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

OwenM said:
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".
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Part of the problem with the weight is the required gear list. I'm combining a survival blanket and the ground tarp together to shave that off. I would love to get a cumen ground cloth, but cha-ching.I'll post the gear list up later and we can all pick it apart (as I've been scratching my head on some of the stuff now. As far as the waterproof pack goes, it isn't a necessity, but a dire want. I have an Arc'teryx Bora 80 already, and PLENTY of bags that I will be carrying anyway, however it seems there will be quite a few hard river passings.


thelastbestplace said:
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!
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I've got a hard core workout regimen in going right now, applied to muscles used in backpacking, etc.

These are all great points, exactly the type of input and other voices I needed to hear.
 
Good luck Joe. I don't think I can recommend anything for something that insane..[ahem] ambitious, but I highly recommend that you watch the Top Gear Amazon Special beforehand for inspiration and laughs.
 
Joezilla said:
Part of the problem with the weight is the required gear list. I'm combining a survival blanket and the ground tarp together to shave that off. I would love to get a cumen ground cloth, but cha-ching.
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I'm sure that this trip would be mind spinning for logistics and inumerable additional costs around every corner. Have you considered approaching local\regional newspapers\clubs\magazines\product manufacturers for sponsorship? Maybe pitch them a running feed for their product\financial assistance ?
 
Oh yeah, got plenty of it coming. A huge amount actually, thank god. I'll be posting my list soon, still compiling stuff. Trying to work with the little guy companies so I can promote them, but its hard trying to get them to work in time before I leave (october)
 
[video=youtube;H1cRNFQeQek]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H1cRNFQeQek[/video]
 
Good luck, be safe and enjoy your trip.
You will be happy with the change in climate, from cold and dry to hot and humid, it would make shave much easier.
Best Regards
 
Lol I wish I had a reason to shave, joe
 
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?
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What does Joe mean by "box"?
 
Box style Mosquito net vs Pyramid.



Sadly, I did not have time to get a gear video together. I was still modifying up until the point that I leave. I think this is the curse of gear heads.
I'll be gone for about a month, so everyone please behave until then. You can follow on the www.facebook.com/amazon5000 page, you don't have to have facebook to view it. When I get back, I'll be posting pictures.


Adios!
 
Joezilla said:
Oh yeah, got plenty of it coming. A huge amount actually, thank god. I'll be posting my list soon, still compiling stuff. Trying to work with the little guy companies so I can promote them, but its hard trying to get them to work in time before I leave (october)
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Your product evaluations would also benefit the forums, looking forward to it. It's easy to give accolades, much harder to say a product sucks in a tactful manner without offending a donator. ;)
 
I'm here now, everything is going well but I wish I had more dry bags of course.
 
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