BRING WARMER CLOTHING:
It will be colder than you expect and you’ll end up dressing in layers! The
weather in our area can vary greatly and be chillier than expected, even in the
summer.
AVOID COTTON: Avoid cotton clothing as much as possible. Cotton does not keep you warm once it gets wet, which is a big deal when you’re in the outdoors. Please bring SYNTHETIC (polyester, fleece, wool, nylon, etc.) as much as is possible. Visit our Glossary of Terms for more information.
CONSIDER BUYING USED OR BORROWING: When beginning to prepare for your trip, consider that not everything needs to be purchased new, nor do things have to have the latest and greatest brand names. Use what you have, borrow from a friend or family member, or visit a local thrift store or discount store!
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FEET |
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1 pair of sturdy sneakers or boots- for day hiking and service work |
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1 pair of closed-toe shoes- for wearing around camp during down-time *Note: Students will be required to wear closed-toe shoes for the majority of the program (except the water activities!) |
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1 pair of athletic sandals WITH A BACKSTRAP, water shoes, or old sneakers- for wearing during water activities |
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Socks- multiple pairs |
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HEAD |
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Warm synthetic hat for chilly mornings/evenings |
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Sunglasses (optional) |
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Brimmed hat for sun protection (optional) |
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UPPER BODY |
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3-4 T-shirts and/or tank-tops. At least 1 should be synthetic. (bring WVU shirts if you have them!) |
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2-3 long-sleeved shirts for warmth and sun protection. |
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Warm long-sleeved synthetic fleece, jacket, or sweater |
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Waterproof RAIN JACKET. Visit our Glossary of Terms to learn about what makes a jacket waterproof. |
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LOWER BODY |
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Underwear and sports bras, as needed. |
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2-3 pairs athletic shorts |
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Compression shorts/spandex shorts (for use with a harness) (optional) |
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1-2 pairs long pants- ideally loose-fitting, comfortable for service work, hiking, etc. |
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1 pair of long tights/spandex/long underwear (optional but recommended) |
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Bathing Suit (or use athletic shorts/sports bra) |
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HYGIENE |
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Lip Balm (preferably with SPF) |
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Sunscreen & bug spray (optional- we also carry some with each trip) |
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Menstruation supplies (as needed) |
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Shower supplies + Towel (microfiber/quick-drying towel is strongly recommended) |
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Toothbrush & toothpaste |
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Hand sanitizer (travel-sized) |
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(If applicable) Glasses, contacts, contact solution, contacts case, travel mirror |
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Medications: If you regularly take any medications, you MUST bring them on the trip (be sure to list them on your form also) |
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EQUIPMENT |
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Sleeping bag or sheets /blankets for twin sized bed and a pillow |
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Day pack- small book bag or backpack to carry essential items during the day. |
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2 (1-quart) Water bottles (durable, Nalgene-style bottles work best). |
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Headlamp with fresh batteries and extra batteries. |
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Crazy Creek chair (or similar) - please do not bring chairs with legs or that sit high off the ground. (optional) |
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MISCELLANEOUS |
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Notebook/journal with pen to be used as your trip journal. This
is required and will be graded.
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Cash ($10-$15) for tipping your raft guide and ($20-$60: optional) for possible souvenirs. Accessing an ATM on trip is typically not possible so we recommend that you bring cash. |
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Watch with alarm (recommended but not required) |
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Camera – digital or disposable (optional) - you will not be able to use a phone or ipod for photos on your trip! |
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Snacks- AWV provides all food and snacks, but feel free to bring a small amount of something you really like. |
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DO NOT BRING (REALLY- DON’T):
- Students are not allowed cell phones or any other electronics (including iPods, tablets, etc.) on First-Year Trips. The exception is a digital camera. Students will have the option to leave their cell phone with Adventure WV in a locked, secure space during the trip and will retrieve at the end of their trip. To better understand why cell phones are prohibited on trip, please read our Cell Phone Letter. You may be surprised to learn that the majority of students who have completed a First-Year Trip are overwhelmingly in favor of the “No Cell Phone” policy!
- Drugs, alcohol, tobacco (including ecigs/vapes), or weapons (this includes pocket knives). Bringing these items is grounds for dismissal from the trip with no refund, with possible university sanctions.
- Anything not on the packing list! We will do a thorough gear check- simplicity and space saving is important with our programs! When you arrive, you may be asked to leave extraneous items behind in our locked, secure spaces.
- Adventure WV will be providing other necessary group items, including food, transportation, and gear needed for each specific activity.
- Bringing a phone, electronic, or other prohibited items on this program could result in a dismissal from the program.