BACKPACKING PACKING LIST AND LAYERING OF CLOTHING INFORMATION
Thank you for taking the time to review the packing list. While backpacking you will be carrying your items in a backpack. Please pack light and think minimally to go easy on your body, but do not skimp on what you need to stay safe.
Clothing is important to outdoor recreational activities. This list can be pared down to fewer items if you desire, but please have what you need to keep you safe, comfortable, and warm, but don’t overdo it because you do have to carry it all.
We have some suggested articles and videos on the different types of clothing and layering when temperatures fluctuate from hot to cold from day to evening or in inclement weather. Our leaders will be discussing this with you prior to your arrival. Please do not stress the clothing and please do not feel as if you need to purchase things. Most of these things you most likely already have/own. If you want to make one or two purchases overall I would suggest a great purchase for Oregon and the pacific northwest is a rain jacket and rain pants. Then for doing outdoor recreation such as backpacking I would suggest purchasing a set of hiking shoes/boots for safety purposes.
Article 1: How to master the layering system by REI
Article 2: Layering Basics by REI
Article 3: How to prepare for a beginner backpacking trip (We handle a lot of the logistics for you in this article but it can be good entry information for you)
Article 4: How to mentally prepare for a backpacking trip YOU CAN DO THIS!
Video 1: What to wear while camping by REI
Video 2: What to wear while hiking in any weather by Miranda in the Wild
Video 3: How to pack a backpack
Video 4: How to fit a backpack
Your Packing List (Please Avoid Cotton Clothing options)
- Underwear as needed
- Sports Bras as needed
- Socks (wool/synthetics) as needed
- Short Sleeve Synthetic Shirt - 3 (1 you are wearing and 2 to pack)
- Long Sleeve Synthetic Shirts - 1
- Insulated Jacket For Cooler Nights - 1
- Rain Jacket (Waterproof) REALLY Important - 1
- Rain Pants (Waterproof) REALLY Important - 1
- Shorts - 3 (1 you are wearing and 2 to pack)
- Long Pair Synthetic pants for cooler nights - 1
- Fleece pants for cooler nights - 1
- Broken in Hiking Shoes/Boots - 1
- Camp Shoes (light weight like crocs/chacos/tevas/sandals) - 1
- Base Layer Long Underwear Top for cooler nights - 1
- Base Layer Long Underwear Bottom for cooler nights - 1
- Ziplocs (1 gallon) - 3
- Bandanna - 1
- Hair ties (as needed)
- Warm Hat (if desired/warranted) - 1
- Warm gloves (if desired/warranted) - 1
- Sunglasses/visor/hat - 1
- Extra layers to support your needs (as needed)
- Toothbrush and Toothpaste - 1
- Allergy/Personal Meds (as needed)
- Tampons/ Pads (as needed)
- Diva Cup (as needed)
- Brush/comb (as needed)
- Sunscreen - 1
- Bugspray - 1
- SNACKS to supplement your dietary needs if desired (as needed)
- Lip Balm w/spf - 1
- Glasses/contacts etc - 1
- Nalgene and water system (64 oz minimum or camelback) - 64 oz System at a Minimum
- Packable Bowl - 1
- Cup - 1
- Spoon - 1
- Journal, pens/writing utensil - 1
- Knee and Ankle Braces (as needed)
- ID & some spending money/card for local stops on the way - 1
- Provide your own COVID-19 Masks (TBD if they are required off campus or not) - 4
- Small Packable Towel - 1
- Soft-sided duffel to pack all your items in if you are transferring it to our backpack upon arrival - 1
Items you can bring but optional
- Baby Wipes (Insta bath) - 1, 25 count
- Camera - 1
- Watch with Alarm - 1
- Pocket knife - 1
- Hand Sanitizer - 1
- Blister Kit - 1
Items we can provide but you are more than welcome to bring your own
- 25 to 35-degree Packable Sleeping Bag w/ stuff sack - 1
- Sleeping Pad - 1
- Backpack (55 to 70 L) with a rain cover - 1
- Bivy Sack/Hammock sleeping System - 1
(possible COVID camping system we are using) - Trekking Poles - 1
- Headlamp/lighting device - 1
Willamette University Outdoor Program WILL provide group equipment
- Cooking equipment
- Fuel
- Water treatment
- Shelter (Tents, Bivy sacks)
- Hand sanitizer
- Hand washing supplies
- Food
- Med Kits & emergency supplies
- Maps/compasses/trail guides
- Whistles
- Backpack (55 to 70 L) with a rain cover
- 25 to 35-degree Packable Sleeping Bag w/ stuff sack
- Sleeping Pad
- Headlamps
- Trekking Poles
PLEASE DO NOT BRING:
- Drugs, cigarettes/vaping systems, or alcohol (in any form)
- Weapons
- Glass containers
- Phones: Please do not bring your phone. We want you to engage with each other and not your technology. Our staff will have phones and emergency equipment to get in touch with the campus as needed. Please honor this.