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EQUIPMENT REQUIREMENTS FOR PRESIDENTIAL RANGE HIKE PHYSICAL CONDITION: Past participants of the PRH have suggested that we emphasize that this is a very strenuous hike that will test your legs and knees. I would suggest that you plan on at least a three month program of walking, stair climbing, light weight training, and hiking often with a fully loaded pack (25 pounds for women and 30 pounds for men) to prepare for this hike. If you cannot get to the mountains, find some hilly terrain or walk around your neighborhood. The more planned effort you put in before the hike, the more you will enjoy the week. FOOTWEAR: This is the most important part of your hiking equipment. You must have well fitting, broken in boots (with an inner lightweight liner sock and heavier outer sock to prevent blisters) with VIBRAM type soles, that are in good repair. (hard, smooth soles SLIP on rocks and roots) . It is desirable, however, to have lightweight sneakers, slippers, or sandals, or crocs to wear at the huts. PACK: The second most important item of equipment is an adequate and comfortable pack. It should have padded shoulder straps and a hip belt to take the load off the shoulders. Internal frame packs that carry at least 3200 cubic inches are preferred – I have a 3600 cu. in. pack. We also suggest a pack cover. Travel type packs will not be allowed. If you have a new pack, please become familiar with its adjustments. Each person will carry their own clothing, gear and lunch supplies. The total pack weight should be no more than ~25 lbs for ladies at lower end of weight scale and ~30 lbs for guys. All clothes must be in waterproof plastic bags. The leaders will check pack weights before we leave Pinkham Notch. FOOD: Hearty breakfasts and suppers are served to us, family style, in the huts. The hut crews can accommodate vegetarians and some other diet restrictions with sufficient notice, so please ask if you have any specific questions. Supplies for simple trail snacks will be provided at the start and mid point of the hike. You may wish to bring a favorite snack – we supply the GORP, crackers, peanut butter, cheese, and basic energy bars. The huts sell candy bars, peanuts and raisins. People who are staying overnight are offered one free hot or cold drink on arrival at the huts. HUTS: These are rustic. Bunks, mattresses, and blankets (but not linens) are furnished. Health laws require that you bring blanket liners (lightweight sleeping bag liners or a double bed sheet). You may decide to bring a light sleeping bag but most bring a sleeping bag liner. Since lights are turned out at 9:30 pm, you will need a flashlight. A headlamp is better! There is cold running water and a basin, but no showers. Some huts have flush toilets; others have inside “pit” toilets (55 gallon drums). CHECKLIST: Sun block lotion, small towel, insect repellent, personal medication, mole skin ( or similar), bandanna, two 1 quart bottles or 2 qt. bladder, poly-pro or wool gloves, waterproof glove “shells” (to go over wool gloves), wool hat, fleece shirt/jacket, 3 short-sleeve shirts, 3 pairs of shorts, 4 pairs of wool socks, 4 pairs of liner socks, one outfit of polypropylene long underwear (or similar), changes of underwear, one rain outfit made of Gore-Tex® or similar material (jacket with hood and pants) ( Please no ponchos. They are dangerous in mountains.), one sleeping bag liner or light sleeping bag, small pocket knife, signal whistle, small flashlight /head lamp, extra shoe laces, several plastic bags to keep clothing dry in your backpack (and possibly a pack cover). We also suggest hiking poles. Optional items include: ear plugs (to ward against people shuffling in plastic bags at 4am, snoring, etc.), lightweight camera and swimsuit. The basic concept is to hike in same dirty clothes every day and have a clean set of clothes to wear at the hut each night. PLEASE, NO COTTON. RELIEF AT HIGHLAND CENTER: Bring an extra small pack or bag to Pinkham. Put spare socks, underwear, etc. in bag to be picked up at Highland Center. When we hike through, you can get your clean clothes and put dirty stuff in the bag for later pickup at Pinkham. We will also have a new supply of snack supplies for last few days of the trip at the Highland Center.
Personal Pack List Backpack – lined with large trash bag (min. 3200 cubic inches – as described above) Pack Cover Hiking poles (highly recommended) Light sleeping bag or liner 2 or 3 - 1 Quart water bottles or 2 qt. bladder and a 1 qt. bottle Hiking boots (as described above) 2 Empty bread bags to be used as vapor barriers for your feet in wet conditions 4 pairs of wool or synthetic heavy hiking socks 4 pairs of synthetic sock liners If you use them 4 changes of underwear – no cotton 3 short sleeve shirts (synthetic type) 3 pairs shorts – zip offs are great (synthetic – no cotton) 1 pair top and bottom of polypro type long underwear 1 Rain Jacket (Goretex or similar) with hood – NO PONCHOS Rain Pants – best if you can put them on over your boots Wool or fleece hat Wool, or polypro or fleece gloves Heavy wool sweater or polartec fleece Headlamp or tiny flashlight (lights out at huts by 9:30) Camp shoes (Crocs, Tevas, lightweight shoe, etc.) Earplugs Small camp towel Personal hygiene supplies Personal first aid kit – include mole skin or other blister first aid Signal whistle Small pocket knife Extra boot laces – more than one use Bandana or 2 Sun block Sun glasses Bug spray Lots of zip lock plastic bags (1 gallon size) to store cloths in Baseball cap (optional to keep sun/rain off) Camera (optional) Bathing suit (optional) It is a good idea to put your name on your gear and clothing, as so much of it looks the same. If you lose it you will have a better chance of getting it back. We will hike in the same dirty clothes every day and have a clean set of clothes to put on at the hut each night. We will pick up the third set of clothes at the Highland Center on Thursday. PLEASE NO COTTON!!!! Note that some of the cold weather gear will probably be left in your clean clothes bag to be picked up on Thursday depending on the weather.
