Costa Rica Travel Tips: Packing Camping Gear

Camping is very popular in Costa Rica amongst the tourists as well as the locals, and young at heart. Especially if your on a budget.

These are things that you might need in addition to the obvious from the general packing lists.

Costa Rica maps
compass
mosquito net (if you're staying in National Park ranger stations or refugios)
tent
sleep system*
*The "sleep system" will vary a lot with personal preference and which altitudes you're visiting. Our actual sleep setup is sort of like a bed and blanket(s).

If we're at lower elevations a sheet or light blanket is usually all that's needed. If we're headed to higher elevations carry a single lightweight polyfill rectagular bag (I think it's rate about +40 degrees F) and use as a blanket over the top.

When we climbed Chirripó we wore every stitch of clothing we had, covered up with our single bag, and still rented out 7 blankets each. I've heard the "new" Chirripó refugio, since we've been there in 2000, provides much better shelter.

pack
water filter & chemical purification systems
food
water bag
stove and cook set—The best camping cook set available is also the cheapest. Go to WalMart and buy the $US 9.99, 7 piece Teflon coated aluminum cook set
fire-bic lighter & waterproof matches
nylon line-100 lb. test 30 feet.
hammock
garbage disposal bags-Plastic bags made for garbage disposals are about ten times tougher than any other type—great for covering packs, stuffing dirty clothes, or making an emergency poncho.