Climate March Packing List – Draft #2
*PERSONAL ID, etc.
ID card or driver’s license
Health Insurance card
Emergency contact information
Medical alert info
Packing & Equipment questions
may be directed to:
Miriam at mkashia43@yahoo.com
Please put “Marcher” in subject line
Everyone will be assigned a halyard to wear at all times except in tent where they must
be visually displayed; the personal items listed above will be worn in a pouch around
our necks with our Marcher ID, name, and the above items. This is for our safety and
must be adhered to.
CLOTHES
*Sox: for a week; Smartwool, thin synthetics & fitted cotton (Asics are good)
Be sure your socks fit properly or they will bunch up and give you blisters.
The thin undersocks will really help with preventing blisters and warmth as well.
Cotton will not keep your feet warm if they get wet, so be sure to have some good
wool ones. Tip: thin plastic bags can be inserted inside your shoes over sox when
it’s cold &/or wet.
*Underwear: for a week
Zip-off pants/shorts: practical double duty
*T-shirts, shirts: 3 to 7
At least one long-sleeved cotton and one lightweight long-sleeved turtleneck to
keep you warm and the bugs and sun out.
Capris: nice option between shorts and long pants
*Shorts: 1 or 2 pair
*Long pants/jeans: we all love our jeans, but they will not keep you warm when
wet, and they take a long time to dry when washed. You decide. Synthetic pants
will dry quickly and be comfortable and versatile.
*Long underwear: one pair, top and bottom. Can double for PJs
PJ’s: bring if you wish, but a t-shirt for heat and longjohns for cold will do nicely
Swimming suit: if you don’t bring one, you may wish you had
*Bandanas: bring several; many uses.
*Comfortable camp clothes: not for walking, so always clean when you get to camp
OUTERWEAR
*Rain suit: top will double as windbreaker; rain poncho will NOT keep you dry or warm
*Fleece jacket: Very warm under windbreaker, versatile.
*Broad-brimmed sun hat: best if it protects neck and ears as well as face; “SunDay”
makes good ones.
Visor or baseball cap: for change from big hat
*Gloves: warm ones are essential; maybe additional light weight ones to keep
mosquitoes off hands
*Stocking cap or Ear warmer band: stocking cap to also wear on cold nights.
*Mosquito netting: essential! Inexpensive ones from sporting good stores fit over hat.
Lightweight and cheap – bring 2
FOOTWEAR & SUPPLIES (we can expect to wear out several pairs of shoes)
Hiking boots: high tops not necessary and add weight
*Sandals: Keens, Chacos or others with good arch support
*Well-fitted running shoes: better than walking shoes; probably need 2 pair
*Flip flops: for in camp
Orthodic Inserts: custom made from podiatrist or commercially available - go to
http://www.theinsolestore.com/orthotic-arch-supports for many options.
Foot cream: not lotion
Toe separators
Corn protectors
Foot powder
Moleskin
Second skin
File for callouses
Large clippers
Footwear and care is very individual. Just be sure to cover all your bases. You may wish
to check with a podiatrist regarding special needs, shoe fit, inserts. Make sure your
shoes are plenty big, as our feet will expand over the 3,000 miles.
TOILETRIES & COSMETIC BAG - These can be kept in a stuff sack or cosmetic bag
*Sunscreen
*Chapstick with sun protection
“Body Glide Anti-Chafe”: a roll on skin protector prevents hot spots
*Bug repellant
Deodorant
Body powder
*Hand soap – biodegradable (Biodegradable soap and shampoo available at camping
equip stores)
*Shampoo – biodegradable
*Do NOT bring a portable camping shower
*Hand sanitizer
*Comb/brush/hair ties
Tweezers
*Nail clippers/file
*Toothbrush, toothpaste & floss
* ESSENTIAL ITEMS
Female supplies – use sanitary cup or natural sponge if possible. Available online or at
natural food stores or camp stores. Since tampons and pads are not
biodegradable, bring ziplock bags to collect for separate disposal.
Wet wipes – only use compostable ones
Razor – can buy more along route (or let your beard grow!)
Shaving cream
Unbreakable mirror or compact
*Moisturizing skin lotion
Makeup of your choosing – or not.
CAMPING GEAR
*Small tent: 1-2-or 3 person; should be self-supporting; bring one size bigger than
number of sleepers for adequate gear and comfort space. Easiest way to “sweep”
out tent is turn it inside out and shake it when you take it down. No whisk broom
needed.
*Footprint or fitted plastic sheet for under tent: must not extend outside base of tent
*Sleeping pad: REI has a great, full length, self inflating, comfy, thick one for @$100
*Sleeping bag: Winter weight to 20 degrees – compression sack will make it easier to
pack
*Twin Sheet or sleep sack: can buy a sleep sack or sew a twin sheet into one. Helps
keep bag clean and is useful on warm nights on top of bag.
*Small fleece blanket: versatile and good when bag is too warm or not warm enough
*Pillow: backpacking pillows available; make sure it’s one you can live/sleep with
*Camp chair: legless but with back support
Lantern: will be wonderful in tent at night; LED uses least energy; rechargeable
batteries; I found a Highgear brand Smartlite rechargeable, reversible lantern
with backup hand crank to generate energy for $35.
*Several heavy-duty garbage bags: keep gear in them inside tent in very wet weather
MEDICAL
*First aid kit: small one for day pack and larger one for personal duffel. Commercial
ones are available or make your own.
Vitamins
Prescription drugs and refill script
*Ibuprofin, aspirin, Tylenol, etc.
*Antibacterial cream
Allergy meds
*Arnica or other muscle soothing creams
Elastic knee, ankle, or foot supports
MISCELLANEOUS
Trekking pole(s): has to fit into bags. Be sure it has ID on it.
*Flashlight or headlamp; LED is most energy efficient
*Day pack or fanny pack: this must fit into one of your 2 packs or you have to keep it in
your possession all the time. (see comments for more info about use)
*Bandanas/Kleenex: try to avoid tissues; we’re being as environmentally
sustainable as possible. Bandanas are easily rinsed out and dried for the next day.
*Camp towel: lightweight and fast drying; order online or get at a camping store; come
in various sizes, so may bring both hand and body size
Rechargeable batteries: there are plans for a bicycle operated “recharging station”
Camelback/bladder for water: they come small and cheap or big and fancy. Your
choice. Fit into backpack for walking; fancy one can be worn by itself but then you
can’t wear daypack.
*Water bottle: for around camp & for non-water drinks (so you don’t ruin your bladder)
Coffee mug: no-spill, unbreakable and lightweight; a versatile “comfort” item
*Clothespins and short line: for sparkling sun-dried clothes!
*Wash basin: see camping store collapsible sinks; or use 2 gal plastic ice cream bucket
that you can fill with stuff and put in your duffel when not using.
*Good sunglasses:. 100% UV protection
Prescription glasses & spare pair
Reading glasses
Stuff sacks: come in various sizes and colors; great for organizing gear
Toys, games, cards: ex: Frisbee, travel Scrabble, electronic games, balls etc.
Musical instruments: this might be difficult or impossible unless you play the harmonica
Eye mask & ear plugs
Small binoculars: not recommended unless you’re an avid birder; have to wear them to
be handy for use. Tend to get in the way. Easily lost. Suit yourself.
Diary/small notebook & pen: fit in daypack or pocket. To record events, contacts,
unforgettable moments, leave notes for people, etc.
*Stash of: rubber bands, big & small ziplock bags
Carabiners: for who knows what
*Small wallet
*Credit and/or ATM card (please don’t bring a lot of cash)
Small cable & padlock
OTHER GIZMOS
Cell/Smartphone: a do-everything tool
Camera: only if your phone won’t take pictures
I-pad or tablet: + apps to download ebooks, music, audiobooks, email, etc.
Solar battery charger: for electronic devices & batteries; find online
Small battery operated fan: if you think you need it for blistering hot nights in tent
* ESSENTIAL ITEMS
*PLEASE LEAVE BEHIND:
Your inner grump; judgments; criticism; the need to be right; the belief that you know
everything; impatience; tendency to “let someone else do it.”
*PLEASE BRING:
Your passion for saving the environment and turning around climate disruption;
enthusiasm; confidence; determination (lots & lots); patience (gobs); willingness to
help (tons); ability to listen to others’ points of view & compromise (as needed); cheery
disposition (most of the time); welcome smile and assistance for newcomers en route;
the absolute belief that “we can do this!”
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________
Comments Re: Packing List and Various Other Topics
What, exactly, is the march providing?
- Route arrangements
- Logistics
- Food: we do the cooking; gluten-free, vegan and vegetarian diets will be
accommodated.
- Transport our gear
- Biodegradable laundry soap
What must I bring?
- ONLY 2 bags: duffel bags, Duluth packs (used in wilderness canoeing – hold a lot
and easy to pack camping gear) or other soft-sided bags. Should be
waterproof or everything inside should be enclosed in plastic. NO hard- sided or
sharp edged suitcases or bags!
- See the “ * ” on the Packing List indicating essential equipment.
- Day pack or fanny pack: for access to snacks (ideas: nuts, gum, dried fruit, power
bars, Emergen-C); rain suit; water, diary, phone, & ?
- Spending money: depending on your resources and habits, you can do with very
little.
How do I stay dry & warm?
- Good rain gear – with a top and bottom
- Waterproof duffel bags
- If they aren’t waterproof, everything should be wrapped in heavy-duty plastic
inside the bags.
-
Always keep a dry suit of camp clothes to change into
Layers will be essential for warmth
Waterproof your tent seams before the March
Make sure you have a good tent rainfly
Do NOT bring a down sleeping bag. They are useless if they get wet.
Waterproof everything that should not get wet. Ziplocks are helpful. You can also
purchase “Dry bags” for packing your things inside your duffel bag at sporting
good stores where they sell canoes and kayaks.
Laundry facilities?
- We’ll probably use a bucket and plunger system on about a weekly basis. It should
also be fairly easy to rinse out a few things as needed individually with your wash
basin. Just be sure to use biodegradable soap and dispose of “gray water” as
instructed.
Lost & Found?
- There will be a central lost and found collection site
- Every duffel bag and tent should be marked in a very visible and unique manner;
a flag of some sort, spray paint, or something totally creative. Otherwise you may
have trouble locating your belongings among the piles.
- There is a cable and padlock suggestion on the packing list; we may trust our
fellow marchers, but we will also be camping in some urban areas, so it will
probably be good to figure out a way to “lock” your tent.
Shop?
- When we go through towns and cities, there will be ample opportunity to pickup
needed items or treats.
Showers?
- Nope. Not unless you want to pay for one in some motel along the way or have
friends or family strategically located. Sponge baths it is!
Receive packages?
- You can check the route schedule and arrange to have packages delivered to you
c/o General Delivery at the appropriate post office & zip code. Just remember,
you only have your allotted amount of room to pack things, so if something goes
in, something has to come out.
Other fun stuff:
- We will have a traveling lending library. Please bring at least one paperback book
for the library that you don’t need to take home: 2 categories: 1) your favorite
fiction, and 2) sustainability and climate change resources.
- Everyone is invited to bring (probably in your head, but not necessarily) singalong ideas.
- Think about entertainment possibilities: talent show, dramas, comedians, etc.