Equipment Checklist for your Mizpah Hut Hike

In order to make the most of your mountain experience, proper clothing and equipment is essential. In years past, the White Mountains have received snow every month of the year with winter like conditions in Spring and Fall. Insuring that your child is well prepared will make the trip both fun and safe. For clothing we suggest the layering system: start with an under layer of polypropylene or other synthetic material, then an insulating layer of fleece or wool, and last an outer layer which is wind and rain proof. Synthetic or wool fabrics are best and should be present in the student's gear. cotton does not work as an insulating layer, particularly when wet. Your child will be staying in an AMC (Appalachian Mountain Club) hut. There is no heat, electricity and limited running water. It is very important that you use this list.

 Students must have the following:

  • Spring jacket/windproof shell
  • Rain gear (coat & pants) unless spring jacket is waterproof
  • Warm sweater or fleece
  • Long johns (top and bottom)
  • 2 pair of long pants* (wind pants and other, no jeans!)
  • Hiking boots** or sturdy sneakers for climbing
  • Soccer sandals, slippers, or sneakers for inside the hut
  • Backpack (large enough to carry all gear-some loaners are available)
  • Tee shirt
  • Wool socks (2 or 3 pairs)
  • 2 Water bottles (plastic one-liter soda bottles are fine)
  • Toilet articles (tooth brush/paste/small soap)
  • Hat to cover ears (ski hat)
  • Gloves or mittens
  • Bandanna
  • Sleeping bag***
  • Flashlight with batteries
  • 2 large garbage bags (to line backpack & 1 for garbage)
  • Zip lock sandwich bag with a few Band-Aids
  • Lunch for the first day & trail mix/snacks for the hike
  • Medical items (bring your own inhaler, bee sting kit, etc.)

 Optional:

  • Compass
  • Camera
  • Bug Dope
  • Binoculars
  • Sunglasses
  • Sunscreen
  • Playing Cards
  • Book to read

 

 

 

 

 

 

NO ELECTRONICS!!!!!

*Jeans are not an appropriate choice for hut trips. If you do not have or can not borrow fleece pants or polypropylene long johns, bring sweat pants.

**Be sure footwear is broken in and not brand new!

***Sleeping bag should be comfortable down to 30 degrees F or below and should have synthetic or down fill. Note: down loses its insulation when wet, so wrap your bag in a plastic bag.