19+ PANAMA PACKING LIST & INFORMATION

Transcription

1 19+ PANAMA PACKING LIST & INFORMATION 1

2 PREPARING FOR A COURSE This is a list of what our instructors deem as fundamental gear for your course. Feel free to bring items that are not on this list, but please keep in mind that you will be responsible for your personal belongings. Do not bring more than you think you will be able to carry. Prior to leaving our rainforest base, instructors will lead you through a process we call the Duffle Shuffle. At this time, instructors will advise you as to which of your personal items you will not need or cannot take on course. These items will be stored safely and securely on base and returned to you at the end of your course. Also during this process, you will be issued the necessary equipment for your course. When packing, please keep in mind that Costa Rica has a lot of sun, but rain, mud and harsh weather is also very likely. The right clothing can protect your body from these elements and really make a difference in your comfort level. If you have any questions about these packing list items, please Enrollment@OutwardBoundCR.org or call CONTENTS Weather in Panama Important Information Dehydration Packing Lists Essentials in your carry-on Mandatory items Gear provided by Outward Bound Optional items Prohibited Items 2

3 WEATHER IN PANAMA Panama lies very close to the equator and enjoys a tropical climate Temperatures vary between degrees Fahrenheit Humidity is very high. Panama has a tropical maritime climate with a hot, humid, rainy season (May through to December) and a short dry season (January through to May). Even with two distinct seasons, temperatures in Panama rarely change more than 20 degrees no matter what elevation you are at. Summer lasts roughly from December to April. PACKING INFORMATION Dehydration The most common medical complication during course is dehydration. There are many factors that lead to dehydration clothing included! It s important that clothing worn on course is made of lightweight and breathable material. Wool, polyester, silk and polypropylene are good materials that do not retain moisture. Cotton retains moisture, prevents sweat from evaporating, and often has mold issues, so do not pack cotton items for your course. It s essential to always drink water constantly on course. The convenience and quality of your water equipment will affect your water consumption levels. Please bring 2 wide mouth one-liter hard-plastic water bottles (such as a Nalgenes). A collapsible water bladder with hose (such as a Camelback) is optional. 3

4 PACKING LISTS ESSENTIAL IN YOUR CARRY-ON LUGGAGE In case luggage is delayed, it is best to have the following essentials and valuables in your carry-on luggage: Change of Clothes T-shirt, pants/shorts, underwear, socks Lightweight, fast drying, non-cotton preferable. Basic Toiletries Toothpaste, toothbrush, feminine items, biodegradable wipes, brush or comb, hair ties, deodorant, shampoo, soap A Copy or Screenshot of Your Return Flight Itinerary Visitors to Costa Rica must show proof of exit within 90 days of entering the country at Immigration. EXTRA medication and glasses or contacts If you are taking prescription medicines or have glasses/contacts, bring backup supplies (up to twice the normal amount in case of loss/emergency). Instructors carry complete First Aid kits on all courses, so you only need to bring medications that are specific to you. Your Passport/Visa Your passport must be valid for at least six months from your departure date from Costa Rica. Check to see if you need a Visa to travel to Costa Rica or Panama. Money $29 USD for Costa Rican airport tax (Paid at the airport prior to check-in when departing Costa Rica) Costa Rica charges a $29 US Exit Tax to all passengers departing the country. Most airlines include this tax in the price of your airline ticket. Please check with your airline regarding this tax. $100 USD for a one-week course and/or Credit Card for medical emergency and personal purchases. You will not need to carry money with you but will have access to if there s time to visit a local artisan market. For your cash, please do not bring dollar bills larger than $20, as many vendors do not accept larger bills. Paperwork Bring insurance documents and any important emergency phone numbers. 4

5 MANDATORY ITEMS PACK IN CHECKED LUGGAGE Underwear Lightweight, fast drying, non-cotton is preferable. Street Clothes 1 outfit Casual clothes for travel days. Socks 2-3 pairs Non-cotton is preferable. Sports Bras 1-2 Non-cotton is preferable. T-shirts/Tank Tops 3-4 Non-cotton, fast-drying, and/or wicking fabric highly preferable. Shorts 2 pairs Lightweight, fast drying and/or non-cotton is preferable should be modest (i.e. loose fitting and comes to the mid-thigh, appropriate for dress in conservative communities and homestay environments). Pants 1 pair Lightweight, non-cotton (for mosquito protection). Long-sleeve shirt 1 shirt Lightweight, non-cotton (for mosquito protection). Pajamas 1 pair Or other comfortable clothing for sleeping. Water Bottles 2 1-liter Wide-mouth Nalgene plastic bottles. Carabineer 1-2 To clip your water bottle or your camera to your backpack (nothing fancy). Headlamp With extra batteries! You will use your headlamp every day. It gets very dark quite early. Headlamps have the advantage over flashlights of being handsfree for walking around the base in the evening, in the homestays (some don't have electricity), the campsite, for reading, writing, or finding clothes in your bag after dark. You will be using your headlamp daily so bring a set of batteries. Ziploc-type Plastic Bags 5 Large To keep your items dry in the pack during heavy rains. Whistle Fox 40, non-cork ball. Book Bag or Daypack For day outings you may want your own smaller bag (REI Flash 18 is a good, packdown option). Sunglasses UVA/UVB protection Polarized lenses are best for water activities. 5

6 MANDATORY ITEMS (continued) Fleece Jacket You will encounter cold nights. Cotton sweatshirts are NOT acceptable. Baseball Cap or Wide-brimmed Hat For sun protection. Rain Jacket Lightweight waterproof/breathable with a hood. You will get rained on during your course. Rain gear can make or break your trip! Swimsuit/Board Shorts/ Swim Trunks 2 suits 1- and 2-piece sports suits are recommended (1 of each). Board shorts should be mid-thigh length. Sundress or Sarong for Bathing Suit Cover Up Running or Tennis Shoes 1pair For working or playing soccer with the local kids and families. Flip-flops Full Size Beach Towel Quick-dry material strongly recommended. Optional if your pack towel is full size. Dive Booties or Wetsuit Socks Wetsuit We provide a 3mm short wetsuit for those who prefer to wear it. Most students find the warm tropical water comfortable for our long dives and no need to wear a wetsuit. If you prefer to, you can bring your own wetsuit. Rash Guard This is a tight-fitting shirt usually made of polypropylene; for sun and skin protection during scuba and activities such as bodyboarding and surfing. 6

7 MANDATORY ITEMS (continued) TOILETRIES Please bring small refillable bottles (travel size). Your back will thank you. Toothbrush & Toothpaste Biodegradable Soap, Shampoo, & Conditioner Deodorant (unscented) Waterproof Sunscreen 1-2 bottles SPF 30 or higher Sports SPF 50 stays best during water activities and/or Zinc oxide sun protection (best sunscreen for those who burn easily). Quick-dry Pack Towel (full-sized) OBCR does not provide towels. These towels should be quick-dry as regular towels will not dry and become heavy and bulky on course. Antibacterial Hand Sanitizer Brush or Comb Extra Hair Ties Insect Repellent 2 bottles One with DEET and one without. Feminine items Bring a good supply even if you do not expect to need them. You DO NOT want to be surprised on course. We recommend tampons without plastic applicators or that are bio-degradable, but please bring whatever you normally use. Lip Salve or Balm With sunscreen. Aloe Vera Gel MEDICAL SUPPLIES Necessary Medical Treatment in Case of an Allergic Reaction E.g. EpiPens. & Inhalers. You will carry your own for the fastest response time. Our First Aid kits have these items for students it is best if you bring your own. Swimmer s Ear Treatment A bottle of Swimmer s Ear, or another antibiotic drops for the rivers and the oceans. Afterbite or Calamine Lotion Expect to be bitten by bugs you are in the tropics. 7

8 GEAR PROVIDED BY OUTWARD BOUND You are welcome to bring your own items if you prefer, but Outward Bound Costa Rica has the following items available for your use while you are on course. Large Duffle Bag Meal Kit All Necessary Equipment for All Adventure Activities Tents, Sleeping Bags and Pads We provide non-inflatable egg-crate sleeping mats. If you have your own inflatable (backpacking size) sleeping mat and would like to bring it just remember that we are not responsible if it gets damaged bring a patch kit! We encourage you to bring your own if you anticipate having problems sleeping on our thin foam pads. 8

9 OPTIONAL ITEMS (for all courses) NOTE: many of the items listed below are things that students have found helpful, but not consistently enough to make them mandatory on the list. It is at your discretion to bring these items! Poncho with a hood We can have very heavy rains in Costa Rica and Panama. Dry Bag Baggage may get wet while traveling on course. Dry bags help protect your valuables. Alternatively, you can line your pack with a plastic bag. Biodegradable Skin Lotion If you have dry skin being in the sun so much will make it drier. Camera(s) Waterproof recommended if you have one. If you bring a more expensive camera, we recommend a small dry bag or other waterproof case to store it. If you bring a digital camera, bring extra batteries and memory cards as you will not have a chance to back up your memory cards and will not be able to recharge your camera. Ear Plugs For light sleepers, or for swimming. Travel Pillow Box of Baby Wipes Books 1 For your reading pleasure. Bandana Very useful to keep the sweat out of your eyes you can also wet it and tie it around your head for efficient cooling, to stay comfortable on hot days and during strenuous activity. Snacks For those who have severe food allergies or specific diet restrictions, this is highly recommended (see Info Pack). Spanish-English Dictionary Secure Straps ( Croakies ) Key to not losing your sunglasses and/or glasses in the river or ocean. Deck of Cards Tennis/Athletic Shoes 9

10 PROHIBITED ITEMS The following items will not be allowed while you are on course and will be left at our base and stored securely and safely. You should consider leaving them at home. Please note that our rainforest base facility is located in a humid climate. Outward Bound Costa Rica is not responsible for any damages to personal items caused by the weather/environment. Cell Phones Regardless of service capabilities, cell phones are not permitted on course. This applies for iphones and smart phones as well. Students will NOT be allowed to have a phone on course even if this device is their only camera. ipods or Other Music Devices These items will be put in our safe at the beginning of the course and you will not have access to them again until the last day of your course. Laptop Computers, Tablets, and E-readers These devices will be stored in our safe at the beginning of the course and you will not have access of them again until the last day of your course. Watches or Clocks If you are used to checking your wrist every five minutes, it s time to relax. If you bring a watch with you, you will be asked to leave it at base. We find that students enjoy themselves much more if they aren t worried about the time. Pocket Knives or Multi-Tools We supply all the cutting implements you will need for your course; personal ones will be left on base. Lighters Our instructors carry all fire-starting devices you will need for camping and cooking activities on course. Personal Electronic Devices Other personal electronic devices, with the exception of cameras, must be left behind once you start your course, so think carefully before bringing them. ANY ALCOHOL, DRUGS, CONTROLLED SUBSTANCES (OTHER THAN THOSE PRESCRIBED BY A PHYSICIAN) AND TOBACCO PRODUCTS ARE FORBIDDEN ON COURSE. VIOLATIONS ARE GROUNDS FOR EXPULSION FROM THE COURSE. IF YOU HAVE QUESTIONS ABOUT OUR POLICIES, PLEASE ASK. 10