What to wear for your jungle trek in Costa Rica

Embarking on a rainforest expedition in Costa Rica is an adventure of a lifetime. With its lush greenery, diverse wildlife, and vibrant indigenous cultures, the Costa Rican rainforest promises an unforgettable experience. The right clothing choices can keep you healthier and more comfortable so that you can enjoy your trek even more.

The best clothing choices

Costa Rica’s rainforest is known for its heavy rainfall, even during the dry season. It might be tempting to think that waterproof clothing would be a good choice, but in hot and humid jungles that is not always the case.

The wet kit/dry kit system

The big lesson here is the “wet kit and dry kit system”. This system is perfect for jungle trekking as you only need to carry two sets of clothes.  Here’s how it works: One set of clothes you will wear during the day, this set will get wet, sweaty and muddy whilst you are having fun in the jungle. When you arrive at camp and have a wash, remove and fully wash this set. In the evening after your wash you put on your dry kit.

Take it from me, this moment feels fantastic! Each day when you start trekking put on your wet kit again. Sure, it may still be wet from the wash but it will be clean.  This wet kit will either dry on you during the day, or it will just stay wet if it’s raining. Either way, no problem as later in the evening you have your trusty clean and dry kit ready to put back on for the evening around the campfire. Bliss.

Lightweight and quick drying clothing

So, what is the best clothing for a jungle trek? Lightweight, breathable and quick drying is necessary. I would always recommend keeping arms and legs covered to protect from bites, scratches and stings. This applies to both your wet and dry kit. I find that synthetic fabrics are best, mainly because ants seem to like eating natural fibre clothing!

It is important to look after your feet in the jungle and the right socks are a big part of that. Opt for two thin pairs, rather than one thicker pair, as you can then separate them to dry quicker. Wearing two pairs can also help take some of the friction out of your boots to prevent blisters. A mix that is mostly polyester and 1% elastane is a good, thin, quick drying fabric.

For a little luxury, and more foot care, you may choose to invest in some waterproof socks. It is really important you do not wear these during the day while you are trekking. They keep water out, but they also keep sweat in – not good for your feet on hot, sticky days! Instead pop them on in the evening, after you have washed. Then you can put your feet back in your (probably wet) boots and still have dry feet. It’s the simple things that make you feel good in the jungle!

The best boots for the jungle

For footwear you might think waterproof boots are a good idea. But in the jungle, these are a bad choice. You will be wading in rivers and the water will go into the top of your boots. If your boots are waterproof, they will hold onto the water in them. This is the perfect recipe for a nasty condition called foot rot. Instead, choose lightweight boots that allow the water to flow out again.

Specific jungle boots are available that have drainage holes in the sides for this purpose. If you are unable to find some of these then lightweight canvas and leather mixed all terrain boots will do just fine.

Whatever you get, be sure they have good grip for mud and ankle support for walking on rugged terrain. Boots with a higher ankle can also offer a bit of extra protection in the (unlikely) event of a snake bite. 

Remember the absolute golden rule of boots for an expedition – wear them in fully before the trip. Blisters in the jungle are bad news so get your boots on for your training walks at home.