What to Bring
The Desert Island Packing List

You’re about to step into an adventure that few ever experience — whether it’s kayaking through Botswana’s Delta, surviving on a desert island, or venturing into remote wilderness. Each expedition is unique, and we’ll guide you every step of the way.

We provide the specialist gear — hammocks, machetes, safety equipment — so you don’t need to worry about bulky or hard-to-source items. What’s left is a handful of personal essentials. Once you confirm your place, we’ll send you a tailored packing list for your specific trip, making preparation simple and stress-free.

One golden rule across all our adventures: pack light. The freedom of travelling with less leaves more room for what really matters — immersing yourself in the wild, embracing challenge, and returning with stories few others can tell.

In the meantime, here’s our curated Amazon gear guide for recommended essentials, if you’d like a head start.

Our Recommended Gear

The Must-Haves for Your Survival Expedition

Here’s everything you’ll need to make the most of your time on the island.

Forget the big Rambo blades – you won’t need them here. What you will need is a simple, sharp, and durable bushcraft knife. The Mora Companion blade is a fantastic knife and great value at around $18. Stainless steel is best for not rusting and staying sharp the whole trip. However if you want something easier to sharpen, get carbon steel – however it will rust and lose its edge quicker. If you’re looking to treat yourself, check out Condor or Buck for high-quality blades. In this environment. Leave the big blades at home—trust us.

Once the sun goes down, your head torch becomes your best friend for finding your hammock in the jungle. Look for one with a red light setting to preserve your night vision. USB-rechargeable is ideal, but if not, pack some spare batteries. There are plenty of affordable options starting at $12.

You’ll be in the sun all day, so don’t mess around—bring some serious sun protection. A sun hat and high SPF sunblock (at least factor 30 and waterproof) are a must. Consider P20 for an easy, one-time application in the morning.

You won’t need your big luggage on the island. A small 30-40L rucksack or better even a dry bag will be perfect for carrying your gear.

Most of the time, a sleeping bag liner will be enough. If you tend to feel the cold, go for a lightweight sleeping bag—nothing too bulky. It’s all about keeping it simple and light.

The island’s sandy, salty environment will have you grateful for synthetic fabrics. Cotton holds water and takes ages to dry, so pack 3 quick-drying tops, one of them long-sleeved for sun protection, and synthetic underwear that wicks away moisture and prevents chafing. a long sleeve rash vest is nice to have.

You’ll need something that can handle sharp rocks and jungle  spines. Crocks, reef boots, or even old trainers with a thick sole will be perfect for those rockier walks and the occasional jungle trek.

A good Nalgene water bottle or similar is key. Go for one with a wide opening so you can easily refill it. Hydration is non-negotiable out here.

During the dry season, mosquitoes aren’t much of a problem, but sandflies might be (Panama). Bring your preferred repellent to keep the little critters at bay.

Don’t underestimate the power of a good pair of polarized sunglasses. They’ll protect your eyes from the harsh sun and help you see into the water while fishing.

Bring any medication you might need, along with basics like a small deodorant stick, toothbrush, and bio-degradable soap for washing in the sea. 

The salty, sandy air will wreak havoc on your gadgets. Keep your camera or GoPro in a dry bag with silica gel packets to prevent moisture damage.

Nice-to-Haves & Extras

If you’ve got a bit more room in your pack and want to bring some extras, here are a few things that can enhance your island experience:

Quick-drying, synthetic trousers are great for jungle treks.

Capture your adventure, but make sure you’ve got the right protection—dry bags or pelican cases will keep your gear safe.

We provide a few sets, but bringing your own means you’ll have the perfect fit for your underwater explorations.

It’s great to keep a portable charger handy for your own gadgets.

A good read can be a luxury on quiet island evenings, but don’t let it steal too much of your adventure time.

Use your downtime to reflect. Jotting down thoughts and experiences can help you remember and appreciate the quieter moments on the island.

Why Less is More

🏝️ When we say pack light, we mean it. You’ll be living in the spirit of castaway simplicity, where the fewer things you have, the more you’ll appreciate the experience. Leave the clutter behind—this adventure is about reconnecting with the essentials.

🏝️ Keep in mind that the environment can be tough on your gear. Synthetic clothing is a must, as cotton holds water and takes forever to dry. Make sure anything important, like your camera, is kept safe in dry bags.

Packing for our Desert Island Survival Expedition is all about finding the balance between what you need and what will make your experience more enjoyable. Remember, we provide the essentials—you just need to bring the basics. Pack smart, pack light, and get ready for the adventure of a lifetime.

For any gear recommendations, check out our Amazon list here.

Our Recommended Gear