The Ultimate Jungle Expedition Packing List for Students and First-Time Travellers

Camps International specialises in life-changing student expeditions, combining adventure travel with hands-on community development and conservation projects across the world. With extensive experience organising international expeditions, they know exactly what it takes to prepare for an unforgettable adventure.

Preparing for your first jungle expedition with Camps International is exciting, but it’s natural to feel nervous about what to pack. The jungle is unlike anywhere you’ve been before, with weather that can shift from blazing sun to heavy rain within the hour. The right gear means you’ll stay dry, warm, and well protected from bites and sunburn. Here’s what to bring, what people forget, and what to leave at home.

The golden rules of expedition packing

1. Pack light. You’ll carry your own bag, and every extra item will make itself felt.

2. Choose quick-dry over cotton. Cotton holds moisture, while technical fabrics dry fast.

3. Take only what serves a purpose. If you can’t say when you’ll use it, leave it.

4. Label your kit. Similar gear is common, so clear labels save confusion.

The checklist

Clothing

• Quick-dry t-shirts and long shorts. Perfect for hot days and easy to wash and dry.

• Long-sleeved top and trousers. Ideal for project days, and they protect you from sun and bugs.

• A warm layer. Temperatures can drop sharply in the evenings and at altitude, and sweatshirts or hoodies can keep you warm.

• Waterproof jacket. Rain can arrive unexpectedly, so a thin waterproof is indispensable.

• Underwear and socks (more than you think). Bring enough for a week. A dry pair of socks feels like the biggest luxury. Don't expect to come back with any clean socks!

• Sun hat. Protect your head and neck during long days outdoors.

Footwear

• Broken-in walking boots. Choose three-season boots with good ankle support, your feet will thank you in the long run.

• Trainers. Comfortable and practical for getting out and about.

• Sandals or flip-flops. Ideal for showering and general camp life.

Sleeping and camp life

• Sleeping bag. Choose three-season at minimum, as nights can drop below freezing.

• Quick-dry travel towel. Dries fast and takes up almost no room.

• Head torch with spare batteries. Choose one with a decent beam and a red light option, which attracts far fewer insects.

• Reusable water bottle. A robust, wide-necked bottle is easier to clean and refill. Metal ones are heavier, but good for hot climates as they keep your water cold.

• Dry bags. Various sizes keep your belongings organised and safe from rain, rivers, and puddles.

Health and protection

• Insect repellent. Apply to exposed skin morning and evening, and reapply after sweating or swimming.

• Sun cream and SPF lip balm. Sun protection matters even on cloudy days, so we recommend at least SPF 50.

• Personal medication, clearly labelled. Keep it in your hand luggage and tell your group leader.

• First aid basics and hand sanitiser. Plasters and blister protection go a long way.

• Insect bite relief. For the bites that get through despite your best efforts.

Documents and money

• Passport. It needs at least six months’ validity from your return date.

• Photocopies of your passport and ATM cards. Pack them separately from the originals.

• Emergency contact card. Keep it simple, clear, and easy to find.

• Spending money in local currency, plus your ATM card. Handy for snacks and souvenirs.

Nice to have

• Notebook and pen. Perfect for journalling, doodling, and jotting down moments to remember.

• A book or pack of cards. Great for downtime, and many friendships begin over a card game.

• Camera. If your trip is phone-free, bring a simple camera, plus a charger or spare batteries and plenty of memory.

What to leave at home

• Valuables and expensive jewellery. Camp is no place for anything you’d be heartbroken to lose.

• Too much tech. Chargers, speakers, and spare gadgets add weight and take you out of the moment.

• Hair straighteners. The humidity will win.

• “Just in case” outfits. If it’s not on the list, you probably won’t wear it.

• Anything brand new and untested. Boots, bags, and kit need a trial run before you leave.

Tips from our expedition leaders

“I love using washing sheets. They’re easy to travel with, eco friendly, and last a really long time. Much better than ordinary travel wash!” – Ben

“Having a sewing kit is great for repairing small rips or tears, so I don’t have to replace things unnecessarily.” – Ed

Why bite protection matters

A few simple habits keep most bites at bay.

• Know when bugs bite. Mosquitoes are busiest around dawn and dusk.

• Use repellent and cover up. Apply as directed, and wear long sleeves, trousers, and socks in the evening.

• Keep bites clean. Resist scratching, and tell a leader if anything looks or feels wrong.

That’s where incognito® comes in. Their products work together to provide a layered approach to bite prevention through their Simple Step System (SSS).

The protection you need depends on where you’re travelling, your activities, and your individual risk. For a deeper dive, read Camps’ latest blog post: Preparing for Expedition Travel.

You’re ready

With the right kit, you can stop worrying about your bag and focus on what really matters: the experience. The new friends, the challenges, the projects that make a real difference to the communities you work with, and the confidence you’ll bring home.

If you haven’t booked an expedition yet, follow this link to discover how Camps International can push you beyond your comfort zone and give you an adventure worth telling stories about.