The following list has been refined from years of experience. It will also be helpful to keep a few of these tips in mind as you shop and pack to ensure an enjoyable experience:

Click here for printable versions of the June program and August program gear lists.

COMMON MISTAKES:

• Underestimating the range of weather conditions. There will be hot, sunny days (70’s to 90’s) and cold (30’s to 40’s) nights. It will rain!
• Bringing too much gear. All personal gear, group gear and food must fit in one medium sized pack. Additional personal items are permitted, but extra ounces add up quickly!

MATERIALS:

• Polyester, fleece, Capilene®, Synchilla®, Polartec®, and other equivalent fabrics are all light weight, quick-drying synthetics. These are ideal for the outdoors, as they insulate even when wet.
• Wool can also keep you warm while wet, although it is slow to dry.
• Cotton will NOT insulate while wet, and is extremely slow to dry. Consequently, cotton is not permitted for many layers, as designated below.
• The WEIGHTS of fabrics for some layers are specified. "Light" garmets should NOT be substituted for "medium" or "heavy" articles of clothing.

IMPORTANT:

• All Killarney participants must bring their passport in order to cross the U.S./Canada border.
• You must have all of the required QUEST gear prior to arriving on campus for the beginning of the QUEST program.
• The key to staying warm in the wilderness is layering. You will need at least 3 insulating layers plus a wind/rain layer, which must fit comfortably over each other so they can be worn at the same time if necessary.
• For women: The stress of outdoor living can dramatically alter menstrual cycles. Bring enough tampons/pads for two cycles.
• For eyeglass wearers: It is wise to bring an extra pair of glasses. Contacts are ok for QUEST as long as they don’t require extensive care. We recommend bringing an extra pair of glasses in addition to extra contacts in case of eye irritation that makes wearing contacts uncomfortable. Consider bringing sunglasses that will clamp on, or fit over, your prescription glasses.

Required Footwear         Details                   Recommendations

Required Lower Body     Details                Recommendations

Underwear:	2-3 pair of quick drying polyester, light cotton or nylon cotton crotch for women	Capilene® wicks moisture away from the skin and dries quickly. Cotton is acceptable, but slow drying.
Hiking Shorts:	2 pair loose fitting synthetic athletic or river shorts	Men may want liners
Primary Layer:	1 pair of light to mid-weight long underwear bottoms of polypropylene or other synthetic material	No Cotton
Secondary Layer:	1 pair of medium to heavy fleece or wool pants Should be large enough to fit over other layers and allow free movement
Rain Pants:	Coated nylon pants to fit over layers	Refer to rain jacket suggestions
Swim suit:	Lightweight, fast drying fabric

Required Personal Items

Ground Pad:	Provides a warmth and comfort a barrier between you and the ground while you sleep.Foam pads and ThermaRest® pads are acceptable in the 3/4 length or full length size.
Sleeping Bag:	Should be mummy bag (with a hood) rated to 20 degrees Fahrenheit. Synthetic filled bags are preferable to keep you warm even when wet.
Passport (Killarney Participants):	REQUIRED to cross the border
1 Liter Water Bottle:	Nalgenes work well. Make sure to make it identifiable as yours
Bowl, cup, and spoon:	For meals: plastic, lexan, or steel
Flashlight or headlamp:	WITH extra batteries and bulb
Folding pocket knife:	Sheath knives not permitted
Heavy duty large plastic trash bags:	4-5 bags to keep pack and gear dry
Journal and writing utensil:
QUEST participant handbook:
Lighter:
Lip Balm/Chapstick:	With SPF 15 or higher
Small diameter nylon cord (20 feet):
Sunscreen:	With SPF 15 or higher
Towel:	Pack Towels or swimming chamois suggested
Ziploc bags:	3 or more gallon size
Insect Repellent:	In Killarney, expect mosquitoes, deer flys, and horse flys (no black flys though!)
Brimmed hat:	A sun or baseball hat to limit sun exposure

Optional Personal Items:

Bandana:
Caribiner:	To attach water bottle to pack: NOT for climbing purposes
Moleskin/ Molefoam:	Used to treat and prevent blisters. 1-2 sheets of each OR a SMALL blister kit Moleskin is a thin adhesive cotton flannel that protects feet from friction and pressure. It forms a protective layer between skin and boots. Molefoam is a thick foam padding covered with the same cotton flannel as moleskin. It is used to surround and protect blisters from pressure and friction.
Sunglasses (and a sturdy case!):	Should block UV and infrared light.
Personal toiletries:	Toothbrush, toothpaste, brush/comb, face wipes, hand sanitizer, biodegradable soap, nail clippers, tampons/pads Do NOT bring large sizes. Travel sizes are sufficient.
Camera:
$30 for food on the bus ride up and back:

MEDICATIONS:
QUEST provides first aid kits stocked with some over-the-counter medications to help manage symptoms such as headaches, congestions, allergies, etc. that may arise over the course of the program. However, if you are prone to allergies, etc., and prefer a specific brand of medication, we recommend that you bring it. Note: medication for menstrual cramps is not provided.

All prescription medication must be listed on your medical form. When crossing the US/Canada border, customs may ask for a doctor’s note verifying your prescription.

If taking any medication regularly, including birth control, check with your doctor about possible side effects from spending two and a half weeks in a wilderness environment

Check with your physician, but if possible do not increase or decrease medication for depression, anxiety, etc. (Prozac, Zoloft, etc.) immediately before or during QUEST. The program is stressful physically and emotionally, and the effects of significant changes in these medications could be amplified.

If you experience any reoccurring infections (ear, yeast, urinary, etc.) note it on your medical form and bring the appropriate medication.

"Caring for myself is not self-indulgence, it is self preservation."
-Audre Lorde