Packing List
The handcart companies were under strict guidelines as to what they could and could not bring because a handcart is pulled by the traveler. Pioneers were also focused on leaving out things that are a burden to the spirit and its growth. You have the opportunity to become immersed in a Pioneer Trek experience. Dressing in pioneer clothing, can have a tremendous impact on the spirit of the trek, promotes unity within the stake and connects us to the pioneers who made so many physical sacrifices because of their commitment to the Gospel of Jesus Christ. As we come to understand, in a small measure, the devotion and fortitude of the pioneers, we can determine how to apply those principles to modern circumstances that require spiritual, emotional, and mental commitment and resilience.
We will be wearing our trek clothing for four days, so you will need two sets of pioneer clothing. Acquiring pioneer clothing does not have to be expensive. Some options are listed below.
Borrow - Our stake has held three previous treks. That means a lot of pioneer outfits may be hidden in the back of closets available for borrowing. Ask friends, family, neighbors, ward members, or even members of surrounding stakes who have also held treks, if they have pioneer clothing that they are willing to lend.
Raid mom and dad's closet to see what you can find.
Learn a valuable life skill – learn to sew by making them yourself (patterns can be found online)
At local thrift store
Purchase - full outfits or pieces can be found on: Amazon, Etsy, Deseret Book or other trek clothing websites.
For clothing resource ideas or assistance with trek sewing activities, or sewing instruction help please contact nevahall@gmail.com
2024 Pioneer Trek Packing List 5 full set.pdfPlease label all your personal items with your name.
□ Sleeping Gear: All sleeping gear must fit in one large heavy-duty plastic bag (doubled or tripled for extra strength) or a large duffle bag, labeled with your name and ward in large print on duct tape, and tied shut.
□ Sleeping Bag (duct tape label with full name & ward)
□ Sleeping Pad (duct tape label with full name & ward)
□ Small pillow (duct tape label with full name & ward)
□ Five Gallon Bucket w/Lid Everything must fit in your bucket except your sack lunch, water bottle, and sleeping gear. Your bucket will travel on your handcart and will be used as your “chair” around camp. You may want to “pad” your bucket to make it softer to sit on.
□ Hearty Sack Lunch from home, to be eaten the first day, labeled with your name and ward.
□ Lunch Money in a zip lock bag, labeled with your name and ward, for the ride home on Saturday.
Women Clothing List
(Items include what you are wearing when you leave)
□ 2 skirts and 2 long-sleeve blouses or 2 long sleeve
dresses (mid-calf length)
□ 2 pair lightweight loose cotton bloomers, capri or knee length shorts. (keeps you cool & prevents chafing)
□ wide brim hat (must for sun protection) or bonnet
□ apron with pocket (useful but optional)
□ rain poncho & light jacket (roll up in sleeping bag)
□ modest pajamas
□ feminine hygiene products
□ 2 pair shoes (broken in pair to trek in & water shoes)**
□ 5 pair long socks (nylon or wool – NOT 100% cotton)**
□ 4 pair underclothing
□ 1 pair work gloves
Men’s Clothing List
(Items include what you are wearing when you leave)
□ 2 pair cotton or cotton/poly blend pants
□ 2-3 long-sleeve button down shirts (pioneer style)
□ 1 pioneer or western style hat (no baseball hats/beanies)
□ 1 pair suspenders and/or pioneer style vest (optional)
□ modest pajamas
□ light jacket (roll up in sleeping bag)
□ rain poncho
□ 2 pair shoes (broken in pair to trek in & water shoes)**
□ 5 pair long socks (nylon or wool – NOT 100% cotton)**
□ 4 pair underclothing
□ 1 pair work gloves
Everyone
□ 1 mess kit: metal cup & plate, knife, fork, spoon
□ 1 water bottle with carabiner attached
□ small flashlight or headlamp with new batteries
□ 1 small wash cloth & dish towel (to wash/dry mess kit)
□ SPF lip balm, deodorant, & small container of chaffing powder
□ eyeglasses (if needed)
□ travel package of wet wipes, Dude wipes or similar
□ a few band aids, safety pins, & mole skin
□ 1 toothbrush & toothpaste
□ 1 comb or brush
□ sunscreen SPF30 or greater
□ insect repellent with DEET
□ travel sized hand sanitizer
□ set of scriptures (mini or full size, put in zip loc bag labeled with name/ward)
□ small trash bag for dirty clothes
□ medication in original container (should be listed
on your medical questionnaire)
□ your family pioneer story in Ziploc bag (even if they
did not cross the plains)
□ pen or mechanical pencil
Important Clothing & Equipment Notes
Shoes ● It is not necessary to buy expensive shoes for trek. Just be sure to have sturdy athletic shoes with good tread on the bottom (can be cross-trainers, trail runners or running shoes etc.), and that are well broken in before trek to prevent blisters. Hiking shoes work but are not necessary. Water shoes or old tennis shoes are ideal for river crossing. Bring a carabiner to attach them to the cart. Absolutely NO flip flops or open toe shoes. The shoe size should be comfortably snug while wearing socks. Too tight or too loose can cause blisters.
Socks ● Long socks prevent scrapes and bug bites. Socks made of 100% cotton are NOT recommended. Cotton is a poor insulator and retains moisture which can lead to hotspots and blisters. Wear nylon or wool, wool blend or wool-synthetic blend socks made for hiking! You might consider a pair of calf-high nylons or liners to go under regular socks. They wick away moisture and help reduce friction. A thin nylon sock liner under a wool hiking sock is preferred. (More info on two-sock system here. https://sectionhiker.com/hiking-socks-and-sock-liners/)
Pioneer style pants ● Dockers type, light colors are best. No denim, camouflage, or sports type pants.
Shirts ● Long sleeve button up cotton shirts, light colors are best, no t-shirts.
Men’s Hats ● Wide brimmed hats work best (pioneer, western or straw). (No baseball caps or beannies please).
Skirts ● Choose lightweight cotton blend material. Light colors are best. Dresses or skirts should be no more than 6 inches from the ground to avoid tripping and tearing but long enough to be authentic.
Bonnets & Bloomers ● Wide brimmed hats work best. Bonnets are optional. Loose, lightweight cotton bloomers, capri or knee length shorts are essential under your skirt. This helps prevent chafing, bug bites and if not snug against skin, helps with cooling. Scrubs work well. Leggings trap in heat.
Water bottles, water shoes, and buckets: choose water bottles that can be hooked to a carabiner. Bring a carabiner for your water shoes. Your bucket not only carries your items but is your camp seat. Lids can be either peel or screw on, and padded if you would like.
Do NOT bring!
Electronics of any kind: cell phones, smart watch, ear buds, (music players, game systems, or other electronic devices etc.), cameras, jewelry, makeup, lotions, aftershave, hairspray, gel, or perfumes.
Link to Women's clothing page.
Ma & Pa Equipment & Packing List can be found on the Ma and Pa Resources page.