Trek 2 - 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

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. Please download a copy of the order form here: Swamp Base Trek Shirt with Insect Shield
     •  Lightweight zip-off long pants and long-sleeve shirt (for insect and sunburn protection)
        Note: Dark colored clothes attract mosquitoes
     •  Hat (wide-brim recommended)
     •  Water shoes – required for all swimming
     •  Tennis shoes or Boots for portaging canoes up to 2,000' Suggested boots: Merrell Moab Ventilator Mids
     •  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)
     •  (5) Powdered Gatorade or PowerAde packs or equivalent electrolyte supplements
     •  (2) Towels (one for the trek and one for the nights at the university)
     •  Bandana, small towel, rag, or a Real X Gear – Xtreme Cool towel
     •  (2) Dry bags – 20-liters each
     •  “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.
     •  Baby powder or Gold Bond® (to cut down on chafing)
     •  Paracord, rope, or straps for securing gear and water bottles to the canoe
     •  Carabiners for securing gear

Camping Gear:
     •  Queen sized cotton sheet or lightweight compact sleeping bag rated over 50° F
     •  Camp pillow   
        Note: The University does not provide linens. Many Scouts prefer to bring a larger pillow or extra sheets for the two nights in the university.
     •  Toiletry kit (tooth brush, tooth paste, biodegradable soap, (2) rolls of toilet paper, deodorant, etc.)
        Note: Unscented soaps, shampoos, and deodorants will help reduce mosquitoes
     •  Mess Kit (plastic bowl, spoon, and fork)
     •  Hand sanitizer

Crew Gear:
     •  First aid kit
     •  Garbage bags (2 heavy duty garbage bags per person)

Optional Items:
     •  Smartphone and phone dry bag for trek documentation purposes
     •  Camera (waterproof is optimal)
     •  Canoe seat/camp chair
        Note: Swamp Base does not provide canoe seats. Suggested: GCI Outbacker seat or Crazy Creek Chair
     •  Camera (waterproof is optimal)
     •  Paddling gloves
     •  Wristwatch
     •  Smartphone and phone dry bag for trek documentation purposes
     •  Camera (waterproof is optimal)
     •  Binoculars
     •  Hydration system (suggested brand - 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

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