I don’t think anything in terms of traditional rainwear is going to work all that well or be very comfortable, Maurice. We’re talking, what, 90 degrees and 70 percent humidity? Anything you put on is just going to make you sweat that much more, so you’ll be as wet on the inside as on the outside. Better to take lots of fast-drying light items, such as Ex Officio’s Performance Travel Tee ($34; www.exofficio.com) or Patagonia’s Silkweight Capilene T-shirt ($32; www.patagonia.com). You’re going to get wet no matter what, so you want something that dries out quickly. And sure, along with that pack a lightweight rainjacket鈥擬armot’s PreCip Jacket ($100; www.marmot.com) would do just fine鈥攆or those times when you’re not moving around a lot and can bear to wear another layer.
Mesa Ventilator Mid
And take this: An umbrella like GoLite’s Dome Umbrella ($20; www.golite.com). Lightweight, really breathable rain projection!
I’d take the same approach to footwear. All of Costa Rica is not a swamp, of course, but you’ll still be hard-pressed to keep your feet dry鈥攊nevitably, you’ll over-top the boots with water. So waterproof boots will just make your feet sweat more. Maybe take a couple of things, if budget and packing space allows. Merrell’s Mesa Ventilator Mids ($80; www.merrell.com) are lightweight, breathable boots that should hold up pretty well in a damp environment. Salomon’s Tech Amphibs ($70; www.salomonoutdoor.com) are water shoes designed to get dunked, then drain out water.
At the same time, check with your host/guide/tour leader. Snakes鈥攁mong them, the deadly, six-foot fer-de-lance鈥攁re common in Costa Rica, and you might be better advised to wear tall boots such as military-style combat boots. Better snakebite protection.
Don’t mean to alarm you! It’ll be fun, regardless, but hopefully a combination of the above options will cover you in your rainforest trails.
For more lightweight, waterproof footwear options, read from the July ’04 issue of 国产吃瓜黑料.