CLOTHING & GEAR LIST

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. 

Getting Started - What We Supply & More
WHAT WE SUPPLY

North Carolina Outward Bound School provides:

  • sleeping bags
  • sleeping pads
  • shelter
  • compass
  • food
  • water bottles
  • cooking equipment
  • eating utensils 
  • rain gear - unless otherwise notes on your packing list

We also provide activity-specific items based on your course type: 

  • backpacks
  • rock climbing gear
  • canoes, and/or
  • sea kayaks

Please refer to the Packing List below for the items to bring to course. 

WHERE TO SHOP

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. 

PACKING AND STORAGE

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:  

  • Assessment of your clothing and gear with the route and the anticipated weather in mind. (Tip: save the tags from new purchases so you can return any unused items after course end.) 
  • Issue Outward Bound items you will use during course 
  • Stowing personal items not needed while on expedition such as travel clothes, cell phones, electronic devices, and wallets back into your travel luggage. 
  • Luggage will be transported to our facility and placed in locked storage until course end. Please leave any expensive or valuable items at home.