We’ll start off with one of the biggest and most common mistake we see: Bringing brand-new gear on a trip without trying it out beforehand.
If you haven’t worn or tested something in the real world, you won’t know if you actually like it. Maybe your new rain jacket doesn’t fit well over your fleece, or your sun shirt or hiking pants causes unexpected chafing. Whatever the issue, it’s much better to discover it before your trip while you still have time to exchange it.
Getting familiar with your gear also means 1) you’ll know what you’re bringing and 2) you’ll be more likely to care for it, keep it organized, and make sure it comes home. When parents take care of all packing without their kids’ input or “skin in the game,” students often don’t recognize new gear and clothing as their own… and that’s how our lost and found bins fill up.
When it comes time to bring everything together for your AT trip and pack it into the duffel, make sure you—the student—help with checking off each item and organizing it inside your stuff sacks or Ziploc bags.
Some items—especially hiking boots and shoes—need time to break in.
If your boots’ first real outing is a long hike on your second day at Adventure Treks, chances are you’ll get hot spots or worse, blisters. And nothing ruins an outdoor adventure faster than blisters.
In the months and weeks leading up to your trip, wear your boots often. Wear them around your neighborhood, on dog walks, on local trails, to school or the grocery store, and even around the house—and be sure to wear your hiking socks as well. The simple act of wearing your boots often at home will make wearing them on your AT trip so much more comfortable.
Every student who comes to Adventure Treks will face a challenge at some point—even our most active and athletic teens. That’s intentional! Healthy and age-appropriate challenge is how we as people grow, and it’s also a big source of team bonding, core memories, and an important increase in confidence and self-esteem.
Our instructors are there to support you through every challenge and help you succeed.
Most people can benefit from incorporating some outdoor activity–specific training into their daily or weekly routine to help prepare for the physical component of your trip. We recommend finding enjoyable activities you can do outside, like jogging, hiking, or riding your bike. Training indoors is fine, too, but being outside will also get used to situations where the sun, wind, bugs, mud, etc. are a part of the equation.
Exercises that train your cardiovascular endurance are usually the most helpful in trip prep, but if you’re more into weight training, focus on leg, shoulder, and back strength training.
By the time your trip rolls around, you might just be the one stepping up to carry an extra fuel container or full bear can of food to help out your fellow students!
Follow your trip’s packing list, and you’ll have exactly what you need. In addition, lots of students and staff will bring one or two “luxury items,” which are things that bring you joy, makes you more comfortable, or helps others see even more fun sides of your personality! A few common “luxury items” we see at AT:
Once you’ve packed all the necessary items into your duffel, see how much room you have left for these fun extras.
You’ll see “flair” listed on the packing list. These are silly wearables and costumes that enhance every single activity we do. Everyone brings and wears flair, including instructors! Don’t shy away from flair—it’s an awesome part of each trip’s experience.