Should I pack cotton clothing for comfort?

Never. Cotton stays wet for days in rainforest humidity and causes chafing and hypothermia. Synthetic materials and merino wool dry faster and keep you comfortable even when damp.

How much insect repellent should I bring?

Bring more than you think—plan on using 2-3 ounces of DEET repellent per week of hiking. The bugs in Costa Rica's rainforest are constant and aggressive, especially during rainy season.

Can I buy gear in Costa Rica instead of packing it?

Quality outdoor gear is limited and expensive in Costa Rica. Bring your own rain gear, hiking boots, and technical clothing. You can buy basic items like ponchos and rubber boots locally if needed.

How do I keep electronics dry?

Use multiple layers of protection: dry bags inside waterproof cases inside your pack. Bring extra batteries since devices drain faster in humidity. Consider a waterproof phone case for photos.

How to Pack for Costa Rica Rainforest Hiking

Pack lightweight, quick-dry clothing in earth tones, waterproof gear for daily downpours, and sturdy hiking boots that can handle mud. Bring insect protection and a daypack that can get soaked. Most importantly, pack multiple pairs of socks and underwear—they'll never fully dry.

Choose moisture-wicking base layers. Pack 4-5 synthetic or merino wool shirts and 6-7 pairs of synthetic underwear. Cotton kills in the rainforest—it stays wet, causes chafing, and never dries. Bring more underwear than you think you need because nothing dries completely in 80-90% humidity.
Pack waterproof outer layers. Bring a quality rain jacket and rain pants. Even the best gear will eventually wet out in Costa Rica's downpours, but it buys you time. Pack a poncho as backup—it doubles as ground cover and pack cover.
Select proper footwear. Bring waterproof hiking boots with good ankle support and aggressive tread. Pack 6-8 pairs of synthetic hiking socks—your feet will be wet constantly. Consider lightweight water shoes or sandals for river crossings and camp use.
Prepare insect defense. Pack DEET-based repellent (20-30% concentration), permethrin-treated clothing, and a head net. The bugs in Costa Rica's rainforest are relentless. Long pants and long sleeves in light colors help, even when it's hot.
Waterproof your gear. Use dry bags for everything: electronics, spare clothes, food, first aid. Pack items in multiple layers of protection. Bring more ziplock bags than seems reasonable—they're your best friend for keeping small items dry.
Pack for daily weather extremes. Bring layers for 60°F mornings and 85°F afternoons, plus gear for sudden temperature drops during storms. A lightweight fleece or down jacket packs small and saves you when the temperature plummets 20 degrees in an hour.

Should I pack cotton clothing for comfort?: Never. Cotton stays wet for days in rainforest humidity and causes chafing and hypothermia. Synthetic materials and merino wool dry faster and keep you comfortable even when damp.
How much insect repellent should I bring?: Bring more than you think—plan on using 2-3 ounces of DEET repellent per week of hiking. The bugs in Costa Rica's rainforest are constant and aggressive, especially during rainy season.
Can I buy gear in Costa Rica instead of packing it?: Quality outdoor gear is limited and expensive in Costa Rica. Bring your own rain gear, hiking boots, and technical clothing. You can buy basic items like ponchos and rubber boots locally if needed.
How do I keep electronics dry?: Use multiple layers of protection: dry bags inside waterproof cases inside your pack. Bring extra batteries since devices drain faster in humidity. Consider a waterproof phone case for photos.