Folks, several people have asked me what specific and specialized gear for the rainforest experience ..

Many many reports will tell of all the millions of biting insects and to be honest there are not really that many – the forrest is a delightful experience and an incredible environment…

Based on the fact that I have been in the forrest a lot , but on non hunting trips and my last hunt with Northern Operations was my first (of many ☺ ) hunts , heres what I wont leave home without – for either me or my clients ..

Waterproof shoes – it rains a lot – hey it’s the rainforest but what that means is that you are pushing through wet vegetation for long periods and your shoes get soaked.

It was particularly dry for us and so more red ants than usual – for th0ose of you who have hunted Tanzania and encountered “siafu” you will know what I mean they run up your trouserleg pretty fast and welcome to the club of the “red ant two step” which involves hilarious gyrations , may include fully disrobing in the forrest gloom (to the great amusement of the pygmies) but always results in some sore bites --- for this bring socks long enough that you can tuck your trousers into them , and then longer gaiters that cover mid shin to foot.

Its pretty hot on the forrest floor while tracking and you will sweat profusely , good rehydration mix is important…while the trackers will most certainly have water for you , you may consider a small camelbak .

While in the open there were a lot of mopane flies , some folks call them sweat bees – a headnet is a very useful little piece of gear – these guys don’t bite but fly into your eyes nose and ears and are simply downright annoying !

There are several vines that have small thorns on them , you will most definitely brush against these and they can scratch up your arms pretty well , long sleeved shirts help with this – I also had a tube of Neosporin that I rubbed on my arms each night – no infections or any scratched that did not heal.

Glasses , If you wear glasses get some “spit” from a divestore , its less than $10 and intended to stop goggles fogging –

Lots of cleaning oil for your rifle – it will get wet .

Mentally be prepared to get rained on , its warm rain, you wont be cold and if you are walking when it starts raining it will be a welcome cooler!

Overall the best advice I can think of is just think what a unique and wonderful environment you are hunting in , yes its different , yes its hot and humid , yes some things will scratch you and you may get tired of bending over, pushing and ducking under thick bush but that’s simply the esscence of forrest hunting and if you set out to love the experience with just the few things mentioned above you will have a spectacular time.


feel free to add to this list , thats the beauty of AR - so much great first hand knowledge out there that we can all learn from !

Thanks for the tips Ivan, now don't get that nice refurbished Heym 450 all messed up in that environment!

I hunt a lot in southeast Georgia swamps, a bit different but similar in many respects. My top items are:
A compass on some cord around your neck. In some of these areas a GPS will not get thru the canopy nor will sunlight for that matter.
Snake boots, mine are waterproof, light and not hot, plus they zip up the side and are very comfortable. They handle thorns and brush very well and you don't have to spend most of your time watching your step.
Bug juice, long sleeves and a head net, as Ivan mentioned, on one trip I counted six different types of mosquitoes on my arm at once.
I always have a fire starter and TP with me, the TP is great for marking a blood trail if not needed for it's designed purpose and is biodegradable. In some of these places if an animal goes 10 yards it is out of sight.
At their best some of these places are beautiful, on a rotten day they can be hell, best to plan for the worst.
Best.

I have the same minimal experience. I would only disagree as to "waterproof" shoes. High humidity, rain, wet forest, crossing various creeks and mud holes of unknown depth, and its hot. Your feet will be wet, accept it. I recommend over the ankle boots that will function wet (they must drain) and will be easy to clean and get fairly dry during their day off. Forget bringing leather anything, and bring 2 pair plus camp shoes, and switch off every other day. I used 2 pair of Palladiums. DO NOT forget your favorite foot rot treatment. Put it on morning and evening.

Anything that needs a satellite uplink will NOT work in triple canopy jungle. That includes Satellite phones and GPS. As stated above, learn to use a compass and keep it around your neck on a long leather bootlace, tucked into your shirt - never take it off your neck. You may or may not get a satellite link in a clearing (most likely not) but a clearing on high ground may work best.

Footwear? I've worn G.I. jungle boots and salt flats fishing boots. The SEALs/Foreign Legion boots would work also; you want footwear that protects your feet from roots and stuff but will drain water and dry. I prefer to use USMC blousing garters to seal my pant tops down over my boots, to help keep critters out and waterproof knee high gaiters may work really well for you.

Body powder - keep it in a zip-lock bag and bring a few extras for a spare pair of dry socks, etc. And a tube of Body Glide will help with clothing rashes.