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