Winter Adventures Packing List
This is a suggested equipment list, utilized by MSHI guides, staff, volunteers, and participants.
Gear:
- Snowshoes: Personal or rented. May be rented through MSHI upon registration for $20 or at a variety of outdoor stores in Portland or Seattle.
- Adjustable trekking poles: Personal or rented. Included with snowshoe rental from MSHI or rented at a variety of outdoor stores in Portland or Seattle.
Gear for Photography Adventures:
- Camera: (any type). Do not forget batteries and memory cards!
- Tripod: Not necessary, but is a valuable tool for sharp photos
Attire:
Wear synthetic (polyester, polypropylene, nylon, or acrylic) clothing. NO COTTON! Cotton clothing is not appropriate for activities 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.
- Face Covering: See more about CDC-recommended face coverings
- Boots: Sturdy waterproof hiking boots with good ankle support (mid-high top) are imperative. Running shoes are not appropriate for winter adventures at Mount St. Helens.
- Socks: Polyester or wool hiking socks. Optional liner socks help with insulation, as well as reduce the risk of blisters.
- Gaiters (optional): Helps keep snow 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 or snow gloves/mittens
- Warm Hat
- Scarf or Buff: To protect your neck from the cold
- Sun Hat: e.g. baseball hat
- Sunglasses: Close fitting to protect against sun snow reflection
- Change of dry clothes for the car (optional)
Backpack:
(Approx. 20-30 liter backpack)
- 2 L 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, or soup thermos
- 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
- Pocket Knife or Multi-tool
- Instant Hand Warmers (optional)
- Camera (optional)
- Thermos of hot drink for the car (optional)