Paddling the Amazon – What to Bring on the Ultimate Amazon Adventure
There is no greater adventure than paddling the Amazon. If you’ve decided to take on the Amazon Canoe Challenge, or signed up to one of our small group expeditions by canoe, you can find everything you need to bring in our Amazon Packing List.
Keep in mind that this packing list is aimed at our range of expeditions – If you are signed up for the Amazon Canoe Challenge, please refer to your specific equipment list as some inclusions may differ.
Camping Equipment
Keeping it light is key – The Amazon is a harsh environment and you don’t want to be dragging around loads of unnecessary gear with you.
For our standard expeditions, we provide:
- Individual tent
- Sleeping mat
- You will need to bring your own personal sleeping bag
If you’re taking on the Amazon Canoe Challenge, you will need to bring your own camping ,cooking equipment and food supplies as you will be self-sufficient along the route.
Safety Equipment
Safety is a must when exploring a remote environment like the Peruvian Amazon by river. We provide the following safety equipment for our expeditions.
- Buoyancy Aid
- Throw Rope
- LED Flare
- Satellite Trackers
- 24/7 HQ to track your progress
- Comprehensive first aid kit
Personal Equipment
Everyone has different preferences for what gear they like to bring with them – We’ve put together the below list as a guideline for what to bring when exploring the Amazon.
Clothing
Avoid cotton clothing if you are planning on being in an environment where you think you might get wet. The Amazon is a humid environment and you might experience heavy rain depending on the season you visit. Or you might just take an unexpected dunk from your canoe. Either way, make sure to bring synthetic light-weight clothing that dries quickly.
Mosquitos and the infamous ‘manta blanca’ are ever present and although our checkpoints are designed to keep you as far away as possible from them, it’s a reality of travel in the Amazon. Covering as much as you can keeps you safe(r) from all things that bite.
Climate change is making weather in the Amazon more unpredictable, with changes to the traditional wet & dry seasons. It’s also becoming more common for cold spells which can reach as low as 10C at night.
- Long sleeved shirt
- Long Trousers
- Rain Jacket (100% waterproof)
- Spare set of dry clothes
- Socks (high ankled)
- Quick-dry underwear
- Sports gloves for paddling
- Lightweight thermals for sleeping
- Wide brimmed hat (Even better if it has mosquito netting)
- Bandana or Buff
- Swimsuit
Toiletries
- Sunscreen
- Bug Spray (We usually go for DEET expedition strength spray)
- Biodegradable soaps
- Lip Balm
- Biodegradable wet wipes
- Quick-dry small towel
- Small shovel
- Hand Sanitizer
- Personal Toiletries
Footwear
- Closed-Toed shoes (water-resistant & sturdy)
- Sandals or other set of dry footwear
Food & Drink
Finding supplies in a remote location can be tricky. We provide food and water for the duration of your expedition so you can focus on the paddling. The exact menu depends on season and availability as we source our supplies from the communities as much as possible – A typical meal usually consists of meat + rice + fruit. We can cater for vegan / vegetarian diets if we know in advance.
As we are travelling in a remote location, we ask participants to bring the following in the case of emergency:
- Water purification system or tablets
- Emergency food supply for 24 hours
Electronics
Electronics and humidity aren’t a great mix. Keep that in mind if you’re planning on bringing expensive camera gear with you. Keep your gear in dry bags and remember that charging opportunities may be limited.
- Camera or smartphone
- 20,000MAh Power Bank(s)
- Dry bags for electronics
- Spare cables
- Solar Panel or other charging solutions
Misc
- Head torch
- Multi tool
- Personal First Aid Kit (Including hydrocortisone cream for bites)
- Dry bags for gear
- Waterproof backpack for kit
- Personal Medication
- Passport
Additional Notes
Depending on your expedition or challenge, your packing requirements may slightly differ from those above. Don’t fret – We send you a comprehensive list of gear to bring specific to your trip.
If you’re thinking of visiting the Amazon in Peru, there is no better way than by traditional canoe. Apply now for the Amazon Canoe Challenge or explore our latest expeditions to find out more.
What else would you add to your Amazon Packing List? Let us know in the comments below. See you there!
