Need gear suggestions for Peru/The Amazon Jungle

didn't see it mentioned, but even though your in the middle of a rain forest- dehydration is a very real concern- a small hydration pack would probably be pretty handy, for treatment I know that much of the water in Peru has a lot of sediment that can quickly overwhelm a filter- if your going the filter route, consider a pre-filter (bandana would do)

also mentioned above, but probably bears repeating- getting a fire going (and staying!) can be rather challenging- easy lighting, long burning tinder is essential (PJCB's, Wetfire, ranger bands once lit are habdy for getting a fire going in the wet)

I'm going to do this trip someday in the not too distant future so please be sure to take a lot of pics
 
I would take a camera (preferably waterproof) that is reliable that uses regular batteries. Batteries are pretty easy to come by down there in the villages. Definitely take some good zip locks, gallon and quart size for your use. I might even pick up a box of those oversized ziplocks (4-gallon, I believe) and stash a couple in my luggage. You can't buy a lot of stuff you are used to down there (or that is how it used to be) but it is suprising just what you can buy. I relied heavily on a SAK in my pocket. "Lost it" in one of my hotel rooms and spent most of an entire day trying to replace it. Most of the soda is bottled versus canned.
 
Could I get a suggestion of a reliable lighter for these conditions? I've never bought a lighter. I've always used flint and steel so I don't know what to even look for.
 
averageiowaguy said:
Could I get a suggestion of a reliable lighter for these conditions? I've never bought a lighter. I've always used flint and steel so I don't know what to even look for.
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The Primus Power Lighter looks pretty decent .. that said I usually carry a BIC

[video=youtube;6tHTuKeB1l8]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6tHTuKeB1l8&feature=related[/video]
 
I'm wondering if the insect repellent would just be a moot point. Its the middle of the rainy season down there and I wonder if it would just get washed off. I've got a mosquito net for my face and one for sleeping at night. I guess I'll bring some down, but after a lifetime of experience with even the best bug repellents, I question the effectiveness.
 
One other thought. The thing that almost drove me mad were the flies. They didn't bite, but they would land on you, ESPECIALLY my head (bald). A dew rag nearly saved my sanity.

Doc
 
I think you'll still want it :) try Ultrathon, it's a lotion and it was formulated to resist rain and sweat
 
averageiowaguy said:
I'm wondering if the insect repellent would just be a moot point. Its the middle of the rainy season down there and I wonder if it would just get washed off. I've got a mosquito net for my face and one for sleeping at night. I guess I'll bring some down, but after a lifetime of experience with even the best bug repellents, I question the effectiveness.
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It rained in Nam. Deet worked. Just have to reapply. Like sunscreen.
 
mtngoat said:
I would take a video camera, the guys at ESEE are good people. I am going to take that class one day
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Those are the boots to get for sure.

My favorite machetes are the Ontarios after you put a good edge on it.
 
Thanks for the suggestions. I'll bring some DEET. Like I said, this is a totally new environment for me and I am open to suggestions.

In other news, I got my ESEE 3 in the mail today. I'm amazed. It is exactly what I would have requested if I had commissioned a purpose made custom knife. The blade is thin enough that I could probably fillet a fish, but thick enough that it looks like it will do most anything I would realistically need it to. The handle has a slip reducing texture. It has an ergonomic design, at least for my hands. I'd maybe make the scales a little thicker but it feels plenty robust. The jimping on the blade is functional.

The coolest thing is that the sheath is reversible for left hand carry, and has tons of different carry options built in. It has a velcro retention strap for the blade and a little cover that will further secure the handle and cover up the pommel so that it doesn't gouge me if I were to fall on it. I do have 1 question.

What is the little lanyard thing at the bottom of the sheath for? Am I missing something? I don't really have any other knives with tactical sheaths like this. I suppose this is a stupid question but its an honest one.
ESEE-3PM-DT_ESEE_ESEE-3_RC-3_DT_Rounded_Pommel.jpg


Is the lanyard thing supposed to be functional, decorative or just a place holder for something else?
 
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Didn't your knife come with instructions? Mine came with a little sheet of paper that explained what the cord was for but I can't remember what it was.
Chad
 
Looking at the sheet of paper that came with the knife, it is more or less decorative in its current location. It can be used as a lanyard for the knife or as a way to lash the sheath to a belt. When I first saw the paracord on the tip of the sheath it brought to mind the tie downs that gunslingers used to use on their holsters. Too small by a longshot to go around my leg though LOL.

My Altama boots came today. I have a 10.5 running shoe size so I ordered a 10 in the boot. Seems to fit perfectly. I replaced the stock laces with some paracord. Now begins the break in period. I'll be wearing them at all times until the trip. Good features: protected drainage holes, panama sole, fully gussetted tongue and a strap for ankle support.
 
averageiowaguy said:
My Altama boots came today. I have a 10.5 running shoe size so I ordered a 10 in the boot. Seems to fit perfectly. I replaced the stock laces with some paracord. Now begins the break in period. I'll be wearing them at all times until the trip. Good features: protected drainage holes, panama sole, fully gussetted tongue and a strap for ankle support.
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A technique we used was to wear the boots in the shower (use a towel on the tub floor so you don't mark it up); get them good and soaked. Wear the boots for as long as you can, the wet leather will stretch out a bit and form to your feet.

ROCK6
 
ROCK6 said:
A technique we used was to wear the boots in the shower (use a towel on the tub floor so you don't mark it up); get them good and soaked. Wear the boots for as long as you can, the wet leather will stretch out a bit and form to your feet.

ROCK6
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Doing that tonight after a little supper.
 
Also arriving by mail today - Marathon Navigator Quartz Watch. OMG. That is all. Review incoming after jungle test. Also boot, knife and other gear reviews incoming after real world jungle tests.
 
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