When you hear the word “tropical,” you probably think of palm trees, sandy beaches, and coconuts. In reality, a tropical climate is much more complex than that. Tropical regions have high humidity year-round and regularly reach heat indexes of over 85 degrees Fahrenheit heat indexes.
Climatologists have identified several subcategories in which they place different areas based on their average annual temperature and monthly rainfall. For example, the humid subtropical climate is typical in Atlanta, Georgia; New Orleans, Louisiana; and Charlotte, North Carolina.
Whether it’s an island getaway or a rainforest hike — being prepared for hot weather can make all the difference when it comes to having an enjoyable trip. To help aid you in your preparations, we have compiled a list of essential items that you should pack for a trip to a tropical climate:
- Crate Club survival subscription box
If you’re planning a tropical adventure, pack a survival subscription box. Survival subscription boxes are survival kits that have everything you need to survive in any given situation. Survival subscription boxes come in different themes, such as “Wilderness Survival” kits, “Urban Survival” kits, etc. They are a great way to prepare yourself for anything that may come your way while traveling.
Crate Club is an excellent survival monthly subscription box if you’re into camping, hiking, and backpacking. Every month, you’ll receive a new box full of gear to help you get out there and have fun. You can choose between the Lieutenant, Captain, and General box levels.
These boxes are ideal for those who want to rough it for a few days in the tropical woods or want more advanced equipment for a weekend hike.
- Lightweight, breathable clothing and shoes
In tropical climates, you must pack light, breathable clothing. Cotton clothing is the last thing you want to pack, as it is heavy and retains moisture. Tropical areas are known for having high humidity.
This means that sweating is easy and can lead to many health issues. Wearing light clothing allows your body to regulate its temperature and stay cool. When moisture gets trapped in clothing, it can lead to an uncomfortable and potentially dangerous experience. Sweat trapped inside clothing can lead to everything from rashes to heat exhaustion.
Moisture-wicking fabrics are a great type of clothing to pack for an adventure in a tropical climate. Not only do moisture-wicking fabrics help to keep you dry, but they also help to prevent rashes from forming due to sweat.
You should also try to pack lightweight, breathable shoes. You want lightweight footwear, so you don’t feel bogged down by your shoes, but you also want them sturdy enough to protect your feet from hazards such as rocks and insects.
- Sunscreen protection
When you are in a tropical climate, you must wear light clothing. While this may help protect your skin from the sun, it does not protect it from harmful UV rays that come through the atmosphere. This is where sunscreen can help.
You will likely need to wear sunscreen on your face and hands, even if you are wearing light clothing. It is crucial to apply sunscreen daily –even during the rainy season, to prevent burns and future skin damage.
You should look for sunscreen with a high SPF rating, water-resistant, and UVA and UVB protection. A UV protection hat is another great way to protect your face, ears, and neck from the sun’s harmful rays.
- Sunglasses
Sunglasses are essential to keep in mind when it comes to surviving in a tropical environment. Tropical climates are often characterized by bright, sunny skies and an excess of UV rays and visible light.
Wearing a pair of sunglasses can help to protect your eyes from the sun’s harmful rays and provide extra visibility in an otherwise highly bright environment.
Not only do they protect your eyes from the sun, but they look stylish too. There are many different types of sunglasses to choose from. You can find sunglasses that have UV protection or are polarized or have UV protection and are polarized. Polarized sunglasses will help reduce glare and make it easier to see in the sun. When choosing sunglasses, find a pair that fits your face. You want to ensure that the sunglasses do not slide down your face and fully cover your eyes.
- Misting fan
There are tons of valuable items you can pack in your backpack, but one essential for a trip to a tropical climate is a backpack with an integrated misting fan. A misting fan is a powerful tool that you can use to keep yourself cool in a tropical climate.
Misting fans are handheld devices emitting light mist while oscillating back and forth. Misting fans are great for various outdoor activities and are instrumental when traveling in a tropical climate. Mist fans can help to prevent overheating, reduce the risk of dehydration, and provide much-needed hydration in a hot, humid environment.
A misting fan blows cool water droplets out of a nozzle that you can direct towards your body. This powerful mist can help you to feel cooler, even when the air around you is hot and humid.
Conclusion
The tropical climate is one of the most challenging environments to survive in. The humidity, heat, and rain can make a living uncomfortable and create many challenges for your long-term survival. The good news is that many valuable items can help you survive better in a tropical climate. So, next time you visit the tropical area for adventure, don’t forget to park the above-mentioned survival kits.
