CLOTHING & GEAR LIST

Recommended Clothing to Pack. To ensure your comfort during the Outward Bound activities, please pack clothing that is loose fitting and comfortable for being outside for the duration of the day. We recommend you bring everything on the list below. Our clothing list reflects the importance of the layering principle: dressing in several light layers rather than one heavy layer allows you more flexibility as the weather and workloads change.

Wool has been the long-time favorite of outdoor people, as it retains much of its insulating qualities when wet. Even better than wool is a synthetic material, such as polypropylene, pile, fleece, Polartech, Synchilla, and Capilene. Like wool, these synthetics insulate when wet, but weigh less than wool and dry more quickly. Synthetics are also more comfortable next to the skin. We advise you not to bring cotton clothing (except t-shirts) such as jeans or sweatshirts. Cotton retains moisture and loses almost all of its insulating properties when wet. Once cotton clothing gets wet, it stays wet.

 

 On Day 1 (Jan. 8), please wear or bring the following as you will be outside for 3 – 4 hours:

 

  • 2 pairs of comfortable close-toed shoes: (1) a waterproof, insulated boot for the outdoors and (2) comfortable indoor shoes or slippers.
  • Loose-fitting synthetic pants
  • 1 t-shirt (synthetic)
  • 1 long sleeve shirts (synthetic)
  • Long underwear top and bottom
  • 2 pair of socks and other undergarments
  • 1-2 warm sweaters or synthetic (fleece) pullovers
  • Warm winter outerwear, suitable for snow (coat and pants)
  • Sunscreen and lip balm (SPF 15 minimum)
  • Sunglasses
  • Sun visor or baseball cap
  • 1 warm hat and gloves
  • Water bottle
  • Small day pack to carry extra layers and accessories during the day


Optional:

  • Camera or phone (for photos), ideally in a waterproof case
  • Watch, preferably waterproof

 

What to pack in your daypack:

  • Extra layers of clothing
  • Outerwear, hat, and gloves
  • A full water bottle
  • Sunscreen and sunglasses
  • Journal and pen/pencil (provided)
  • Flashlight (provided)
  • Medicine
  • Camera or phone (optional)

 

Outward Bound Professional is able to provide limited gear (e.g. fleece pullovers) if needed. Please email Sarah at [email protected] to request what you need.

 

Please note these important reminders:

Cash and Valuables: Please do not bring large amounts of cash or valuable jewelry on the program since we cannot be responsible for the loss of or damage to valuables.

Cell Phones: Plan on detaching from work completely. Cell phone coverage will be spotty to non-existent. Please let people know that you will be out of touch for all of your program time.  Absolutely, feel free to take out your phone during the program if you are using it to take pictures!

Alcohol and Tobacco: In keeping with legal, safety, health, and ethical considerations, these substances are not allowed on our programs. If you are a smoker, please let your facilitator know when you arrive. They will make arrangements for you to smoke in designated spots when appropriate.