Amazon cruise clothes

Has any one experienced an amazon cruise?

What clothes did you take for the Rain forest lodge/walks/sight seeing, canoe excursions etc We will only be cruising on the Amazon itself for about a week, so it's days out in the jungle rather than a week spent in the jungle. We'll be back on board most evenings...so tha's not a problem.

Really don't want to buy specialist clothing or shoes, cotton and linen are sometimes recommended, but the clothes I've seen in Spain seem a bit heavy.

This season we have lots of thin knitted acrylic "floaty" (not see thro) fabric trousers which seem to be crease resistant and will probably dry quickly, but do you think they will be too hot and sticky? Thought trousers would be better than shorts/capris because of any biting bugs, same reason considering tops with sleeves (even a vest style with a shirt cover up)

Any hints, tips, suggestions, experiences on this type of cruise will be much appreciated

Sandy in Spain

Look at Exoficio, Columbia, Athleta on line. That'll give you the best idea. Dry, wicking material (not knits) work best in tropical climates. Zip off pants are wonderful (pants that become shorts). Most of these brands also contain sunscreen in the material (very helpful). Don't need more than 1-2 pairs, they wash in a sink & dry in a very short time. Sounds like a trip of a lifetime have a wonderful time!

I wouldn't invest in any item of clothing that I wouldn't wear on a regular basis anywhere....it's simply not needed! As you said, a day tour isn't like "camping in the wilds"!

Hi, we visited the Peruvian Amazon on a land trip, staying in an Eco-lodge, not a cruise, but I imagine the clothing issue might be the same for your excursions. It is wise to have long sleeves and long pants, and closed toe shoes when on land because of the sun, mosquitoes and other insects. You can save your shorts, sandals, sleeveless tops and sundresses for the ship, if you bring them.

It is very, very humid and warm in the Amazon, so breathable cotton fabrics and/or very lightweight, quick-dry vented nylon clothing worked the best for us. Definitely find a good sun hat that has a breathable brim to help keep you cool. I purchased Exofficio Bugsaway shirts and pants online from Sierra Trading Post, which sells prior season's and close out clothing at a big discount. I wore lightweight, vented hikers from Keen. It was a great trip with lots of birds and wildlife and visits to local river villages. Have a great time!

I took what I owned: a thin, long sleeved collarless linen shirt in linen color, a long sleeved white cotton shirt, long linen pants, none of it new, all of it worn before in hot and humid climates and waiting in my closet for the next such trip. I do not like the new wicking materials on my skin and I think they start smelling after a few hours of sweating.

My husband bought a long sleeved 'expedition' shirt and matching long pants in beige. He loves both and took the pants on his next trip into a rainy and relatively cold climate. The pants look better than the jeans he used to wear, they are lighter and dry fast.

Avoid colorful clothing. It tends to attract bugs. Use mosquito repellent whatever you decide to wear. Save your 'better' clothes for the ship. After a few hours in a canoe, we were happy to change. Our jungle trip was fantastic!

Thanks everyone, How did you carry water with you on the excursions, or were bottles readily available?

Sandy in Spain

I'm a big fan of these Columbia pants and wore them while at an eco lodge in the Amazon.http://amzn.to/1LZ0cFY

I also have several pairs of non convertible ones that I wear around town that don't look like hiking pants. There are also some REI brand pants that I liked.

As for water I carry a Eddie Bauer or Northface backpack to hold everything so my hands are free

Bug repellent - I get eaten alive. I go with a Deet formula. I prob glowed in the dark but I didn't get bit. You can find it at REI or Amazon

Bens 100 Max Formula

Shoes low Merrels

 

This season we have lots of thin knitted acrylic "floaty" (not see thro) fabric trousers which seem to be crease resistant and will probably dry quickly, but do you think they will be too hot and sticky?

YES! I live in a climate that is hot and humid much of the year and you will roast in acrylic knit. Acrylic is hot, knit fabrics are hot, put the two together and you will be miserable in the Amazon. Stick to more breathable fabrics.

Side note: Most acrylic tends to "pill" and look worn rather quickly.

Thanks everyone, How did you carry water with you on the excursions, or were bottles readily available?

Sandy in Spain

That depends on your particular excursions. My husband carries the lightest backpack/daypack from LLBean and two bottles of water, one for me and one for him. I also have a water bottle carrier that I never use.