Since most of the Clark TREK activities take place outdoors, it is important that you come dressed and equipped properly. Please take a few minutes to read this information and refer to the packing list below. Keep in mind that all activities will take place rain or shine, hot or cold, and that it is more difficult to stay warm when you are outside for an extended period of time. Only a lightening storm will prevent us from utilizing the outdoors or from taking a break from the day's activities.
When packing your clothing, understand that some materials and dressing schemes are better than others when it comes to keeping warm and comfortable when it is cold, cool, and/or wet outside. Several layers of clothing are a better insulator than one heavy jacket, sweater, or sweatshirt. Synthetics (like fleece, polypropylene, capilene, or bergilene), wool, 100% nylon, spandex, and silk are all excellent materials for keeping you warm even when wet. Cotton and cotton blends should be avoided since they absorb and hold moisture and may cause you to become cold. However, cotton is the most comfortable if the weather is warm/hot and dry. Check the weather report and it may be wise to pack for both wet and dry contingencies just to be safe and prepared!
The right outerwear choice is just as essential to keeping you comfortable. Please bring a jacket or pant that is waterproof, windproof, and breathable (like Gore-tex, Elements, Conduit, or Hy-vent). These materials are designed to keep warmth in, let moisture out, and protect you from the elements. Regular rain-gear will not breathe but is otherwise an acceptable alternative.
Footgear is one of the most important personal items. You will need two pair of close-toe/closed-heel shoes for every aspect of our program. One pair will get wet as part of the program, so plan accordingly (water shoes are acceptable). Sneakers are more than adequate for most of the activities and are actually preferred! However, if it is raining, a pair of hiking boots (leather or nylon/leather combination) may provide that additional degree of comfort.;
PLEASE ... do not show-up for Clark TREK in brand new shoes. All shoes should be well broken-in. If you can, treat your boots with a waterproofing agent to keep your feet dry in the event of rain. You also may want to bring a pair of sandals or camp shoes to relax in at the end of each day.
Individual Clothing and Equipment List
| General Gear: | |
| ____ | Waiver / Health History form * |
| ____ | Bedding for one week (blankets, sheets, pillows, pillow cases, and/or sleeping bag and bottom sheet |
| ____ | Towels |
| ____ | Toiletries |
| ____ | Bandanas / hat / hair Elastics |
| ____ | Flashlight with fresh batteries |
| ____ | Sunscreen and sunglasses |
| ____ | Insect repellant (non-aerosol) |
| ____ | Camera and film |
| ____ | Day pack (back pack) |
| ____ | Pen/Pencil and writing paper/stamps |
| ____ | Water bottle |
| General Clothing: | |
| ____ | Underwear (pack extra!) |
| ____ | T-shirts (long sleeve and short sleeve) |
| ____ | Shorts |
| ____ | Pants |
| ____ | Bathing Suit |
| ____ | Socks (cotton AND 2 heavy synthetic/wool pairs) |
| ____ | Light sweater / fleece top |
| ____ | Light coat or windbreaker |
| ____ | Outerwear / rain suit with hood |
| ____ | Hiking boots |
| ____ | Sneakers |
| ____ | Sandals or camp shoes |
| ____ | Belt |
| ____ | Laundry Bag |
*Camp waiver and health history forms will be completed upon your arrival to Clark University.
The list above should be used as a guide when packing. Feel free to ask if you have questions concerning what to bring to TREK: Outdoor Adventure. Everything on the list could have a purpose for some aspect of your experience. Remember, this is a 5 day program, so please pack accordingly. Laundry services are not available.
IMPORTANT! Brand names are not necessary!!! Functional quality is most important.
Therefore, please do not go out and spend money on new equipment. Also, please avoid wearing new shoes to this program. Older, broken-in shoes are recommended.
Bringing proper clothing on course is crucial. Course environments are characterized by unpredictable weather and it can get cold any time of the year (even in the summer), so you need to bring everything on the required clothing list. Remember that you’re not just going outside, you’re living outside.
ALL SPECIALIZED EQUIPMENT (LIKE YOUR SEA DUFFELS) WILL BE PROVIDED BY THOMPSON ISLAND!
Our clothing list reflects the importance of the layering principal. Dressing in several light layers rather than one heavy layer allow you more flexibility as the weather and workloads change. Wool is a longtime favorite as it retains much of its insulating qualities when wet. The new synthetics are polypropylene, pile, fleece, bunting, Polarfleece, Capilene, etc. These synthetics, like wool, insulate when wet, but they weigh less than wool and dry more quickly. Synthetics are also more comfortable next to the skin.
Please do not bring cotton clothing such as jeans or sweatshirts. Cotton retains moisture and loses almost all of its insulating properties when wet. (Imagine wearing a sweatshirt and jeans straight from the washing machine!) Once cotton clothing gets wet, it is difficult to dry.
At the beginning of your course, instructors will go over all of your clothing and equipment, and give you some tips on how to pack it into your sea duffel. Packing space is very limited, so bring only what is included on the clothing list. Do not feel that you must buy all your gear at camping and specialty stores. Old clothes are great, and Thrift shops, Goodwill and army/navy stores can be excellent sources for many of the items on the list. To ensure you have all the necessary items, don’t wait until the last minute to pack!!!
Outward Bound provides all other equipment not listed "Required Clothing and Equipment" list below. Outward Bound will provide sleeping bags, sleeping pads, and backpacks. Even if you own these items already, please understand that it is not necessary for you to bring them as they will be provided and the items that are provided are specifically selected for this course and take into account many factors. If you simply MUST bring your own technical equipment, you must have your equipment inspected by the Outward Bound staff to make sure that it meets minimum standards.
Because you will be CARRYING all of your stuff on your back, please bring everything on the required list ... nothing more, nothing less. If you bring things that you realize you don't need or want to carry, you can lock those items in a secure place.
| Required Clothing List (while on course): | |
| ____ | 1 set of synthetic long underwear - tops and bottoms |
| ____ | 3 T-shirts (can be cotton, lighter colors absorb less heat) |
| ____ | 1 heavy wool sweaters or synthetic fleece jacket (warmth layer, not cotton) |
| ____ | 1 waterproof rain jacket with hood |
| ____ | 1 fleece shirt |
| ____ | 1-2 synthetic t-shirts |
| ____ | 1 long-sleeved lightweight t-shirt (50/50) |
| ____ | 1 cotton t-shirt (nice to sleep in) |
| ____ | 1 pair loose fitting quick drying pants (nylon running pants or wind pants, NO denim jeans) |
| ____ | 1 pairs of shorts (quick-drying nylon preferred) |
| ____ | 1 quick drying bathing suits (nylon blend preferred) |
| ____ | 2 pairs of underwear |
| ____ | 1 sun hat or baseball hat – must have visor |
| ____ | socks: 2-3 pairs of wool or wool synthetic blend (not cotton) Recommend "SmartWool" |
| ____ | 1-2 pairs of liner socks |
| ____ | 1 pair of comfortable athletic shoes or sneakers |
| ____ | 1 pair of hiking boots (broken in, please - preferably high-top) |
| ____ | 1 lightweight wool hat or stocking cap (for warmth) |
| ____ | 1 or 2 bandannas (useful for many things!) |
| ____ | 1-2 sports bras (if applicable) |
| ____ | 1 set of TRAVEL CLOTHES (for your bus ride home) |
| Equipment: | |
| ____ | 1 bowl (wood, metal or tough plastic) |
| ____ | 1 headlamp with batteries (min. 3 volt headlamp w/ fresh batteries and one additional set |
| ____ | 1 insulated travel mug |
| ____ | 1 metal or tough plastic spoon (knife and fork are unnecessary!) |
| ____ | 1 pair of sunglasses (sturdy and dark with a keeper band) |
| ____ | 1 small towel |
| ____ | toothbrush and paste (dental floss optional) |
| ____ | 1 small sunscreen, SPF 15 minimum |
| ____ | 1 lip balm, SPF 15 minimum |
| ____ | insect repellent (small unbreakable bottle w/ 10-35% DEET) |
| ____ | 3-4 gallon-size Ziploc bags - very important for keeping dry things DRY and wet things away from dry things! |
| Optional: | |
| ____ | camera and film (inexpensive, waterproof, and/or disposable cameras work great)
|
| ____ | brush or comb |
| ____ | foot powder for wet feet or shoes |
| ____ | 2-3 stuff sacks to separate clothes |
| ____ | Sports Towel (AKA a chamois) |
We recommend headlamps over flashlights because you can use both hands and still see what you are doing. Some flashlights have headbands that allow you to do the same thing and those are fine. Petzl, Princeton-Tec, and Black Diamond make good headlamps. Many headlamps come with regular and Halogen bulbs. Halogen bulbs are bright but consume a lot of battery power, so bring both bulbs. The smallest and lightest headlamps have LED bulbs. LED lamps are also bright, consume very little battery power, but don't project their light very far. LED headlamps should have at least 3 spare bulbs!
If you wear glasses or contacts, bring a spare set if possible. Even if you only wear glasses for reading, bring them for use in reading maps and handbooks. Glasses should be help on with a strap and protected by a hard case. Do not bring contact lenses that require boiling water for cleaning.
You will not need ANY money during your trip. If you need to bring valuables on your bus trip (iPods, portable radio, cell), they can be locked up at base camp.
Changes in physical activity and environment CAN cause changes in your menstrual cycle. Be prepared for an unexpected and possible heavier period.
Tobacco, alcohol, and any drugs/medications not prescribed