Mountains & Sea Adventure

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Preparing for the Hiking & Biking

Stay active in sports and get out for some walks and rides this spring. The more you prepare, the more you'll enjoy your program and the better able you'll be to hike and ride safely this summer.

Packing For Your Program

Our packing list is designed to keep you safe and comfortable while hiking, biking and camping this summer. Keep in mind, however, that there are a wide range of products available in terms of clothing and equipment. Overland programs are relatively short, and although you want your clothing and equipment to be durable, this does not mean it has to be top of the line. Oftentimes more basic and less expensive options perform just as well. Some of our favorite brands in terms of quality of product for a reasonable price include REI, EMS and L.L.Bean.

Label the following items with your name, address and phone number. Bring only what you need and pack everything in a duffel bag or your daypack. You should carry your sleeping bag on the plane with you in case your checked luggage fails to arrive on time.

Please bring only the clothes listed below. Do not wear an extra set of clothes for the flight. By layering you will stay cool on warm days, dry on rainy days and warm on cool nights. If you have any questions, do not hesitate to contact our office.

Clothing

• Tennis Shoes or Sneakers
  Comfortable shoes to wear around all day and on day hikes and bike rides.


• Sport Sandals
  With a heel strap for kayaking, swimming and around camp. No flip-flops or Crocs as these will not be acceptable for kayaking. If you don't have sport sandals, your sneakers will work fine for kayaking and around camp.


• Waterproof Rain Jacket
  Your rain jacket must be waterproof (not just water and/or wind resistant). GoreTex is one of the better-known waterproof and breathable fabrics, but there are many of these fabrics to choose from.


• Fleece Jacket/Pullover or Warm Sweater/Sweatshirt
  One only. To wear in camp on cool evenings.


• Winter Hat & Gloves/Mittens
  To stay warm in camp on cool nights.


• Hat
  With a visor—like a baseball cap—to keep the sun off your face.


• Long Pants
  One pair. To wear in camp on cool evenings.


• Shorts
  Three pairs of comfortable shorts to hike and bike in.


• Shirts
  Three short-sleeve shirts or tank tops; two long-sleeve shirts.


• Underwear
  Six pairs.


• Socks
  Six pairs.


• Pajamas
  One pair only.


• Bathing Suit
  One only.

Hiking, Biking & Camping Gear

• Backpack
  For everyday adventures and hikes. Your backpack should have two shoulder straps (i.e., not a satchel) and it should be big enough to carry your lunch, snacks, two water bottles and a rain jacket or extra warm layers. A regular shcool backpack will work fine.


• Bike Helmet
  Overland will provide bicycles.


• Sleeping Bag
  Any type is acceptable.


• Sleeping Pad
  Any type is acceptable. A thin roll-up or fold-up foam pad or a self-inflating pad (like Thermarest) can be found at most outdoor stores.


• Pillow
  Optional. Many students will use their fleece or sweatshirt as a pillow.


• Flashlight or Headlamp
  So you can see in camp when it's dark outside.


• Utensils
  6" to 8" plastic dish or bowl with top; insulated plastic mug; spoon, fork and knife. These don't need to be special camping utensils. A Rubbermaid dish (or similar) and regular eating utensils are fine.


• Water Bottle
  Any kind, to stay hydrated out in the sun.

Miscellaneous Gear

• Towel


• Toiletries
  Travel size as there is availability on our route.


• Sunglasses


• Sunscreen & Chapstick
  SPF 15+.


• Camera
  Optional.


• Journal and/or Book
  Optional. Your group will collectively keep a group journal, and you'll receive a copy of the journal after your trip. If you would like to keep a personal journal, you should bring one.


• Spending Monday
  $50 per week for souvenirs, gifts and necessities (like more sunscreen if you run out, camera film or envelopes to mail letters.)

Note: Please do not bring any type of knife or multi-tool (e.g., Swiss Army Knife, Leatherman).
We do not permit personal electronics on our programs (e.g., cellphones and iPods). We do, however, allow students who fly to their program to carry a cell phone while traveling; on arrival, Overland's leaders will collect all cell phones for the duration of the program and return them for flights home. Perhaps, a better option would be to bring a pre-paid phone card so that the leaders do not have to carry cell phones for the duration of the program.