Personal Equipment
- Clothing:
Non-cotton, layers, several changes, extra socks and undergarments, warm clothes, sleepwear - Outerwear:
Prepare for wind, rain, cool temps at night, etc. - Rain jacket:
Waterproof, breathable, and with a hood is preferred. Do not use a windbreaker as a rain jacket! - Sun protection:
hat, sunglasses, sunscreen - Footwear:
Sturdy and supportive hiking/walking shoes or boots (close-toed), comfortable “camp shoes”, something that can get wet (rafting) - Personal care items:
Feminine products, soap, shampoo, toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, hairbrush/comb, shaving supplies, travel mirror, lotion, ChapStick, etc. - Towel:
A quick-drying microfiber towel is recommended - Swimwear:
To wear during rafting - Medications:
Prescription and over-the-counter (if needed). Don’t forget glasses/contacts if needed! - Flashlight/headlamp:
With extra batteries - Canteen or water bottle:
1 liter size or larger. Having two bottles is recommended.
Optional Equipment
- Book or games:
For down time. Playing cards, frisbee, etc. Nothing expensive, electronic, or disruptive. - Spending money:
There may be a few gift shops or other opportunities to buy things. - Gratuities:
Recommended $10-15 for raft guides. Accessing an ATM during the trip is difficult, so we recommend cash for this. - Day pack/backpack:
Big enough to carry essential items for the day (water bottle, snacks, notebook, extra clothes, etc.). Do not bring a drawstring bag for this. - Hammock
- Bug spray
- Hand sanitizer:
Travel size. - Small camp/travel pillow:
A stuff-sack or backpack filled with a towel or your extra clothing works well here! - Extra snacks:
We’ll provide some (trail mix, fresh fruit, raisins, etc.), but you may bring a small amount of additional treats if you’d like. - Camera:
Digital or disposable. You will NOT be able to use a phone or iPad for this! The leadership team will have a couple cameras, and all photos will be shared with participants after the trip.
Do NOT Bring
- Drugs, alcohol, tobacco, or vaping products:
Getting caught with any of these is grounds for immediate dismissal from the program and possible university sanctions. - Firearms or other weapons:
Again, grounds for dismissal. - Cell phones or electronic devices:
The only exception is a digital camera (optional) - Anything else NOT on the packing list:
We’ll do a gear check before departure. You may be asked to leave unneeded items behind in our secure storage space.
Please Note: Space in the vehicles is limited, so please only bring what you need for the duration of the trip. Secure storage space will be provided on the Marshall University campus for any unneeded personal items. Please be courteous to other participants by packing all of your personal items into one bag or pack.
Group Equipment: The following items will be provided by the MAP team, so you do not need to bring them with you: Tents, sleeping bags, sleeping pads, eating utensils (plate, bowl, cup, fork, knife, spoon), cookware, coolers, lanterns, food (meals and snacks).
