What to Pack
Listed below is a checklist of items you should plan to bring with you on the trek. Please come to the trek prepared for the journey ahead. Leave your electronic devices, such as cell phones and MP3 players, at home! These items will not be conducive to the spirit of a trek and are likely to become damaged or lost.
Everything you bring (except for your sleeping bag) will need to fit into a 5 gallon bucket (provided), 17 lbs. maximum, which can also be used as a chair. Please try to keep individual gear to a minimum; the weight will add up fast! Bedding should be stuffed into an easily identifiable, heavy-duty garbage sack or water-proof stuff-sack. You can make your sack distinctive with tape and large labels or ribbons. Without a label, others may paw through your bag as they seek to find their own.
It is STRONGLY encouraged by trek headquarters to spray shirt collars, pants and skirt hems with PERMETHRIN the night before trek to protect against ticks and mosquitos. (Permethrin can be found at sporting goods stores.) Assistance will be provided for those youth who would like to sew their own clothing, but you can learn more about doing so on our Pioneer Clothing Guide.
| Sisters Pioneer Clothing |
Brothers Pioneer Clothing |
| • Blouses / Shirts – two pair, long-sleeved
(no words or graphics) |
• Shirts – two pair, long–sleeved
(no words or graphics) |
| • Pantaloons – two pair, cotton, capri length,
(NO leggings or biking shorts) |
• Long pants – two pair, light color,
light weight, NO denim |
| • Skirts AND/OR Dresses – two outfits
Skirts – mid-calf, NOT too long or restrictive
Dresses – long sleeved, mid–calf,
NOT too long or restrictive |
• Suspenders (optional) |
| • Bloomers (Capri Length) – two pair
sweat pants or PJ bottoms will work |
|
| • Apron - with pockets (optional) |
|
All clothing should be light-colored and light-weight so you do not get too hot. Clothing should fit loosely (not tight)! Additional items to pack include the following:
| • T-shirt (not white or clingy) and Knee-length shorts (to be worn only if directed) |
| • Three changes of underwear |
| • Nightgown / PJs |
| • Three pair of inner socks (wicking socks to help keep feet dry; maybe pack extra socks) |
| • Three pair of outer socks (wool or wool blend type socks to reduce blisters) |
| • Shoes – two pair, broken in, NOT new (athletic or hiking shoes would be best) |
| • Water shoes – one pair – to put on when crossing creeks |
Now this is important - Wearing the wrong shoes on the trek will rub you the wrong way and that will mean foot pain and blisters. Our toes need room to expand and breath when we walk. Because your feet might swell up a full shoe size as you walk on the Trek, having proper shoes will be very important to trekking comfort. Shoes designed for running, tennis, or hiking will be the best bet because they are specifically designed with cushioning, motion control, and support. Skate shoes or sneakers, (brands like Keds, Vans, Sambas) are comfy and cool but not fit for long walks like this. Heavy hiking boots may be uncomfortable for such a long walk, as their rigidity and weight will become cumbersome. Keeping your feet happy will make a big difference to your enjoyment on the Trek. This is one area you do not want to just "make do".
| • Handkerchief/scarf – used as a neck cooler |
• Jacket |
| • Work gloves |
• Poncho or heavy–duty plastic bags |
| • Travel–sized first–aid kit with Bandaids and Moleskin |
• Sunglasses |
| • Pillow |
• Towel |
| • Sleeping Bag or blanket and/or sheet |
• Scriptures (old) |
| • Pocket Knife |
• Personal Journal + Pen / Pencil |
| • Toiletries as needed |
• Small Flashlight or headlamp |
| • One travel-size package of wet wipes |
• Insect Repellent (Deet) for skin |
| • Chapstick (15+spf) |
• Sunscreen (30+spf) |
| • One small bottle hand sanitizer |
|
| • Refillable water bottle or camelback (something you will actually drink from and refill on the trail) |
| • Hat or bonnet – needs brim and stampede strap, light color (you MUST keep your head covered,
bring what you will actually wear, NO baseball caps) |
Food / Meals
One of the best parts of being outdoors is eating outdoors. The food is going to be awesome. All meals will be provided.
Cell Phone Policy
The trail will be dirty, dusty, rocky, there's nearly no reception. We'll have legit photographers and videographers dedicated to take the best shots for your Instagram. And it will ALL be uploaded here after the Trek. So relax, and let them do the work for you. You can hijack their shots for free after you get home and cleaned up. Your phone screen will thank you for it; leave it at home.
Additional Questions
Be sure to check out our FAQ section or contact a leader. There will be lots of activities about the Trek coming up too, which will certainly answer many of your questions.
