Dress for Success
Guidelines for Trekking
Clothing
- Choose light colored/light weight fabrics
- Avoid jeans as they are too hot and cause chaffing
- Long sleeves and loose clothing to prevent sun burns and insect bites
- Scrubs, or old-fashioned pantaloons under skirts or dresses, for warmth and modesty
- Avoid wearing leggings in warm weather-they lead to overheating
- During river crossing dresses ARE NOT to be lifted up or tied up around the waist (modesty at all times!)
- Permethrin: Spray on clothes (do not wear clothes while spraying) before you come, to prevent ticks getting on you or your clothing.
- Work gloves (to prevent blisters while pulling/pushing cart)
Shoes or boots
- Shoes with good arch support that have been broken in
- Do not wear new shoes; they will cause blisters
- Duct tape or Leukotape applied to your heels before walking can help prevent blisters
- The two-sock system described in the Church Handcart Trek Reenactment Handbook is effective
- Sports socks, avoid cotton
- Water shoes or old tennis shoes for river crossings
- No flip-flops
Head wear
- Bonnet or wide-brimmed hat for women; provides shade for your head and face
- Wide-brimmed hat, such as a western hat for men provides shade for your head and face
- All hats need “stampede straps” or ties to keep hats on during strong winds
Neck cooler
- Neck coolers can be made with water absorbing polymer crystals (available online) and a neckerchief, or vermiculite (available at hardware or nursery supply stores) in a tube sock.
Rain gear
- Poncho or rain coat with a hood
- Umbrellas are not a good idea as the wind turns them inside out
Coats/Jackets
- A light wind resistant jacket is needed for cool nights even in summer
- Hoodies work well for cool weather
Possibles Bag
| Mole skin, Duct tape (hot spots) | First aid kit (small) | Personal Medications |
| Hand sanitizer | Chap Stick | Inhalers, Epi pens, etc. |
| Kleenex | Sun screen | Work gloves |
| Toilet paper | Mosquito & Tick spray with Deet | Camera |
