The Amazon 5000 pre-trip thread: 1 month surviving in the Amazon

Joezilla

Joezilla

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Hey guys,
first off : WOO HOOO I SURPASSED MY FUND RAISING GOAL. That means I'm going on the Amazon 5000. You can read more about it down below.

I'm planning my trip, and will be putting and submitting ideas for gear here.
I'll be doing 15-20 miles a day in the clear brush (not the dense jungle parts) so I'll be trying to be as light as possible

I'm trying to get a hammock combination that will still allow me to sleep on the ground, with a mosquito net. I'm working right now with a Box style, with velcro, so I can put the hammock leads through each end or use it as a stand alone. I learned from Esee's trip that I did, that I hate pyramid shelters and am going full box. Thats my quigly right now. I'm probably going to go with cumen fiber for the top tarp, and use my emergency blanket (the red ripstop kind) as a ground cloth. Thoughts?

Also, if anyone has any ultra light gear they would be kind enough to let me borrow, let me know.

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So right now my pack of choice is the Arc-teryx arrakis 50. I know I say I am trying ultralight, but there are specifications (such as a waterproof pack) that I can't ignore. I'll be playing the delicate balance of ultralight/month long trip/ gear head. thats hard!
I like it because it has a good suspension system, and allows for outside storage for machete

http://www.rei.com/product/786835/arcteryx-arrakis-50-pack
 
Good luck Joe,
My humble advise, keep a close eye on your feet and overall body hygiene, as you will sweet like a pig and it is very different to do so for a week than for a month and very seldom your clothes will dry after getting wet or washing them.
Also keep hydrated and be careful with the sun, in this latitudes in could make you very miserable, even if you think you are use to it.
Be safe and enjoy, this seems like a once in a lifetime experience.
 
Indeed, feet are a big issue.
I've purchased this book which is THE DEFINITIVE GUIDE FOR BLISTERS. I recommend it to any person who is on their feet.

http://www.amazon.com/Fixing-Your-Feet-Prevention-Treatments/dp/0899976387

I've adapted some skills from it, and have been treating my feet with tuf-foot for humans the month or so before. I like the stuff, it doesn't over callous the foot:
http://www.tuffoot.com/about/humans.htm


in addition, as a foot lubricant, instead of using vaseline, I've decided to try gurney goo. It has some properties that help prevent jungle rot.
http://www.gurneygears.com/gear/gurney_goo/


all of these I've learned, from that one awesome book.
 
Trip sounds great...and challenging. I assume you'll see a physician for immunizations and anti-malarial meds. Pack along a few emergency meds (especially for diarrhea) as well as a small aid kit.

What are you doing for water?
 
Good luck Joe, sounds like the adventure of a lifetime.

p.s. a little gold bond medicated powder helps a great deal with the 'prickly heat' and sweaty balls syndrome....
 
have you looked at the DD traveler hammock?
designed to use as a bivy or hammock.
waterproof double layer bottom, so no need for a ground sheet, side zippers for the bug net, etc...
 
Joezilla said:
I'm probably going to go with cumen fiber for the top tarp, and use my emergency blanket (the red ripstop kind) as a ground cloth. Thoughts?
Click to expand...
5-7oz tarp with a 12oz ground cloth seems a bit lopsided. A cuben ground cloth would knock half a pound off right there, though it costs about 8x as much as that emergency blanket. Silnylon would split the weight difference on the lower end of cost.

Do you really need a waterproof pack? A waterproof pack liner isn't going to see much wear since it's inside the pack, and lightweight packs dry quickly. You might be able to knock a couple of pounds off, and have more options.
How often are you going to be resupplying, and can you switch gear for the denser jungle, or are you stuck with the same stuff the whole way through?
And what would you be resupplying? Food, fuel of some sort, etc?
I know people are going to be thinking durability for the jungle, but your gear doesn't have to last a lifetime, it just has to survive a month. I'd be looking at typical lightweight/ultralight backpacking gear, since your outerwear, and maybe the packbag are the only things that should see a lot of wear.
Do you have a gear list-or a guide to what kind of gear you'll need that could help with suggestions? If you're knocking out a lot of back-to-back 20 mile days, you're not going to want to spend a lot of time screwing around camp, so I guess this is more of a backpacking trip than "surviving".
 
15-20 miles a day does sound like a lot in that climate. IMO, at that kind of mileage, it becomes more of an endurance trip. No doubt you thought of this but I would bring lots of ORS which I would drink everyday.

Sounds like you are really on the right track. Keep things very light. The hammock is important and something to spend time getting right which you are doing.

Here are some further thoughts for either you or someone in a similar situation:
Get in GREAT shape NOW (bicycle, swim, lift weights, etc.). While training visualize difficult situations you may encounter to push yourself. For example, during a second hour of your bicycle training when you think you've had enough, visualize yourself exhausted and in trouble in the Amazon and then push HARDER on the pedals. Drink tons of water during the trip. Get some good books about the area so you are mentally excited about your trip (I find knowing about the area gets me mentally energized.... so important).

Can we see your gear checklist?

Good luck and have fun!
 
OwenM said:
Do you really need a waterproof pack? A waterproof pack liner isn't going to see much wear since it's inside the pack, and lightweight packs dry quickly. You might be able to knock a couple of pounds off, and have more options.
Click to expand...

I was thinking the same thing. Keep essential stuff in dry bags (stuff sacks, etc...). You're going to be wet anyway.
 
good on ya for going for it! i have no suggestions, as the only tropics ive survived were pretty civilized! im sure your team will also have ideas, as long as you are comfortable with your gear, it shoukd be all good!
 
Hey man goodluck and thanks for raising the bar and donations for cancer research. Lost my brother 2 years ago to cancer. He was my hiking buddy and reading this post has reminded me of some good times!
 
Dont know if you have seen this one. ULA makes great gear. I for one vote with the others to just use a good liner to protect what really needs it. If not then this pack http://www.ula-equipment.com/epic.asp should do the trick. For a ground cloth I would suggest just ultra light musquito netting. Short of plastic, all ground tarps leak or perspire water. The netting will keep you safe from bugs and be super light. Guys have used them for thru-hikes of 1000's of miles and maybe put a spot or two of tape on them. Email me if you want a source. Site selection is always key for any night out.
 
sounds like a once in a lifetime trip- congrats!

+ whatever on a waterproof liner- lets you have a lighter pack and still keeps necessary items; not every thing needs to stay dry

personally I'd want off the ground at all costs, lots of good lightweight hammock setups that include full coverage tarps and bug netting- Clark, Hennesey, Warbonnet- others

for a tough, but still lightweight pack- maybe one of Kifaru's UL packs
 
Joe, please do post your gear. Will be spending a week with the Waodani in October and am building my pack. What are you doing for footwear?

Doc
 
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