Flatfoot

We are leaving in 2 weeks for our maiden trip to Costa Rica. For the two week excursion we will be staying at Arenal, Tortuguero and Manuel. I am wondering if we will have a problem getting our clothes dry in a short amount of time when we will be canyoning, whitewater rafting and kayaking in a humid and rainy climate?

hipvirgochick

depends on the material but cotton and things yes, if you're hang drying them. most hotels offer laundry service which is nice.

JBX

Cotton is NOT your friend. You don't need an entirely new wardrobe, however would strongly suggest you bring along at least 1 pair of pants -- the style that zips off lower leg, turning into shorts, which are made from a quick drying fabric. Also, at least 2 pairs socks that are also made from 'wicking' fabric.

The first time I went to Costa Rica, I had to "abandon" a pair of jeans & a cotton shirt about midway thru trip. Was on an organized tour. I'd worn the outfit and, uh, shall we say, worked up a sweat ..... next day we were moving on to another location, and hotel wasn't able to launder the items by time we were scheduled to depart. So, rather than pack the smelly items in my suitcase, I just left those items behind.

qwovadis

Go a bunch very humid there in summer PM rain daily nothing ever dries

Trails always wet muddy if u will be doin that

Drip dry everything light several pairs of socks to change for me.

Weather2travel.com climate guide

Onebag.com great packing tips for me.

Still lots of fun come prepared

I am a big fan of GoreTex particularly for light hiking boots.

mlgb

I like the engineered polyester and nylon fabrics that are breathable but dry more quickly, ie coolmax, microfibers etc.

I still bring a few cotton tee shirts but all of my shorts are quickdry. It can take two days for things to dry even if they are under cover.

volcanogirl

We bought some of those quick dry shorts to go rafting, and they're great. They look like regular shorts, but dry out very quickly, and they're comfortable. REI has a lot if you want to check there. They have an online store as well. I'd recommend getting some good water shoes as well. We like Keen's. If your room has air conditioning, running it will also help to wick the moisture out of the air.

colibri

If you have Bass Pro shops, I just picked up some of their zip-off quick dry pants on sale for $14.99, 1/2 price. I've got 3 pair now along with several of their SPF 50/quick dry shirts - I'm set for all types of weather in CR!

I also have brought several pair of old socks that I will toss if they get too wet and muddy and won't dry out.

Last trip I brought a microfiber towel so that I could squeeze excess moisture out of swimsuits or anything I handwashed and it helped with drying.

mlgb

You really can't have too many socks! They also make them in quick dry fibers but they tend to be on the thin side, so I still like some cushy cotton socks.

For hiking I like to bring the old stuff that doesn't necessarily have to come home with me.

Be sure to bring binoculars.

volcanogirl

Glad to know about the quick dry socks. I haven't seen those yet, and ours socks always get pretty heinous.

atdahl

When we are in CR we are walking advertisements for REI. But, the quick dry clothing really works. We take a baggy of laundry soap and wash shirts and socks in the sink. They both dry in about 1 day. It's a good option for longer trips so you can pack less.

Also, think about amphibian shoes and rubber boots depending on the type of trip you are taking. Either one may come in handy.

john127

Just so people areaware, on a budget, you can by that "quick-dry" material clothing in Target or Old Navy as well. I have some REI stuff, which is obviously "nicer" but the cheaper stuff (I have a bunch of that too) works just as well in the heat and humidity.

mlgb

Also if you have a Ross, Marshalls, TJMaxx, etc look in the golf section as well, the clothing is a bit more stylish but made with the engineered fabrics and usually has good pockets in the bottoms.

I like the "rubber boats" for wet season a tip to make them more comfortable for walking is to get a size up and insert some insoles. Just be sure to give your feet air time too!

Flatfoot

Thanks to all for the great tips. We already have quick drying shirts and the zip-off pants to shorts, but will look for a couple of the quick dry shorts. I have 1 pair each of Keen's, Merrell's (gore-tex) and an old pair of Tiva sandals that know my feet better than I do. These should be great for the trip, so I am wondering do I really need to bring socks?

We are trying to minimize the weight of our bags, so I do appreciate the advice.

mlgb

I am not a fan of mud hiking in sandals. Bring old socks and shoes or borrow/buy rubber boots.

volcanogirl

Out of the areas you're going, the only place we needed rubber boots was in Tortuguero, and our lodge had a huge supply of them. You might check with your lodge to see if they do the same. I think the sock thing is totally up to you.

flatfoots_muse

Thank you all for your "sock and shoe" advice. Also, a big thanks for the "onebag" website, one of the best I've seen. Just 9 days until we get to spend 2 weeks in a country all of you obviously love.
And no problem with the mud hiking - it's not happening in MY sandals! Purchased a good pair of Merrell waterpros which will hopefully see me through several activities (and they're cute too). We are staying at the Tortuga Lodge and I will check to see if they have rubber boots just in case we need them. I wouldn't have thought to ask so thanks for that tip.

volcanogirl

The Tortuga Lodge is wonderful. We loved staying there, and yes they have rubber boots. They have a whole shed of them. It's a great property - good food and wonderful service. I'd recommend bringing something to do in case of rain - books, etc. Hope you get to see the turtles!

patrigringo

Yes, make sure you bring some extra pairs of clothes.

flatfoots_muse

Our Kindles will loaded up for those rainy evenings. Glass of wine and a good book in the rain forest - sounds like relaxation to me! Though I might be challenging my husband to a mean game of gin rummy. Hopefully the turtles will be out and about 'cause we're scheduled for "viewing" on our first night in Tortuguero.

volcanogirl

I love the restaurant there. It has outdoor seating right along the canal. There was a full moon when we were there - so pretty.