Must bring:​

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Hydration pack

• It is hot and humid. Need electrolytes.

• Bladders - We loved our bladders as our main water source for the high volume and easy access. Used small water bottles for electrolytes.

Feet

• Need the right socks. Someone recommend “Wright” socks

• Vaseline to reduce friction and hopefully prevent blisters

• Blisters- second skin or mole skin wrapped with tape. Bring lots as you may need to replace every day

• Tape - to ensure the “skin” stays in place

• Antibiotic cream to put on blisters if they pop to prevent infection

• We hiked in trail running shoes and they worked great. On day three they got soaked, but just damp by the next day

• We brought river shoes but I’d probably bring a second pair of trail running shoes or a pair of light hiking boots instead to switch off

• Comfortable light sandals or similar to wear night & morning. Feels great at the end of the day to switch to these shoes from our hiking shoes

Other

• Hiking poles particularly good for hiking in the mud and slippery hills.

• Sleeping sacks - very helpful, as some places had rough or no sheet, and never needed more than the blanket provided.

• Bug spray - needed to apply evenings and mornings.

• Head light to get to and from dinner or toilet.

• Either a waterproof day pack or a waterproof cover for the day pack

• Pancho or rain coat that has vents so you don’t overheat when wearing

• Comfy light long pants and shirt for lounging after hiking (extra layers).

• Warm clothes starting day 7 - day 11 - light down jacket for the night looked comfy.

• Dry wick clothes a must, as everything felt moist all the time and didn’t dry well in the humidity

• Sunscreen

• Sunglasses

• Light camp towel for showers at the tents

• Cash (US or CR) widely accepted. Not everyone takes credit cards.

Medicine

• Benadryl for allergic reaction to bites

• hydrocortisone cream

• Ibuprofen for inflammation

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Nice to have

• Game to play with others at night before or after dinner

• Snacks - sometimes you don’t eat lunch until you finish for the day

• Attachable mesh laundry bag

• Ear plugs for the roosters, barking dogs, birds and cars

• Waterproof luggage as it is transported in an open pickup truck

• Plastic bag to sit on for breaks

• Binoculars - lots of birding opportunities. Our birders saw 150+ unique species.

• Plastic zip lock bags for clothes. Didn’t retain humidity

• Dry case for phone or camera

• Knee brace in case you run into knee pain from the downhills

• Umbrella - rain and sun protection