Packing Lists

Dress in layers to control your temperature when moving or resting. Wear wool or synthetic (polyester, polypropylene, nylon, or acrylic) clothing that can insulate when wet. Cotton clothing (denim, flannel, duck canvas, etc) is not appropriate for climbing Mount St. Helens. When cotton becomes wet from precipitation or perspiration, it loses all insulation capabilities and will pull heat from your body.

• Boots: Sturdy hiking boots with good ankle support (mid-high top). We do not recommend any low-top trail running shoes due to their lack of stability, protection or warmth. Mountaineering boots may be required for Winter/Spring climbing.
• Socks: Wool or synthetic hiking socks with your preferred thickness for warmth and comfort.
• Gaiters: Optional. These help protect your legs from abrasion on rocks or traction devices and keep snow and debris out of boots.
• Base Layer: Wool or synthetic top and bottom.
• Mid Layer: Fleece or insulated pullover, vest or jacket.
• Outer Layer: For rain and wind; waterproof jacket/shell top and bottom such as Gore-Tex or any Durable Water Repellant (DWR) fabrics. 
• Pants: Hiking, trekking or mountaineering pants suitable for conditions, movement, breathability, durability and functionality.
• Gloves: Warm/waterproof for early season weather. Sun gloves for sun protection. Climbing/utility/gardening gloves for protection on rocks.
• Headwear: Warm cap or hood for cold conditions and/or well as a breathable sun hat for warmer conditions.
• Sunglasses: VERY IMPORTANT to protect against hazardous reflected UV light from snow/ice and block windblown ash. We recommend polarized close-fitting sunglasses or goggles.

BACKPACK & EQUIPMENT:

• Backpack: Recommend a 30+ liter backpack with secure shoulder straps and waist belt for stability. Backpack should have attachment points for axes and poles, called "ax loops" so you can affix the ax and poles to the pack as required.
• 3+ liters of water: Filled bottles or hydration bladder. Optional electrolyte drinks.
• Electrolytes: Very important for electrolyte replacement. Gels, tablets, blocks, powders or drinks.
• Lunch & Snacks: High energy foods, e.g. trail mix, sandwich, trail bars, beef jerky, hard boiled eggs, summer sausage, cheese
• Ice Axe (seasonal until ~ mid July): Standard Mountaineering Ice Axe (not curved or technical) with a wrist strap, fit to your height. If you do not own one, these can be rented at your local climbing/outdoor outfitter. MSHI can loan you an ax if required.
• Crampons/Microspikes (seasonal until ~ mid July): Crampons fitted to your boots, or Microspikes, for better traction on slippery or icy slopes. MSHI can loan Microspikes if required.
• Toiletries
• Sunscreen & SPF lip balm (SPF 30 and above)
• Personal First Aid Kit: Personal prescriptions, over-the-counter medications and blister care.
• Light: Headlamp or flashlight with extra set of batteries
• Bandana: Cotton OK
• Extra Clothing Layers & Socks: Pack them in a dry-bag or garbage bag if weather shows wet conditions
• Pocket Knife or Multi-tool
• Adjustable trekking poles (optional). MSHI can loan trekking poles if required.

For your overnight stay with MSHI you will want to bring:

• Sleeping bag: Down or Synthetic fill, rated to 30° or below
• Sleeping pad: Foam or inflatable.
• Camp shoes: e.g. Gym shoes, crocs
• Sleep clothes, change of clothes
• Tent, Sleeper Vehicle, or Small Camper: Please, no generators.
• Anything and everything to make yourself feel comfortable

Wear synthetic (polyester, polypropylene, nylon, or acrylic) clothing. NO COTTON! Cotton clothing is not appropriate for climbing 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.

• Boots: Sturdy waterproof hiking boots with good ankle support (mid-high top) are imperative. Running shoes are not appropriate for climbing Mount St. Helens. 
• Socks: Polyester or wool hiking socks. Optional liner socks help with insulation, as well as reduce the risk of blisters.
• Gaiters: Helps keep ash and 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
• Warm Hat
• Sun Hat: e.g. baseball hat
• Sunglasses: Close fitting to keep out windblown ash and snow reflection

For MSHI programs that include a hike, you will want approximately a 30 liter backpack with the following supplies:

• 3-4 liters of water: Filled bottles or hydration bladder. Optional electrolyte drinks
• Lunch and Snacks: Some programs provide meals; check the program description to confirm
• 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
• Adjustable trekking poles (optional)
• Camera (optional)

Dress in layers to control your temperature when moving or resting. Layers listed below should be based on your forecast. Wear wool or synthetic (polyester, polypropylene, nylon, or acrylic) clothing that can insulate when wet. Cotton clothing (denim, flannel, duck canvas, etc) is not appropriate for most weather conditions. When cotton becomes wet from precipitation or perspiration, it loses all insulation capabilities and will pull heat from your body.

• Boots: Sturdy hiking boots with good ankle support (mid-high top) or high top trail running shoes. Low-top running shoes are not appropriate for hiking or climbing Mount St. Helens.
• Socks: Wool or synthetic hiking socks with your preferred thickness for warmth and comfort.
• Gaiters: These can range from low or medium height hiking or running style gaiters to high mountaineering/alpine gaiters. Gaiters may help keep rocks and debris out of your footwear and protect your lower legs from abrasion on rocks/foliage.
• Top/shirt: Based on forecast. Consider sun and insect protection factors.
• Base Layer: Based on forecast.Wool or synthetic top and bottom. 
• Mid Layer: Fleece or insulated pullover, vest or jacket.
• Outer Layer: For rain and wind; waterproof jacket/shell top and bottom such as Gore-Tex or any Durable Water Repellant (DWR) fabrics.
• Pants: Hiking, trekking or mountaineering pants suitable for conditions, movement, breathability, durability and functionality. We prefer long pants for all guided programs for the protections against sun, insects, weather, abrasion, etc.
• Gloves: Based on forecast. Warm/waterproof for early season weather. Sun gloves for sun protection. Climbing/utility/gardening gloves for protection on rocks.
• Headwear: Warm cap or hood for cold conditions and/or well as a breathable sun hat for warmer conditions.
• Sunglasses: very beneficial for eye protection against UV light and windblown dust or ash.

• Backpack: 20-30 liters is sufficient.
• 3+ 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
• Pocket Knife or Multi-tool
• Adjustable trekking poles (optional)
• Binoculars / monocular (optional)

This is based on your preferred method of photography, from smartphone to digital or film camera. Whatever kit you prefer, ensure you have sufficient support equipment such as batteries, portable chargers & cables, lenses, filters, cases, harnesses, operating manuals, etc. If you choose to bring a tripod, please ensure it can be conveniently and safely transported in/on your backpack for several miles over uneven trail in all weather and light conditions.

Dress in layers to control your temperature when moving or resting. Layers listed below should be based on your forecast. Wear wool or synthetic (polyester, polypropylene, nylon, or acrylic) clothing that can insulate when wet. Cotton clothing (denim, flannel, duck canvas, etc) is not appropriate for most weather conditions. When cotton becomes wet from precipitation or perspiration, it loses all insulation capabilities and will pull heat from your body.

• Boots: Sturdy hiking boots or shoes with good ankle support (mid-high top) or high top trail running shoes.
• Socks: Wool or synthetic hiking socks with your preferred thickness for warmth and comfort.
• Top/shirt: Based on forecast. Consider insulation or breathability, sun and insect protection factors depending on forecast.
• Base Layer: Based on forecast.Wool or synthetic top and bottom. 
• Mid Layer: Fleece or insulated pullover, vest or jacket.
• Outer Layer: For rain and wind; waterproof jacket/shell top and bottom such as Gore-Tex or any Durable Water Repellant (DWR) fabrics.
• Pants: Hiking, trekking or mountaineering pants suitable for conditions, movement, breathability, durability and functionality. We prefer long pants for all guided programs for the protections against sun, insects, weather, abrasion, etc.
• Gloves: Based on forecast. Warm/waterproof for early season weather. Sun gloves for sun protection. Climbing/utility/gardening gloves for protection on rocks.
• Headwear: Based on forecast - sun, rain or cold. Warm cap or hood for cold conditions and/or well as a breathable sun hat for warmer conditions.
• Sunglasses: Very beneficial for eye protection against UV light and windblown dust or ash.

• Backpack: 20-30 liter day pack is sufficient.
• 2 liters of water (minimum): Filled bottles or hydration bladder. Optional electrolyte drinks
• Evening Meal & 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 for hiking out after dark
• 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
• Adjustable trekking poles (optional)
• Binoculars / monocular (optional)

FORAGING GEAR:

• Personal-use Free Mushroom Permit from the US Forest Service: https://gp.fs2c.usda.gov/gp/
• Whistle
• Pocket Knife, Multi-tool or specific mushroom tool & brush
• Gathering Basket or flat-bottomed bag. 
• Soft-bristled brush, old toothbrush or vegetable brush
• Safety Vest or bright-colored attire. MSHI will provide a high visibility vest if needed.
• Small tarp or trash bag: to spread out your mushrooms for identification during the program.
• Mushroom Foraging ID book or app (optional)
• Hand Lens or Magnifying Glass (optional)

Wear synthetic (polyester, polypropylene, nylon, or acrylic) clothing. Cotton clothing is not recommended for hiking in the forest. Cotton does not insulate when it becomes wet from elements or perspiration. Dress in layers in order to be able to control your temperature while foraging as well as resting.

• Hiking boots or shoes
• Socks: Polyester or wool hiking socks. 
• Gaiters: Protect hour lower legs from moisture or abrasion when foraging off trail.
• Long Sleeve Base Layer: Synthetic or wool
• Upper Body Mid Layer: Polyester fleece jacket or down jacket
• Rain Jacket or shell
• Rain Pants (optional)
• 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

A 20 liter backpack is generally sufficient for the items below.

• 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)