Trek 1 - What Gear to Bring
Due to the daily paddling requirements necessary to complete the week-long program and the climate of South Louisiana in the late spring/early summer, the following items are recommended for all participants to bring with them in order to ensure an enjoyable experience in the Atchafalaya Swamp.
Remember, BE SELF-SUFFICIENT. Don't put yourself in the position of being dependent on others. Think and plan ahead about what you will do about having enough food and water. Keep a back-up snack and bottle of water in your boat, regardless of the group's plans.
Essential Gear:
These items are required in order to participate on the high adventure trek.
• Proof of age/photo ID
• Safety whistle
• 4 large-mouth Nalgene® 32 oz. water bottles
• 1 bottle non-oily sunblock and sunscreen spray (SPF 30+)
• Pocket knife
• Flashlight or headlamp
• Compass
• 2 copies of BSA Health and Medical Forms and medical insurance information
* Face masks (this is a new requirement to the gear list)
* 1-2oz personal hand sanitizer (this item was previously recommended, but is now required)
* 1 roll of toilet paper in a zip-lock bag with the cardboard removed for easier storing (this item was previously recommended, but is now required)
Paddling Gear:
• Quick dry clothes (2-3 short or long sleeve shirts and 1 pair of shorts)
Note: Clothes with at least 30+ UPF is recommended. Swamp Base offers a long sleeve, UPF 40+, 100% polyester moisture-wicking shirt with Insect Shield® for $32.95. To place an order, please visit www.swampbaseoutfitters.org/trek-gear
• Lightweight zip-off long pants and long-sleeve shirt (for insect and sunburn protection)
Note: Dark colored clothes attract mosquitoes
• Hat (wide-brim recommended)
• Close toed water shoes – required for all swimming
• Tennis shoes or boots
• Lightweight rain gear (pants optional)
• Sunglasses with strap (polarized are best)
• Swim trunks or board shorts (males)
• One-piece swimsuit or tankini (females)
• Insect repellent (containing 20% DEET)
• Powdered Gatorade or PowerAde or equivalent electrolyte supplements
• 1 towel
• 2 dry bags – 20 liters each (larger dry bags are acceptable, but we recommend two bags per person)
• “Snack pack” – 5 days of trail snacks (beef jerky or Slim Jims, trail mix, nuts, breakfast bars
or power bars, candy, nuts and dried fruit) Snack packs should be used to supplement individuals that require more daily food than is provided by Swamp Base.
Note: Avoid snacks that will melt in the heat
• Freezer grade Zip-lock bags (sandwich and gallon sizes). Number dependent on amount of
snacks.
Camping Gear:
• Queen sized cotton sheet or lightweight compact sleeping bag rated over 50° F
• Camp pillow
• Toiletry kit (tooth brush, tooth paste, biodegradable soap, toilet paper, deodorant, etc.)
Note: Unscented soaps, shampoos, and deodorants will help reduce mosquitoes
• Mess Kit (plastic bowl, spoon, and fork)
Crew Gear:
• First-Aid kit
• Baby powder or Gold Bond® (to cut down on chafing)
• Garbage bags (10 total)
Optional Items:
• Smartphone and phone dry bag for trek documentation purposes
• Camera (waterproof is optimal)
• Canoe seat
• Paracord, rope, or straps for securing gear and water bottles to the canoe
• Bandana, small towel, rag, or a Real X Gear – Xtreme Cool towel
• Camera (waterproof is optimal)
• Paddling gloves
• Wristwatch
• Smartphone and phone dry bagfor trek documentation purposes
• Camera (waterproof is optimal)
• Binoculars
• Hydration system (Camelback or Platypus)
• Extra money ($) for Swamp Base merchandise, souvenirs, or snacks at the end of the trek Swamp Base souvenirs can be purchased after the trek. Note: Keep money with you on the trail, so that souvenirs can be purchased
• Fishing gear – poles and bait box to be used at program areas
Health Items:
• Prescription medication
• EpiPen (if required through a prescription)
DO NOT BRING THE FOLLOWING ITEMS:
• Video games or DVD players
• Fireworks
• Firearms
• Alcohol
• Drugs
• Scout-inappropriate clothing
