Mentawai Expeditions
Equipment Recommendations

Footwear

Unfortunately, the perfect shoes for Siberut don’t exist. If you intended to stay for a year, I would recommend going barefoot but read “Walking Barefoot in the Jungle” to find out why that’s just not an option!

All the major manufacturers make eco-challenge, multi-sport, adventure-type shoes that they claim are suitable for the jungle. I’ve tried many of them but cannot recommend any. All have both advantages and disadvantages; none will be really good. Heavy or ankle-high shoes fill with mud and become ponderous and anything comfortable like water slippers has insufficient sole protection and can easily be lost in deep mud. Cross-training shoes might be the best choice—or let us know if you find the right one!

Do remember that anything you bring will rot quickly because it will never dry. Make sure you thoroughly rinse your shoes in the river after every trek. Bring a pair of spare laces but leave socks at home--you won’t need them.

Pants vs. Shorts

What’s the best way to dress for the jungle of Siberut? Truthfully, it’s a matter of preference. Traditional Mentawai prefer the kabit, a loincloth made of tree bark and the most practical clothing for the jungle.

Some young Mentawai wear long pants to walk in the bush, others prefer nylon shorts. Long pants supporters will tell you that they protect your skin against poisonous plants, thorns and mosquitoes but admit that, when soaked and muddy, they quickly become heavy and sticky. Your guides and porters will cut all poisonous plants they see, as do most people, so there is little chance of encountering them on the trails.

I like to wear nylon shorts (they dry more quickly) so I can see and remove leeches climbing on my legs. With long pants, you may not see them and if you feel a sting, you’ll have to strip down. If you don’t feel it, it could leave a welt that may become infected. Thorns are everywhere but I find a few scratches are well worth keeping those leeches at bay!

Headwear

Although it rains almost every day in Siberut, the sun shines frequently, too, except at the height of the rainy season. It‘s very hot, so a hat or bandana that will also protect your hair from thorny branches when trekking is important. The Mentawai are generally short people and don’t always cut a trail high enough to clear all hanging threats. Shirts, which also protect you from mosquitoes, are recommended for the same reason.