5 Essentials for Birding in the Tropics
When you want to add exotic birds to your life list, pack light.
Here are a few of our favorite new items to help keep you going while you traverse beaches and rainforest trails in the tropics.
(Note: Our reviewers field test everythingÌýthat we feature, and we never get paid to endorse any product.)
($350) is ideal for international birding: The carry-on comes with a detachable daypack, fits a week’s worth of clothes, and has hardy wheels that handle rugged terrain with ease. When the going gets tough, hidden straps transform it into a backpack.
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The newÌýÌý($21) is worth the extra pound it'll add to your luggage. Packed with more than 800 species accounts, illustrations, interesting and useful info about behavior, andÌýrange maps, it's simply the best guide out there forÌýBelize, Guatemala, Honduras, and El Salvador.​
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ÌýWorry about finding rare birds, not theÌýstate of your drinking water.ÌýWhether you’re filling up at a river or tap, remove viruses, bacteria, and heavy metals withÌýÌý($60). Simply fill, press down the filter, and drink. The replaceable cartridge is good for 300 uses, and you can feel good knowing that your water is clean and that you'reÌýhelping to cut down on plastic bottle waste that hurts seabirds.
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ÌýÌý($94) are sturdy, stylish, and foldable, taking up minimal luggage space. These waterproof kicks keepÌýfeetÌýcompletely dry while splashing through shallow puddles and muck, and haveÌýgood grip on wet surfaces.Ìý
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ÌýKeep harsh rays and pests at bay withÌýÌý($45). It's light and versatile,ÌýwithÌýa wide, foldable brim, clip-on strap, and quick-drying mesh lining. We didn't detect an odor from the Insect Shield repellant, which is good for 70 washings—but the bugs seemingly did, as they kept clear.Ìý
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