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Page Last Updated: 1/5/2006

What to bring to Western CT / MA on the Fall Foliage Hike

Weather, especially along the trail, is unpredictable. Temperatures may range from the 20s at night to the 70s during the day. It may be warm and humid, cool and dry or may rain several days in a row. And it may freeze at night, so be prepared for a wide range of temperatures and conditions. Hopefully it will be picture perfect sunny and crisp fall weather.

Personal Effects

Bring very small containers of items like toothpaste or hand sanitizer.

• Sunglasses
• Bowl
• Fork & Spoon or Spork
• Toothbrush and Toothpaste
• Hand Sanitizer or Bio-soap
• Toilet Paper
• Contact lenses / Mirror / Hair Clips / Ponytail Bands etc.
• Headlamp - LED lamps will run all week on 1 set of batteries.
• Some cash, a credit card, and ID (leave wallet home)
• Compass
• Pocket Knife
• Quick Dry Pack Towel
• Whistle / Mirror (if lost)
• Medications
• Vaseline / Talcum powder
• Duct tape
• Maps***
• Trowel***
• Rope***

Water

One of the MOST IMPORTANT things while hiking and trying to lose weight is to stay hydrated and drink continuously. Bring:

• Water container(s) that together can hold up to 1 gallon. Nalgene, Camelbacks, Platypus, or Plastic Soda bottles.
• Water Filters***
• Water purification tablets / Aqua Mira

General Gear

We will try to provide items with 3 asterisks, but if you have any of these items, consider bringing them.

• Backpack (at least 5000 cu in)
• Sleeping Bag (rated to 20F)***
• Sleeping Pad***
• Tent***
• Hiking Poles (or ski poles)
• Bear Bags / Cannisters*** (There may be bears, so we should plan to hang our food every night)
• Cook Stoves***
• Fuel Bottles and White Fuel
• Pots & Pans***
• Serving utensils*** (Ladle, Spoon etc)
• Lighter / Waterproof matches
• Trash Bags (bring a few)
• Straps and Caribiners

Optional Items

These items can add to your comfort greatly, but will also add to pack weight.

• Sunscreen (SPF 15 or greater)
• Insect Repellent
• An interesting but lightweight book
• Swimsuit and/or briefs/panties (not cotton)
• Insect Headnet
• Pen and Journal
• Camera
• Deodorant (to prevent feet from sweating)
• Inflatable Pillow or soft Stuff Sack (for sleeping)
• First Aid Kit (guides will be carrying these)

Clothing

• Sturdy Hiking Boots (broken in). Lightweight hikers are OK with sufficient ankle support.
• Sandals (e.g. Tevas, Chacos) for in camp
• Socks, between 2-4 pair. Some people like Smartwool, Dahlgren or other 1 layer systems. Others prefer polypro liner socks and a wool outer sock. No cotton.
• Quick Dry Long Hiking Pants (No jeans which stay wet and heavy!).
• Quick Dry Short Pants (your long pants can have zip-off legs)
• Quick Dry Long Sleeve Shirt
• Quick Dry Short Sleeve Shirt
• Sweater or Fleece
• Waterproof Breatheable Rain Shell such as Gore-Tex (Also good for repelling wind)
• Rain Pants or Gaiters
• Wool or Synthetic cold-weather hat (you lose most of your heat through your head).
• Long sleeve Silk, Polypro or Bergalene underwear top (medium weight or expedition weight)
• Long Silk, Polypro or Bergalene underwear bottom (medium weight or expedition weight)
• Glove liners
• Wide Brim Hat