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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)