Our equipment recommendations for Guyana
Basic Equipment
Comfortable rucksack:
To carry your main gear we recommend using a 50-75L comfortable rucksack.
Daypack:
You will need a small daypack for exploring around camp and activities. 20-30L is sufficient. We recommend Osprey daypacks.
Sleeping bag:
You will need a lightweight sleeping bag (with a rating of 10 degrees) and compression sack.
Trekking poles:
Trekking poles can reduce the impact on your joints by up to 20%. They are great for travelling along slippery paths! We recommend adjustable Black Diamond trekking poles.
Water bottles:
Capacity to carry at least 2 litres of water. Wide-mouthed Nalgene bottles are durable and a good size.
Head
Neck gaiter or scarf:
Comes in useful for staying warm on cooler nights in camp.
Comes in useful for staying warm on cooler nights in camp.
Sun hat:
Preferably wide-brimmed for protection, and with a neck cover for sun protection.
Sunglasses:
Choose a pair of high UV protection glasses. Julbo are a great sunglass brand but any brand with high UV protection will suffice.
Headlamp:
You will need a headlamp with good light output for any late night toilet journeys (preferably with a red filter to keep the bugs away). Petzl make market-leading and affordable headlamps
Feet
Socks:
3 pairs of midweight socks. Merino wool is the best material and Bridgedale or Smartwool make good trekking socks.
Water shoes:
To wear when swimming in rivers and around camp so they need to be fixed to your feet as Teva type do, but also allow your feet to dry and air. A pair of Crocs is perfect!
We recommend using a mid-weight trekking boots with good ankle support. Recommended brands include: Salomon, Scarpa, Hi-Tec and Merrell.
Gaiters:
Help keep your trousers clean in wet and muddy conditions.
Upper Body
Long sleeved shirt:
Go for a light or medium weight, moisture wicking long sleeve shirt (x2). Icebreaker, Berghaus and Under Armour make great breathable trekking shirts.
Hard shell outer jacket:
A waterproof hard shell outer jacket to protect you from the elements. Goretex material is best. Recommended brands include The North Face, Arc'teryx, Berghaus and Mountain Hardwear.
Swimming costume:
Comfortable and active swimwear to use for bathing
Legs
Trekking trousers:
Light or medium weight (x2) trekking trousers. Recommended brands include Craghoppers and Columbia
Hard shell trousers:
To protect yourself from any heavy rains you need a good pair of waterproof hard shell trousers. Ideally Goretex. Patagonia, The North Face and Arc'teryx make good outer trousers
Odds and Sods
Sun and lip screen:
High SPF sunscreen and lip protection balm. SPF 40 or higher
Preferably containing 50% DEET.
Toothbrush and toothpaste:
Ideally travel size
Wet wipes and hand sanitizer:
Staying clean on your treks can be challenging. Wet wipes and hand sanitizer are a huge help
Personal medicines and medical kit:
We recommend bringing Paracetamol and Imodium at a minimum
Ear plugs:
For light sleepers. Snoring can be pretty bad in camp
Personal snacks:
Boiled sweets, nuts, energy bars and dried fruit are all a good shout
Camera and spare batteries:
To protect your cameras etc. it is a good idea to bring a water casing, particularly for your journey down the river at the end of your trek. Wrap them in plastic bags and only take them out when you are actually going to be using them.
Plug adapter:
In Guyana mains electricity is 240v / 60Hz.
There are four different plug types that may be found: Types A, B, D and G. Type A has two flat, parallel pins, Type B has three pins, two flat parallel and one rounded pin. Type D is commonly found in India and has three round pins and Type G is a Standard UK plug that has three rectangular pins.