Will my gear mold if I leave it out?

Yes. Fungus can grow on lens elements in as little as 48 hours in high-humidity rainforests. Always return your gear to the dry case when you aren't shooting.

Should I bring a rain cover for my camera?

Yes, but keep it simple. A cheap plastic shower cap or a dedicated camera raincoat is essential. Never use leather or fabric straps as they will grow mold.

How do I keep my batteries working?

Humidity drains batteries faster. Keep your spares in a sealed ziplock bag with a small silica packet, and keep them close to your body heat when not in the camera.

How to Pack Camera Gear for Rainforest Photography

Protect your gear from extreme humidity by using a dry bag with silica gel packs and storing it in an airtight hard case. Never leave batteries or lenses exposed to the air when switching between climate-controlled environments and the jungle.

Use a hard-shell, airtight case. Pack your camera bodies and lenses in a Pelican or similar IP67-rated hard case. The airtight seal prevents moisture from creeping in when you are not actively shooting.
Add desiccant packs. Place at least 5-10 reusable silica gel canisters inside your hard case. Recharge them in a standard oven (or sunlight) periodically to ensure they remain effective at pulling moisture from the air.
Acclimatize gear before use. When moving from an air-conditioned hotel room to the humid jungle, leave your gear inside your closed bag for 30-60 minutes. This allows the internal temperature to equalize, preventing internal lens fogging.
Bring a dedicated dry bag. For days in the field, carry a roll-top waterproof dry bag (10-20L). Even if you have a camera backpack, keep a dry bag inside it to protect the gear during sudden tropical downpours.

Will my gear mold if I leave it out?: Yes. Fungus can grow on lens elements in as little as 48 hours in high-humidity rainforests. Always return your gear to the dry case when you aren't shooting.
Should I bring a rain cover for my camera?: Yes, but keep it simple. A cheap plastic shower cap or a dedicated camera raincoat is essential. Never use leather or fabric straps as they will grow mold.
How do I keep my batteries working?: Humidity drains batteries faster. Keep your spares in a sealed ziplock bag with a small silica packet, and keep them close to your body heat when not in the camera.