Outward Bound will provide you with these items:

• Sleeping bag
• Sleeping mat
• Backpack
• Rain gear
• All group camping, cooking, and traveling equipment

You only need to bring what’s on the Required Clothing and Gear list, mainly your personal clothing, toiletries, footwear, and a few additional items. We strongly discourage the use of personal camping equipment on Voyageur Outward Bound School courses because of the heavy wear and tear. We feel confident that the equipment we provide will best serve your needs on the expedition; it will keep you safe, warm and dry. If you have questions about using a piece of personal equipment normally provided by Outward Bound, please contact your course advisor to discuss. If you do decide to bring a piece of personal equipment, your instructors reserve the right to inspect it and ensure that it will adequately serve your needs during the expedition. If they do not think it will work, you can leave it with your luggage at the basecamp during the expedition.

Our packing list is based on layering principles; dressing in several light layers rather than one heavy layer allows you more flexibility as the weather and your exertion levels change. When shopping or packing, it is a good idea to try on all of your layers at once to ensure that they fit over one another. Read the information below to get a better idea of what we’re talking about.

1. Inner Layer: This is usually called the wicking layer (long underwear, liner socks, and sometimes gloves) – Moisture is the enemy of warmth. Sweat from physical activity like backpacking, paddling, or climbing is your body’s attempt to cool itself off. Synthetic long underwear pulls moisture away from your body, so your sweat won’t cool you down too much and make you cold. This layer is worn next to your skin. Cotton items retain moisture and exaggerate sweat’s cooling effect, which is why we’ll sometimes ask you to avoid using cotton clothing.
2. Middle Layer: This is usually called the insulation layer (fleece tops, wool socks, and sometimes fleece pants) – This layer should be thick and fluffy like a fleece or wool sweater that will trap and store the heat your body is producing. This layer is worn over the top of the base layer. Your packing list might require more than one “insulating layer” like a medium weight fleece and a heavier wool sweater. You can put on several "insulating layer" pieces at a time, so be sure to try them on over the top of your inner layer and over the top of each other to ensure you still have mobility and things aren't too tight.
3. Outer Layer: This is usually called the wind/shell layer (jackets, pants, and rain gear) – Adding an outer windproof layer prevents the wind from stealing your store of built-up heat. The third layer is worn on top of the base and insulation layers. This layer will take the most wear and tear and look the most weather-beaten by the end of the trip.  For dogsledding courses, we provide all outer layers for you.  For all other courses, rain gear is provided.

Head

• 1 Warm Beanie. Used on colder days and evenings.  No cotton.
• 1 Sun Hat. At a minimum, it should shade your face like a baseball cap.  Having a brim all the way around is even better. Made out of something that can get folded up and packed.
• 1 Buff. Versatile lightweight neck gaiter. Buff Example

Upper Body

• 1 Light or Medium Weight Long Underwear Top. This can be fitted (not restrictive) because it will be the base layer next to your skin.
• 1 Long Sleeve Sun Shirt. Loose, lightweight, and light-colored for sun and bug protection. Options include sun hoodies or an old button-down men's dress shirt. Many instructors use "sun hoodies" that offer protection for the neck and ears. Example. Will get dirty.
• 2 Short Sleeve Shirts. Cotton or quick-drying fabrics are both absolutely fine.  Again, these shirts will experience a lot of wear and tear.
• 1 Heavy Fleece or Synthetic Puffy Jacket. Must have good breathability and dry quickly when wet.  The fleece can usually be found at a thrift store or Salvation Army.  Must fit over all other layers.
• 1 Wind Jacket. Nothing fancy, basically an old-fashioned windbreaker.  This can usually be found at a thrift store.  Must fit over all other layers. Can serve as bug & sun protection. If you purchase the Bug Shirt found on the optional list, you won't also need this. 
• 2 Sports Bras. Should be appropriate for athletic activity. Many women will use this as a swimsuit top with Quick Dry shorts.  You do not need to bring a swimsuit if you plan on using this combination.

 Lower Body

• 1 Light or Medium Weight Long Underwear Bottoms. This can be fitted (not restrictive) because it will be the base layer next to your skin.
• 1 Quick Dry Pants. Lightweight nylon fabric wicks moisture, dries quickly, and is easy to pack. Should be loose fitting to aid in movement and protect against bug bites through the pants (no yoga-style or tight pants). If durable, one pair will last the trip. One pair can be zip-off pants, in which case you do not need Quick Dry Shorts. No cotton.
• 1 Athletic Pants - lightweight loose fitting pants to wear around the campsite at night and sleep in. No cotton sweatpants or leggings
• 1 Quick Dry Shorts - lightweight nylon style shorts to wear around camp or for swimming or sleeping in. 
• 3 Pairs Underwear - Quick Drying or Cotton. Quick drying underwear is usually a blend of Nylon and Spandex that breathes well, wicks moisture, and dries quickly. Quick Drying is recommended, but cotton is okay as well.  Women should bring at least a couple cotton pairs.
• 1 Swimsuit. You may choose to bring a swimsuit or use a pair of shorts and a sports bra (if needed) for swimwear.  No bikinis or speedos.

 Feet

• 3 Pair Heavyweight Hiking Socks. These socks are thicker than the medium weight and most likely will have expedition or mountaineering in the name.
• 1 Pair Canoeing/Hiking Boots. Sturdy, lightweight hiking boots with ankle support.  Must allow water to shed out of them via mesh material.  No full-leather boots.  Try to avoid Gore-Tex.  See “Footwear”  for more information.
• 1 Pair Camp Shoes. Lightweight, sturdy running shoes. Not fashion or skateboarding type sneakers.  An old pair of running shoes is just fine.  See “Footwear” for more details.

 Personal Gear

• 2 Bandanas. These will be helpful in multiple different ways including for hygiene purposes. (Some people may find a Kula Cloth helpful for hygiene purposes.)
• 1 Pair Sunglasses w/ Keeper Strap and Hard Case. Essential for protecting your eyes in a highly reflective environment.  Keeper strap is important so they don’t fall into the water and sink.
• 1 Waterproof Watch. Does not need to be expensive, but should be waterproof and durable. Digital recommended.
• 1 Water Bottle. Must be a 32 oz. wide mouth Nalgene-style bottle with a plain lid.
• 1 Small Headlamp with Extra Batteries.  This is a hands-free flashlight. It is either an LED or halogen headlamp that uses a minimum of three volts (two or more AA- or AAA-batteries).  Halogen bulbs are bright but consume more battery power.  LED lamps are bright and consume very little battery power.  Bring one extra set of alkaline batteries per week of course.

 Toiletries & Other Personal Items

• 1 Sunscreen. Waterproof, SPF 30 or greater. 8-oz. bottle. No aerosol.
• 1 Lip Balm. 30+ SPF or greater.
• 2 Hand Sanitizer. Small travel-sized bottles.  
• 1 Insect Repellent. 30% DEET or other effective repellent. No aerosol.
• 1 Toiletries Kit. Toothbrush, small toothpaste, comb or brush. Women: Bring plenty of feminine supplies. Change in activities can cause irregular periods.
• 2 Sets Prescription Medications. If you use prescription medications, including inhalers, please bring enough for the entire course.  If possible, bring a backup set.  If you use an inhaler or have a prescription epi-pen, you must bring two.  If you use an albuterol Rescue inhaler please bring a spacer. If you do not currently have one please get one prescribed by your doctor to bring along on the trip. Spacers allow the medicine to get into your lungs faster and play a key role in managing asthma in the backcountry. Clearly label everything with medication names, dosages, and when you take them.  Instructors administer medications for students 21 and younger and will ask for them upon your arrival so pack medications in an accessible place in your carry-on.  Outward Bound should be aware of any medications you are bringing, if not, please contact your course advisor immediately.
• 2 Pair Glasses or Contacts, if needed.  Both glasses and contacts are acceptable.  Stick with whatever you normally use.  Bring plenty of supplies and at least one set of backup glasses either way.  Because sterile lens care is more difficult on trail, long-term use contacts are not encouraged. Daily disposable contacts are a good option that will help you avoid dirt and dust build-up that might cause damage to your eyes.
• 1 Medical Insurance Card. Please bring your insurance card, or a copy of the front and back of the card, if you are covered under any medical insurance.  The actual card is preferred.
• 1 Towel and Shower Supplies. You’ll have a chance to sauna and shower after your expedition.  Bring whatever shower supplies you normally use, ideally in travel sizes, and a towel (any cotton towel).  Pack these items in their own kit so it’s easy to find when you return to basecamp.  These items will not go on the expedition with you.
• 2 Sets Clean Clothes. After you return to basecamp and shower you’ll want clean clothes.  You’ll wear these at the end of your course and traveling home.  Don’t forget to include socks and underwear.  

 Travel

• Money.  Think about bringing $15-$20 for meals on your arrival and departure days.  Also, bring a little money if you’d like to purchase a sweatshirt, t-shirt, map, or cap from the Voyageur Outward Bound School store after your course.  The school store accepts cash or check only, no credit or debit cards.
• Travel Information. Carry a copy of the Outward Bound Travel Information for your course (on the tab next to this one) with the Outward Bound phone number in case of travel delays. See this information for directions on what to wear to the start of your course.
• Cell Phone and Charger.  It’s a good idea to travel with a cell phone in case of travel delays.  However, please note that upon arrival you will be asked to turn off and store your phone in your luggage, which will be locked in a secure area while you are on course.  

If you need to borrow any gear from the Required Clothing and Gear list, Outward Bound would be happy to loan it to you. Please complete this simple online form to let us know what you need, and we will have it waiting for you when you arrive. 

Camp Shoes

Your Camp Shoes are worn each evening and morning at your campsite. They get packed away in a safe spot while you travel so they remain dry. Camp shoes should be sturdy hiking shoes, not sandals. Full coverage shoes are required while you’re cooking and working around the campfire to protect your feet from hot embers and boiling cooking-water.

In the fall your camp shoes will also keep your feet warm and dry as the weather gets colder. For this reason, we ask that you get a shoe that is sturdier than a regular running shoe. Most running shoes are made of mesh and will get soaked when walking around in wet grass in camp. Here are three options that work well for fall camp shoes. You can also find something similar, but keep these three examples in mind as you look for shoes that will keep your feet warm and dry. 

Keen Voyageur Hiking Shoe

Scarpa Crux II Approach Shoes

La Sportiva Boulder X

If you have questions about a different shoe, please contact your Course Advisor to see if the shoe you are considering will be a good option. 

Canoeing/Hiking Boots

Voyageur Outward Bound courses are rugged and the way you will travel is very unique. Your boots will be one of the most important pieces of equipment that you bring. They will need to be comfortable and perform well in a variety of different environmental settings. Follow the guidelines below to ensure that your boots fit well and meet the course requirements.

BOOT SPECIFICATIONS

Boots must have strong ankle support, a protective sole and the ability to drain water from the inside out. Your instructors will teach you how to take good care of your feet, but everything starts with having the right boots. It is important to allow airflow to your feet. For this reason, avoid all-leather and all-Gore-Tex boots, which trap moisture inside your boot. Some leather and Gore-Tex are OK, and probably unavoidable, but try to minimize them as much as you can. Boots should have as much water-shedding, breathable, mesh material as possible.

Your boots may or may not dry out from day to day, depending on the weather conditions you encounter.

Here is a list of boots that work well on Voyageur Outward Bound School canoeing courses. If you have questions about a boot that’s not listed here, consider the essential requirements – your boots must be sturdy with a strong, protective sole, have full ankle protection (high-top), and allow water to shed/feet to breathe. If you still have questions about a boot not listed here, send an email to your course advisor for their input; include a link so they can view the boot online.

BOOT FITTING

Start by trying on at least two or three different boot options. Put the first choice on one foot and the second choice on the other. Make sure that you’re wearing the same type of wool socks that you plan to wear during the expedition (refer to the packing list for more detail) and fully lace up the boots. Start by standing on a downward slanting slope and try to jam your toes towards the front of the boot. Next, take a walk around the store.

• Your toes should never hit the front of your boot.
• Your boots should be comfortable with plenty of room to wiggle your toes.
• Your heel might slip as much as 1/8” to 1/4” in the back. Any more than 1/4” is too much.
• You shouldn’t feel any obvious pressure points.
• If you don’t feel absolutely confident that your boots fit correctly, purchase them and wear them around your house for a few hours (not outside). Bring them back and look for different boots if you still have concerns.

Boots undergo extensive wear and tear during the course and may not be of much use after the course. For this reason, consider a less expensive boot.

BOOT CARE

Break in your boots before the course begins! Wear them around town, school and at home as much as possible (several weeks). This simple activity cannot be over-emphasized and is one of the easiest and most important steps in preparing for a successful and comfortable wilderness adventure. 

None of these items are required and you will be fine without them.  Please only buy them if you plan to use them again after your course or you think they will be of great assistance to you during the course.  You may be asked to leave these items behind depending on pack-size and weight restrictions.

• 1 Bug Shirt. While this item is optional, we HIGHLY recommend it for any courses between June and August.  Visit www.bugshirt.com to see exactly what we recommend. Do not bring the all mesh variety because they get ripped.
• Permethrin - Must treat at least 2-3 days before course-start. Again, this is optional, but the Voyageur Outward Bound School HIGHLY recommends that you treat your clothing* with Permethrin, which repels ticks and mosquitoes. Lyme Disease continues to spread and cases have recently been reported in northern Minnesota.  Your Instructors will teach you how to minimize your risk of tick-bites.  Treating your clothing with Permethrin will further lessen your risk. *DO NOT treat base layers (long underwear tops and bottoms for example), or any item that will cover your face (buffs, masks, etc).
• 1 Belt.  Non-leather recommended. For use with quick-dry trail pants with belt loops/ zipper/ snaps; they will loosen from not being regularly washed. A belt will help keep them up. 
• Ear Plugs. If you are a light sleeper, earplugs can be very helpful. 
• 1 Small Fanny Pack.  Can be very handy for carrying and organizing small items.
• Camera.  Waterproof disposables (bring a few) are great and you don’t have to worry about protecting them from the elements.  A small regular camera would also work well, but you’ll need to take extra precautions to protect it.  Ziploc bags work, or consider getting a waterproof case. For digital cameras, we ask that the memory card(s) be blank; please back up your photos and erase your memory cards prior to arriving for course. 
• 1 Small Journal.  Small and sturdy.  Please bring pens and put in a Ziplock bag.
• 1 Pair Teva/Chaco-Style Sandals. Must have an ankle strap.  No leather.
• One-gallon Freezer Ziploc bags: used to waterproof smaller personal items such as camera, journal, and headlamp.