PennQuest Packing List

Note: PLEASE try to bring as few cotton items as possible. Synthetic materials (like polypropylene, capilene, and fleece**) dry much faster and keep your body much warmer than cotton -- very valuable traits in the event of rain.

Wearable Items:

• one fleece pullover, sweatshirt or warm, breathable layer. Wool sweater okay.
• one pair of shorts
• one pair of long pants or long underwear (no jeans or cotton sweats)
• one or two t-shirts (at least one non-cotton shirt)
• one long sleeved under-layer (Duofold, Capilene, etc)
• underwear
• at least two pairs of socks (not cotton; Smartwool is great)
• one pair of broken-in and waterproofed hiking boots is recommended. If you must wear sneakers, make sure they have excellent soles, treads, and ankle support.
• one pair of camp shoes (sneakers, sandals, or mocs to wear while hanging out at campsite)
• waterproof rain jacket
• waterproof rain pants (if you can't find/don't want to buy these, make sure your shorts and other pants are not cotton!)
• one warm hat
• bandana (optional)
• sunscreen
• sunglasses and/or hat/visor

Non-Wearable Items:

• internal or external frame backpack*
• summer-weight sleeping bag (filled with synthetic insulation)*
• compression sack/stuff sack for sleeping bag
• at least three 32-oz water bottles
• foam sleeping pad/Therm-a-rest (optional but very wonderful)
• one package moleskin plus padding or Dr. Scholl's Blister Treatment Foam (in the footcare section of your drug store or supermarket)
• any required medication
• insect repellant or After-Bite
• at least two plastic trash bags (one for clothing, one for sleeping bag, extras for anything else you don't want to get wet, like a camera)
• toothbrush and toothpaste
• tupperware bowl
• spoon (and fork if you must)
• flashlight or headlamp with fresh batteries
• 1 snack/energy bar type item for each day of hiking(3) so you have one personal snack at your disposal.
• a bit of cash for rest stops before and after backpacking

Do NOT Bring:

• iPods, walkmans, radios, or any electronic items
• food or snacks (we'll provide more than enough, we promise!)
• alcohol, drugs, or tobacco products
• soap, cosmetics, deodorant, or anything smelly that could attract a wild animal
• anything that will be ruined if dirty or wet

* We may be able to rent a backpack and/or sleeping bag for you at a small fee.
** If you don't recognize these terms, ask anyone who is familiar with backpacking.