If your planning an awesome adventure into the unknown (and really who isn’t?) and you’re thinking you’ll end up in the jungle, there are a few things to be prepared for. The first is a lot of rain, the second is very high humidity, and a lot of trekking rounds out the list.
So here are my 3 must have items to survive the jungle:
1. Good Walking Shoes
If like me you’re a person who lives in their thongs or sandals and completely balks at the idea of wearing decent hiking shoes, you may actually still be okay in the jungle. If you go on a jungle trek as part of an organised tour there is a very good possibility you will be provided with gumboots. These are fantastic if you can get them as they have a huge amount of tread on the bottom which is perfect for squelching through jungle mud.
However if you aren’t fortunate enough to be provided with boots and you don’t have any decent walking shoes, you might just be out of luck. Walking through the jungle is a unique experience and a decent pair of walking shoes will absolutely make the experience better, as well as be very useful in many parts of your other travels. As a recent convert to high quality outdoor shoes I have to say that now I’ve bought them, they’re so comfortable and handy that I won’t be giving them up.
2. Insect Repellent
The jungle is humid and filled with life – insect life. Bugs are everywhere and whether you are relaxing in a hammock or trekking a new path, you will need some good insect repellent. In South America the go-to product is Detan. I’ve been told it’s very high in chemicals, so you should probably avoid getting it in your mouth, but it works. It’s cheap, available everywhere and keeps the bugs away completely.
3. Machete Wielding Guide
If your headed into the jungle don’t go by yourself. Just don’t. You can walk down an untrodden path and be completely lost in seconds. Go with a guide that knows what they’re doing. Most likely he will be wielding a machete to cut back the plant life and make everyone’s path easier. The guide will also be an encyclopedia on plant and animal life in the area, making your jungle adventure all the more educational.
Do you recommend hiking boots/shoes for SE Asia? I’ve been told a good set of hiking sandals (Teva, etc.) will suffice due to the heat, but would love your opinion.
I went through SE Asia in my cheap sandals without too many problems, however now that I’m the owner of some proper walking shoes I would recommend something a little sturdier than thongs, especially for climbing temples etc. The heat can definitely be intense especially through Thailand and Cambodia so investing in some quality walking sandals that allow your feet to breathe would be a great idea. I’ve been told by others that Teva are a good brand but have never owned any myself so can’t speak from experience.
Good luck!