{"id":10043,"date":"2026-04-03T10:54:26","date_gmt":"2026-04-03T10:54:26","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/wildgreenquest.com\/?p=10043"},"modified":"2026-04-03T10:54:26","modified_gmt":"2026-04-03T10:54:26","slug":"essential-jungle-survival-tips-and-gear-from-a-professional-producer","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/wildgreenquest.com\/?p=10043","title":{"rendered":"Essential Jungle Survival Tips and Gear from a Professional Producer"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><br \/>\n<\/p>\n<div>\n<div class=\"justify-start\">\n<nav class=\"align-left col-span-full mb-base\" data-pom-e2e-test-id=\"breadcrumbs\"\/>\n<p>From &#8216;Naked and Afraid&#8217; to &#8216;Dual Survival,&#8217; veteran TV producer Rachel Maguire has seen it all. These are the surprisingly simple items she relies on in the world\u2019s most dangerous jungles.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"border-border-light border-t py-base-tight\">\n<div class=\"flex h-4 justify-between\">\n<div class=\"flex gap-x-base-tight\">\n<div class=\"\"><button class=\"inline-flex shrink-0 items-center justify-center rounded-full hover:cursor-pointer bg-bg-surface hover:bg-bg-light focus:bg-bg-dark text-primary border border-solid border-border-light aria-pressed:bg-brand-primary aria-pressed:text-text-surface py-very-tight px-base-tight gap-tight font-semibold font-utility-2 opacity-50\" aria-label=\"Loading audio\" aria-pressed=\"false\" id=\"article-listen-button\" disabled=\"\"><svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"18\" height=\"18\" viewbox=\"0 0 18 18\" fill=\"none\" class=\"\"><title>Listen to this article<\/title><path d=\"M12.5265 16.2C12.2326 16.2 12.0122 16.1265 11.7184 16.053C11.2775 15.9061 10.9102 15.6122 10.6898 15.2449C10.4694 14.8775 10.3959 14.4367 10.5428 13.9959L11.5714 10.3959C11.6449 10.1755 11.7184 9.95509 11.8653 9.80815C12.0122 9.66121 12.1592 9.51427 12.3796 9.36733C12.6 9.29386 12.8204 9.2204 13.0408 9.14693C13.2612 9.14693 13.4816 9.14693 13.702 9.2204H13.7755C14.2163 9.36733 14.5837 9.58774 14.951 9.95509C14.951 9.66121 14.951 9.29386 14.951 8.99999C14.951 7.38366 14.2898 5.8408 13.1877 4.73876C12.0122 3.56325 10.5428 2.9755 8.92652 2.9755C7.31019 2.9755 5.76733 3.63672 4.66529 4.73876C3.48978 5.8408 2.82856 7.38366 2.82856 8.99999C2.82856 9.29386 2.82856 9.66121 2.82856 9.95509C3.12244 9.66121 3.56325 9.36733 4.00407 9.2204H4.07754C4.29795 9.14693 4.51835 9.14693 4.73876 9.14693C4.95917 9.14693 5.17958 9.2204 5.39999 9.36733C5.6204 9.4408 5.76733 9.58774 5.91427 9.80815C6.06121 9.95509 6.13468 10.1755 6.20815 10.3959L7.23672 13.9959C7.38366 14.4367 7.31019 14.8775 7.08978 15.2449C6.86938 15.6122 6.50203 15.9061 6.13468 16.053C5.76733 16.2 5.39999 16.2 5.03264 16.2C4.66529 16.1265 4.29795 16.053 4.00407 15.9061C3.63672 15.6122 3.41631 15.3918 3.12244 15.0979C2.90203 14.8775 2.75509 14.5102 2.68162 14.1428L2.38774 13.0408L2.2408 12.6735C2.2408 12.6 2.16733 12.453 2.16733 12.3796C1.87346 11.2775 1.79999 10.1755 1.79999 8.99999C1.79999 7.08978 2.53468 5.25305 3.9306 3.9306C5.25305 2.60815 7.08978 1.79999 8.99999 1.79999C10.9102 1.79999 12.7469 2.53468 14.0694 3.9306C15.3918 5.25305 16.2 7.08978 16.2 8.99999C16.2 10.102 16.053 11.2775 15.8326 12.3796C15.8326 12.453 15.7592 12.6 15.7592 12.6735L15.6857 12.9673V13.0408L15.1714 14.1428C15.0979 14.5102 14.8775 14.8041 14.6571 15.0979C14.4367 15.3918 14.1428 15.6122 13.849 15.7592C13.5551 15.9061 13.1877 16.053 12.8204 16.053C12.7469 16.1265 12.6735 16.2 12.5265 16.2ZM3.71019 13.849C3.78366 14.0694 3.85713 14.2163 4.00407 14.4367C4.15101 14.6571 4.29795 14.7306 4.51835 14.8775C4.73876 14.951 4.8857 15.0245 5.10611 15.0979C5.32652 15.0979 5.54693 15.0979 5.76733 15.0245C5.98774 14.951 6.06121 14.8775 6.13468 14.7306C6.20815 14.5837 6.20815 14.4367 6.20815 14.2898L5.17958 10.6898C5.17958 10.6163 5.10611 10.5428 5.10611 10.4694C5.03264 10.4694 4.95917 10.3959 4.8857 10.3224C4.81223 10.3224 4.73876 10.249 4.66529 10.249C4.59182 10.249 4.51836 10.249 4.44489 10.249H4.37142C3.9306 10.3959 3.63672 10.6898 3.41631 11.0571C3.26938 11.351 3.19591 11.7184 3.26938 12.0857C3.34285 12.3061 3.34284 12.5265 3.41631 12.6735L3.71019 13.849ZM13.2612 10.3224C13.1877 10.3224 13.1877 10.3224 13.2612 10.3224C13.1143 10.3224 13.0408 10.3224 12.9673 10.3959C12.8939 10.4694 12.8204 10.4694 12.8204 10.4694C12.7469 10.5428 12.7469 10.6163 12.7469 10.6898L11.7184 14.2898C11.6449 14.4367 11.7184 14.5837 11.7918 14.7306C11.8653 14.8775 12.0122 14.951 12.0857 15.0245C12.3796 15.0979 12.5265 15.0979 12.7469 15.0979C12.9673 15.0979 13.1877 15.0245 13.3347 14.8775C13.5551 14.8041 13.702 14.6571 13.849 14.4367C13.9959 14.2898 14.0694 14.0694 14.1428 13.849L14.5102 12.6735C14.5837 12.5265 14.5837 12.3061 14.6571 12.1592C14.7306 11.7918 14.6571 11.4245 14.5102 11.1306C14.2898 10.7633 13.9959 10.4694 13.5551 10.3224H13.4816C13.3347 10.3224 13.2612 10.3224 13.2612 10.3224Z\" fill=\"currentColor\"\/><\/svg><span class=\"hidden sm:inline\">Listen<\/span><\/button><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div><\/p>\n<p class=\"fp-leadCaption py-tight text-left font-utility text-utility3-size leading-utility3-line-height text-secondary\">The author poses in the Philippines wearing her snake guards<!-- --> (Photo: Rachel Maguire)<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"article-body\">\n<p>Published April 3, 2026 03:24AM<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>I spent 25 years working as a producer of some of the most popular adventure and survival shows, such as <i>Naked and Afraid<\/i>, <i>Dual Survival<\/i>, and <i>Digging for the Truth<\/i>. My job required me to hike in the African bush, brave the pounding sun in the desert, and weather the rain and humidity of the jungle. Of all of these environments, the jungle humbled me in ways I never thought possible. Surviving such a harsh ecosystem is not for the weak, but the right tools make it a lot more bearable.\u00a0 Here\u2019s my list of essentials that I\u2019ve developed over the years.<\/p>\n<section id=\"\" class=\"content-card rounded-xl px-base-loose pt-base-loose pb-loose shadow-sm shadow-black\/10\">\n<h2>A Military-Grade Poncho<\/h2>\n<p>Whenever I am heading into the rainforest, there\u2019s one item that is my absolute go-to: a military-grade rain poncho. I purchased mine at an Army\/Navy surplus store. It beats any fancy Gore-Tex jacket on the market and can last decades. It affords excellent coverage down to your calves, repels water, is mildew-proof, and covers bulky clothing or a backpack. It\u2019s also much cheaper than a high-end coat.<\/p>\n<p><!-- --><\/section>\n<section id=\"\" class=\"content-card rounded-xl px-base-loose pt-base-loose pb-loose shadow-sm shadow-black\/10\">\n<figure id=\"attachment_2737150\" class=\"pom-image-wrap photo-aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"DryGuy boot dryer\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"2400\" height=\"1350\" decoding=\"async\" data-nimg=\"1\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-2737150\" style=\"color:transparent\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.outsideonline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/boot.jpg?width=3840&amp;auto=webp&amp;quality=75&amp;fit=cover 1x\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.outsideonline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/boot.jpg?width=3840&amp;auto=webp&amp;quality=75&amp;fit=cover\"\/><\/figure>\n<h2>Portable Boot Dryers<\/h2>\n<p>While it\u2019s important to keep your skin and hair dry, one part of your body that cannot be overlooked is your feet. Unless you are wearing galoshes (which are hot and not great for trekking), your hiking boots and socks will get wet. On one of my first forays, I hiked for eight hours in Dominica. Back at the hotel, I looked at my pruned feet, hoping I didn\u2019t get trench foot, and I realized I needed something else in my kit. Even though I always have a second pair of shoes, now I also have boot dryers from the DryGuy Travel Dry, so I am never without dry footwear.<\/p>\n<p><!-- --><\/section>\n<section id=\"\" class=\"content-card rounded-xl px-base-loose pt-base-loose pb-loose shadow-sm shadow-black\/10\">\n<figure id=\"attachment_2737151\" class=\"pom-image-wrap photo-aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"the Wave and the Spartan\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"2400\" height=\"1350\" decoding=\"async\" data-nimg=\"1\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-2737151\" style=\"color:transparent\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.outsideonline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/knives.jpg?width=3840&amp;auto=webp&amp;quality=75&amp;fit=cover 1x\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.outsideonline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/knives.jpg?width=3840&amp;auto=webp&amp;quality=75&amp;fit=cover\"\/><figcaption class=\"pom-caption\">(Photo: Leatherman and Swiss Army)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h2>A Reliable Multi-Tool<\/h2>\n<p>I always have a pocket knife or multi-tool with me. I use the Wave Leatherman because it has a lot of tools, including the pliers. My Swiss Army is the Spartan, which is basic, but unlike the Leatherman, it has a corkscrew. Two may be overkill, but I love the variety.<\/p>\n<p><!-- --><\/section>\n<section id=\"\" class=\"content-card rounded-xl px-base-loose pt-base-loose pb-loose shadow-sm shadow-black\/10\">\n<figure id=\"attachment_2737152\" class=\"pom-image-wrap photo-aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"two people crossing river\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"2400\" height=\"1350\" decoding=\"async\" data-nimg=\"1\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-2737152\" style=\"color:transparent\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.outsideonline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/rachel-in-creek.jpg?width=3840&amp;auto=webp&amp;quality=75&amp;fit=cover 1x\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.outsideonline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/rachel-in-creek.jpg?width=3840&amp;auto=webp&amp;quality=75&amp;fit=cover\"\/><figcaption class=\"pom-caption\">(Photo: Rachel Maguire)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h2>A Good Attitude<\/h2>\n<p>One time in Ecuador, I\u2019d been working for days in torrential downpours, insects were swarming my body, and I got bitten by a bullet ant, which is incredibly painful. I turned to a friend and said, \u201cThis jungle is wearing me down.\u201c We agreed that staying positive and embracing the suck is the true secret to surviving.<\/p>\n<p><!-- --><\/section>\n<section id=\"\" class=\"content-card rounded-xl px-base-loose pt-base-loose pb-loose shadow-sm shadow-black\/10\">\n<h2>Deet<\/h2>\n<p>Sweat bees, mosquitoes, wasps\u2014you name it, and the jungle has it, so I use high-concentration DEET. It\u2019s controversial because of its toxicity, but I find it necessary, and a little goes a long way. Sometimes I think the bugs love it.<\/p>\n<p><!-- --><\/section>\n<section id=\"\" class=\"content-card rounded-xl px-base-loose pt-base-loose pb-loose shadow-sm shadow-black\/10\">\n<figure id=\"attachment_2737154\" class=\"pom-image-wrap photo-aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"black backpack\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"2400\" height=\"1350\" decoding=\"async\" data-nimg=\"1\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-2737154\" style=\"color:transparent\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.outsideonline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/pack.jpg?width=3840&amp;auto=webp&amp;quality=75&amp;fit=cover 1x\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.outsideonline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/pack.jpg?width=3840&amp;auto=webp&amp;quality=75&amp;fit=cover\"\/><figcaption class=\"pom-caption\">(Photo: Courtesy Osprey)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h2>A Backpack with a Water Bladder<\/h2>\n<p>When you\u2019re hiking through the dense flora full of trip vines, you want to have your hands free, but you also need to stay hydrated, so I recommend a backpack with a bladder. I prefer the Raptor 14 from Osprey. It fits my height and stores 2.5 liters of water, but they have a wide selection to choose from.<\/p>\n<p><!-- --><\/section>\n<section id=\"\" class=\"content-card rounded-xl px-base-loose pt-base-loose pb-loose shadow-sm shadow-black\/10\">\n<figure id=\"attachment_2737155\" class=\"pom-image-wrap photo-aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"blue gloves\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"2400\" height=\"1350\" decoding=\"async\" data-nimg=\"1\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-2737155\" style=\"color:transparent\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.outsideonline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/gloves.jpg?width=3840&amp;auto=webp&amp;quality=75&amp;fit=cover 1x\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.outsideonline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/gloves.jpg?width=3840&amp;auto=webp&amp;quality=75&amp;fit=cover\"\/><figcaption class=\"pom-caption\">(Photo: Courtesy Home Depot)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h2>Waterproof Gloves<\/h2>\n<p>There have been more than a few occasions where I have placed my hand on a branch and punctured my skin from a thorn or have been bitten by ants. I have found that industrial-strength rubber gloves are the best defense to protect your hands. They are thicker than dishwashing gloves and repel water better than the cloth versions. You can get them at the hardware store or at a boating or fishing outlet.<\/p>\n<p>I bought mine on location, but there are very similar pairs you can find at stores like Home Depot.<\/p>\n<p><!-- --><\/section>\n<section id=\"\" class=\"content-card rounded-xl px-base-loose pt-base-loose pb-loose shadow-sm shadow-black\/10\">\n<figure id=\"attachment_2737157\" class=\"pom-image-wrap photo-aligncenter\">\n<figure id=\"attachment_2737157\" class=\"pom-image-wrap photo-aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"snake guards on boots\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"2400\" height=\"1350\" decoding=\"async\" data-nimg=\"1\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-2737157\" style=\"color:transparent\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.outsideonline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/sanke-guards.jpg?width=3840&amp;auto=webp&amp;quality=75&amp;fit=cover 1x\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.outsideonline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/sanke-guards.jpg?width=3840&amp;auto=webp&amp;quality=75&amp;fit=cover\"\/><figcaption class=\"pom-caption\">(Photo: Courtesy SnakeGuardz)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n<h2>Snake Guards<\/h2>\n<p>Nothing will ruin your day or life faster than being bitten by a Boomslang, Fer de Lance, or other venomous snake that hides in the debris on the jungle floor. To protect myself, I wear snake guards. There are different types, but I wear canvas-covered plates from SnakeGuardz that wrap around my calves and ankles and have a flap that covers my bootlaces so that a snake\u2019s fangs don\u2019t get caught and continue to inject venom.<\/p>\n<p><!-- --><\/section>\n<section id=\"\" class=\"content-card rounded-xl px-base-loose pt-base-loose pb-loose shadow-sm shadow-black\/10\">\n<h2>A Bandana<\/h2>\n<p>My favorite multipurpose item is a bandana. It can cover your nose and mouth to keep insects out. You can wear it while you\u2019re hiking to guard against scratches on your face from branches, it can prevent you from inhaling spider webs that are strewn throughout the trees, and it can also be soaked in cold water and put around your neck to lower your body temperature.<\/p>\n<p><!-- --><\/section>\n<section id=\"\" class=\"content-card rounded-xl px-base-loose pt-base-loose pb-loose shadow-sm shadow-black\/10\">\n<figure id=\"attachment_2737158\" class=\"pom-image-wrap photo-aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"gold bond\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"2400\" height=\"1350\" decoding=\"async\" data-nimg=\"1\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-2737158\" style=\"color:transparent\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.outsideonline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/gold-bond.jpg?width=3840&amp;auto=webp&amp;quality=75&amp;fit=cover 1x\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.outsideonline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/gold-bond.jpg?width=3840&amp;auto=webp&amp;quality=75&amp;fit=cover\"\/><figcaption class=\"pom-caption\">(Photo: Courtesy Amazon)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h2>Gold Bond<\/h2>\n<p>One of the best-kept secrets to surviving the jungle can be found at any drug store. Gold Bond powder is the greatest thing for your feet and your body in the humidity. Put it down your shirt and in your boots. It helps absorb moisture, keeps you cool, and can soothe skin irritation. I have also used it to kill bedbugs in the Amazon.<\/p>\n<p><!-- --><\/section>\n<section id=\"\" class=\"content-card rounded-xl px-base-loose pt-base-loose pb-loose shadow-sm shadow-black\/10\">\n<figure id=\"attachment_2737159\" class=\"pom-image-wrap photo-aligncenter\">\n<figure id=\"attachment_2737159\" class=\"pom-image-wrap photo-aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"green citronella candle\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"2400\" height=\"1350\" decoding=\"async\" data-nimg=\"1\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-2737159\" style=\"color:transparent\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.outsideonline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/candle.jpg?width=3840&amp;auto=webp&amp;quality=75&amp;fit=cover 1x\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.outsideonline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/candle.jpg?width=3840&amp;auto=webp&amp;quality=75&amp;fit=cover\"\/><figcaption class=\"pom-caption\">(Photo: Courtesy Just Makes Scents)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n<h2>A Citronella Candle<\/h2>\n<p>The majority of accommodations where I have stayed in the jungle do not have full screens or walls, so I am usually sharing space with bugs. It comes with the territory.\u00a0 To ward off uninvited guests, I travel with the \u201cMosquito Buster\u201d from Just Makes Scents.<\/p>\n<p><!-- --><\/section>\n<section id=\"\" class=\"content-card rounded-xl px-base-loose pt-base-loose pb-loose shadow-sm shadow-black\/10\">\n<h2>An Appreciation for the Absurd<\/h2>\n<p>There are moments you cannot believe what is happening is actually happening. I remember working in the jungle in Ecuador when the humidity was at a def con level, the skies opened up, and a wasp was chewing on my colleague\u2019s ear, causing blood to trickle down his neck. And if that wasn\u2019t enough, I almost broke my neck slipping in the six-inch deep mud, but was able to stop my fall by grabbing a bug-infested tree branch. Being able to enjoy and laugh at those instances will make the jungle more tolerable.<\/p>\n<p><!-- --><\/section>\n<\/div>\n<p><br \/>\n<br \/><a href=\"https:\/\/www.outsideonline.com\/outdoor-gear\/tools\/jungle-survival-tips-gear-guide\/\">Source link <\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>From &#8216;Naked and Afraid&#8217; to &#8216;Dual Survival,&#8217; veteran TV producer Rachel Maguire has seen it all. These are the surprisingly simple items she relies on in the world\u2019s most dangerous jungles. Listen to this articleListen The author poses in the Philippines wearing her snake guards (Photo: Rachel Maguire) Published April 3, 2026 03:24AM I spent<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":10044,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[35],"tags":[],"class_list":{"0":"post-10043","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-wild-living"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/wildgreenquest.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/10043","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/wildgreenquest.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/wildgreenquest.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wildgreenquest.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wildgreenquest.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=10043"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/wildgreenquest.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/10043\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wildgreenquest.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/10044"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/wildgreenquest.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=10043"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wildgreenquest.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=10043"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wildgreenquest.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=10043"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}