Do I really need a waterproof bag for everything?

If you are traveling during the green season (May–November), yes. Sudden downpours are common and standard backpack covers often leak during transport on top of shuttles.

Can I buy gear locally if I forget something?

In major hubs like Antigua (Guatemala) or San Jose (Costa Rica), you can find decent gear, but it is often overpriced and limited in size. Pack the essentials from home.

How to pack adventure gear for Central America

Focus on lightweight, moisture-wicking synthetic fabrics and modular gear to handle humidity and frequent transit. You need versatile equipment that performs in both rainforests and coastal towns while keeping your total weight under 12kg to fit in small bush planes or shuttles.

Choose the right luggage system. Ditch the rolling suitcase. Use a 40L-45L technical backpack with a proper suspension system. Central American streets are often unpaved or cobblestone, making wheels useless.
Layer for humidity and altitude. Pack base layers made of merino wool or synthetic materials. Even in tropical heat, pack one lightweight long-sleeve hiking shirt and one pair of light trousers for protection against mosquitoes and sun during treks.
Secure your tech and electronics. Use a dedicated, waterproof roll-top dry bag for your electronics. Humidity levels often exceed 80%, so toss a few silica gel packets into your electronics pouch to prevent lens fog and corrosion.
Minimize footwear. Limit yourself to two pairs: a pair of broken-in trail runners with good grip for volcanoes/jungle, and a pair of sturdy sport sandals like Chacos or Tevas for water activities and transit days.
Organize with compression cubes. Use compression packing cubes to separate dirty, wet gear from clean clothes. This is essential when moving between locations where you won't have time for laundry.

Do I really need a waterproof bag for everything?: If you are traveling during the green season (May–November), yes. Sudden downpours are common and standard backpack covers often leak during transport on top of shuttles.
Can I buy gear locally if I forget something?: In major hubs like Antigua (Guatemala) or San Jose (Costa Rica), you can find decent gear, but it is often overpriced and limited in size. Pack the essentials from home.