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. 

Packing List

All items should be synthetic or wool (NOT cotton or denim) unless otherwise noted.

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 may determine the exact quantity based on your personal preference and budget. You will likely wear clothing items multiple times throughout course. You do not need to bring a separate outfit for each day.

If you have questions, please contact your Student Services Representative. 

 

Upper Body

Quantity

Item

Description/Purpose

1

Synthetic fill jacket, heavy weight

To keep you warm when not active in camp

1

Synthetic fill jacket, light weight

To keep you warm when not active in camp

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

Long sleeve shirt (base layer)

Worn closest to skin, snug fitting, to provide warmth

1-2

Long sleeve shirt, light weight

Button up is preferred, worn over other clothing to protect from biting insects and sun

2-3

T-shirts (synthetic)

Not cotton, athletic shirts appropriate

3

Sports bra

If applicable

1

Windbreaker, nylon

 

1

Rain jacket

Loose fitting; 100% waterproof, not water resistant. Must be two or three-layer Gore-Tex or similar high quality with a hood that can be cinched down. Reinforced shoulders preferred.

 

Head and Face

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

1 pair

Glacier compatible sunglasses with case and retainer strap

 

 

Lower Body

Quantity

Item

Description/Purpose

2

Long pants (base layer)

Worn closest to skin, snug fitting, to provide warmth. Athletic leggings and long underwear acceptable

2

Pants, light weight, quick-drying

Loose fitting preferred. Will be used for hiking

2

Shorts, light weight, quick-drying

5" minimum inseam

5-7

Underwear

 

1

Fleece or synthetic pant, medium weight

Should be a warming layer that can fit under your hiking pants; worn around camp at night

1

Rain pants

Loose fitting; 100% waterproof, not water resistant. Must be two or three-layer Gore-Tex or similar high quality. For semester courses ½ zipper is required at minimum.

 

Hands and Feet

INNER SOLE LINERS Inner sole liners can give your feet extra warmth and comfort. If you choose to use an inner sole liner, make sure to wear them when you are fitting your boots. If you try to use them after your boot has been fitted, they may make your boot too small. Examples of inner sole liners include: Spenco Neoprene Liner and Spenco Polysorb Replacement Insole.

PLASTIC MOUNTAINEERING BOOTS North Carolina Outward Bound has a supply of plastic mountaineering boots (Kolfach Degrees) for your use during the Patagonia phase at no extra charge. However, if you have any foot abnormalities, it may make fitting boots to your feet difficult. If you have feet larger than size 14 or any foot abnormalities (bunions, bone spurs, etc.), please contact your Student Services Representative. You may have to purchase your own boots. Make sure to give your boot size to your Student Services Representative.

Quantity

Item

Description/Purpose

1

Gloves, light weight

For warmth and/or sun and insect protection. Water resistant preferred.

1

Gloves, medium weight

For warmth and/or sun and insect protection. Water resistant preferred.

1

Gloves, Gore-Tex (or similar) waterproof gloves

 

4 pairs

Socks, heavy weight

Not cotton

4 pairs

Socks, medium weight

Not cotton

3 pairs

Socks, cotton

 

1 pair

Gaiters, full length

Used to keep snow and dirt out. Should fit comfortably over hiking boots, and must fit over the plastic boots worn in Patagonia. If possible, try them on over a pair of plastic boots, or buy them a little large. We recommend using a Velcro closure gaiter vs. a zipper closure gaiter. 

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 securely, 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 footwear are NOT appropriate.

1 pair

"Wet" shoes

Closed toed and hard soled. Review our blog on how to choose shoes.

 

Personal Items and Toiletries

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

1-2

Lip balm with SPF

-

3

Bandana

Multi-use item

3

Pens or pencils

For writing on course (we provide a journal)

1 box

Gallon-sized zip lock bag

For keeping items dry

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

2 sets

Extra set of clothes for travel days

 

1

Twin size flat sheet or similar

Used to cover up from bugs on hot nights and for discrete clothing changes

1

Knife/multi-tool

 

1

Sleeping pad, inflatable

 

1

Passport

 

1

Photocopy of biometrics (photo) page from passport

 

1

Cash, ATM card, credit card

  • To reconcile any lost/damaged Outward Bound gear – Cash Only
  • For any travel /meal needs before and after Outward Bound – Cash or Card

 

Optional Items

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