- Hiking boots: Remember, poor fitting boots
cause blisters. Heavy leather boots need to be broken in before
the trip.
- Sneakers (optional): If you want, you can bring
a lightweight pair of closed-toe shoes to wear around camp.
- 2-3 pairs of wool or synthetic blend socks.
At least one of the long-sleeved layers
needs to be synthetic (i.e., polypropolene or comparable proprietary
brand, fleece, etc.) or wool.
- 1 long underwear shirt or long sleeve shirt
- 1 short sleeve shirt or tank top
- 1 insulating layer (fleece, wool sweater,
warm sweatshirt)
- 1 waterproof layer (poncho or rain jacket)
- 1 pair of shorts: nylon is best
- 1 pair of pants: nylon is best, but lightweight
cotton is acceptable. Long underwear bottoms are also an acceptable
alternative.
- 2 pairs of underwear
- Swimsuit
- Brimmed hat: for sun protection; a baseball
cap is fine
- Hat for warmth: for cooler evenings
- Backpack*: of at least 3500 cubic inch capacity,
preferable around 4000 cubic inches. Remember, you will be
carrying some group gear in addition to your personal gear
(food, part of a tent and/or cookware)
- 2 Trash compacter bags: to line your backpack
with for protection from rain
- Sleeping bag*: with a rating of 30 degrees
or lower
- Sleeping pad*
- Sunglasses
- Chapstick
- Sunscreen: with at least a 15 SPF rating (higher
recommended)
- Water bottles: at least 2 quarts total
- Headlamp/flashlight: the smaller, the better
- Toiletries**: toothbrush and toothpaste, etc.
Keep it to a minimum. There will not be an opportunity to
shower, so do not bring shampoo, etc.
- 1 Plastic or metal bowl
- 1 mug
- 1 fork and/or spoon
- Any medications you will require during your
trip
- Reading material: lightweight paperback
- Cards
- Journal (light and compact)
- Sandals (for camp and for wading, heel strap
recommended)
- Gloves (lightweight – very nice if you
get cold easily)
- Camera (bring a couple ziplocks to protect
it if it’s not waterproof)
- Swimsuit (most trips will pass by lakes –
some choose to swim in their hiking clothes or not at all,
so swimsuits are optional)
- Clean clothes to leave in the van/bus and change
into at the end of the trip
- Insect repellent
- Alcohol or illegal drugs
- A different outfit for each day
- Personal electronic devices other than a cellular
phone (cell phones for emergencies only—they must be switched
off during trip)
- An old candy bar in a jacket pocket that Mr.
Bear would love to eat
- Only cotton clothes
- Other miscellaneous deadweight, e.g. your
high school yearbook, etc.
- Non-essential toiletries (sorry, but this
does include shampoo)
* Packs, sleeping bags, and pads are available free
of charge upon request.
** Hygiene information:
Note that OA follows a stringent “Pack it In, Pack it Out”
philosophy. Plastic ziplocks will be provided to pack out toilet
paper and feminine hygiene products.
*** Please contact us if you need to request gear
or if you have any questions (phone: 909. 607.2531 email: oa@pomona.edu
)
Packing Tips: Keep the pack
and gear separate from the rest of your luggage so it's not necessary
to sort through all your stuff the night before your trip's departure.
If you are renting a pack, bring a separate duffle bag with all
your gear so it is easy to transfer to your rental pack.
Slide-lock ziplock bags are a great packing aid. For maximum
storage efficiency, you might also try compression bags like those
available at www.1luggagesspacestoragebags.com. Compartmentalize
where possible (e.g., camera + film in a ziplock bag). Don't
worry if you're having trouble figuring out how to pack your pack;
your leaders will help you out before your trip departs.
Pack light, everything you bring, plus group gear,
will be on your back.
OA leaders will conduct a gear check before your
trip departs—you must have all essential items in your possession
in order to depart with your group (excepting some items that
can be shared, such as sunscreen).
Feel free to call us at (909) 607-2531 or e-mail
us at oa@pomona.edu if you
have questions!
