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Youth Backcountry Vacation Packing List

A list of things to pack for Washington Trails Association Volunteer Vacations

List of things to bring for a Washington Trails Association Volunteer Vacation ****

  • Lunch and snacks for the first day hike to camp!
  • WTA-issued hard hat
  • Two or three 1-liter water bottles (your crew leader will specify depending on your trip location)
  • Work gloves (bring an extra pair in case they get wet)
  • Long pants for work (leggings are not appropriate for trail work)
  • Spare clothes for leisure hours (bathing suit, shorts, hats, sneakers/sandals, shirt)
  • Water shoes for stream crossing and/or swimming (we require that all volunteers wear protective shoes with a heel-strap, like sandals or crocs, while swimming)
  • Good hiking/work boots -well broken in
  • Any special dietary stuff/medication and/or vitamins
  • Personal hygiene items (toothpaste, toothbrush, soap, toiletries, etc.)... WTA will provide toilet paper
  • Rain gear (preferably heavy-duty that can fit over top of your work clothes)
  • Tent with rain fly and ground cloth
  • Sleeping bag and sleeping pad (optional: sleeping bag liner for cold nights and/or to keep your bag clean)
  • Head lamp or flash light + extra batteries
  • Dry warm clothes (preferably poly pro fleece or wool)
  • Insect repellent and mosquito netting hat (can find at Army Navy Surplus or Outdoor Research, and they fit nicely over hardhats)
  • Day pack to carry lunch, water, gloves and other personal items to the work site (you can use your full-size backpack if you prefer)
  • Bandana or handkerchief
  • Sunscreen + sun hat + sun glasses

Optional Items

  • Long sleeve shirt for working in (bonus: doubles as sun/bug protection!)
  • Safety glasses
  • Camp chair and/or sit pad
  • Camera 
  • Book, cards, frisbee, games or other entertainment items for yourself or to share with the crew
  • First aid kit (WTA provides major items, but consider bringing personal size if there are items you think you may need throughout the week)

Do NOT Bring:

Electronics! (This includes music players, cell phones, and portable game systems)

Crew leaders will have cell phones/radios in case of emergency.

***Be sure to check out your gear several  weeks prior so you have time to make any replacements