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.

 

Please note these important reminders:

Medicine: If applicable, the medication must be approved by our Medical Screening Office before the program start. Please bring your daily medicine in a non-breakable, waterproof container.

Glasses: Glasses should be held on with a strap. Even if you only wear glasses for reading, please bring them for use in map reading.

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, Personal Computers, etc.: 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! We will provide a safe place to store a small number of personal belongings while you are in your program.

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.

Packing: We recommend using a backpack or duffel to pack in. Rolling suitcases are not appropriate. You must be able to carry everything that you will be bringing. During the day you will be hiking and will want a day pack for carrying extra supplies.

Late summer and early fall in Maine are often warm and sunny, but cold fronts are common and these bring wind, rain, and cooler temperatures. Out on the water and in the mountains, the air stays cool and moist so warm, quick-drying clothing is essential. Temperatures at night can drop to the 30s and even lower in September and October. Daytime temperatures range from the 40s to the 80s