What to Pack

March 2, 2016 Larry Allen

Leave the Hair Dryer at Home

This list (download here) is provided to help you gather the gear you will need to be a successful pioneer. Because of the weight and space limits of our handcart design and our attempt to create an authentic pioneer experience, you will be limited in the amount of gear you can bring.

Everyone Should Bring

Label all your gear and clothing with your name. Consider packaging similar items in gallon-sized zip lock freezer bags.

June 20 Alert: new items added below!

A 5-gallon bucket with lid to pack everything (doubles as a seat around camp). Can be purchased at Lowes/Home Depot or many fast food restaurants
Sack lunch to eat the day we arrive on the trail
Small sports bag or satchel to carry the water bottle and snack or small items you need while trekking
2 sets of pioneer clothing (information here)
3 bandanas/scarves
1 rain poncho or oilskin (something inexpensive)
1 pair of shoes for hiking: light hiking boots or a good pair of running shoes. The shoes MUST be broken in. Do not try to "go authentic" with your shoes. Comfortable foot protection is important.
1 pair of shoes to cross water (can be tennis shoes/sneakers)
5 or more pairs of socks (wool or acrylic, do not wear cotton socks or you will get blisters)
3 or more sets of underwear
Modest pajamas
1 pair of work gloves (you will be pulling a handcart!)
Water bottle or canteen
1 flashlight or headlamp plus extra batteries
1 comb or brush & hair bands or clips as needed
Toothbrush and toothpaste
Soap, deodorant and other personal products as needed (there will be shower facilities)
1 small towel & washcloth
Skin protection:
- Sunscreen
- Chap stick or Carmex
- Bug spray (30-50% DEET): MDtravelhealth.com, "In general, adults and children greater than 12 years of age should use preparations containing 25-50% DEET. Preparations containing higher concentrations of DEET carry greater toxicity with little additional benefit." See also CDC information.
- Chafe prevention (Body Glide, Vaseline, or similar)
Any personally needed medications
Printed (non-electronic) Scriptures
Pen or pencil
Heavy-duty plastic garbage bags for wet/dirty clothes
Zip lock bags to pack all small items
Small camera (optional)
Small pocket knife (optional)
Harmonica or other small musical instrument (optional)

Newly added items (20 June 2016) -- ALL OPTIONAL
(these can be left in the tent and do not have to be packed in your 5-gallon bucket)

Swimsuit
Swim shirt
Beach towel
Flip flops, water shoes or sandals that can get wet
Sunscreen
Small bag to carry these items in

BEDROLL

Your sleeping bag, camping pad, pillow and, if needed, a blanket should be stored in a strong waterproof bag pack. This will stay in your tent for the duration of Trek, not in the handcart.

YM & Men should also bring:

2 pairs of canvas, or cotton pants. Light colors are cooler.
- Recommend NOT bringing jeans: experienced trekkers have noted that jeans are VERY HOT and VERY HEAVY when they get wet, and TAKE A VERY LONG TIME TO DRY, and CHAFE tender skin as you are walking, walking, walking.
2 long sleeved button-up shirts in a light color
1 wide brimmed western style hat or straw hat (NO BALL CAPS)
1 belt
Optional: 1 pair of suspenders

YW & Women should also bring:

2 dresses or skirts, mid-calf in length or reaching the top of boots/shoes, long sleeves on the dresses, light colored and light-weight fabric
2 long sleeve button up shirts (if wearing skirts) with light-weight fabric, light color…no t-shirts
1-2 pair bloomers or pantaloons (can be made out of old hospital pants or pajama bottoms)
1 bonnet or wide rimmed straw hat (NO BALL CAPS)
1 apron (preferable with a bib and large pockets)
Feminine hygiene supplies
Optional: elastic ponytail holders and/or clips

THINGS NOT ALLOWED ON THE TREK INCLUDE:

Electronics of any
Ball caps
Canned drinks
T-shirts (except for sleepwear)
Candy
Tank tops