This is, like it might sound, a bag for sleeping in. This has the advantage over regular sleeping linens of being a single item, easily compressible, lightweight, and very warm. A stuff sack is a bag to put your sleeping bag in, and designed to allow the bag to compress to as small as possible to easily fit inside a backpack. Here are some important specifications about sleeping bags to pay attention to:

• Insulation Type:
  • Synthetic Insulation
    • Less expensive
    • Bulkier
    • Insulated well when wet
  • Down Insulation
    • More expensive
    • Lighter and compressible
    • Down feathers can clump together and lose their insulating properties when wet.
  • Neither is objectively better, and it is always best to keep your sleeping bag dry by keeping it in a trash bag or a waterproof stuff sack.  We do not recommend cotton sleeping bags as they are very heavy and become near-useless when wet.
• Temperature Rating:
  • The lower the temp rating, the warmer the bag.
  • Most sleeping bags have the temperature rating in the name, or on a label on the bag.
  • Bags rated to 40°F are acceptable for trips that sleep in cabins,
  • Bags rated to 30°F (or lower) are acceptable for trips that sleep outside.
  • Bags which are rated for temperatures less than 15°F will likely be uncomfortable on Trips.
  • Special Tips:
    • If you sleep cold, consider a bag rated to a lower temperature.
    • Some sleeping bags come in male or female specific styles. The female-specific bags will be cut wider in the hips and narrower in the shoulders and have more insulation than the equivalently temperature-rated male sleeping bag, because females typically sleep colder. 

If you are concerned your sleeping bag is not warm enough, you can bring additional warm layers, buy or borrow a sleeping bag liner, or reach out to us for a second opinion.

A sleeping pad is an insulating and softening layer that’s designed to be between you/your sleeping bag and the ground. It makes sleeping without a mattress much more comfortable, smoothing out bumps on the ground, softening the surface, and providing another layer of insulation between you and the cold ground. 

There are many types of sleeping pads - some made of foam, some inflatable. Some fold, some roll, and some get put into stuff sacks. For Trips, any type will do!

Details to pay attention to:

• R-Value
  • A number rating to show how insulated and warm the pad is
  • The higher the r-value, the warmer the pad
  • A pad with an r-value 2 or above will be sufficiently warm.
• Size/Length/Thickness
  • Pads come in various sizes, so check the product page to see the recommended size for your height/dimensions of the pad.
  • Make sure the pad is lighter than 2lbs (16oz) otherwise it is probably too beefy for Trips

A hiking-specific backpack is a bag with a supportive rigid frame that allows you to carry more things on your back than you otherwise would be able to. These backpacks are designed for hiking and have many more straps, adjustments, and compartments than a backpack that you might use for school. They are also often much larger. 

Details to Consider:

• Backpack Volume:
  • The amount  of space inside is generally listed in "liters"
  • If you need a backpack for your Trip, we recommend one of at least 50 liters (but no larger than 80 liters).
  • Usually, the capacity in liters will be listed on the pack or in the name of the pack.
• Backpack Size:
  • Backpacks come in different sizes for people of varying torso lengths.
  • XS/S/M/L/XL corresponds to torso length, and doesn't necessarily align with clothing sizes
  • If borrowing or purchasing a backpack, check that it feels comfortable on you—add about 10-20 pounds of weight to see how it feels when loaded, since that’s how you’ll be carrying the pack. .
• Backpack Frame:
  • If you aren’t sure if a pack has a supportive frame, try bending it in half. If it can’t easily be bent, it likely has a frame inside!
  • Some backpacks have their frames visible on the outside, others have their frames internal and hidden. Either version is appropriate and functional!
• Backpack Hip Belt:
  • Make sure your pack has a padded hip belt that fits you snugly. Most of the weight you carry in the pack should by supported by the hip belt, not by your shoulders.

Hiking boots are shoes specifically designed for hiking long distances. They usually go above the ankle, and provide support to the whole foot, the arch, and the ankle. They also usually have aggressively patterned "lug soles" which help with grip under foot. Often, they are waterproof to keep your feet dry even when the trail might be a little muddy. 

Even if they aren’t specifically “hiking boots,” there are many kinds of shoes that can be appropriate for hiking. The most important quality of hiking shoes is that they are comfortable even after walking long distances, and that they are sturdy enough to not fall apart on rougher terrain. 

• Trail running shoes, athletic shoes, work boots, or running shoes can all be used effectively to hike. 

• If you aren’t sure about your shoes, or want a second opinion, feel free to reach out to us! 

  VERY IMPORTANT: If you do buy a new pair of hiking shoes for Trips (and there’s no expectation that you do), make sure that they are “broken in” before you get to Trips! This means wearing them around for several days before your trip to allow your boots to adjust to the size and shape of your feet and become more flexible and comfortable. Taking a brand new pair of hiking boots on a trip is a sure-fire way to get blisters on your feet.

We highly recommend that you bring as little cotton clothing with you on Trips as possible. 

• Why We Discourage Cotton:
  • Cotton has a tendency once it gets wet (either with sweat or rain) to stay wet.
  • We layers can be uncomfortable and potentially dangerous in cooler weather, wicking away your body heat.
  • Cotton blends will also leave you cold, wet, and unhappy just like cotton.
• Good Non-Cotton Materials to Look For:
  • Non-cotton materials like these don’t become as easily saturated with water, tend to draw moisture away from your skin, dry more quickly, and can keep you warm even if the material itself is wet.
  • Wool, polyester, nylon, etc.
    • As a rule of thumb, most “athletic” clothes, such as running shorts, “silky” t-shirts and compression shirts are non-cotton.
    • You can check what material clothes are on their tag. Look for terms like nylon, rayon, polyester, etc.
    • Good wool socks are best (and are a great investment for Hanover winters)
    • Non-cotton clothes can be found very cheaply at thrift stores!

The less you’re outside on your trip, the less that the “non-cotton” rule matters -- if you’re staying in a cabin or a bunkhouse where you can stay dry, it might not matter all that much. But if you’re camping outside and it rains, it might matter quite a lot. 

If you’re spending time outside and/or working with unpredictable weather (like New Hampshire in September), it’s important that your clothing options let you adapt to changes in warmth or moisture quickly. 

Luckily, this is easier than you think. Dress like an onion! Think lots of layers. Think of this layering system as modular. All components can be worn separately or in many combinations. Remember, non-cotton fabrics are best for outdoor activities (see above section)!

A robust layering system can be just four items:

• Base Layers
  • A light layer of clothing on your skin, like a non-cotton t-shirt. It is important for moving  sweat/moisture away from your skin (a.k.a. wicking)
  • It may be nice to also have base layer bottoms for if it gets cold at night outside. Can be athletic leggings/tights or long underwear.
  • It is important that base layer bottoms are form-fitting: that’s how heat is trapped.
• Mid Layers
  • A light or midweight layer that you can quickly take on or off that goes over your base layer
  • A long sleeve t-shirt or light fleece.
• Insulating Layers
  • A warm layer that can go over your mid and base layers to provide a good amount of warmth
  • A fluffy fleece, a puffy jacket, or light coat
• Outer Layers
  • A water/windproof layer, like a rain jacket and rain pants, that can go on top of all of your layers to prevent water or wind from making you cold and/or wet.
    • IMPORTANT:
      • Windbreakers will not protect you from the rain.
      • Rain jackets do not have to be expensive and be made of Gore-Tex, but must have a hood and be waterproof (test in the shower!)
  • Try to avoid items like waterproof, insulated ski jackets. In this case, the waterproof outer layer is integrated with the insulating top layer. If you need to hike in the rain, but it’s not hot out, you’ll be very sweaty very quickly in a jacket like this.

None of these layers have to be fancy or expensive. But if you follow this layering guide, you’ll have a set of clothes that you can change quickly during the day so you’ll be comfortable regardless of if you’re hiking up a big hill, napping by a windy lake, or sitting on the porch of a cabin. 

For a more detailed guide to layering at Dartmouth, we recommend this guide published by Dartmouth Outdoor Programs

A headlamp is a type of flashlight that has a strap which allows it to be worn on your forehead. These types of lights can be convenient by allowing you to use your light and both of your hands at once, and are very popular in outdoor activities. A basic model can cost less than $25.

• We require headlamps for hiking trips.
• For other trips, we strongly recommend bringing a flashlight outside of your phone. Headlamps are ideal, but if you have a different flashlight that works too.
  • Be sure to bring a spare set of batteries!

• Water Bottles
  • Water bottles should be sturdy, reusable, and able to hold at least 1 liter (32 oz) of water each.
  • For all trips, we recommend bringing at least two liters of water capacity – for some trips we ask you bring three or four. PLEASE BRING THE NUMBER OF BOTTLES REQUIRED ON YOUR TRIP PACKING LIST.
  • Example of water bottle great for Trips
    • SmartWater or LifeWater bottles (from the gas station) or other disposable plastic 1 Liter bottles - a cheap alternative
    • Nalgenes, or other hard plastic reusable 1 Liter bottles
    • Kleen Kanteens, or other metal 1 Liter bottles
    • Beware: insulated bottles like Hydroflasks and Yetis often look like they have a large capacity, but a lot of their bulk is due to a double walled design, and they don't hold as much as you might think. They can also be heavy.
    • Please do NOT bring glass water bottles on Trips because of the risk of breaking.
• Hydration Bladders
  • Sacks of water with a long tube straw that are meant to stay in your backpack and allow you to drink water without opening and closing a water bottle or having to take your pack off.
  • They’re convenient and allow you to take frequent little sips rather than big gulps helping with hydration.
  • They have a tendency to leak or fail. For that reason, we ask that if you bring a hydration bladder as part of your gear, that you bring 1-2 standard 1 Liter bottles in addition.

• Spork or Spoon + Fork (Eating Utensil)
  • You should bring some type of eating utensil to eat with during Trips.
  • This can look like a plastic, metal, or wooden spork, spoon, or fork.
  • Make sure to bring a utensil that is washable and not easily breakable. No need to buy anything new – something from your kitchen drawer is perfect!
• Bowl
  • You should also bring a bowl for eating on Trips.
  • This can look like a plastic, wooden, or metal bowl, or even a sturdy hard plastic take-out container.
  • Make sure to bring a container or bowl that you can eat hot foods from.
  • Containers with sealable tops (like Tupperware and some camping bowls) are helpful but not required.

Trippees on trips that sleep outside or that are water-based will use a large trash or contractor bag to keep their items dry during Trips. You will use this to line your duffel bag or backpack, so make sure they are big enough to hold all of your belongings – at least 30 gallons! Your Trip Leaders will have extras of these if you don't have any on hand, so no need to go out and buy trash bags if you don't already have them.