Sample packing list
The following list includes essential items to bring on a Khamai Foundation field expedition, BioBlitz, or biodiversity census. Please ensure that all your items fit into one large backpack or two medium-sized ones that you can carry yourself. In some locations, sherpas are unavailable to transport bulky or heavy luggage.
Biologist Alejandro Arteaga packing for an expedition.
Biologist Alejandro Arteaga carrying a backpack, camera pack, and a Pelican case during an expedition.
DOCUMENTATION
Passport, visas, and international vaccination certificates.
Cash (including small denomination bills) and ATM cards.
Copy of travel insurance policy.
List of contacts in case of emergencies.
CLOTHING
Rubber boots, sandals, and lightweight shoes.
Long-sleeved and short-sleeved shirts.
Quick-drying travel trousers or cargo pants.
Durable, quick-drying socks, many of them.
Rain poncho or raincoat.
Jacket for cool evenings at high altitudes.
Lightweight hat.
FIELD EQUIPMENT
Water-resistant headlamp and backup flashlight.
Pens and a field notebook.
Collapsible snake hooks and tongs.
Lightweight daypack or fanny pack.
Water bottle.
CAMERA GEAR
Digital camera, memory cards, and battery charger.
Macro lens, wide angle, and telephoto.
External flash units and softboxes.
Tripod, ballhead, and accesories.
Rechargeable batteries.
Plastic bags and silica gel for dealing with lens fogging.
Plug adapters for appropriacte electrical socket type.
Camera backpack or Pelican case.
Cleaning kit for camera and lenses.
PERSONAL ITEMS
Sunscreen and insect repellent.
Cloth bandaids, alcohol pads, and antibiotic creams.
Benadryl cream for itchy bites.
Aspirin/ibuprofen or other analgesic.
Cold-symptom relief tablets, antihistamine, cough drops.
Prescription medicines in their original bottles.
Copies of medical prescriptions.
Imodium, Lomotil, or similar anti-diarrhea medicine.
Visine or similar eye drops.