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Glacier & Eruption Hike Packing List

This is a recommended range of clothing and equipment to help you prepare for your hike.  You must pack based on your personal preferences and requirements.  Monitor the forecast for the day of your adventures and prepare your kit accordingly.  For questions about your personal gear and clothing preparation, email explore@mshinstitute.org. 

Clothing, Footwear & Accessories: 

Dress in layers to control your temperature when moving or resting.  Layers listed below should be based on your forecast.  Wear wool or synthetic (polyester, polypropylene, nylon, or acrylic) clothing that can insulate when wet.  Cotton clothing (denim, flannel, duck canvas, etc) is not appropriate for most weather conditions. When cotton becomes wet from precipitation or perspiration, it loses all insulation capabilities and will pull heat from your body.  

  • Boots:  Sturdy hiking boots with good ankle support (mid-high top) or high top trail running shoes.  Low-top running shoes are not appropriate for hiking or climbing Mount St. Helens. 
  • Socks:  Wool or synthetic hiking socks with your preferred thickness for warmth and comfort.
  • Gaiters:  These can range from low or medium height hiking or running style gaiters to high mountaineering/alpine gaiters.  Gaiters may help keep rocks and debris out of your footwear and protect your lower legs from abrasion on rocks/foliage.  
  • Top/shirt:  Based on forecast.  Consider sun and insect protection factors.  
  • Base Layer:  Based on forecast.  Wool or synthetic top and bottom.  
  • Mid Layer:  Fleece or insulated pullover, vest or jacket. 
  • Outer Layer:  For rain and wind;  waterproof jacket/shell top and bottom such as Gore-Tex or any Durable Water Repellant (DWR) fabrics. 
  • Pants:  Hiking, trekking or mountaineering pants suitable for conditions, movement, breathability, durability and functionality.  We prefer long pants for all guided programs for the protections against sun, insects, weather, abrasion, etc.  
  • Gloves:  Based on forecast.  Warm/waterproof for early season weather.  Sun gloves for sun protection.  Climbing/utility/gardening gloves for protection on rocks. 
  • Headwear:  Warm cap or hood for cold conditions and/or well as a breathable sun hat for warmer conditions. 
  • Sunglasses: very beneficial for eye protection against UV light and windblown dust or ash.

Backpack & Equipment: 

  • Backpack:  20-30 liters is sufficient.  
  • 3+ liters of water:  Filled bottles or hydration bladder. Optional electrolyte drinks
  • Lunch and Snacks:  High energy foods, e.g. trail mix, sandwich, trail bars, beef jerky, hard-boiled eggs, summer sausage, cheese
  • Toiletries
    • Sunscreen and spf lip balm (SPF 30 and above)
    • Small First Aid Kit (this includes your own personal prescriptions, over-the-counter medications, and blister care. Bring extra prescription meds in case of unexpected delays)
  • Headlamp or flashlight, with extra set of batteries
  • Bandana: Cotton OK
  • Extra Clothing Layers and Socks: Pack them in a dry-bag or garbage bag if weather shows wet conditions
  • Pocket Knife or Multi-tool
  • Adjustable trekking poles (optional)
  • Binoculars / monocular (optional)