Sumatra's interior is a world of dense, ancient rainforest — home to orangutans, sun bears, clouded leopards, and one of the most biodiverse ecosystems on Earth. It's also humid, wet, and occasionally muddy. Packing right makes the difference between a miserable slog and the trek of your life.

Footwear: This is the most important decision you'll make. Invest in proper waterproof trekking boots with ankle support — not trail runners, not sandals. The jungle floor is perpetually damp and often steep. Break your boots in before the trip. Bring a pair of flip-flops for evenings at camp.

Clothing: Quick-dry synthetic or merino wool fabrics only — cotton is a disaster in humid conditions. Long sleeves and trousers are essential for sun protection and to minimise leech and mosquito exposure. Bring a lightweight rain jacket (rain can arrive without warning) and a thin fleece for higher elevations.

Backpack: A 40–50L pack is ideal for multi-day treks. Make sure it has a rain cover, hip belt, and load-lifter straps. Pack everything inside a dry bag or heavy-duty bin liner for waterproofing.

Health & Safety: Carry water purification tablets or a Sawyer filter. Bring rehydration salts, blister plasters, antiseptic wipes, and tick/leech removal tweezers. A basic course of antibiotics (ask your travel doctor) is wise for remote treks. Sunscreen and insect repellent with DEET are non-negotiable.

Navigation & Power: Download offline maps (Maps.me or AllTrails) before you go. A headtorch with spare batteries is essential — pack it even for day treks. A portable power bank will save you in multi-day situations.

Extras Worth Packing: Trekking poles (collapsible), a sit pad, a lightweight camp towel, a dry bag for your camera, biodegradable soap, and a small zip-lock bag for rubbish you pack out.

What to Leave Behind: Heavy DSLR gear (go mirrorless), jeans, anything cotton, single-use plastic bottles, and anything you'd be devastated to lose to rain or a river crossing.

Our tour guides provide comprehensive pre-trek briefings with specific packing lists tailored to your chosen route. If in doubt, travel light — we can arrange equipment rental for most items in Bukit Lawang and Berastagi.