Costa Rica Equipment

Good camping equipment is both sturdy and light. North American suppliers tend to offer the most competitive prices. If you bring your own camping equipment with you into Costa Rica, make sure it is clean, as customs officials will check and disinfect used equipment upon arrival.

For lowland camping, a hammock and mosquito net are usually enough shelter, and both are readily available in Costa Rica. If using a hammock, bring along a generous length of rope to reach and get around any tree and a plastic tarp to keep you out of the rain. If you plan on camping at higher elevations, for example, en route to a peak or volcano, a sleeping bag and other cold-weather gear will be essential. Because fuel supplies are inconsistent, buy multi-fuel camping stoves. Camping supplies can be difficult to find once in Costa Rica; in general, you’re much better off purchasing equipment before you arrive.

Sleeping Bags: Most sleeping bags are rated by season; “summer” means 30-40°F (around 0°C) at night; “four-season” or “winter” often mean below 0°F (-17°C). Bags are made of down (warm and light, but expensive, and miserable when wet) or of synthetic material (heavy, durable, and warm when wet). Prices range US$50-250 for a summer synthetic to US$200-300 for a good down winter bag. Sleeping bag pads include foam pads (US$10-30), air mattresses (US$15-50), and self-inflating mats (US$30-120). Bring a stuff sack to store your bag and keep it dry.
Tents: The best tents are free-standing (with their own frames and suspension systems), set up quickly, and only require staking in high winds. Low-profile dome tents are the best all-around. Worthy 2-person tents start at US$100, 4-person at US$160. Make sure your tent has a rain fly and seal its seams with waterproofer. Other useful accessories include a battery-operated lantern, a plastic groundcloth, and a nylon tarp.
Backpacks: Internal-frame packs mold well to your back, keep a lower center of gravity, and flex adequately to allow you to hike difficult trails. External-frame packs are more comfortable for long hikes over even terrain, as they carry weight higher and distribute it more evenly. Make sure your pack has a strong, padded hip-belt to transfer weight to your legs. There are models designed specifically for women. Any serious backpacking requires a pack of at least 65,000cc (4000 cubic in.), plus 8000cc (500 cubic in.) for sleeping bags in internal-frame packs. Sturdy backpacks cost anywhere from US$125-420—your pack is something for which it doesn’t pay to skimp. On your hunt for the perfect pack, fill up prospective models with something heavy, strap it on correctly, and walk around the store to get a sense of how the model distributes weight. Either buy a rain cover (US$10-20) or store all of your belongings in plastic bags inside your pack.
Boots: Be sure to wear hiking boots with good ankle support. They should fit snugly and comfortably over 1-2 pairs of wool socks and a pair of thin liner socks. Break in boots over several weeks before you go to spare yourself blisters.
Other Necessities: Synthetic layers, like those made of polypropylene or polyester, and a pile jacket will keep you warm even when wet. A space blanket (US$5-15) will help you retain body heat and doubles as a groundcloth. Plastic water bottles are vital; look for shatter- and leak-resistant models. Carry water-purification tablets for when you can’t boil water. Although most campgrounds provide campfire sites, you may want to bring a small metal grate or grill. For those places that forbid fires or the gathering of firewood, you’ll need a camp stove (start at US$50) and a propane-filled fuel bottle to operate it. Also bring a first-aid kit, pocketknife, flashlight, insect repellent, sunscreen, compass, and waterproof matches or a lighter .

Where To Buy It

The mail-order and online companies listed below offer lower prices than many retail stores. A visit to a local camping or outdoors store will give you a good sense of the look and weight of certain items.

Campmor, 400 Corporate Dr., P.O. Box 680, Mahwah, NJ 01430, USA (US ☎1-888-226-7667, elsewhere ☎201-335-9064; www.campmor.com).
Discount Camping, 880 Main North Rd., Pooraka, South Australia 5095, Australia (☎08 8262 3399; www.discountcamping.com.au).
Eastern Mountain Sports (EMS), 1 Vose Farm Rd., Peterborough, NH 03458, USA (☎888-463-6367; www.ems.com).
L.L. Bean, Freeport, ME 04033 (US and Canada ☎1-800-441-5713, UK } +44 0800 891 297, elsewhere ☎207-552-3028; www.llbean.com).
Mountain Designs, P.O. Box 824, Nundah, Queensland 4011, Australia (☎07 3856 2344; www.mountaindesigns.com).
Recreational Equipment, Inc. (REI), Sumner, WA 98352, USA (US and Canada ☎1-800-426-4840, elsewhere 253-891-2500; www.rei.com).
Sierra Trading Post, 5025 Campstool Rd., Cheyenne, WY 82007, USA (☎1-800-713-4534; www.sierratradingpost.com).