What to Bring - Winter Activities

Download equipment list in pdf format.

General Information

All belongings need to fit in a comfortable daypack or fanny pack. To ensure that you are comfortable and safe on our trips we recommend that you bring the items listed below. The weather can change quickly, so bring all of the equipment and leave the excess in the van.

For Mt. Hood trips only, a stop will be made en route to rent cross country ski equipment (approximately $12/person).
For Santiam Pass trips, rent your skis prior to pickup. Snowshoes are provided and included in the price for all snowshoe trips.

Lunch is eaten on the trail. Eat high-calorie foods and drink fluids throughout the trip to avoid dehydration and to keep your energy level high.

If city roads are icy and unsafe to drive on day of trip, call NW Discoveries at 503-524-9192 after 6:30 a.m. to find out if trip has been cancelled.
If you get lost while trying to find our meet location or the van is late, call our guide on the cell phone 503-524-9192.

Clothing and Equipment

Winter activities such as cross-country skiing and snowshoeing are highly aerobic and your body produces a large amount of heat when in motion. You should be wearing clothing that allows freedom of movement. It is essential to dress in layers and avoid overdressing that could lead to overheating of your body. Be prepared to don extra layers to stay comfortable when the wind picks up or when you stop for lunch.

Avoid wearing cotton clothes, which soak up moisture and get cold and clammy. You should dress in three layers:

Moisture-wicking layer of synthetic, silk, or wool.
Add insulating layer, such as Polartec jacket or wool sweater.
The outer shell of your layering system should be a jacket and pants made from a wind- and waterproof fabric, such as Gore-Tex.

Items to Bring:

___ for snowshoe trips: comfortable waterproof boots with insulation (ex. hiking boots)
___ bring 1 extra warm jacket or sweater
___ extra set of clothes in bag to be left in van
___ 2 pairs of socks wool/synthetic, 1 thick, 1 thin
___ gaiters (recommended)
___ knit/pile hat
___ gloves and liners
___ sack lunch, snacks
___ 1 quart of water
___ money for snacks (for optional stops en route)
___ sunscreen lotion
___ daypack or fanny pack
___ sunglasses
___ lip protection
___ rain hat
___ personal medication
___ nonabsorbent foam pad to sit on
___ $5 trail fee donation
___ rain jacket
___ rain pants
___ pile jacket/sweater/wool shirt
___ chemical hand and foot warmers (optional)

For Mt. Hood trips only, a stop will be made en route to rent cross country ski equipment (approximately $12/person).
For Santiam Pass trips, you need to bring your own skis to the pickup location!