Packing List 2010 as a PDF

Packing List for: High Sierra Explorer | Northwest Explorer | Rocky Mountain Explorer | Yellowstone Teton Explorer

Our packing list is designed to keep you safe and comfortable while hiking and camping this summer. The warm clothing and layers listed may seem unnecessary now, but we guarantee that you'll appreciate them this summer, especially at night or when you’re at high elevations. Keep in mind 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.

• The most important part of preparing and packing for a hiking trip is breaking in your boots. We cannot emphasize enough how essential this is for a successful trip. Starting a month before your trip begins, wear your boots at home and go on several long walks or hikes in them. You should go on at least one 5-mile hike in your boots with a backpack with some weight in it. Students have had to leave trips early because of blisters so please, please, please break in your boots. You’ll be glad you did and it will make your trip much more enjoyable!

• Label the following items with your name, address and phone number.
• Bring only what you need and pack everything in your backpack or daypack.
• If you are flying to your trip start, you should wear your hiking boots on the plane and carry your sleeping bag and sleeping pad on the plane with you in case your checked luggage fails to arrive on time. Please do not wear an extra set of clothes for the flight.
• You will have the chance to do laundry periodically and you will be able to leave some extra items in our van while we are on the trail, so please stick to the packing list and bring only the clothes and items listed below.
• Overland will rent or provide any specialized gear for any of our non-hiking activities (for example, rock climbing, rafting, mountaineering, or kayaking) and that gear is included in your trip fee.
• Please do not bring any type of knife or multi-tool like a Swiss Army knife or Leatherman tool.
• If you have any questions, please contact our office at 800.458.0588.

Clothing

Fleece Jacket and Fleece Pants
The fleece should be medium to heavyweight and reasonably compact. Please don't bring jeans or sweatpants.

Synthetic Long Underwear Long-Sleeve Shirt and Pants
One or two tops and one bottom.

Winter Hat and Gloves/Mittens
*High Sierra Explorer students should bring a second pair of warm waterproof gloves for their Shasta climb.

Waterproof Rain Jacket and Rain Pants
Your rain gear must be waterproof (not just water resistant). Gore-Tex is one of the better-known waterproof, breathable fabric brands, but there are many to choose from. Ponchos are not acceptable.

Insulated Vest
One insulated fleece or down vest. Make sure it’s compactable.

Shorts
Two pairs of synthetic shorts. Athletic shorts or hiking shorts work well.

T-Shirts
Three synthetic t-shirts are recommended but cotton shirts are acceptable.

Underwear
Five.

Socks
Three pairs of thick wool or synthetic blend socks made for hiking. Sock liners are optional.

Sport Sandals
These must have a heel strap for kayaking, swimming and around camp. Flip-flops or Crocs are not acceptable for water activities such as rafting or kayaking. If you do not have sport sandals, your sneakers will work fine.

Sneakers or Tennis Shoes
A comfortable and lightweight alternative to your hiking boots. To be used on short day hikes and when in camp.

Bathing Suit
Optional.

Pajamas
Optional.

Hiking & Camping Equipment

Hiking Boots
Waterproof backpacking boots (recommended price range $125 to $175). Choose a comfortable boot that is designed for hiking with a medium weight pack. Your boots should have a durable leather upper that can be treated with waterproofing wax or liquid, or have a waterproof fabric and leather combination.

Backpack
The backpack should be 4000-5000 cubic inches. Before you purchase a backpack, find your backpack size by measuring your torso length and your hips. We recommend getting fitted at a store where you can try on a number of different packs.
*Rocky Mountain Explorer students only need a pack that is 1800-3000 cubic inches.

Sleeping Bag and Stuff Sack
We recommend a lightweight, compact sleeping bag (synthetic or down) that is rated to 25 Fahrenheit or less. Your sleeping bag should compress into a stuff sack which can then be cinched down to 12-20” in length.

Sleeping Pad
A full or ¾ length mattress pad that is inflatable or made of closed-cell foam. It should be compact enough to either fit in your pack or be strapped to the outside.

Day Pack
Your day pack can be used as a carry-on and will be used for day hikes. This can be a very basic backpack but it should have two shoulder straps (not a satchel or messenger bag) and should big enough to hold your lunch, two water bottles, some food, and some extra clothes.

Water Bottle
One 1-liter Nalgene (or similar) water bottle. Overland will provide you with a second water bottle on arrival. A Camelbak or similar water bladder is acceptable.
*High Sierra Explorer students should know that water bladders are not recommend for the Shasta climb.

Headlamp & Extra Batteries
A small flashlight is OK but headlamps are great because your hands are freed up for other tasks.
*Rocky Mountain Explorer and High Sierra Explorer students must have headlamps for their summit climbs.

Waterproof Pack Cover
If your backpack does not come with a cover, choose one that fits your pack well.

Bowl, Mug & Utensils
For meals you will need a 6-8” plastic dish or bowl with a lid. The bowl can be a rigid Tupperware-like material or collapsible. A spoon is all you need but you can bring a spork or a set of lightweight silverware if you’d like. We also recommend a plastic insulated mug to be used for hot drinks.

Mosquito Head Net
*High Sierra Explorer and Yellowstone Teton Explorer students are strongly advised to bring mosquito head nets. They are extremely useful in the backcountry when the bugs are bad at night or in low marshy areas.

Small Safety Whistle
Needed for safety reasons in case a student is separated from the group.

Sunscreen (SPF 15+) & Chapstick (with SPF protection)
Please bring lots and lots of sunscreen; it’s especially useful when on the water and at high elevations.

Insect Repellent
Please bring ample amounts of bug spray or cream.

Moleskin
For blister prevention and care.

Gaiters
Optional.

Miscellaneous

Toiletries
All items should be travel size. If necessary, you will be able to restock en route.

Plastic Bags
Ten large 1-gallon ziplock bags and two large trash bags. The ziplock bags are used to organize and waterproof your gear and small items. The trash bags are used to line your pack and to wrap your sleeping bag and pad.

Sunglasses & Hat with Visor
*High Sierra Explorer students should have sunglasses that wrap around to protect from the sun reflecting off of the snow on the Shasta climb and descent.

Digital Camera & Extra Batteries
Great for documenting the trip. Make sure you bring a large enough memory card (1 to 4 GB).

Towel
Medium size cotton towel or synthetic camping towel.

Spending Money
$25/week in cash or with a debit or ATM card.

Personal Journal or Book
Optional.