The Clothing and Gear list is the result of many years of staff and participant feedback. Please read and follow these suggestions and the check list closely.
North Carolina Outward Bound School provides:
We also provide activity-specific items based on your course type:
Please refer to the Packing List below for the items to bring to course.
First, shop your closet or those of your family or friends - you might have many of these items already. Then start planning what you may need to buy, leaving yourself time to find sales or free shipping.
Many students shop for clothing and gear from the following retailers:
Plan ahead! When you arrive for course start, you will not have an opportunity to purchase forgotten items!
Please review the video How to Pack for Course Without Breaking the Bank below.
When packing, use a duffel bag or soft-sided luggage (if available) due to limited storage space at our facility.
When you arrive, your instructors will facilitate a process we call “duffel shuffle” that includes:
Fabric Types/Styles to Purchase: The Packing List reflects the layering principle. It is vital that all your clothing be comfortable, quick-drying, and warm. Review our Fabrics and Layering for the Wilderness blog on the importance of fabrics.
Quantity Ranges: You will have limited space for storing the clothing you bring to course. You will be wearing your clothes multiple times as needed based on the weather and activities. To avoid being requested to leave clothes behind in your luggage, do not plan for 1 separate outfit per day.
If you have questions, please contact your Student Services Representative.
|
Quantity |
Item |
Description/Purpose |
|
1 |
Fleece jacket or pullover, medium weight |
To keep you warm when not active in camp, should be warm enough to be worn alone but thin enough to fit under an outer layer like a rain jacket |
|
1-3 |
Long sleeve shirt (base layer) |
Worn closest to skin, snug fitting, to provide warmth |
|
1-3 |
Long sleeve shirt, light weight |
Button up is preferred, worn over other clothing to protect from biting insects and sun |
|
2-4 |
T-shirts (synthetic) |
Not cotton, athletic shirts appropriate |
|
2-3 |
Sports bra |
If applicable |
|
Quantity |
Item |
Description/Purpose |
|
1 |
Beanie |
|
|
1 |
Wide-brimmed hat or baseball cap |
|
|
1 |
Bug head net |
Mesh material that is worn over your hat, protects your face and neck from insects |
|
1 pair |
Sunglasses with case and retainer strap |
|
|
1 pair |
Prescription eyewear with case and retainer strap |
If applicable |
|
Quantity |
Item |
Description/Purpose |
|
2-3 |
Long pants (base layer) |
Worn closest to skin, snug fitting, to provide warmth. Athletic leggings and long underwear acceptable |
|
2-3 |
Pants, light weight, quick-drying |
Loose fitting preferred. Will be used for hiking |
|
1-2 |
Shorts, light weight, quick-drying |
5" minimum inseam |
|
5-12 |
Underwear |
|
|
Quantity |
Item |
Description/Purpose |
|
1 |
Gloves, light weight |
For warmth and/or sun and insect protection. Water resistant preferred. |
|
4-8 pairs |
Socks, medium weight |
Not cotton |
|
1 pair |
Hiking boots |
Must be waterproof, have a good tread, a sturdy sole, and mid-ankle in height. Review our blog post on choosing boots. |
|
1 pair |
Sneakers or running shoes, old or used are appropriate |
Used for times when you don't need hiking boots but do need a sturdy, closed toe hiking shoe. EX: running, group problem solving activities, or camp chores |
|
1 pair |
Camp/River crossing shoes |
Should be quick drying, fit securly, have a heel strap, be closed-toed, and protect most of the foot. EX: Croc-style or Keen sandals. *Flip flops, slides, aqua socks, diving booties, and other soft/neoprene-type foot wear are NOT appropriate. |
|
Quantity |
Item |
Description/Purpose |
|
1 |
Prescription medication |
If applicable |
|
1 |
LED headlamp with spare set of batteries |
Avoid USB/rechargeable headlamps |
|
1 |
Insect repellent |
Max 4oz bottle |
|
1 |
SPF 30+ sunscreen |
Max 4oz bottle |
|
1 |
Lip balm with SPF |
- |
|
2 |
Bandana |
Multi-use item |
|
2-3 |
Pens or pencils |
For writing on course (we provide a journal) |
|
2-5 |
Gallon-sized zip lock bag |
For keeping items dry |
|
1 |
Money – Approx $20 |
|
|
1 set |
Toiletries: toothbrush & toothpaste, haircare products (see Eye, Skin, and Hair Care section), Menstrual products (if applicable) |
To be used during course. Max 4oz each |
|
1 set |
Toiletries: shampoo & conditioner, soap |
For shower at course end. Max 4oz each |
|
1 |
Bath towel |
For shower at course end |
|
1 set |
Extra set of clothes for travel days |
- |
|
Quantity |
Item |
Description/Purpose |
|
1 |
Trekking poles |
Helps distribute weight while hiking with heavy packs |
|
1 |
Watch with alarm |
Waterproof or water resistant (no smart watches) |
|
1 |
Packable camp chair |
Lightweight, foldable, like a "Crazy Creek" chair |
|
1 |
Camera; can be digital or disposable |
Bring extra batteries, memory card, extra film, etc. as needed |
|
1 |
Notebook/journal |
|
|
1 |
Stationary, envelopes, stamps |
|
|
1 |
A “cover up” – lightweight fabric item (i.e. a twin sheet, a sarong, or other packable fabric). Can be cotton and a repurposed item. |
For discreet clothing changes and/or covering up from biting insects at night while sleeping |
|
1 |
Rain Gear (jacket and pants) |
For Adults on 18+ courses. Loose fitting; 100% waterproof, not water resistant. Must be two or three-layer Gore-Tex or similar high quality. Rain jacket preferred to have reinforced shoulders. Rain pants should have ¼ leg zipper at minimum. |
Please bring your prescription eyewear to course and any applicable backup options. For glasses a retaining band is necessary to prevent loss during an activity.
For participants who wear contact lenses, you must bring your prescription glasses as back up. Be sure to bring enough contact lens solution so you can be diligent in your contact lens routine while out on course.
Please be aware that the use of contact lenses in the backcountry does carry more risk than when at home. A great level of diligence and hygiene is required in ensuring you do not damage your eyes.
You will be outside during your course. To maintain your health and comfort, the best protection from biting insects, skin irritation and sunburn is a physical barrier of clothing. Bring the required clothing and gear listed – it's essential to your comfort and safety.
It is your responsibility to follow your instructor’s directions and monitor how your skin reacts to the changing environment. Let them know if you encounter skin concerns before they present a barrier to your participation.
If you are traveling by air to your course, please review the TSA Carry-on Requirements for liquids.
Here are a few tips caring for long, kinky, or curly hair while on course:
Before course, consider putting your hair in a protective style, allowing enough time for your head to adjust prior to the start of your Outward Bound course. Be sure that your protective style will fit underneath a helmet. Suggested protective styles include:
Increased physical activity during Outward Bound may cause a change in your menstrual cycle. Prepare your menstruation kit using a zip lock bag even if you don’t expect your cycle during course.
Items to include:
We practice Leave No Trace camping techniques. Therefore, we pack out what we pack in. Instructors will distribute small opaque zip lock bags and small stuff sack for your individual storage of used items.You will dispose of any used items either during re-supplies (approximately every three to seven days) or at course end.
Your instructors are experienced in addressing menstruation care questions or concerns while on course. Don’t hesitate to ask them questions.
Participants will not be permitted to begin their course without their required medications OR with new medications not approved by our Medical Screener.
All medications (prescription, non-prescription and over-the-counter) must:
Your medication container should not include other medications, vitamins or supplements. If possible, bring a double supply.
Do not bring non-prescription medications such as aspirin, Advil, etc., unless they are listed in your medical information. We have a medical kit that contains these medications.
Medication updates that occur after applicants are cleared to participate could affect their status on course. Please update the Student Services Department with any medication changes such as:
For participants on youth courses, our instructors carry all prescription medications, with the exception of birth control and emergency medications such as EpiPens or rescue asthma inhalers.
For participants on adult (age 18+) courses, we encourage participants to store their medication(s) container(s) in a zip-lock bag for protection. Pill sorters are not recommended.