Getting Ready for your Adventure
- Do you recommend a specific brand of hiking boots?
- Do you recommend a specific brand of backpack?
- Do I really need all the gear on the equipment list?
- How can I best physically prepare for my adventure?
Do you recommend a specific brand of hiking boots?
The most important piece of gear that you will have with you on your trip, will be your hiking boots! Ill-fitting boots can be the cause of great discomfort and distress, even on short hikes. We do not recommend a specific brand or model of hiking boots because every student’s foot is different. However, we strongly urge students to try on several pairs of boots before deciding which one is best for them. Once you have decided on a pair of boots, wear them extensively before the start of your trip. Wear them to school or go for long walks around your neighborhood. You should walk at least thirty miles in your boots before the start of your trip. After this period of time, you should have comfortable, well broken in boots. If you have a pair of boots and are uncertain whether or not they are appropriate for your ARCC adventure, please call our office and we would be happy to help you.
Do you recommend a specific brand of backpack?
Like hiking boots, backpacks come in all sorts of brands, models, and designs. We don’t recommend a specific brand or model, rather encourage students to spend time in an outdoor specialty store and try on as many different packs as possible. Most students come with internal frame packs, as opposed to external frame packs although both work equally well on most ARCC adventures. If you have more specific questions about your pack or about shopping for the right pack, please call our office. It’s important to come on your trip with a pack that is comfortable and which fits your body size.
Do I really need all the gear on the equipment list?
Our equipment lists are fine-tuned each year, based on suggestions from students and leaders. Although the list may seem long, each item on the list is there for a reason! We ask that students follow the list as closely as possible when packing for their trips. If you have questions about specific items, or would like to know why a certain item is on the list, please call our office and we’d be happy to answer any questions you have.
How can I best physically prepare for my adventure?
We strongly suggest that you arrive on your ARCC adventure in good physical condition. For a minimum of four weeks prior to your trip, you should run, swim, hike, or bike about thirty to forty-five minutes five days a week. Arriving in good physical condition will help you meet and enjoy the physical challenges and activities of your trip. It will also allow you to focus on learning skills, gaining experience, and enjoying the natural beauty of the places you’ll be traveling to.