Manitou Gear List
From WildWiki
Gear List
(Though it is important to have appropriate clothing, it is also important to consider the participants. Campers’ families may not be able to afford or be willing to buy many new items for such a short trip. In addition, the island is not a remote location, and the weather will probably not be severe enough to warrant specialty gear. For this reason, cotton will be discouraged, but not forbidden.)
Michigan weather is often unpredictable and can change greatly from one day to the next. For this reason, it is important for participants to have a variety of clothing. In addition, we will be in a several different types of locations, ranging from sandy beaches to open water on a ferry boat. In general, participants are encouraged to avoid cotton when packing for the trip. This is because cotton does not dry very quickly and being wet means being cold. Some alternatives are wool, silk, and polyester. Many items of these materials can be found in discount or second-hand stores. Please bring everything on the list, but remember that extra items add extra weight, so avoid bringing any other unnecessary items. Trip leaders will help participants pack their backpacks prior to leaving for the park, and will ensure that everyone has all the neccessary items.
____Boots: This is a short trip, but we will be depending on our feet as our main source of transportation, so boots should provide ankle support.
____Socks (2 pairs): Thick wool socks protect and cushion feet.
____Liner socks (optional): A pair of synthetic liner socks worn under heavier socks can be more comfortable and prevent blisters.
____Camp shoes: Camp shoes are not only comfortable to wear at the end of the day, but they also minimize impact on camp sites.
____Underwear (2): This is a short trip, so participants will not need to change, but a spare set of underwear is nice in case of wet weather.
____Pants: Non-cotton pants are preferable, but denim pants are also acceptable.
____T-shirt: T-shirts can be cotton, but if so bring two in case of wet weather.
____Long-sleeved shirt: This will be a nice layer during cooler weather and at night.
____Fleece jacket: A fleece jacket will be an insulating layer to keep participants warm during the cooler parts of the day such as early morning, evening, and at night.
____Rain jacket: A good rain jacket will keep participants dry in case of rain. It will also be appreciated during the ferry ride, which is usually chilly due to wind and water spray.
____Water bottle: Two water bottles allow for a continual supply of water. A water bladder may replace one of the two water bottles, and allows for easy access to water.
____Mug, bowl, spoon: A bowl with a lid allows for easy cleaning. Spoons should be made of a durable material, such as metal or Lexan®.
____Bandanas (2-3): Bandanas have a variety of uses, such as pee rags, dish rags, and head coverings.
____Toiletries: Travel size toothpaste and floss work well. Also bring a brush or comb, lip balm, and any required medications. Leaders will have a bottle of sunscreen for the group to share.
____Towel (optional): A towel may be nice for days we spend at the beach, but again, cotton towels will not dry quickly, making them heavy.
____Sandals: Sandals will be allowed while on the beach and during the boat ride.
____Bathing Suit: We may have the opportunity to do some swimming, so bring your bathing suit!
____Car Clothes: We will begin the trip wearing our clothes for the weekend because they won't be smelly and dirty yet. However, after our time in the wilderness we will not want to wear the same clothes in the confines of a small car. Bring one set of clothes to wear in the car. Cotton is acceptable in all car clothes.
The leaders will provide the group gear, but this list gives participants an idea of what type of gear they should expect to use on the trip.
backpacks
tarps
ground cloths
sleeping pads
sleeping bags
stoves and fuel
pot set
frybake
pot grippers
spatula
water bladder
soap
trowel
water treatment
first-aid kit
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