SUGGESTIONS

• Remove all unnecessary packaging from any items, especially food. Packaging creates letter that may be hard to manage. Repack items in zip lock bags with any instructions inside bag.
• Line sleeping bag stuff sac and backpack with food compactor bag. The compactor bags are very sturdy and can be used for years.
• Follow the layering system of dressing making sure to follow the gear list. Hi-tech fabrics are wonderful.
• Campers should pack their own gear under supervision and practicing is a great idea. The more you pack and repack at home the better you will be in the field. Click HERE for some packing diagrams.
• Keep meals simple and easy to prepare. One pot meals that are wet are best. Cans are very heavy and must be carried out.
• PLAN FOR NO LEFTOVERS. THIS IS HARD, BUT MAKES CAMP LIFE REALLY EASY. Click HERE for meal suggestions.
• Sturdy zip-lock bags are good for storing food. Use one as a trash bag also.
• Blue jeans are uncomfortable and dangerous when wet.
• If reasonable, hike in shorts and change into pile/wool/rain pants for cool evening. Sweat pants and cotton long underwear are okay, but also fail miserably when wet. The ZIPOFFS are excellent.
• The final loaded backpack should weigh between 30 and 40 pounds. Forty pounds is quite heavy...aim for thirty.
• Practice cooking a meal at home.
• Lastly, try to keep matters as simple as possible. The students tend to be disorganized and are unaccustomed to traveling and camping in the manner dictated by this trip. There need not be tons of trash, but it always seems like the students generate way more than necessary.