Dressing for the Out of Doors
Wear the Right Clothing
- Check the weather forecast before you go.
- Bring appropriate clothing for all planned activities.
- Bring clothing for unexpected weather changes. Make sure all campers have a warm jacket or sweater and rain gear with them.
- Whenever possible, use clothes the girls already have.
- Check second-hand stores for warm garments.
"Think Layers"
- A base layer, warm layer and weatherproof layer are the basic clothing layers.
- Remember your head and hands-gloves and hats.
- Dress in layers rather than in a single heavy coat. Each layer must provide warmth and ventilation without hindering mobility.
- Put on or take off layers as your temperature changes. Sweat soaked clothes lose insulation value.
- Pay attention to what the girls are wearing. They often ignore the warning signs of getting chilled until they are thoroughly cold and will then have a hard time getting warm again.
Choose the Right Fabric
- Cotton can be worn in warm weather. However, it won't keep you warm if it gets wet.
- Warm layers should be of wool, fleece or a synthetic such as polypropylene. Many girls have fleece jackets and pants for sports activities.
- Nylon wind pants and jackets make a good outer layer.
Shirts and Pants
- Leave tank tops, halter tops, crop tops and short shorts at home. Exposed shoulders or midriffs can easily get sunburned or bitten by insects.
- Long sleeves and long pants will help protect you from insects, poison ivy, or brambles.
- Shorts can be worn in warm weather, but beware of sunburn.
- Clothing should be loose enough to allow easy movement.
Shoes and Socks
- To prevent cuts, scrapes, blisters and general discomfort, closed-toe shoes and socks must always be worn for outdoor activities. Check that socks do not have holes in them.
- Tennis shoes are appropriate for most outdoor activities.
- Flip-flops, "Crocs" and sandals are not suitable for outdoor activities.
- Shoes should be broken in before going on long hikes.
- For an extended hike, wool or polypropylene socks are best.
- Keep feet clean, warm and dry. Happy feet help to make happy campers!
Rain gear
- Each person should always have a waterproof layer with her. On cool days or when wind will evaporate moisture from the skin, hypothermia is a real concern. (Find out about hypothermia in your Outings and Overnights course handout.)
- An emergency waterproof layer can be a garbage sack with holes cut for the head and arms.
Hats
- In cool weather, pack a warm knit hat. Sleeping in it will even help keep your feet warm!
- During the summer, bring a hat with a brim. You'll appreciate the shade and the protection from sunburn.
Sleepwear
- Change all your clothing before going to bed. Put on clean dry socks and underwear.
- Plan to sleep warmly. It makes a difference in energy and attitude. Try to go to bed before you become chilled.
Odds and Ends
- Gloves or mittens are good for cool mornings.
- Sunglasses are recommended on sunny days.
- A bandanna is a very useful clothing item. Its uses range from handkerchief to pot holder to blindfold to belt.
- Loose, floppy or synthetic clothing is not to be worn around stoves or fires or around any moving parts (such as playground equipment or bikes).
- Synthetic clothing is a danger around fires.
• Check the Safety Activity Checkpoints more information on clothing for specific activities.
• In the course handout, you'll find a suggested packing list for camping as well as seven fun activities girls may use to learn about appropriate clothing for the out of doors.
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