Our equipment recommendations for Cuba
Basic Equipment
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Waterproof duffle bag:
To carry your main gear we recommend using a 110-120L duffle bag.
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Daypack:
You will need to carry your own daypack. 30-40L is sufficient. We recommend Osprey daypacks.
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Sleeping bag:
You will need a light sleeping bag (with a rating of 10 degrees) and compression sack. We recommend Mountain Hardwear or The North Face sleeping bags.
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Trekking poles:
Trekking poles can reduce the impact on your joints by up to 20%. They are great for travelling up and down steep, jungle paths! We recommend adjustable Black Diamond trekking poles
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Water bottles:
Capacity to carry at least 2 litres of water. Wide-mouthed Nalgene bottles are durable and a good size.
Head
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Sun hat:
Preferably wide-brimmed for protection, and with a neck cover for sun protection
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Sunglasses:
Choose a pair of high UV protection glasses. Julbo are a great mountain sunglass brand but any brand with high UV protection will suffice
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Headlamp:
You will need a headlamp with good light output for any late night toilet journeys. Petzl make market-leading and affordable headlamps
Hands and Feet
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Socks:
3-4 pairs of thick, trekking socks and 2-3 pairs of thin socks. Merino wool is the best material and Bridgedale or Smartwool make good trekking socks
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Training shoes:
To wear on your different activities we recommend bringing a pair of training shoes or sandals
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Trekking boots:
We recommend using a mid-weight trekking boots with good ankle support. Recommended brands include: Salomon, Scarpa, Hi-Tec and Merrell
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Gaiters:
Help keep your trousers clean in wet and muddy or dusty conditions.
Upper Body
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Thermal base layer:
1 x thermal base layer, ideally made from merino wool. No cotton. Recommended brand is Icebreaker
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Long sleeved shirt:
Go for a light or medium weight, moisture wicking long sleeve shirt (x2). Icebreaker, Berghaus and Under Armour make great breathable trekking shirts.
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Fleece or Soft shell jacket:
A mid-weight fleece jacket is ideal for cool nights. Berghaus, Helly Hansen and The North Face all make great fleeces
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Hard shell outer jacket:
A water/windproof hard shell outer jacket to protect you from the elements. Goretex material is best. Recommended brands include The North Face, Arc'teryx, Berghaus and Mountain Hardwear
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Swimming costume or shorts
This will be necessary for your water based activities on Cuba Discovery.
Legs
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Trekking trousers:
Light or medium weight (x1) trekking trousers. Convertible trousers are an option. Recommended brands include Craghoppers and Columbia
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Trekking shorts:
Light or medium weight (x1) trekking shorts. Recommended brands include Craghoppers and Columbia
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Hard shell trousers:
To protect yourself from the elements you need a good pair of waterproof / windproof hard shell trousers. Ideally Goretex. Patagonia, The North Face and Arc'teryx make good outer trousers
Odds and Sods
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Toothbrush and toothpaste:
Ideally travel size
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Wet wipes and hand sanitizer:
Staying clean on your treks can be challenging. Wet wipes and hand sanitizer are a huge help
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Personal medicines and medical kit:
We recommend bringing Paracetamol and Imodium at a minimum
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Ear plugs:
For light sleepers. Snoring can be pretty bad in camp
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Personal snacks:
Boiled sweets, nuts, energy bars and dried fruit are all a good shout
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Dry bag:
Only required if your main duffle bag or rucksack is not waterproof. Sturdy rubble sacks will also help to keep your kit dry on our kayaking adventure.
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Camera and spare batteries:
Unless you are a keen photographer we recommend taking a good quality and lightweight point and shoot camera like the Panasonic Lumix.
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Plug adapter:
A plug adapter for charging your devices in the hotels. Most of Cuba has a 110V electricity supply although the newer hotels will use 220V. You will need a Type C plug adapter, this is the one with two rounded pins commonly used in Europe.