Main bag – You will need a rucksack, 50 litre minimum capacity. You need to be able to carry all of your luggage over rough ground to access the forest campsite.
Day bag/small rucksack – Needed for your field work for carrying water, paper, pens, binoculars, cameras etc.
Waterproof plastic/zip lock bags – These are very useful to keep the water out of your kit and clothes. You can line your rucksack with a bin/garbage bag and have smaller bags for clothes and items like your camera.
Sleeping sheet – It generally does not get below around 20 Celsius at night so a lightweight sleeping bag or sleeping sheet is fine.
Water bottle/platypus – A combination of leak-proof plastic bottles (total capacity 2 litres) is imperative. The ‘hydration systems’ on the market (Platypus, Camelback, Ortileb) have the advantage of packing flat when not in use.
Strong head torch – Night-time opportunistic walks require the strong headlamps. Please note that the small headlamp models are no good for spotlighting nocturnal wildlife such as snakes and amphibians, etc, but are excellent back-up torches. Don’t forget spare batteries!
Waterproof jacket – Rainfall is unpredictable in this part of the world, so a plastic poncho or lightweight rainjacket is invaluable.
Watch with alarm – It doesn’t have to be anything technical. A travel alarm clock will also do.
Biodegradable soap/shampoo – To minimise impact on the environment we ask all volunteers to bring ‘green’ detergents.
Insect repellant – DEET based repellents are fine. Many of our staff use Mosi-guard which can be bought from Amazon.
Sunblock – Factor 30, minimum, is recommended as the winter sun can still be very strong and you will potentially be outside in sunlight all day.
Talcum powder – This can help prevent and combat athletes foot/other fungal infections.
Sanitary pads/tampons – Please bring a supply even if you do not expect to use them.
Alcohol gel hand sanitiser – Useful to cleaning your hands before eating your packed lunch in the field.
Travel towel/sarong – Don’t bring a big thick towel as it won’t dry quickly enough.
Binoculars – These are really useful to help you spot the wildlife. 8 X 40 are the best to bring.
Camera – You will have lots of opportunities to take pictures but please bring a waterproof carrying case or zip lock bag for the camera.
Notebook and pencils – Try to keep a field diary of your activities and species seen.
Walking boots – Should be waterproof, quick drying, and comfortable.
Water shoes/sandals – You will need something on your feet for river surveys, river crossings that are sturdy and dry quickly. We recommend something like Teva Sandals.
Sandals/flip flops – 1 pair for walking around camp (flip flops are not suitable for crossing the rivers)
Lightweight long baggy trousers – 2 pairs
Shorts – 2 pairs
Fleece top – 1
T-shirts – 5. Don’t forget to buy your opwall t-shirt here!
Long sleeved shirt – 2
Swim suit/bikini/board shorts – 1
Socks – Enough for 1 week. Hiking socks worn over cotton socks can be better for long treks.
Underwear – Enough for 2 weeks.
Sunglasses – A good pair are helpful to protect your eyes from the glare reflected from the water.
Nightwear/Pyjamas – You will be in shared accommodation!
PADI Crew Pack: If you’re undertaking dive training on your expedition you will see that we have also added Dive Training Materials to your internal travel invoice (if on an RA or Dissertation program) or final balance invoice (if on a school program) – this is the pack needed by anyone learning to SCUBA dive with us. In the past we have asked students to buy these independently, which takes time and effort, and so we are now arranging this on your behalf. You will be emailed with electronic access to your dive training materials closer to your expedition start date.
Proof of dive qualification – If you are already a qualified diver, we will require proof of your dive qualifications on site. We do accept non-PADI qualifications, as long as it is equivalent to or more advanced than PADI Open Water.
All the equipment listed below is essential for diving projects. You can bring your own or hire onsite (with the the exception of a wetsuit). Hire costs will be included in your final invoice.
Buoyancy Control Device
Regulator
Fins
Mask and snorkel – We strongly recommend you bring your own. This will useful in the forest week for river surveys, as well as at the marine site.
Wetsuit – We strongly recommend that you bring a wetsuit. On most days you may not need it, but on some days it can be cold, and you will be much more comfortable if you have a wetsuit. We recommend a 2-3mm thickness shortie, or full length if you are prone to the cold.
Rash vest – A good alternative to a wetsuit if it is warm, or can be worn under a wetsuit when it is cold.
Dive watch/computer or waterproof watch – A timing device is a requirement under PADI regulations for qualified divers. However you will always be with Divemasters who are timing the dives. You can buy a simple Casio W800 watch waterproof to 100m (not that you will be going any deeper than 18 metres – however they are more reliable) for approximately £15 on Amazon.
Although every expedition will have its own medical supplies, and medical teams on site, you MUST carry your own personal medical kit
Antihistamine tablets
Antihistamine/hydrocortisone cream
Paracetamol
Ibuprofen
Rehydration salts
Plasters/band aids
Alcohol wipes
Sea/travel sickness tablets
Prescribed medications
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