28 days til Costa Rica

[NCPatrick]

Sounds like the trip of a lifetime! When you return could you please post a trip report with pictures, and also would you consider please revisiting your packing list to tell us which items were useful and which weren't (and which items you wish you had taken that you didn't, etc.?).

So the countdown to the trip has begun. You're going to have a blast.

[Ekul]

yes sir. Trying to get a backpacking stove in CR would be difficult and you can't travel with them on the plane.

Yuck. smokey tea just aint for me. Least you have your water filter.

Have a great time. /jealous

[hang um high]

Although mosquitos there are not truly epic, I'd still reconsider that lemon eucalyptus and go get some real bug spray.
The perceived (and not once proven) fear of the side effects from DEET is radically outweighed by the very real concern of mosquito borne illnesses.

DEET, or regret

+1 on that advice. I'd also add foot powder to your packing list. Foot fungus in the jungle is not to be trifled with.

Last year I spent a week in the rain forests of CR, 7 days and only 4 hours was without rain. Expect everything you carry to get wet.

Oh, and have a great trip, its a beautiful country.

[Irvingdog]

Your first howler monkey is gonna scare the crap out of you, and beware the thieving little koatamundi (sp?). Stole my camera last time.

[wickedwayz]

I have 3 dry bags, one being a compression dry bag. I also have two tarps and rain gear, I know how to stay dry.

As for the Repel Lemon Eucalyptus, I have read numerous reviews which all were positive except for the smell, which I like. I've used deet many times, and it never stopped no-see-ums for me. I remember in Texas I had the worst chigger bites and I soaked my clothes in permethrin and used deet bug lotion. My buddy went to the Congo last year and brought the repel and said it worked flawlessly.


I will definitely post pictures and write up a review.

[hang um high]

I have 3 dry bags, one being a compression dry bag. I also have two tarps and rain gear, I know how to stay dry.

As for the Repel Lemon Eucalyptus, I have read numerous reviews which all were positive except for the smell, which I like. I've used deet many times, and it never stopped no-see-ums for me. I remember in Texas I had the worst chigger bites and I soaked my clothes in permethrin and used deet bug lotion. My buddy went to the Congo last year and brought the repel and said it worked flawlessly.


I will definitely post pictures and write up a review.

Please let us know how your strategy for staying dry works in a rain forest at 100 percent humidity and constant precipitation. Rain gear won't keep you from sweating, tarps and dry sacks won't keep everything you own from getting damp from humidity.

In my real world experience, the only way to be dry under those conditions is to be elsewhere.

I wish you a wonderful trip. It sounds like it will be a broadening experience for you.

[Coffee]

Sounds like an awesome adventure. Mucking around in Australia now on motorcycles myself and your trip makes me jealous. Enjoy and your'll figure out the details later.