Equipment Checklist

Equipment Checklist

Washington and Lee will provide all of your food, transportation, and group camping equipment (tarps, stoves, first aid kits, etc.) and trained upperclassmen to lead the trip.

What You'll Need to Bring

You will need to provide your own personal items, like clothing and footwear. Every year students bring too much stuff on the trip. Please limit your items to what is listed below and you will be happier with your pack weight! You can ask your trip leaders if you have any questions.

Equipment Checklist

The Outing Club has a limited supply of a few of the equipment items to be used, free of charge, on a first-come/first-served basis. Equipment can be reserved on first come first served basis by emailing outing@wlu.edu.

Every participant will need all of the items listed from each of the categories below:

1. General

• Internal or external frame pack (50-60 liters) with a pack cover
• Pack straps (2 pair)
• Sleeping bag (temperature rating of at least 40 Fahrenheit/4 Celsius or colder) and stuff sack
• Sleeping pad (Ensolite foam or inflatable)
• 2 qty one-liter water bottles (Nalgene style)
• Cup, bowl, fork, and spoon

2. Personal

Keep in mind that the weather in Virginia can vary during the trip. While it will likely be quite warm, it can get cold and wet if a moist air mass descends on us! We have had years where the temperature dropped into the 40's at night. You need to be prepared for the latter. Inclement weather should not significantly deter from the trip. Your personal comfort and safety is our primary concern. You will be required to have appropriate warm clothing to participate. In preparing for cool, wet weather be aware that cotton has little value as an insulator since it readily absorbs water. There are many garments available that are made of fabrics that wick moisture away from the body and have the ability of providing insulation even when damp or wet.

3. Clothing

We recommend two insulating layers and a wind/rainproof layer. These garments should fit comfortably over each other so they can all be worn at once and be comfortable next to your skin. Some people have an aversion to wearing wool next to their skin. Combinations of the following are acceptable:

• Under layer top & bottom (1)
  Any long sleeve lightweight or mid-weight underwear made of wool, polypropylene, Thermax, or Capilene. The purpose of this layer is to insulate the body and wick away moisture from the skin.
• Fleece jacket/pants or wool sweater/pants (1)
  This layer is your warmest layer if the weather is cold. It has been cold in years past.
• Rain coat/pants (1)
  A waterproof, lightweight, strong, and roomy garment works well for mountain travel. Cagoules and anoraks are acceptable designs. Rain ponchos are recommended if they are of higher quality. Waterproof and breathable garments made of Gore-Tex, Klimate, or Entrant are acceptable.
• Shorts & t-shirt (1-2)
  These are your hiking/climbing/ fishing clothes. Whatever is comfortable for you is best. Nylon shorts are ideal because they don't absorb moisture and a synthetic shirt won't absorb much moisture either. If the weather is hot, a cotton shirt will work best as it will help to keep you cool.
• Wool/fleece hat and gloves (1)
  A wool or fleece hat will keep you warm at night as 60 to 70% of your body's heat leaves your body through your head. This will be especially important if the weather is cold at night.
• Stuff sack and plastic bags
  Clothes should be kept in a plastic bag (small trash bag or zip lock) and stuff sack so that if it rains it will be dry at the end of the day.

4. Footwear

• Footwear
  Full leather or lightweight fabric/leather hiking boots are best. They should be at least ¾ or full ankle high, provide good ankle support, and have a good Vibram rubber sole. Lightweight running shoes are not suitable for the trail.
• Socks (4)
  You'll need four pairs of socks. Two pairs of mid-weight wool or synthetic wool/polypropylene blend socks and two sock liners. What is most important is that your socks NOT BE COTTON. Cotton socks retain water and will increase your chances of getting a blister. You'll be wearing two pairs when you are hiking (one regular sock over a liner). This is the best method to prevent blisters! The other two pairs of socks will be for if your first two pairs get wet.
• Camp Shoes
  To let your feet dry out and help keep the impact around camp to a minimum, you'll need a light- weight comfortable shoe or sandal to wear after a day's hike. Flip Flops, Crocs or Teva's are fine.

4. Miscellaneous

• Toiletries
  Toothbrush, toothpaste, comb, hygiene supplies, personal medication, etc. (personal shampoo, deodorant, and soap are not needed).
• Light
  Headlights are great for walking around at night a small, lightweight flashlight works fine too. One set of extra batteries for your headlight/flashlight.
• Bandana (2)
  101 uses. A dark colored bandana will not show dirt like a white one.
• Sunglasses
  Make sure that they have Ultra Violet Protection.

5. Optional

• Camera
  A lightweight camera is preferable. Disposable cameras are fine.
• Notebook and pencil/pen
  Keeping a journal of the things you see is always fun. It's a great way to finish the day.
• Trekking poles
  There are many walking staffs (trekking poles) on the market. Many will have shock absorbing tips or can act as a monopod for a camera. If you experience knee pain, these walking poles can offer some relief especially when walks down steep trails.