mazuka

I'm beginning to plan my packing list and am wondering about the temperatures/weather in the locations we will be visiting. Wondering if shorts are enough or should we have long pants, and what about jackets, t-shirts vs long sleeved shirts,etc?

We are going from March 4 - 16, 2007 and visiting Tortuguero, Arenal, Monteverde and Manuel Antonio.

Earthtraveler

For Monteverde I would have some type of light pants, a long sleeved shirt, tshirts, waterproof jacket. The nights can be very chilly and if the days are rainy also. We were there in full sun all day and it never got hot doing the hike up and over the ridge.
The other places will me most likely very warm and humid though may cool down at night depending on the weather.

Have a wonderful journey!

hopefulist

I can't speak for CR, but here's the CA packing list that has served me well, 5 trips so far to CA (Guatemala, Belize, Honduras). I usually travel for at least 3-4 weeks at a time but the list wouldn't change, really, no matter how short or long the trip was. This is pasted from the FAQ thread of the Thorntree Forum. Have a great trip and then tell us all about it (please).

My answer to the question: WHAT SHOULD I PACK???

I can pack everything I need for an extended trip into a carry-on sized bag by choosing clothes that layer. I have a carry-on sized conversion pack (straps tuck away as needed) that has an attached day pack. I pack valuables and some personal items in the day pack and most of the clothes (that I'm not wearing) in the main compartment. Here's what I took to Honduras to accommodate 2-3 weeks inland with high altitude mountain hikes included and 2-3 weeks of beach time:

3-4 wicking-type shirts
1 light weight long sleeved shirt
2 pairs of light weight convertible (zip off to become shorts) long pants
1 sarong (skirt, swim wrap, doubles as towel or sleeping sheet)
1 bandana and one silicon-neck-cooler bandana
1 sunhat with strap
1 light weight sleeveless nightgown
2 swimsuits
1 light weight fleece jacket (liner type that can be worn alone)
1 light weight goretex rain coat
uns and socks (incl. 1 neoprene pair I wear under Keens for hiking and under fins for diving/snorkel’g)
flip flops for beach and showers
Keen water shoes for everything else, including lots of light hiking (they have great support and a rubber toe protector); if you're planning hardcore hiking, take boots

Cash, ATM and VISA cards, passport, etc.
Flight and lodging reservations, emails, receipts, etc.
Small medical kit and sewing kit
Cheap watch with alarm
Toiletries and prescription meds
Sunglasses, spare glasses, disposable contacts for diving/rainforests
Sunblock and bug stuff (Cactus Juice and Sawyer's Time Release Deet Formula, baby oil for sand flies)
Water purification pump (I'm a budget traveller)
Collapsible drinking cup
LCD headlamp
Compass
Earplugs
Camera, etc. (and underwater bag or 1-2 underwater disposables)
Smallish waterproof binoculars
Guidebook and copied map pages
Laminated plant and animal i.d. cards
Journal/writing materials
Reading material and Spanish/English dictionary
Small gifts for kids and hosts
Small dice and yahtzee papers
A small, flexible disc (like a frisbee)
Various ziplocks, cable ties, small bungie cords
3-4’ of duct tape wrapped around a waterproof marker
String and a few clothespins or 3-4 feet of braided surgical tubing - great clothesline
Half a roll of t.p. removed from core and flattened

I buy water and reuse the bottle and usually pick up an inexpensive pocket knife when I get there. I like having my own snorkel and mask, but my husband joined me two weeks into the trip and brought them with him; he has to check luggage anyway because of his fishing poles.

sms73

Great list! Thank you.

Since you only take 4 shirts, do you find you can wash and dry laundry overnight in your room?

Do you know a good source for convertible pants (zip off) for women?

hopefulist

Part of the reason I avoid cotton is it takes too long to dry; the new micro fabrics dry quickly when hung from a line and even quicker when worn (in a pinch). I usually spend at least 3-4 days and often a week or more in a spot and can often find cheap laundry services, otherwise I do my own. I'm really fond of REI products. It's good if you can try any convertible pants on before you go as there's a lot of variability in the fit. If you buy online try to leave enough time to send them back if they don't feel right. I've listed my favorite online sites below. Happy trails!

www.rei.com
www.rei-outlet.com
www.campmor.com
www.sierratradingpost.com

cmerrell

Hi Mazuka,

I have not shopped at REI, but second Hopefulist's mention of campmor. I purchased quite a few items from them before the trip I took to CR back in December. They have lots of discounted items and their customer service was prompt and efficient. I was able to pick up convertible pants there, as well as the moisture wicking type of t-shirts.

Your trip will be here before you know it! Have a great time!

shillmac

Lands End is offering a nice looking pair. Mine are Columbia, Ex-Officio is a good brand. The website Travel Smith (think that's right) has some good choices as does LL Bean.

janenicole

Another website that I have had good luck with is www.ems.com. I have ordered a few things for my upcoming trip at reasonable prices.

mazuka

I have summit hut here in Tucson and already bought one pair of Columbia zip off pants. I need to return in about a week after they get restocked to do some more shopping