This Amazon Rainforest packing guide references products on my Amazon Store site. I may receive a commission when you purchase these products from my store, though at no additional cost to you. I hand-pick and recommend only products I am familiar with or comfortable recommending.
The Amazon Rainforest is a breathtakingly beautiful place, but it can also be an unforgiving place to the unprepared. When preparing for any adventure to the Amazon, it’s essential to make sure you prepare by packing the right gear for your trip. Not only will this ensure that you have a more comfortable and enjoyable experience, but it will also keep you safe from injury and illness.
In this comprehensive Amazon Rainforest packing guide for men and women, I provide important tips from my first-hand experience exploring the Amazon. Not only do I provide you with a list of gear that I recommend bringing, but I also cover some important safety steps you can take before you even pack your bag. With this important information, you can be sure you will have a safe and enjoyable adventure in one of the world’s most incredible places.
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General Packing Guidelines |
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Choosing the Right Bag to Bring |
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Clothes to Pack for the Amazon Rainforest |
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Other Gear to Bring to the Amazon Rainforest |
General Packing Guidelines
Before I get into the specifics of clothing and other gear in this Amazon Rainforest packing guide, I want to cover some general packing tips. These tips are important because they will ensure that you properly prioritize what you pack and what you don’t pack.
Mosquito Protection is Critical
One of the most critical pieces of packing advice that I can give you is to prepare for mosquito protection. This means having the proper insect repellent with you and taking additional steps to keep you safe from bites. Many deadly mosquito-borne illnesses in the Amazon include Malaria, Dengue Fever, and Yellow Fever. Not taking the proper steps to protect yourself can have dire consequences.
In addition to 100% DEET insect repellent, one of the best ways to protect yourself from mosquitoes is to cover your skin with clothing. This can be challenging in the Amazon where the temperatures and humidity can be very high. However, if you pack breathable shirts and pants, it can be manageable. I am not saying you need to wear long pants and shirts all the time, but you will want these options when you are hiking in the forest or out early in the morning or at night.
Another tip is to treat your clothing with Permethrin before you travel. Permathin is like insect repellent for your clothing, making it harder for mosquitoes to land on your clothes and bite through them. The treatment is odorless and doesn’t affect your clothes at all. Best yet, the treatment lasts for several washes, so you will have an extended period of protection.
Long Pants and Closed Toe Shoes are a Must
I already mentioned how important long pants can be when protecting yourself against mosquitoes, but they are important in the Amazon for other reasons as well. If you plan on doing any hiking in the Amazon Rainforest, having long pants is an absolute must. In fact, many tour operators will require it. In addition to thorns and biting insects, there are other plant and animal species that you won’t want to have contact with your skin.
For this reason, make sure you plan to bring long pants with you on your trip. The same can be said for closed-toe shoes. You don’t want to hike through the Amazon Rainforest with exposed feet, so having closed-toe shoes is a must. Again, many tour operators even require them. While athletic shoes are acceptable, having hiking boots or shoes is ideal. Not only do these shoes provide more traction on wet surfaces, but they are also more protective of your feet.
Prepare for Rain
Another piece of advice that I can give you in this Amazon Rainforest packing guide is to be prepared for rain. After all, the Amazon Rainforest is a rainforest. When you visit, you need to be prepared to deal with wet days. This is especially true if you visit during the rainy season, which is typically between December and May. Often times, you will only get an afternoon or overnight shower. However, some days it can rain all day.
If you don’t have the proper rain gear with you, it can make for some uncomfortable days. When deciding on a rain poncho or rain jacket to bring, I suggest bringing something lightweight and somewhat breathable. If you bring a jacket or poncho that traps your body heat, you will be uncomfortably hot. My go-to rain jacket for warm weather destinations is the Patagonia Houdini Jacket (Men’s Jacket \ Women’s Jacket) and I can’t recommend it strongly enough.
Sun Protection is Important
The last packing tip that I have for you in this Amazon Rainforest packing guide is to make sure you adequately prepare for sun protection. Chances are, you will be spending some long days out on the water when visiting the Amazon. Oftentimes, the boats you will be traveling on won’t have covers and there won’t be any shade. If you don’t prepare for long stretches of intense sun, you risk dehydration or heat stroke.
In addition to making sure you have an ample supply of water (which most guides provide), you should also pack some sun protection gear. This includes good sunscreen, a good pair of sunglasses to protect your eyes, and a hat that will provide your neck and face protection. If you don’t have a safari hat, this would be a great time to invest in a good one. For those who are interested, I link to some of my recommendations in my recommended gear sections below.
Choosing the Right Bag to Bring
The first decision you need to make when planning your trip to the Amazon Rainforest is what type of bag you will bring. The best choice will depend a great deal on where you are going, how long you will be staying, and what you will be doing. In this Amazon Rainforest packing guide, I will review three of the most popular bag choices and which situations make each the best choice.
Roller Bag Suitcase
One of the most popular types of bags that travelers choose to take on trips is the roller bag. Fitted with wheels, these bags are easy to transport through airports, hotel lobbies, and other areas, which makes them one of the most convenient bag choices to bring. They also come in a variety of different sizes and typically have more space than the other types of luggage you can bring.
Not to mention, many of today’s roller bags are equipped with advanced features, such as separated compartments, piggy-back clips (that allow you to clip on a second bag), zippers to expand their size, TSA security locks, waterproof materials, and much more. For those who plan on staying in a city like Manaus, Brazil, and exploring the Amazon from there, a roller bag is a great option.
However, if you are planning on spending a lot of time in the rainforest, this may not be the most convenient option. While roller bags are great for wheeling through hotel lobbies and airports, they don’t compact very well and can take up more room in vehicles. If you have booked a tour where you will be sleeping in accommodations in the forest, you might want to consider one of the other bag options I outline below.
View My Recommendations on Amazon.com
Duffle Bag
Another type of bag that you will find travelers using for trips is the traditional duffle bag. While these bags aren’t nearly as easy to carry around as a roller bag, they do have their advantages for certain types of trips. They are much more compact than a stiff roller bag, so they are easier to fit into smaller spaces.
This makes them the ideal type of bag to bring if you plan on spending a considerable amount of time in the backwoods of the Amazon Rainforest. If you are, then you will probably be spending time being transferred by vehicle or by boat to your accomodations in the forest. Duffle bags are much easier to fit into vehicles and boats that might have limited space because of multiple passengers.
Conversely, these bags typically also lack the features that most roller bags have. This includes security features, the number and quality of compartments, and so forth. So, unless you are planning on taking part in a tour that will require you to transfer to your accommodations in the forest by boat or shared vehicle, I wouldn’t recommend bringing a duffle bag.
View My Recommendations on Amazon.com
Travel Backpack
The final type of bag that I would like to cover in this Amazon Rainforest packing guide is the travel backpack. While these bags typically don’t have nearly as much storage capacity as the other types of bags that I covered, they do have some significant advantages. If you are planning on spending a considerable amount of time in South America and will be visiting a lot of destinations, these bags are the best for those types of trips.
They are great for these situations because they are the easiest and most convenient and the cheapest to transport to multiple destinations. Not only are they easy to carry, but most often they can be carried on flights, which makes them a very cost-effective solution. This is why backpackers carry backpacks.
Now, if you need to bring a lot of stuff with you or you aren’t visiting more than a few destinations, a backpack is probably not the best choice for you. However, if you are spending more than three weeks in South America or visiting more than a few places, you may want to consider one.
View My Recommendations on Amazon.com
Clothes to Pack for the Amazon Rainforest
This Amazon Rainforest packing guide references products on my Amazon Store site. I may receive a commission when you purchase these products from my store, though at no additional cost to you. I hand-pick and recommend only products I am familiar with or comfortable recommending.
Some of the most important advice that I can give you in this Amazon Rainforest packing guide is on the clothes I would recommend you bring. The clothing you wear will be a very big factor in how comfortable you are and how safe you are during your trip. I realize that men and women have different needs, so I have provided a list for both men and women in my guide below.
Clothes for Men
I have traveled to the Amazon basin in two different countries in South America, so I have spent a good amount of time exploring the region. During this time, I have learned some hard lessons on my own and from others on what clothes men should pack when visiting. I have compiled a list of the important items I recommend packing in this Amazon Rainforest packing guide below.
Keep in mind, that I didn’t list some of the essential items for any trip, such as underwear. I also didn’t include the quantity of items to pack as that depends a great deal on the length of your trip. Hopefully, this list does help you pack the essential items that you will need to keep you comfortable on your trip.
Download the Amazon Rainforest Packing Checklist for Men
Zip-Off Pants
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It is very hot and humid in the Amazon Rainforest, so you won’t want to spend a lot of time in long pants during your visit. However, if you are hiking within the forest or you are out at night or in the morning, I strongly recommend you wear pants. Not only will this protect you from mosquitos, but it will also protect you from plant and animal species that you will want to avoid contacting with your skin. To make it easier to switch between pants and shorts, I recommend getting the convertible pants. They make packing for the Amazon Rainforest much easier. |
| View Recommendations on Amazon.com | |
Shorts
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If you aren’t hiking in the rainforest or out at night or early in the morning, you may want to have a few pairs of shorts that you can wear. It is incredibly hot and humid in the Amazon, so having shorts to wear is a must. If you aren’t packing convertible pants to bring, I recommend packing at least a few pairs of shorts for your trip. |
| View Recommendations on Amazon.com | |
Moisture Wicking T-Shirts
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In addition to having shorts and\or zip off pants, it is also important to bring shirts with you that will keep you cool and protected. One of my favorite things to bring to warm climate destinations is breathable T-Shirts with SPF protection. Not only do these shirts keep you cool by allowing air to ventilate thru them, but they also have built in sun protection. If I were you, I would pack one of these shirts for each day you plan on traveling. If you’d like some recommendations, I have included a link to my top picks below. |
| View Recommendations on Amazon.com | |
Moisture Wicking Long Sleeves
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In addition to having a breathable short sleeve T-Shirt with SPF protection, I also recommend having a breathable long sleeve T-Shirt with you as well. If you are hiking in the rainforest or you are out on a boat at night or early in the morning, you will be glad you have it for insect protection. |
| View Recommendations on Amazon.com | |
Swimsuit
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An important piece of gear that you will need to bring with you to the Amazon Rainforest is a swimsuit. Even if you aren’t planning to visit the beach in places like Manaus, Brazil, there are excursions you may take that involve getting into the river. The most popular tour that involves getting in the water is swimming with the pink river dolphins. So, make sure you have a bathing suit packed for your Amazon adventure. |
| View Recommendations on Amazon.com | |
Rain Jacket or Rain Poncho
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While a good rain jacket or rain poncho is always handy when visiting the Amazon Rainforest, depending on the time of year you visit it may be absolutely essential. For travelers who plan on visiting during the rainy season, having a good rain jacket or rain poncho will go a long way in making sure you are comfortable when visiting. During this time of year, this region of the world gets a lot of rain. I recommend looking for a light rain jacket or rain poncho that is somewhat breathable. You don’t want a jacket that is too insulated as you will roast in it. |
| View Recommendations on Amazon.com | |
Versatile Sandals
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Having a good pair of versatile sandals is important when visiting the Amazon. It can get scortching hot, so wearing shoes all the time can be very uncomfortable. While you will want to have closed-toe shoes when you are in the rainforest or when the insects are bad, having a pair of sandals to put on when it is hot can go a long way to keeping you comfortable. |
| View Recommendations on Amazon.com | |
Hiking Boots or Shoes
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One thing that you will definitely need when visiting the Amazon Rainforest is a good pair of hiking boots or shoes. Yes, you can bring tennis shoes or other closed-toe shoes, but hiking boots and shoes provide you with a level of protection that these shoes cannot. Not only do hiking boots and shoes provide extra traction that will come in handy when hiking on slick surfaces, but these shoes also provide better protection against thorns, insect bites, and some of the other challenges that are unique to an environment like the Amazon. |
| View Recommendations on Amazon.com | |
Sun or Safari Hat
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It’s no secret that the sun in the Amazon can be intense. When you are hiking through the rainforest, out on the water, or doing anything else in the sun, you will want extra sun protection. One of the most important pieces of travel clothing that you can bring with you is a good sun or safari hat. This will help protect your face and neck from sun burn and will keep you cool when the sun is the most intense. If you are looking for a good sun or safari hat, I have included a link to my recommendations below. |
| View Recommendations on Amazon.com | |
Moisture-Wicking Socks
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Just like having the right pair of warm socks is important for visiting cold climates, having the right socks to wear in warm climates is important as well. The right quick-drying, moisture-wicking socks will keep your feet dry and comfortable while you explore the Amazon Rainforest. For a look at my top recommendations, see the link below. |
| View Recommendations on Amazon.com | |
Clothes for Women
To compile a list of essential clothing for women to pack for this Amazon Rainforest packing guide, I spoke to several women that I know and trust. These women have visited the Amazon Rainforest and shared their experiences and recommendations with me to share with you.
Once again, I didn’t list some of the essential items for any trip, such as underwear. I also didn’t include the quantity of items to pack as that depends a great deal on the length of your trip. Hopefully, this list does help you pack the essential items that you will need to keep you comfortable on your trip.
Download the Amazon Rainforest Packing Checklist for Women
Shorts
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The weather is very hot in the Amazon Rainforest, so you will want to dress accordingly. This means you will want to consider bringing at least a few pairs of shorts with you on your trip. While you won’t want to wear them while hiking in the rainforest or when the mosquitoes are really bad, they will come in handy on other occasions. If you are looking for some new shorts to try for your trip, I have linked to my recommendations below. |
| View Recommendations on Amazon.com | |
Pants or Zip-Off Pants
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While temperatures and humidity levels can be very high in the Amazon, it is critical that you bring long pants with you on your trip. Not only will these pants protect you from dangerous plants while hiking in the Amazon, they will also help protect you from disease carrying mosquitoes when they are really bad. To help offset wearing pants in the heat, I would recommend bringing pants that are breathtable and moisture-wicking. In addition, to help streamline your packing, you can look into the hiking pants that zip off into shorts. These come in handy when you need to switch between shorts and pants while out exploring the rainforest. |
| View Recommendations on Amazon.com | |
Moisture Wicking T-Shirts
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When you are traveling in warm, tropical locations, it is imperative that you dress appropriately for the hot weather. One of my favorite pieces of travel clothing for hot destinations is breathable T-Shirts with SPF protection. Not only do they allow air to pass thru them, which keeps you cool, but they also provide added sun protection. I recommend packing one of these shirts for reach day your traveling. If you’d like some recommendations, I have included a link to my top picks below. |
| View Recommendations on Amazon.com | |
Moisture Wicking Long Sleeves
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On top of the breathable T-Shirts and tank tops that you bring, I would also suggest bringing a breathable long-sleeve shirt as well. These will give you protection against mosquitoes and will also help protect you from dangerous plant and animal life when hiking in the rainforest. |
| View Recommendations on Amazon.com | |
Breathable Tank Tops
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In addition to T-Shirts, you may want to also bring some nice tank tops with you when you visit the Amazon Rainforest. While you won’t want to wear them in areas where mosquitoes are a risk, there will be times when it is very hot and you will be happy to have them. They keep you cool and let your arms get some extra sun. However, like with your shirts, I recommend paying special attention to the material your tank tops are made out of. I cannot stress enough how hot it gets in this region of the world, so you will sweat a lot while exploring. I recommend tops made of moisture-wicking and quick drying material. |
| View Recommendations on Amazon.com | |
Comfortable Sports Bras
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Staying comfortable while you travel starts with the clothes that you wear. And the base layer of your clothes is your undergarments. Making sure you have quality, comfortable undergarments for your travel is essential. This includes having some comfortable sports bras in your bag when you visit the Amazon Rainforest. |
| View Recommendations on Amazon.com | |
Swimsuit
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A good swimsuit is important when visiting the Amazon Rainforest. Even if you don’t plan on spending time at a beach in place like Manaus, Brazil or near a pool at your hotel, there are many excursions in the Amazon Basin that involve getting into the water. One of the most popular tours that involves getting into the Amazon River is to swim with the legendary pink river dolphins. So, you should plan on packing at least one swim suit for your trip. |
| View Recommendations on Amazon.com | |
Rain Jacket or Rain Poncho
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A good rain jacket or rain poncho is certainly worth its weight in gold in the Amazon Rainforest. Even during the dry season, you can get rain at almost anytime in the rainforest. During the wet season, it may rain for just part of the day or all day, so having rain protection is essential. I recommend looking for a light rain jacket or rain poncho that is somewhat breathable. You don’t want a jacket that is too insulated as you will roast in it. |
| View Recommendations on Amazon.com | |
Sun or Safari Hat
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It’s not an exageration to say that the sun in Amazon is very intense at times. When you are out hiking in the rainforest or on the water, you will need to make sure you protect yourself from the sun. Otherwise, you are at risk of getting bad sun burn or heat stroke. One of the best ways to do that is to have a hat designed to shield your head and neck from the sun. If you are looking for a good sun or safari hat, I have included a link to my recommendations below. |
| View Recommendations on Amazon.com | |
Versatile Sandals
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While you definitely won’t want to be wearing sandals while hiking in the rainforest or when the mosquitoes are bad, having a good pair of versatile sandals can make your time in the Amazon Rainforest much more comfortable. This is especially true if you are out on a boat during the day or walking around in a city like Iquitos, Peru. While flip flops are great beach footwear, they are not ideal sandals to bring to the Amazon. It is easy to lose your footing on slick boat decks and they don’t offer your feet much protection. I would recommend a pair of light weight, strapped sandals instead. |
| View Recommendations on Amazon.com | |
Hiking Boots or Shoes
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One piece of essential gear for any trip to the Amazon Rainforest is a good pair of hiking boots or shoes. While tennis shoes or other closed-toe shoes may suffice, hiking boots are ideal because they provide you with a level of protection that other shoes cannot. Not only do hiking boots and shoes provide you with extra traction to help on slick boat decks and other surfaces, but they also provide better protection against thorns, insect bites, and other dangers that are unique to environments like the Amazon Rainforest. |
| View Recommendations on Amazon.com | |
Moisture-Wicking Socks
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The Amazon Rainforest can get pretty wet, so having the correct socks with you when you visit is a huge thing. Moisture-wicking, quick-drying socks will go a long way in making sure your feet are comfortable as you explore. This is especially important if you visit during the rainy season. For a look at my top recommendations, see the link below. |
| View Recommendations on Amazon.com | |
Other Gear to Bring to the Amazon Rainforest
This Amazon Rainforest packing guide references products on my Amazon Store site. I may receive a commission when you purchase these products from my store, though at no additional cost to you. I hand-pick and recommend only products I am familiar with or comfortable recommending.
In addition to your clothing, there are some other pieces of gear that I strongly recommend that you carry in your bag when you visit the Amazon Rainforest. Some of these items are geared towards keeping you comfortable, some are intended to keep you safe, while others are items of convenience. You can review this list of other gear to pack in my Amazon Rainforest packing guide below.
Sunglasses
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You are going to be in the sun a lot when exploring the Amazon Rainforest, so you will want to have a pair of good sunglasses with you. If you are looking for a new pair of sunglasses for your trip, I linked to my recommendations for you to review below. |
| View Recommendations on Amazon.com | |
Sunscreen
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With the strong sun in the Amazon Rainforest, it will be very important to have proper sunscreen with you when you visit. This is especially true if you plan on spending a lot of time in and on the water. If you are looking for some good sunscreen for your trip, I have linked to my recommendations below. |
| View Recommendations on Amazon.com | |
Insect Repellant
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Even if you aren’t planning on spending a lot of time hiking in the rainforest, I strongly recommend bringing some high Deet insect repellant with you on your trip. Diseases such as Malaria, Dengue Fever, Chikungunya, and Yellow Fever are significant risks. It is important to avoid these mosquito-borne illnesses. Not to mention, there are also tiny biting flies in the region that can leave fairly nasty little bites. Using insect repellant when you are outside for extended periods will keep you protected. |
| View Recommendations on Amazon.com | |
Travel Toilet Paper
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When you visit the Amazon Rainforest, one thing that you will notice is that outside the big cities, the restroom facilities will generally be very basic. In some circumstances, you may not have any access to toilet paper. This may be especially true if you book a tour that takes you into the rainforest for multiple days. For this reason, I would strongly recommend bringing your own travel toilet paper when you visit. If you need to purchase some before your trip, I have linked to my recommendations below. |
| View Recommendations on Amazon.com | |
Travel Umbrella
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When you are out-and-about exploring in the Amazon Basin, you don’t want to be caught in the rain. One way to make sure you are always prepared is to have a travel umbrella with you. These small, easy to carry umbrellas will give you some protection if a storm moves in quickly. For some recommendations on good travel umbrellas to purchase, see my link below. |
| View Recommendations on Amazon.com | |
Dramamine
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When you visit the Amazon, more than likely you will be getting out on the water. Even if you aren’t visiting a destination where the Amazon River itself is accessible, you will likely be taking some tours that involve river travel. For those that get motion sick easily, this means you will want to pack Dramamine for your trip. I always make sure to have some in my bag if I think there is a chance I will be getting out on the water. |
| View Recommendations on Amazon.com | |
Water Shoes
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If you know that you will be taking a tour to see the river dolphins, exploring waterfalls, or enjoying any of the other tours that include getting into the water, you might want to consider packing water shoes. These will help protect your feet in the event you step on something while in the water. If you are looking for a pair for your trip, I have linked to some of my recommendations below. |
| View Recommendations on Amazon.com | |
International Power Adapter
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Before you travel to the Amazon Rainforest, you will need to be sure that you have the correct international power adapter with you so that you can keep your devices charged. Otherwise, you might be left stuck without a charged phone or camera. If you are in need of an international power adapter for your trip, I have provided a link to my recommendations below. |
| View Recommendations on Amazon.com | |
Portable Charger
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Once considered a luxury for travelers, I would almost consider a portable charger as a necessity when traveling these days. We have become so reliant upon our phones and other devices, and being able to charge them wherever and whenever we want is critical. To shop for some good quality portable chargers, please see my recommendations linked below. |
| View Recommendations on Amazon.com | |
Fanny Pack or Packable Day Pack
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When you are out on a day excursion or exploring a city in the Amazon Basin, you need to keep your personal belongings safe and organized. You also don’t want to carry something big and bulky. This is where a small, packable day pack or fanny pack comes in handy. Here are my recommendations. |
| View Recommendations on Amazon.com | |
Mosquito Head Net
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With all of the mosquitoborne illnesses in the Amazon Rainforest, it is paramount that you protect yourself from insect bites. If you know that you will be spending a lot of time hiking in the rainforest or plan to visit during the wet season, having a portable mosquito head net can be a game changer. If you would like to get one for your trip, I have linked to my recommendations below. |
| View Recommendations on Amazon.com | |
Headlamp or Travel Flashlight
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If you are planning on spending time in remote areas of the Amazon Rainforest, you will defnitely want to pack a headlamp or travel flashlight. In addition, you should be sure that you have backup batteries with you as well. Some of the camps are remote and lighting isn’t great, so having your own light source will help. Even if you aren’t visiting remote areas, some tours can run until after dark. Having a headlamp or flashlight will give you an added sense of security. |
| View Recommendations on Amazon.com | |
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Mr. Hewitt, This is an excellent packing guide. I’m interested in touring the Amazon area and wondered if you could provide some itineraries and outfitters.
Thank You
Hi Frank! Absolutely! I am currently putting together a guide for the Manaus, Brazil area and will be posting in the next few weeks.
Thank you for the detailed and practical guide! It’s incredibly helpful to have such thorough packing tips for an Amazon Rainforest trip, especially with advice on mosquito protection and suitable clothing. The bag recommendations are also spot-on for different travel styles, and the emphasis on preparing for the weather and terrain shows how important it is to stay comfortable and safe in such a unique environment. This is truly valuable for anyone planning an adventure to the Amazon!
Thank you so much for reading and for the kind comments!