Stuff You Will Need

Here is a checklist of some of the stuff you will need.

Good binoculars, preferably lightweight (8 x 42 or 6 x 35 recommended). This is one of the most important items you will need to see primates, birds, etc. I would recommend Bushnell H2O 8 x 42.. These waterproof binoculars run about $90, but you might be able to find a pair for less. We will talk more about binoculars and binocular selection during the fall, but the bottom line is this: you want to have binoculars that are both good and appropriate. With this 8 x 42 and 6x 35 stuff--if you take divide the large number by the small number and get a result less than 5.0, they are not appropriate. During my first trip to the tropics, I had a cheap pair of 8 x 42 binoculars and I regretted it. I should have spent an extra $70 and gotten a great pair.

Field notebook (we recommend waterproof notebooks, available from Forestry Suppliers

Lecture notebook and pens/pencils

Compass

Raincoat or poncho (you WILL get rained on!)

Hat or cap

Water treatment pills (potable aqua)

Shoes suitable for trail hiking

Rubber boots (mid-calf to knee high) for hiking in rainforest

Small, personal first-aid kit (Band-Aids, antacid/anti-diarrhea, antibiotic ointment,
rehydration formula, insect bite relief)

Water bottles (1 liter)

Insect repellent (25% DEET is sufficient, Ultrathon is recommended). Purchase the cream, not the aerosol. Mosquitoes are usually not bad, but they do carry life-threatening diseases like malaria and dengue fever.

2 flashlights (one headlamp and one hand-held flashlight)

Spare batteries

Signal whistle

Daypack or fanny pack (big enough for carrying water, field notebook, camera, raingear)

2 large trash bags for keeping luggage dry in the dugout canoe

2-3 lightweight, long pants for field work and wearing at night (cotton is best)

2 lightweight long-sleeved shirts to prevent insect bites

Warm clothing for Quito (temperatures can reach freezing at night)

A set of nice clothes to wear in Quito (appropriate attire is expected in city restaurants/shops)

T-shirts and shorts

Extra socks

Swimming suit (men should bring briefs or trunks with close-fitting liner)

Towel

Sunscreen (SPF 30 or stronger)

Sunglasses

Camera and memory cards (or film, if you are old-school)

Pocket knife

Wristwatch

Calculator

Alarm clock

Ziplock bags (for protecting binoculars, cameras, snacks, etc.)

Spare prescription glasses or contacts, if you wear them

Motion sickness medication (e.g., “Less Drowsy Dramamine,” for bus and plane travel)

Biodegradable, multipurpose soap


This list probably does not include every last item you will need, but it is a good start.