Mount St. Helens Institute

  • Home
  • About Us
  • Climbing
  • Programs
  • Get Involved
  • Events
  • News/Research
  • Store
  • Donate

Programs

  • Education
    • Field Seminars
      • Information and Policies
      • Registration Information
      • Make-or-Break Date
      • Gear Requirements
      • Instructor Bios
    • Volcano Views and Brews
    • Volcano Explorers
    • Volcano After Dark
    • Teachers
      • Teacher Workshops
    • Scientists
      • How We Help Scientists
    • College Internships
      • Internships
    • Youth Stream Team
  • Recreation
    • Climbing
    • Guided Adventures
    • Guided Climbs

Programs

Education

Gear Requirements

Participants are responsible for supplying their own food, water and gear. Each seminar has specific gear requirements.  You will be sent a list of gear for your specific seminar in your confirmation letter, which will arrive via email on the make-or-break date of the field seminar.  However, please be aware that all of our seminars involve outdoor activities and you should always be prepared with the 10 essentials:

  • Sturdy hiking boots
  • Water (at least 2-3 liters per person
  • Food:  High-energy food recommended.  Bring enough for several small meals and snacks.
  • Sun Protection:  sunscreen, sunglasses, hat, SPF lip protection.
  • Rain/Wind gear.
  • Layered clothing
  • Personal First Aid Kit including personal medications
  • Headlamp or Flashlight
  • Pocketknife
  • Personal Medications

Climb Gear List:

Due to its rigorous nature, a climb of Mount St. Helens requires extra gear.

  • A good night’s sleep and high-energy breakfast
  • Sturdy waterproof boots
  • Gaiters (To keep out snow, pebbles and ash)
  • Base layer, mid- to heavy-weight layer, and rain/wind shell, synthetic or wool socks
  • Zip-off style pants (Many people prefer this option, but this is a personal choice. You will get hot ascending, but it could be cold as we summit.)
  • Trekking poles
  • Sunscreen
  • Sunglasses (An absolute must; the wrap-around kind are best.)
  • Gloves (can protect your hands when climbing over boulders)
  • Sun hat
  • 3 to 4 liters of water
  • High energy snacks and lunch (Foods high in carbohydrates are best)
  • Day pack to carry all your gear

Recommended Gear for Overnight Trips

  • Tent
  • Sleeping pad
  • Sleeping bag
  • Cot (Optional)
  • Pillow/ Headrest
  • Headlamp
  • Toiletries
  • Meals for duration of trip

Gear for the next day (see field seminar or climb gear requirements)

facebookFacebook TwitterTwitter

Home | About Us | Contact Us | Site Map

Logo

Mount St. Helens Institute
42218 NE Yale Bridge Road
Amboy, WA 98601
360-449-7883
info@mshinstitute.org