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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)