We have revised the pre-departure list for jungle routes a dozen times, and each revision made it shorter. Now only seven items remain.
One. Two sets of quick-dry long sleeves. Cotton is a sponge in the rainforest; quick-dry fabric is the skin’s only ally. Keep the colours muted: khaki, olive green — the jungle does not welcome the flashy.
Two. High-topped waterproof boots, and two pairs of thick socks. Your feet are the most expensive equipment on this trip; do not economise on them.
Three. A raincoat, not an umbrella. An umbrella is a joke in the rainforest: one hand is forever occupied, and you need both.
Four. A headlamp, not a torch. The same reason. Walking at night, the freed hand is for steadying yourself against a tree — remember to look before you touch.
Five. Insect repellent, the deep-woods kind, and long-lasting sun cream. Lay them in at the rate you get through toothpaste.
Six. Dry bags, the large holding the small. The rainforest’s humidity seeps through every zip; passport and camera need an ark of their own.
Seven. A frame of mind that can accept ‘no signal.’ This one adds no weight, and is the hardest to pack.
As for binoculars, snakebite kits, machetes — the camp has better binoculars, the middle one is a film prop, and the last, please, leave forever to the guide.
The jungle’s philosophy of luggage, in one line: you are not there to conquer it, but to be its guest. And a guest travels light.