Walking on sand with weight on your back is different from walking a dirt trail. Every extra pound weighs double. The rule here is simple: pack little, pack light, pack what protects you from the sun.
The backpack
30 to 40 liters covers a trek of up to five days. Any bigger and you'll be tempted to fill it. Look for one with a hip belt that actually works: it's what takes the weight off your shoulders and saves your back on day three.
On treks that end in Santo Amaro, you can leave up to 10 kg of luggage with us in Barreirinhas. It travels separately and waits for you at arrival, so on the trail you carry only the essentials.
Clothing
- 1 or 2 changes, no more. Wash and dry the same day.
- A long-sleeve shirt with UV protection. It seems counterintuitive in the heat, but it's what helps most: the sun reflects off the white sand and burns you from below.
- Swimwear underneath, because you'll be jumping into a lot of lagoons.
- Socks for hiking and a dry pair for sleeping.
- A cap or wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses.
On your feet
Trekking sandals are the best choice: sand gets into any closed shoe, and a soaked sneaker becomes torture. If you have sensitive feet, bring a thin sock to wear under the sandal.
What most people forget
- Headlamp. We set out before sunrise and, at camp, the night is truly dark.
- Extra sunscreen. You'll reapply far more than you think.
- A 1.5-liter bottle or hydration pack.
- Microfiber towel, which dries on its own.
- A light rain jacket, even outside the rainy season.
- Trekking pole, which helps a lot on soft sand.
What to leave at home
Book, laptop, hair dryer, three pairs of shoes, the whole toiletry kit. None of it is worth the weight. Think of it this way: every item that goes into the backpack will be carried by you, on the sand, in the sun, for hours.
What about a camera?
Worth it, and even more worth a plastic bag for it. Fine sand and water get into everything.
Each tour has its own specific list on its page, including what the agency provides. Start with A Night in the Oasis if it's your first time, or with the Classic Crossing if you already have miles in your legs.