Five tips for spending the night outdoors in the jungle

Spending the night in the jungle is a real experience. You can book a room in a hotel or lodge, then immerse yourself in nature while enjoying your breakfast in the morning and feast your eyes on the lush greenery.

Alternatively, you can build your own accommodation: if you’ve got a hammock and mosquito net, your room’s always with you. Sales advisor Florian reveals what to bear in mind when setting up camp and what’s best to wear in the jungle.

Tip 1: setting up camp in the jungle

Small animals spend most of their lives on the ground, so you’re best spending the night up in a hammock with a tent roof. Make sure you’ve got a mosquito net. I’ve had good experiences with Exped’s Scout Hammock Combi , which perfectly pairs a hammock with a tarp. Despite the ultra-robust tent fabric, it’s very light and comfier than any tent. The warm temperatures in the jungle mean you won’t need to bring a sleeping mat. It’s also worth noting that there’ll be plenty of space for your pack and shoes under the hammock.

Tip 2: mosquito protection

A mosquito repellent spray, a hat with a mosquito net and special clothing to protect against mosquitos will keep insects and little blood-suckers at bay. It’s also handy to get a spray you can use on your clothing.

Tip 3: make your pack waterproof

Colombia’s rainforest is very close to the equator. Combined with its tropical climate, the region has some of the highest precipitation levels in the world – so humidity will be a constant companion during your jungle trip.

So, I’d recommend using a waterproof packsack, such as models made by Ortlieb or Sea to Summit, as your backpack: you can use this as a bag while travelling and as a backpack in the jungle. Alternatively, a plain old waterproof backpack is good, such as Exped’s Mountain Pro. Do note that a waterproof outer isn’t enough to keep your pack dry. As a result, I recommend wrapping your equipment in waterproof packaging inside your backpack, too.

Tip 4: the right clothing

Let’s start with the most important detail: you can leave your waterproof trousers and jacket at home. If the rain does get heavy, a waterproof poncho is a perfect way to protect your body and pack alike. This saves you from spending ages putting your rain gear on and taking it off again ad infinitum. While jungle rainstorms are often short, the heavens open multiple times a day. In terms of clothing that comes into contact with your skin: synthetic fibres will dry quicker than garments made from, say, Merino wool. This doesn’t really matter, however, as your clothing will always be damp – whether from the last burst of rain or due to your sweat and the high humidity.

Thinking about footwear: if you’re not going to be covering great distances, Wellington boots are actually a good choice. In the evenings, plant two poles into the ground and hang your shoes on them upside down to prevent uninvited guests from setting up residence in them overnight.

Tip 5: smart accessories

If you’re miles away from a hotel or lodge, you’ll need to make your own food. A multi-fuel stove, like Optimus’ models, is a good choice for cooking, as you can run it using almost any liquid fuel: you might struggle to buy gas cartridges overseas. Before you set off, ask your airline if you can take empty fuel bottles for your stove on board. Even tiny residues of liquid fuel can lead to nasty surprises at security.

Your luggage should also include a first aid kit for emergencies of all kinds. Tip: add medication and painkillers to your kit before you set off. You also need a sturdy knife, biodegradable detergent, a water filter and a GPS device.

Personal shopping for your jungle adventure

Still need the right equipment for your jungle trip? Transa’s personal shopping service will kit you out with everything you need for your adventure in the rainforest.