Foraging Packing List
This is a suggested equipment list, utilized by MSHI guides, staff, volunteers, and participants.
Foraging Specific
- Personal-use Free Mushroom Permit from the US Forest Service: https://apps.fs.usda.gov/gp/#mainSection
- Whistle
- Pocket Knife or Multi-tool
- Gathering Basket or flat-bottomed bag. Extra bags or buckets to keep in the car.
- Soft-bristled brush: old toothbrush or vegetable brush
- Safety Vest or bright-colored attire
- Small Tarp or Trash Bag: to spread out your mushrooms for identification during the program
- Mushroom Foraging ID book: (optional) We recommend "All That the Rain Promises and More" by David Arora, but there are many excellent guide books
- Hand Lens or Magnifying Glass (optional)
Attire:
Wear synthetic (polyester, polypropylene, nylon, or acrylic) clothing. Cotton clothing is not recommended for hiking at Mount St. Helens. When cotton becomes wet from precipitation and/or sweat, it will not dry out and will not keep you warm. Wet cotton is not only uncomfortable but also hazardous (Polyester/Cotton blend OK.) Dress in layers in order to be able to control your temperature while hiking as well as resting.
- Hiking boots or shoes
- Socks: Polyester or wool hiking socks. Optional liner socks help with insulation, as well as reduce the risk of blisters.
- Gaiters: Helps keep rain or dirt out of your boots
- Long Sleeve Base Layer: Synthetic or wool
- Upper Body Mid Layer: Polyester fleece jacket or down jacket
- Rain Jacket: e.g. Waterproof Gore Tex Jackets
- Rain Pants: e.g. Waterproof Gore Tex
- Synthetic Pants: e.g. Polyester zip-off pants, hiking pants
- Bottom Base Layer: Polyester or wool
- Gloves: Warm and waterproof, e.g. thin liner gloves and waterproof shell
- Warm Hat
- Sun Hat: e.g. baseball hat
- Sunglasses
Backpack:
(Approx. 20 liter backpack)
- 2 liters of water: Filled bottles or hydration bladder. Optional electrolyte drinks
- Lunch and Snacks: High energy foods, e.g. trail mix, sandwich, trail bars, beef jerky, hard-boiled eggs, summer sausage, cheese
- Toiletries
- Sunscreen and spf lip balm (SPF 30 and above)
- Small First Aid Kit (this includes your own personal prescriptions, over-the-counter medications, and blister care. Bring extra prescription meds in case of unexpected delays)
- Headlamp or flashlight, with extra set of batteries
- Bandana: Cotton OK
- Extra Clothing Layers and Socks: Pack them in a dry-bag or garbage bag if weather shows wet conditions to keep in the car
- Adjustable trekking poles (optional)
- Camera (optional)