Explorers Club Pack List

BEING PREPARED = BEING SAFE

Explorers Club (EC) outings take place outdoors in every kind of weather. Please use the following list as a guide before your outing. Your packing list may change depending on the weather, but keep in mind that Pacific Northwest (PNW) weather can shift to cool, wet, and cloudy at any time of year. We encourage EC members to try and pack everything themselves. Learning how to pack and prepare is an important skill! 

Please note: Wild Whatcom reserves the right to turn participants away who are not safely dressed for the weather. Mentors will bring some extra gear, but we request you let us know at least five (5) days prior to your outing if you need to borrow gear/clothing.

LOANER GEAR 

Wild Whatcom has loaner gear available. You do not need to purchase gear to participate in our programs. To request loaner gear, please fill out this form and we will reach out to you. Please let us know at least five (5) days prior to your outing if you need to borrow gear/clothing.

Have items to donate? Feel free to give to a mentor at any outing or contact us to drop off. Your contributions benefit others – thank you!

PREPARING FOR YOUR OUTING

  • Sleep well the night before: Outdoor adventure requires lots of energy!

  • Check the weather forecast before each outing: Don't depend on what the weather looks like outside your window before you leave! Practice paying attention to, and predicting, weather.

  • Check your outing location/activity: Different types of terrain (beach, forest, hike) require different gear. If specific gear is needed for a particular activity, mentors will alert you ahead of time via email.

DRESSING AND PACKING FOR AN OUTING

In cold/wet weather, cotton is rotten!

Avoid cotton/cotton-blend clothing during fall/winter/spring seasons. Cotton does not wick moisture which makes us cold, uncomfortable, and can be a safety hazard for hypothermia in temperatures lower than 60°. Athletic clothing made with poly-blend, wool/wool-blend or other technical (non-cotton) fabrics are readily available in local thrift stores. 

Essentials of Layering 

This layering formula assumes a shell layer is always present.

  • Above 60° — Mid Layer

  • 60° to 50° — Base Layer + Mid Layer (or Mid Layer + Extra Layer)

  • 50° to 40° — Base Layer + Mid Layer + Extra Layer

  • 40° to 25° and below — Base Layer + Mid Layer + Extra Layer + Shell/Outer Layer

Base Layer

The base layer is the first layer and goes against your skin to manage moisture. 

  • Hiking Socks: Wool or synthetic. Always pack an extra pair! Feet get wet/cold in rain, creeks, and wet ground.

  • Long Underwear (top and bottom): Wool or wool/silk blend, or capilene.

Mid Layer

The insulating, or mid layers, protect you from the cold. 

  • Shirt: Wool/wool-blend, or athletic clothing made with poly-blend or other technical (non-cotton) fabrics, including light fleece. Long sleeves are essential when exploring brambles, buggy, or rocky places. 

  • Hiking Pants or Insulated Leggings: Synthetic and moisture-wicking.

  • Jacket: Warm, synthetic (ex. fleece) jacket or down jacket. Note: Down is 50% warmer than synthetic and considerably lighter weight and compressible, but more sensitive to moisture - and more expensive.

  • Fleece: Thickness depends on temperature. Thin fleeces are not adequate on cold, wet days. 

Extra Layer

On particularly cold days, an extra layer is key for warmth. You can always take off extra layers, but you cannot put on layers you did not bring!

  • Warm Pants: Warm fleece pants or an extra pair of heavyweight wicking (synthetic or wool-blend) long underwear.

  • An Insulated Coat: Down, synthetic insulation, fleece, etc.

Shell/Outer Layer

The shell/outer layer shields you from wind and rain. ALWAYS pack shell layers in your backpack. Ensure they are waterproof, not water resistant. Shell layers are essential for rainy days and after rainy days when it is wet in the forest. 

  • Boots (one (1) pair): Waterproof, insulating, and well-fitted with room for a thick pair of socks. Tennis shoes aren't warm or waterproof! Non-insulated rain boots are waterproof, but not warm. Hiking boots or insulated snow boots work well.

  • Mittens or Gloves: Waterproof and insulating. Stretchy or ‘magic’ gloves will not keep hands warm.

  • Warm Hat: Wool/wool-blend or fleece.

  • Rain Pants: Waterproof and must fit over all layers. Useful even when it's not raining. We sit on the ground a lot and walk through wet plants!

  • Rain Coat: Waterproof and hooded. Must fit over all layers. Thin rain jackets can get soaked fast in a downpour so be sure yours can handle hours of rainfall. If it's really pouring, wear or bring two!

Gear and Personal Items

  • Backpack w/ Waist Belt: Carrying all necessary items means a full pack. A waist belt helps carry the load and is better for your posture and strength. 

  • Water Bottle (32 oz. min) or Bladder: We do not always have access to drinking water, so bring enough for the whole outing!

  • Thermos (for cold days): A warm drink can make all the difference on a cold day. Pack cocoa or tea! Sometimes mentors will also make cocoa/tea.

  • Plastic/Garbage Bags: Great for storing wet clothing or as an impromptu pack cover during rainy days.

  • Lunch and/or Large Snack

  • Journal and Pen/Pencil

  • Bandana (lots of potential uses)

Warm Weather Extras

  • Sun Hat or Baseball Hat: Protects eyes and face from sun.

  • Swimsuit: On warm days, we may get in the water! Have something to change into/out of.

  • Sunglasses

  • Sunscreen

  • Water Shoes

  • Pack Towel