The WyoPanama course requires you to spend long days in the rainforest. Here is a general gear list compiled by Dr. Patrick Kelley and Dr. Corey Tarwater over the last 20 years. Some of these recommendations may not work for you. At minimum, you should use this list to gauge the kind of conditions you need to be prepared for. At the bottom of this page, you will find a list of some of the research-related field gear that will be provided for your use during the course.
Pack as light as possible.
Before you scroll down to the suggested gear list, please keep one thing in mind: Travel is WAY EASIER if you aren't hauling huge suitcases and visibly expensive gear and possessions. You'll want to leave some room for souvenirs, of course, but we recommend trying to fit everything into your carryon luggage. It helps that it is HOT in Panama; lightweight clothes are your friend.
Your Gear
Essentials
Below, you'll get a "highlights" list. Please review this orientation packet, too. It is more detailed about some aspects of personal gear and preparation.
- PASSPORT: A current passport that does not expire for at least 6 months from the end date of the course is required to get into Panama and then back into the U.S. If you don't have a passport, or you need to renew yours, this needs to be the FIRST thing you deal with if you're even considering a study abroad course. Please visit the UW Study Abroad info page about passports and get rolling on this ASAP.
- Field boots for water and snake protection: There are many types you can purchase at a wide range of costs. The main thing is you want to balance comfort with protection, making sure you have footwear that doesn’t hurt you and also something covering you higher up than regular hiking boots. You may want to consider third-party insoles (e.g. SmartFeet) to put in your boots to make them feel more comfortable. Possibilities include:
- Mud boots (like Lacrosse boots: Grange-style ($$) or Burley-style ($$$), or other cheaper versions). Recommended features include ankle fit and non-insulated (light insulation isn't a problem, though; the understory can be significantly cooler than open-habitats). If you get cheaper boots, be aware that they may crack or soles may separate, but for a short field course like ours, that may not be an issue.
- Military boots: Altama Jungle PX 10.5” were designed for use in the forests of Panama. Dr. Kelley has been using these for years, though he is an outlier. Some of these styles of boot have drain holes; your feet will get wet, but the water eventually drains.
- Hiking boots: Any type can do, but realize that the extra stitching and fabric might experience higher-than-expected wear-and-tear in the forests.
- Binoculars: Light levels are low in the rainforest. Therefore, you need binoculars that will allow in adequate light. 8x42 are great; 10x30 are not good for the forest when you are trying to see color-bands on birds or trying to see small objects. (Optional for visits where you will not be focusing on bird observation: binocular shoulder harness. These will help reduce strain on your neck.)
- Laptop/tablet:You’ll need some sort of computer device for numerous assignments, activities, etc., during the course. If you don’t have a laptop/tablet or you’re uncomfortable taking yours abroad, plan ahead to check out a laptop from UW IT. If you do that, make sure you are clear on their rules about how long you can have the laptop checked out, etc., etc.
- Field pack: Backpack or lumbar pack. Most field researchers use both for different purposes. The lumbar pack is good for when you aren’t carrying too much because it is cooler (nothing pressing on your back), but the backpack is good for heavy loads.
- Rain cover for field pack (properly sized); If there is not a rain cover specifically designed for your field pack, simply buy any cover. At a minimum, you may want to use it like most tropical researchers: to cover your pack when it’s on the ground.
- Nalgene bottles or water bladder system: Ensure that you have enough bottles to maintain approximately three liters of have enough water/day. Students and instructors often go through two regular-sized Nalgene bottles per day in the field. Depending on your own body mass and metabolism, you may need more or less.
- Watch: Digital, water-resistant or water-proof is strongly recommended. Time and seconds should appear large enough to glance at and easily see. (Note that smartphones are not good options for time-keeping in the forest.)
- Smartphone apps: Uber, Merlin (for bird ID), eBird (for tracking bird sightings)
- Headlamp or small flashlight (water-resistant or water-proof): Waterproof is recommended. Headlamps are more practical, as they allow hands-free operation so you can complete important tasks in the field (putting gear into dry bags, etc.). During storms, the understory of the rainforest can become extremely dark; a headlamp helps immensely. Recommendations: Petzl Pixa-3 or similar.
- Field notebook & associated materials: At a minimum, a hard-backed notebook with protection (e.g., durable, resealable plastic bag) and pencil (with back-up sharpener, pencils, graphite refills, etc.). Professor B is an accomplished field and travel artist who will facilitate several opportunities to sketch and journal during the course. So, we encourage you to consider packing the following: (1) hard-cover, unlined sketchbook with paper that can handle "light wet media" or watercolors. (2) A variety of pens, pencils, colored pencils, markers, etc. These can be materials you're interested in practicing with or are already comfortable with. (3) If inclined, you can bring watercolor pencils and/or watercolors, along with waterbrush pens or a travel watercolor brush. You don't have to spend lots of money on art supplies, but having something more than a lined notebook will give you options for exploring and practicing the techniques you'll learn. For details about the materials that Professor B prefers, see this link.
- Protection from the rain (small umbrella or jacket): This sounds counterintuitive, but: Rain jackets, even Gore-tex, are not the best for tropical environments. They can, however, be great for storms to try and get a little less wet. A lightweight, packable, small one is best. A light rain jacket is also useful around town or in Panama City.
- Tupperware container for food in the field (keeps bugs out).
- Personal gear: First-aid kit, bug spray, sunscreen, and all toiletries, medications, and personal care items, are your own responsibility. We are staying in a small town about an hour's drive from Panama City. It is advisable that you bring what you need; there is no guarantee the bodega in Gamboa will have the product or brand you prefer. You might want to explore options for durable insect repellent, such as those kinds which can be sprayed into clothing and withstand several washings.
Optional
- Compass: Simple compass. If your work requires checking bird nests or looking into tree cavities, you will need one with a sighting mirror. For short trips, an inexpensive compass will suffice. Also, familiarize yourself with how to use the compass. We won’t be doing any orienteering to find specific points, but you may have to reverse wayfind your path back to a road. It helps to know what general direction you’re walking in, as terrain and forest structure can be very disorienting. Please be wary of compass features on smartphones. Example compass that will work well: SUUNTO A-10 Recreational Field Compass.
- Multi-tool: Take your pick. Dr. Kelley carries a small one with scissors, knife, etc. Example: Gerber 30-000469 Dime Multi-Tool, Black
- Identification guides: Depending on what you’re studying (seed dispersal, birds, fish, frogs, mammals), there are many field guides for Central America and Panama specifically. If you are working on (or interested in) birds, this is a good resource to have in your library. If you are on a field course, we have four copies in our Panama lab available to borrow. For other taxa, please inquire with Dr. Kelley or Professor B.
- Snake gaiters (optional, but recommended if you are nervous in the field): When in the forest, it’s imperative to take your time and be hyper-vigilant. Snakes are the least of anyone’s concerns, but they can (rarely) ruin your day. You can use a pair of snow gaiters (with a canvas layer) on the wrong feet so that the canvas layer is on the outside of your leg. This could repel or deflect small snake bites. This is what Dr. Kelley uses. And he has never been bitten by a snake. Correlation = causation 🤣.
- Hiking/trekking pole: The forest floor is slippery (rains a lot; lots of deadfall, leaves, vegetation, etc.), plus there are several wickedly spiney trees and other plants that you do not want to instinctively grab hold of to stop yourself from tripping. A collapsible hiking pole can be helpful.
Course Gear
The following gear will be provided. If you want to bring your own, you are welcome to, but it is not expected.
- Field guides to tropical bird and insect guides, etc.
- Books relevant to field research, Panamanian ecology and culture, etc.
- GPS units
- Compasses
- Go Pro cameras
- Audio equipment for recording, playbacks (speakers), etc.
- Transportation to and from Gamboa to research locations along Pipeline Road
- A wide range of other course-funded research materials are available in Panama, as part of the gear the course and the Kelley and Tarwater labs have built up over the years.