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Q: How much does the backpack weigh? A: That depends a lot on you. Each person in the group is responsible for carying a portion of the common group gear (pots, stove, tarp, etc...), and you'll always want to have a couple of liters of water on you. Other than that, your pack could be 25 or thirty pounds or it could be 50. Remember--everything that you decide to bring, you will carry. Q: What type of clothes and sleeping bag, (cold weather rating) should I bring? A: Gradual laying is the key. We expect warm to hot weather during the day, but you should be prepared should the weather turn cold. And there's every shade in between. It is important for campers to bring multiple clothing layers such as long underwear should weather conditions become colder. Moderate changes in temperature should be handled by simply taking off or putting on a quick layer. _ You don't need a -20 sleeping bag for this trip--in fact you'll roast. It never hurts to have a bag that can keep you warm in the cold, you can always put on all your clothes in your 15 bag, but you just sweat in your -20 until it gets really Q: What are the estimated arrival/departure times? A: We will be preparing to leave for the trip on arrival day, so you'll need to arrive between 8am and 2pm. We'll actually leave campus in the early evening. We will arrive back to campus before 9am on the first day of New Student Week. Q: What's with the socks? A: Your feet have perhaps the biggest say in how much you enjoy a hiking trip. Wet or damp feet are sad feet, and that makes you a sad camper. To this end, you should have several (at least 3) pairs of thick synthetic or wool (cotton + feet + trail = pain; cotton absorbs moisture while wool and synthetics dispell it) socks.Not only will you be happy to put on those clean dry socks on the third day, but those around you will appreciate it when you take off your boots at the end of the fifth day. If it comes down to bringing more socks on the trip or bringing more anything else, bring the socks. You don't need a pair for every day, but I've never regretted clean socks on the last day of the trip. Many people (myself included) like to wear thin (again, synthetic) liner socks. Separately-moving layers in your boot means less rubbing against your skin and it helps to quickly move moisture away from your skin to work its way out of your boot. Q: What are the bathroom accommodations? A: One great part about camping is becoming one with nature. God's green earth, for one week, will be your bathroom. Another great thing is how much privacy you can find in the outdoors, so don't worry. Q: Do you provide water bottles? A: We do not provide water bottles, however, they may be purchased once the student has arrived to campus. Pwild campers and counselors generally use Nalgene water bottles or an equivalent and are available for purchase at either of two outdoor stores near campus. Pwild campers are given a 20% discount on items at these two stores. ALL CAMPERS MUST BRING WATER BOTTLES HOLDING A COMBINED MINIMUM OF 3 LITERS. Q: Are students responsible for bringing their own plastic garbage bags? A: Yes, students are responsible for bringing their own garbage bags. Each camper should bring 2-3 bags with them on the trip. They keep your things dry in your pack should you find yourself crossing a stream or in a downpour. They also make great make-shift rain ponchos. Q: How will I know my child has arrived at Northwestern on the day Pwild leaves? Is it possible for you to let me know? A: Students will have access to a pay telephone once they arrive to campus. They are free to call and let you know that they have arrived safely, however it is their responsibility to do so, as we will not require students to make calls. |