shelter at your checkpoint and when treating patients. A cheap green or brown tarpaulin is recommended (the blue ones are harder to see injuries when working under). A medium size (approx. 6x12ft) will allow it to be both groundsheet and roof.

Knife- Please only bring a small penknife type knife, unless you are specifically trained in using machetes etc. You won't need a bigger one, and they are potential source of unforgiveable serious injury.

Anti-malarials: Malarone comes highly recommended. Doxycycline is acceptable but beware of the prolonged course required. Please consult a travel specialist or GP for advice.

Shoes- In the jungle, one must never go barefoot. There are countless animals and plants which can cause significant injury. You should therefore take as a minimum some trainers/trail shoes and sandals. Many people take boots which will protect against sharp plants and animal bites, especially snakes. Jungle boots will dry more quickly in the forest. Bear in mind some days you may have to hike the odd 10km so be comfy in your boots!