Please use this list for general expectations of what you’ll need to bring on a Bark Out hike! Each hike will have a slightly different packing needs that will be outlined in the event description or sent in an email after you sign up.
- Clothing Considerations
- Scratches from branches and other plants: Wear long sleeves and pants to protect you from getting scratched by branches and other plants as well as from sun exposure. Thicker clothes (like canvas pants) are more durable but can be too hot in the summer weather and can be heavy and cold if they get wet. Thin, lightweight clothes (like nylon hiking pants) will keep you cooler if it’s hot outside.
- Insects: We encounter ticks, mosquitoes, wasps, and other insects in all our fieldwork. Wear long sleeved shirts and pants to protect you from insect bites, bring insect repellent, and consider treating your clothing with permethrin (this must be done 2 days ahead of time to be effective).
- Cold and wet weather: bring a warm hat, gloves (waterproof if it’s raining/snowing), and lots of layers of warm clothes. Hand and toe warmers can help a lot! Cotton clothing isn’t effective at keeping you warm when it gets wet, so choose wool, fleece, and down clothing items that will keep you warmer in wet conditions.
- Hot weather: bring lightweight, “breathable” clothing that will keep you cool and protect you from too much sun. Wearing long sleeved shirts, pants, and a wide brimmed hat will help you stay cool.
- Sunny weather: This can include a baseball cap or wide brimmed hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen. It is important to bring sun protective items in the summer and winter (sun reflecting off snow is very bright).
- Rain gear: a rain jacket is always a good idea in the PNW regardless of the forecast. When rain is predicted, rain pants can make the day much more comfortable.
- Footwear
- In cold, wet weather, choose shoes that will keep your feet warm and dry. Waterproof hiking boots are a great option.
- In warm weather, non-waterproof hiking boots or trail running shoes are good options. Because these are breathable, they will keep your feet drier and cooler than waterproof boots.
- Lunch, snacks, and water
- 2 liters of water is usually sufficient. If it’s hot, bring extra water and an electrolyte mix.
- Plan to eat lunch in the field, away from your vehicle.
- When in doubt, bring more food than you think you’ll need. High activity levels burn extra calories so extra snacks are always a good idea.
- Regular medications
- If you have a history of severe allergic reactions (especially to stings or bites), please bring the appropriate medication and let someone in your group know how they can access it in case of an emergency. If you have a prescription to epinephrin, please bring epinephrin.
- If you have asthma, please bring an inhaler.
- A notebook and pen
- Bring a notebook and pen to use during Bark’s Land acknowledgement practice
- Questions?
- Email Haley, Bark’s Forest Field Coordinator