Gear Definitions and Recommendations
This item historically has appeared in our Registration Packets to help our Participants prepare for our programs. In this document you will find definitions about the most important gear that appears on our list as well as a few recommendations about where to buy gear locally.
Gear Definitions
Boots
Boots are important because you will be walking for up to three weeks in those boots! These boots need to be waterproof with a gortex layer that will keep your feet dry even in rain. You need to have boots that are comfortable and will not give you blisters. Please do not compromise on the quality of boots because you will be spending a good portion of your days hiking and your comfort will directly influence your overall experience on this trip.
And PLEASE break in your boots! Wear your boots around town and on hikes months before your trip with Journeys. The more time you spend breaking them in the better your trip will be when hiking, you will spend less time on bandaging blisters.
Backpack
You backpack is the most important piece of equipment because you will be living out of it for three weeks. We recommend using an internal frame backpack. Don't compromise on the quality of the backpack because you will be hiking in all types of weather. You need your backpack to be sturdy so you can enjoy the journey.
Make sure when you try on your backpack, you can adjust it to your body size (you can have a backpack fitted at your local gear store). Please practice carrying around some gear and food to feel the weight. Choose a pack that is made for 5 days or longer and holds at least 4,200 cubic inches. Make sure the waist band fits snugly to your hips and all the straps, buckles and zippers work.
Rain Jacket and Pants
Your rain gear is important because it provides you shelter while in nature. It protects you from being wet and allows you to enjoy being outside even when it is raining. Look for rain gear that has a gortex layer. This is waterproof and will keep you dry. Please do not compromise on the waterproof quality of your rain jacket because it will affect your overall experience in the backcountry.
Synthetic Clothing
Warmth can be achieved through layering of clothing. Synthetic clothing refers to clothing that is made of materials that keep you warm even when wet including polypropylene, fleece and pile (wool is a great natural fiber that works similarly). No blue jeans! They are heavy and take a long time to dry. Pack lightweight pants that are quick to dry.
Layering
Here is an example of layering for backcountry trips. All of these items and more are included on our gear list. Upper Body Layering includes the following: Long Sleeve Shirt, Wool Sweater, Fleece Zip Up or Pull Over Jacket, and Rain Jacket. While Lower Body Layering includes: Wool or Synthetic Socks, Long Johns, Fleece Pants, Lightweight Quick Dry Pants, and Rain Pants. And don't forget to top it all off with a warm Stocking Cap.
Here are some places that we buy gear in the Northwest:
| Second Ascent 5209 Ballard Avenue NW Seattle, WA 98107 |
Seattle REI Flagship 222 Yale Avenue N Seattle, WA 98109 |
Nate's Army Navy Surplus 6169 4th Avenue S Seattle, WA |
| Next Adventure 426 SE Grand Avenue Portland, OR 97214 |
Redmond REI 7500 166th Avenue NE Redmond, WA 98052 |
Portland REI 1405 NW Johnson Street Portland, OR 97209 |
And if you already know exactly what you want, the web can be a great source for bargains. Please do not buy from the internet without first doing research at your local gear stores -- especially with packs and boots. We recommend never buying boots without first trying them on. After your research, here are links to a few on-line gear sites that we like:
