What do I need to bring?

One of the most common questions about this trip regards what the students need to bring.

For rafting, this is what the NOC website has to say. "For cooler weather, avoid cotton, as it keeps you cold when it gets wet. If the weather is warm, shorts and a T-shirt with a bathing suit will be sufficient. Shoes that fasten securely to your feet are required at all times. At any time of year, avoid heavy cotton fabrics. Jeans and sweatshirts are highly absorbent (think of a cotton towel) and will do nothing to enhance warmth or comfort level."

I wear nylon hiking shorts and t-shirt with a pair of Tevas. Don't feel you need to go buy these if you do not have any. A pair of tennis shoes are fine for the river. NOC provides nylon splash jackets and pants for those who want them as well as PFDs, which are required at all times on the river.

For the Ropes Course and Alpine Tower, students should plan to wear close toed shoes along with jeans/shorts and a t-shirt. If they wear tennis shoes rafting, a second pair of tennis shoes is advisable.

In general, students should also plan to bring the following items:

• sweater/jacket or polar fleece


• a raincoat


• clothing for four days


• sleeping bag or single bed linens


• pillow


• toiletries and a towel


• flip flops for showers


• flashlight/head lamp


• sunscreen & insect repellent


• $50 is plenty of money for the trip. If you give them more, they will spend it, and trust me, what they buy will fit them, not you.

Email me at cparke@altamontschool.org or phone me at 445-1200 if you have any questions.