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West Virginia University Adventure WV

Model Packing List

for Explore Trip

Provided equipment

All Explore participants will automatically be provided with a sleeping bag, sleeping pad, and internal frame backpack, thus there is no need to request them in advance.  If you have these items and wish to utilize them, that's okay, but the sleeping bag must be a mummy style bag, rated to 20 degrees and the backpack must be at least 65 liters. 

Equipment for Loan

HIKING BOOTS and RAIN JACKETS can be borrowed and must be reserved in advance via phone or email. Please include your name, trip number, and size in your request.

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!

Going to the Bathroom in the Woods

During the backpacking portion of your trip, you will be going to the bathroom outside. Your leaders will discuss the details, but you may also click here to learn more in advance!

EXPLORE Packing List

Feet

*Available to borrow from AWV – Call or email in advance to reserve! 

For wearing around camp and during downtime

*Note: Students will be required to wear closed-toe shoes for the majority of the program

For rafting and stream crossings

Do not bring cotton socks for backpacking!

Head

Upper Body

At least 1 should be synthetic.

For warmth and sun protection. At least 1 should be synthetic.

Do not bring a cotton hoodie!

Visit our Glossary of Terms to learn about what makes a jacket waterproof. *Available to borrow from AWV – Call or email in advance to reserve! 

Lower Body

Synthetic is better than cotton (ideal to have at least 1 synthetic pair of each)

Do not bring jeans or cotton sweatpants!

Equipment

18 gallon Rubbermaid Roughneck storage tote (or similar). Please back all belongings in this container and label it with your name. (Feel free to decorate it too, if you'd like!). Packing items in totes instead of bags or suitcases helps tremendously when packing the trailer.
(optional)
  Day pack
T his will be used for all group meals and will be washed between meals. Tupperware-like containers work well. Please no glass! 
  (bottles should be at least 1 liter each. We recommend labeling them with your name)
(with extra batteries)
  Camp chair (Crazy Creek or similar) (optional)

Please do not bring chairs with legs or that sit high off the ground.

Hygiene

If you regularly take any medications, you MUST bring them on the trip (please also be sure to list them on your Participant Information Form during registration. Contact us with any changes.

Miscellaneous

This is REQUIRED and will be graded.

You will not be able to use a phone or iPod for photos on your trip!

AWV provides all food and snacks, but feel free to bring a small amount of something you really like

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 it at the end of their trip. To better understand why cell phones are prohibited on the 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!

    • Bringing a phone, electronic, or other prohibited items to this program could result in a dismissal from the program.

  • 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! Simplicity and space saving are 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.