Cottonwood Pack Station

GUEST INFORMATION for HIKERS What HIKERS need to know

PERSONAL CHECK LIST ...

Dunnage limit is 30 lbs. per person (this includes sleeping bags, fishing equipment, liquor, etc.)

You may bring your own tent up to 10 pounds that is in addition. The PCT 28 day trip allows 35 pounds of duffel.

Bring belongings in stout canvas or nylon duffels; side zipper recommended, ideal size approximately 14" x 32". It is a good idea to use a large plastic bag INSIDE of the duffle to protect contents from external moisture.

Sleeping bags can be in separate duffels --again, line the inside of the duffle against rain. Place all cosmetics, soaps, medications, etc into small plastic containers with close-fitting caps, THEN into sturdy resealable plastic storage bags. If anything breaks or bursts from altitude changes, the plastic bag contains the spill. When possible, it is a good idea to transfer alcoholic beverages to sturdy plastic bottles with well fitting caps - it will save weight and protect against breakage.

ESSENTIALS

Footwear. For these trips a medium-weight pair of hiking boots. We do not recommend lightweight hikers or tennies since they give little ankle support and the soles are often thin.
Camp Shoes. A lightweight pair of tennies or Tevas to wear in camp. This will reduce vegetation damage at our campsites.
A day pack. It should be large enough to take water, extra clothing, rainwear, camera, etc during the days.
Sleeping Bag. Most summer trips are warm and a bag rated to about 25°F will be plenty warm enough. We much prefer down bags, and good quality ones at that. Your bag should weigh in around 3 pounds.
Sleeping pad. A 3/4 or full length closed cell foam or Thermarest. If you bring a Thermarest also bring a repair kit to fix pesky holes!
Coffee mug (plastic for camp)

CLOTHING

2 pair synthetic liner socks.
2 pair heavier synthetic or wool blend socks.
Long underwear top. Capilene, some other synthetic or the new pure Merino wool types.
Long underwear bottom.
Warm pants. Tights or Expedition Weight Capilene.
Warm shirt. Synchilla or R2 weight works well.
Another fuzzy sweater top or pile jacket of some sort
GoreTex Jacket and Pants. A lightweight set is sufficient and heavy bulky clothing is unnecessary. Side zips on the pants should be long enough to slide over boots. Jacket must have a hood. Do not skimp on your rain gear. Nylon ponchos are not acceptable.
Shorts for on the trail
Tee shirt for on the trail
Lightweight capilene or similar gloves.
Warm hat. Synthetic or wool.
Sunhat

ETC.

Sun glasses.
Water Bottles. Two quart (1 liter) wide mouth bottles and/or a hydration system holding up to 50oz. (2 liters). Don’t bring bike bottles or any bottle that doesn’t have a wide opening.
Headlamp. --and a spare set of batteries!
Pocket knife. Swiss army style.
Personal toiletries. It is not necessary to smell like a rose each day so do not over do it.
Personal Medical Kit. The guide will carry a large kit so yours will predominately consist of foot repair items, mild pain killer such as Advil and bandaids.
Sunscreen and lip screen. SPF 30+. A 1oz. bottle will be enough. Make sure the lip stuff actually contains a sunscreen.
Bug repellent.
Camera. A spare battery and card are good backups
Ski/trekking poles. These are not essential, but can be handy on the trail. It is your choice, but they do save wear on the knees.
Plastic trash bag. Handy for keeping gear in outside the tent should it rain.
Optional reading material, etc.

FOOD

We provide the all meals on scheduled trips. You can bring your favorite "on-the-trail" snacks.

OPTIONAL ITEMS

Small notepad and pencil
Collapsible plastic wash basin (optional)
Solar shower (optional)
Water filtering pump (optional)
Liquor (be sure to check in with the packers to see that your liquor is packed safely)
Fishing equipment (optional)
Rod/reel/line (a rod that breaks down into 3 or more pieces is recommended)
Compact metal rod case to carry on saddle
Canvas creel (no tackle boxes)
Leader material (1-3 lb.)
Flies: black gnat, mosquito, grey hackle, brown hackle, & royal coachman (No. 12-14 hooks)
Bait: worms & Pautzke red eggs
Egg hooks, worm hooks (No. 10-14)
Split shot
Lures (personal choice)
Pliers

NOTICE: “In accordance with Federal law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, disability, and reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity. (Not all prohibited bases apply to all programs.)

Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication for program information (e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language, etc.) should contact the responsible State or local Agency that administers the program or USDA’s TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TTY) or contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339. Additionally, program information is also available in languages other than English.

To file a complaint alleging discrimination, complete the USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form, AD-3027 , found online at http://www.ascr.usda.gov/complaint_filing_cust.html , or at any USDA office or write a letter addressed to USDA and provided in the letter all of the information requested in the form. To request a copy of the complaint form, call (866) 632-9992. Submit your completed form or letter to USDA by: (a) mail: U.S. Department of Agriculture Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, D.C. 20250-9410; (b) fax: (202) 690-7442; or (c) email:program.intake@usda.gov.”

“USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender.”