For Young Women:

Ideally, young women’s blouses should be lightweight and long-sleeved, and their skirts should reach the midcalf, with capri-length bloomers underneath to prevent chafing. Pajama bottoms can easily be adjusted for this purpose. All ladies should have bonnets.

For Young Men:

Button-up long-sleeve shirts with no graphics preferable, but polo shirts are okay. No T-shirts. Long loose-fitting pants, no jeans. Full brim hats.

You may wish to avoid dark colors which will absorb more heat. We suggest having a pair of clothes for each day of the trek, so that you can put on clean, dry clothes each morning. Plan for 3 sets of clothes.

How to Acquire Pioneer Clothing

Some patterns and alteration suggestions are available in the Trek Handbook provided by the Church here. You can also find more ideas and suggestions for making bonnets, skirts, and more on this pioneer dress blog. Also, several ideas for altering existing clothing, especially for men, can be found here. (No, we don’t care if you have historic-looking buttons or not, just focus on shirts, skirts, and headgear. But you’re welcome to get as enthusiastic about looking like a pioneer as you want!

Ward and stake leaders are available to assist in this effort to acquire period-type clothing. Try to find Relief Society sisters who can assist with sewing efforts or who may already have pioneer-style clothes.

Footwear:

Choose hiking boots or comfortable walking shoes. Absolutely no sandals or open-toe shoes are allowed due to the possibility of encountering snakes. Please, to avoid discomfort on the trail, make sure to break in your shoes well before the trek.

To reduce the likelihood of blisters, participants are encouraged to wear (1) walking or hiking shoes that are broken in and (2) two pairs of socks at a time. Ideally the inner sock is thin and synthetic, while the outer sock is wool or a wool blend. Socks that wick away moisture are the most helpful. Socks that are a wool-synthetic blend can also help reduce the potential for blisters. Avoid cotton socks, which hold moisture and easily wrinkle in your shoe.

"As modern pioneers press forward, they suffer hardships and make sacrifices. But they are sustained by an assurance given by the Lord Himself in D&C 98:1-3, "Verily I say unto you my friends, fear not, let your hearts be comforted; yea, rejoice evermore, and in everything give thanks; Waiting patiently on the Lord, for your prayers have entered into the ears of the Lord of Sabaoth… Therefore, he giveth this promise unto you, with an immutable covenant that they shall be fulfilled; and all things wherewith you have been afflicted shall work together for your good, and to my name’s glory, saith the Lord.""
Elder Dallin H Oaks