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What to bring to Florida

It's weather, so it's unpredictable. Temperatures will probably range from the low 50s at night to the 80s during the day. It may rain several days in a row, may be blazingly hot and humid. warm and dry, and may even freeze at night so be prepared for a wide range of temperatures and conditions.

Page Last Updated 9/11/2007

Personal Effects

Bring very small containers of items like toothpaste or hand sanitizer.

• Bowl / Cup
• Fork & Spoon or Spork
• Toothbrush and Toothpaste
• Hand Sanitizer or Bio-soap
• Toilet Paper / Baby Wipes (note: Baby Wipes are very heavy and must be packed out with garbage)
• Contact lenses / Glasses
• Hair Clips / Ponytail Bands etc.
• Headlamp - LED lamps will run all week on 1 set of batteries.
• Some cash, a credit card, and ID in a Ziploc bag (leave wallet home)
• Pocket Knife
• Quick Dry Pack Towel
• Whistle / Mirror (if lost)
• Insect Repellent
• Medications
• Vaseline / Talcum powder

Water

One of the MOST IMPORTANT things while hiking and trying to lose weight is to stay hydrated and drink continuously, especially in a hot climate. Bring:

• Water container(s) that together can hold at least 1.5 gallons. Nalgene, Camelbacks, Platypus, or Plastic Soda bottles. Drinking tubes are very convenient.

General Gear

We may be able to provide items with 3 asterisks, but many people prefer to use their own equipment such as sleeping bags over used ones. Also items such as backpacks are size specific.

• Backpack (at least 4000 cu in)***
• Sleeping Bag (rated to 35F)***
• Sleeping Pad***
• Tent***
• Hiking Poles (or ski poles)***
• Lighter / Waterproof matches (cannot be carried on plane)
• Trash Bags (bring a few)
• Straps and Caribiners for affixing stuff onto your pack

Optional Items

These items can add to your comfort greatly, but will also add to pack weight.

• Sunglasses
• Sunscreen (SPF 15 or greater)
• A lightweight book or magazine
• Swimsuit
• Bandanna
• Insect Headnet
• Deodorant (to prevent feet from sweating)
• Pen and Journal
• Camera
• Inflatable Pillow or soft Stuff Sack (for sleeping)
• First Aid Kit (guides will be carrying these)
• Compass
• Duct tape
• Rope
• Water purification tablets / Aqua Mira (Guides carry water treatment equipment)

Clothing

• Blaze Orange Reflecto Vest. January is the tail end of certain hunting seasons in Florida so we will all hike with vests so that we're not mistaken for game.
• Sturdy Hiking Boots (Broken in). Lightweight hikers are OK if you have strong ankles.
• Sandals (e.g. Tevas, Chacos, Crocs) for in camp
• Socks, between 2-4 pair. Some people like Smartwool, Dahlgren or other 1 layer systems. Others prefer polypro liner socks and a wool outer sock. No cotton.
• Quick Dry Long Hiking Pants (No jeans which stay wet and heavy!).
• Quick Dry Short Pants (your long pants can have zip-off legs)
• Quick Dry Long Sleeve Shirt
• Quick Dry Short Sleeve Shirt
• Sweater or Fleece (yes, even in Florida)
• Waterproof Breatheable Rain Shell such as Gore-Tex (Also good for repelling wind)
• Rain Pants or Gaiters
• Wool or Synthetic cold-weather hat (you lose most of your heat through your head).
• Long sleeve Silk, Polypro or Bergalene underwear top (can get cold at night)
• Long Silk, Polypro or Bergalene underwear bottom (can get cold at night)
• Wide Brim Hat
• Stuff sacks or plastic bags in which to protect clothing from moisture