Will a standard rain cover for my backpack work?

No. Rain covers are designed for brief showers. In the Amazon, the humidity is constant and torrential downpours will force water through the back panel of your bag, soaking everything inside.

How often should I change my silica gel packets?

Change them every 24 hours. Once the packets have absorbed the maximum amount of moisture from the jungle air, they become ineffective and need to be replaced with fresh, dry ones.

Should I bring electronic gadgets?

Bring only what is necessary. The environment is extremely hostile to circuitry. If you bring a camera, ensure it is weather-sealed, but still keep it protected in a dry bag when not in immediate use.

Keeping Your Gear Dry in the Amazon Rainforest

Use a heavy-duty dry bag as your primary pack liner and double-bag sensitive electronics in Ziploc freezer bags with silica gel packets. Never rely on 'water-resistant' zippers or pack covers alone, as the constant humidity and downpours will eventually soak through everything.

Layer your protection. Line the inside of your backpack with a 20L or 30L dry bag. Pack your clothes and dry items inside this, then roll the top down tightly to create an airtight seal before putting it into your main backpack.
Control internal humidity. Place silica gel desiccant packets inside every sealed bag containing electronics. The Amazon humidity sits near 95%, and without these, internal condensation will kill your camera or phone sensors within 48 hours.
Use dedicated electronics storage. Use a hard-shell waterproof case for your primary camera gear. If you are using a smartphone, keep it in a dedicated waterproof pouch that allows touch screen access so you don't have to expose it to the air.
Manage your 'wet' gear. Bring a separate mesh bag or a dedicated 'wet pocket' for rain jackets and damp clothes. Never mix these with your dry gear, as the trapped moisture will cause mold to grow on your electronics and dry clothes within 24 hours.

Will a standard rain cover for my backpack work?: No. Rain covers are designed for brief showers. In the Amazon, the humidity is constant and torrential downpours will force water through the back panel of your bag, soaking everything inside.
How often should I change my silica gel packets?: Change them every 24 hours. Once the packets have absorbed the maximum amount of moisture from the jungle air, they become ineffective and need to be replaced with fresh, dry ones.
Should I bring electronic gadgets?: Bring only what is necessary. The environment is extremely hostile to circuitry. If you bring a camera, ensure it is weather-sealed, but still keep it protected in a dry bag when not in immediate use.