W I L D E R N E S S E X P L O R A T I O N S H A N D B O O K

Table of Contents

Why Backpack with Wild Whatcom? 3

Choosing an Experience 4

Financial Assistance, Payments & Refunds 5 Pricing & Payments 5 Financial Assistance 5 Cancellations & Refunds 6

Safety & Emergency Preparedness 7

Staff Training 8

Health & Wellness 9 Immunizations 9 Health History 9 Medications 10 Food 10 Water 10

Trip Training & Preparation 11 Trip Training Tips 11 Suggested Training Hikes in Whatcom County 12

Packing & Equipment 13

Wild Whatcom Trips Pack Checklist 14 Footwear 14 Clothing 15 Gear 16 Optional Personal Items 17 Please DO NOT Bring 17 Wild Whatcom will provide 17

Pre-Trip Meeting 18

While on program… 18 A Typical Day on Trail 18 Carrying a Pack 18 Hygiene 19 Sleeping Arrangements 20

Why Backpack with Wild Whatcom?

Get ready for incredible views, new friendships, and one of a kind experiences! Wild Whatcom’s Wilderness Exploration is a backpacking program that will be the highlight of your summer. Participants will gain both technical and interpersonal skills while exploring, having fun, and making connections with peers. Our summer trips are 3-7 day adventures, traveling to some of the most sought-after locations in Western Washington as well as some of the area’s best-kept secrets! All trips are led by experiencedWild Whatcom Field Mentors, who receive more than100 hours of training each year! All are encouraged to join regardless of backpacking experience or access to backpacking gear. We provide financial assistance and outfitting, so that any participant who dreams of experiencing the magic of backpacking can hit the trail with us!

Choosing an Experience

Wild Whatcom provides backpacking experiences for participants in grades 6-12. While each subsequent trip is meant to provide more challenge than the last, there is no prerequisite to join! For an idea of what trips are available for each grade, take a peek below. You can find info about specific trips on our ​summer adventures webpage​!

N ovice Backpacking Trips

Ages 3-4 days / 2-3 nights 1 rest day 11-14 Elevation Gain/Loss: 1,000-2,500ft Pack Weight Grades 15-25 pounds Entering 6-8 Mileage (Dependent upon weight and Total Miles: 10-15 physical ability)

Length Per Day: 3-4 miles

I ntermediate Backpacking Trips

Ages Elevation Pack Weight 13-16 Gain/Loss: 2,500-3,000ft 20-35 pounds (Dependent upon weight and Grades Mileage physical ability) Entering 8-10 Total Miles: 15-20 Per Day: 3-5 miles Length 1 rest day 5 days / 4 nights

A dvanced Backpacking Trips

Ages Elevation Pack Weight 15-18 Gain/Loss: 3,000-4,500ft 25-40 pounds (Dependent upon weight and Grades Mileage physical ability) Entering 10-12 Total Miles: 20-35 Per Day: 5-7 miles Length 1 rest day 5-7 days / 4-6 nights

Financial Assistance, Payments & Refunds

Pricing & Payments

Keeping our youth participants safe in the backcountry wilderness is our highest priority. Therefore, much of the cost of our programs support staff training and pay to provide a livable wage for our staff and highly qualified mentors in the field with participants. See the ​Staff Training​ section of this handbook to learn more about our staff qualifications. We also aim to ensure all youth can participate. If the price of our trip is prohibitive to your involvement, please see our ​financial assistance ​ ​and multi-month payment plans.

Trip-specific pricing can be found on our ​Summer Adventures​ webpage and info on payment plans and requests for financial assistance can be accessed during registration. A minimum 10% of program cost is due at the time of registration and is non-refundable. Final program payments are due May 1​st.​

Financial Assistance

At Wild Whatcom, we believe all children should have the opportunity for outdoor exploration and learning. Though our funds are limited, we encourage families with need to submit a request for assistance. Families who qualify for the Free and Reduced Price School Meals program (or equivalent) may be offered up to 75% of program fees. Financial assistance for remaining applicants will be determined based on need (household income, number of dependents, family circumstances, etc.) and availability of funds.

To apply for financial assistance proceed with our standard​ ​registration​. The financial assistance form will appear once you have selected the program(s) you are registering for and checked YES that you would like to apply for financial assistance.

Also note that Blue Skies for Children offers scholarships through their ​Little Wishes program for kids ages 6-18. For summer programs, in addition to opportunities for assistance from Blue Skies for Children, we also encourage kids in grades 6-11 to check out the enrichment scholarships available through the local ​Assistance League​.

Cancellations & Refunds

Wild Whatcom offers a ​50% refund before May 31​st ​ (not including 10% non-refundable registration fee) and ​no refunds after June 1.

In the event that Wild Whatcom must relocate a wilderness exploration (backpacking trip) due to smoke, wildfire, weather, trail closures, emergency events, permitting, etc., we will offer a comparable trip during the original dates, but in an alternate location.

In the event that Wild Whatcom is unable to provide a trip during the original dates, we will seek to find an alternative date that works for the majority of participants. Refunds, minus the 10% non-refundable registration fee, will be considered for those unable to attend the rescheduled trip.

Safety & Emergency Preparedness

“Safety first!” is the most important ​motto​ at Wild Whatcom. Backpacking trips, while rewarding, do carry some inherent risk. In order to mitigate some of this risk, Wild Whatcom focuses heavily on staff training and emergency preparedness. All of our field staff hold either a Wilderness First Responder (WFR), Wilderness First Aid (WFA) or Wilderness EMT (WEMT) certification. Additionally, on top of year round training, staff attend four days of summer specific training each year. All members of the Wild Whatcom team are well versed in Wild Whatcom’s Risk Management Plan and Policies which are reviewed monthly by a Risk Management Committee. Wild Whatcom has also created a Crisis Management Plan that details emergency communication and evacuation procedures should an emergency occur during the course of a trip.

In case of emergency, Wild Whatcom mentors carry a satellite communication device for the duration of the trip, allowing them to contact emergency services and Wild Whatcom staff in Bellingham. Mentors also carry a fully stocked first aid kit and participant health history forms, should medical attention be required. In the event that a family emergency occurs at home and you must get in touch with staff in the field, you may contact our voicemail line, 360.389.3414, and Wild Whatcom staff can help you communicate with your child’s trip leader.

Staff Training

At Wild Whatcom, we take great pride in the quality and training of our mentors. We believe it to be one of the things that sets our organization apart. In addition to mentors coming to Wild Whatcom with a wealth of varied experience—such as multiple years in other outdoor programs, counseling, social work, and teaching in public schools, to name a few—mentors are also provided continuous opportunities for training and expanding their skill sets as environmental educators, mentors, and program managers.

All of our field staff hold either a Wilderness First Responder (WFR), Wilderness First Aid (WFA) or Wilderness EMT (WEMT) certification. Financial support is provided for each staff member to either receive and/or keep their certification up-to-date. In addition to environmental education, youth development, and risk management training, we provide annual behavior management and mandated reporter trainings with outside experts.

Additionally all staff working in Wild Whatcom’s Wilderness Explorations Backpacking program attend an additional four day summer training during which we focus on backpacking gear use and repair, backcountry navigation, wildlife safety, Leave No Trace Principles, group development, socioemotional learning and more!

Health & Wellness

Immunizations

For extended backpacking trips lasting longer than 36 consecutive hours, a tetanus booster within the last 5 years and a current copy of your child's Immunization Record showing a full primary tetanus vaccine series is required to participate.

No exceptions to tetanus policy will be allowed for extended backpacking trips as it would require evacuation of any participant who sustains any skin wound. Tetanus spores are present in soil and can occur even with a minor wound in individuals not immunized to tetanus.

For participants planning to register for one of our summer extended backpacking trips, please note that a seven (7) month window is needed in order to get the full series of tetanus. Summer trips typically begin late June. Immunization records may be uploaded to your child’s account or submitted via email or postal mail at least 30 days prior to your child exploring with us. See our ​Immunization policy FAQ​ for more info.

Health History

As a part of Wild Whatcom’s registration process, all participants/families are required to fill out a health history form during registration with up-to-date medical information. This information is crucial to ensure the highest level of safety possible for all participants. Wild Whatcom’s Wilderness Explorations program operates in remote wilderness areas where emergency medical services may be delayed. The more information you share, the better prepared we will be. This info will be shared internally on a need-to-know basis with those responsible for participants’ care and treated confidentially.

In the event that Wild Whatcom is made aware of undisclosed or new medical/mental/behavioral conditions and/or significant medication changes shortly before a trip, Wild Whatcom will review the condition/medications, and reserves the right to exclude your child if we feel we cannot keep them or other participants safe. Wild Whatcom may require physician approval, thus the recommendation for early disclosure.

Additionally, ​Wild Whatcom is not a wilderness therapy program ​and is not the place to begin new prescription medications, go off of prescription medications (medication holiday), quit smoking/drinking/drugs, or work through unmanaged mental health issues. While we focus on social emotional learning and empowering

youth, our staff are not trained to provide on-going support to youth in crisis. The added element of being in the backcountry, far from medical care and cell service, also amplifies risk if unexpected symptoms or reactions are to occur. Please communicate with us as early as possible if you have any concerns or added considerations about participation in our backpacking trip..

Medications

All prescription medications must be listed on a participants health history form. If a participant begins or stops using a prescription medication after you have completed the health history portion of registration, please let us know as soon as possible. In addition to listing prescription medication(s), any participant bringing or planning to take ​any prescription or non-prescription medication​, ​will need to complete a ​medication form​ for each medicine and turn them in to trip mentors prior to the start of the trip. This form is kept with participant’s medication, which is held onto and monitored by mentors for the duration of the trip.

Food

In the backcountry, we like to remember the mantra “food is fuel!” Over the course of a trip, our bodies will be working hard and in need of many calories. When selecting food to bring for backpacking, there are many considerations we take into account such as weight, nutritional value, shelf life, ease of preparation and of course, taste! We also work with families to accommodate allergies and food restrictions. For example, we are able to provide food accommodations for vegans/vegetarians, and most gluten free, nut free, and dairy free diets. Have a concern? Just ask us!

We encourage you to talk about food with your child before the beginning of their trip. Your child may be eating foods not typically eaten at home and in the backcountry, it’s not always an option to be choosy (think “Food is fuel!”). If you’re curious what a typical day of food might look like, see below!

Backcountry Menu Breakfast: Oatmeal, brown sugar, dried fruit, cinnamon ​ ​ Lunch: Tortilla wraps (filling may include: summer sausage, cheese, hummus, tuna, peanut butter, jelly) ​ Dinner: Burritos (rehydrated beans and rice, cheese), Lentil Soup, Thanksgiving dinner (mashed ​ ​ potatoes, stuffing, gravy, vegetables, rehydrated chicken) and more!

Water

While on trail we will stay well hydrated! All of our routes have been assessed for consistent access to water for drinking, cooking, and cleaning. All water meant for cooking or drinking is decontaminated either through filtration or boiling. Mentors will teach all participants how to ensure that their drinking water is safe to drink!

Trip Training & Preparation

The beginning of any journey starts long before one leaves home— in the thoughts, intentions, goals, planning, and preparation for the adventure. A key part of preparation for backpacking is getting the body ready for the work we will ask it to do. When our bodies have had the opportunity to get stronger and practice the challenges they will meet on the trail, they are ready and willing when the journey begins!

The trip training we suggest below builds physical and mental strength, increases confidence, helps prevent injury, and will make you a team member who can effectively carry a portion of group gear. A physically and mentally prepared trekker increases the safety of self and others. Training suggestions mimic the types of trail and terrain you'll be hiking during your trip. Backpackers must be able to hike a full mileage day with a full weight pack before participating in their trip.

Trip Training Tips

● Train in the boots you'll be wearing for the trip (key to​ blister prevention​). ● Begin training with a partially loaded pack, then increase to your full load weight. A full weight pack can be calculated as about 25% of your body weight. ● Work towards completing a few hikes the length (miles) of an average trip day for your trip, with a full weight pack. Average daily mileage can be found above. ● Intermediate and Advanced Trips involve elevation gain and/or tricky terrain. Practice hiking up and down hills with your full pack and, depending on your trip location, scrambling over some rocky terrain. ● If you will be using hiking poles on your trip (suggested for Intermediate and Advanced Trips) use them while training to learn the rhythm and motion of hiking with poles ● Even if you are in great shape as a runner, cyclist, soccer player, swimmer, gymnast, rock climber, etc., no activity quite mimics backpacking. This is especially true if your trip involves hills, long distances with a pack on yours back, or tricky terrain. ● If you haven't slept outside much, try sleeping out in the backyard for a night with a tent, sleeping pad, and sleeping bag to make sure you'll stay warm and can sleep well! Note that on all trips, we will be sleeping at higher elevations, and thus will have colder temperatures. A warm sleeping bag is essential! ● See suggested hikes below to train for the mileage and elevation requirements of your trip!

Suggested Training Hikes in Whatcom County (Reminder! You’ll need a​ Washington State Park Discover Pass​ if parking at a state park.)

Novice Trips ​(see sample description of Novice Trips ​here​)

Backpackers must be able to hike 3-4 miles, 1,000 ft elevation change, with a full weight pack (about 25% of your body weight).

Suggested Hikes Birch Bay State Park Hovander Park / Tennant Lake Interurban Lake Padden Park (lake and horse trails) Larrabee State Park – Clayton Beach Locust Beach (heading north) North Lake Whatcom Park Point Whitehorn Semiahmoo Spit South Bay/Boulevard Park Whatcom Falls Park

Intermediate Trips ​(see sample description of Intermediate Trips ​here​)

Backpackers must be able to hike 4 miles with 2,000 ft elevation change, with a full weight pack (about 25% of your body weight).

Suggested Hikes Squires Lake Park Stewart Mountain (north end of Lake Whatcom or off the Y Road) Sehome Hill Arboretum (WWU Campus) Chuckanut Mountain trails (north starting from Arroyo Park area and up) Chuckanut Mountain trails (south starting from Larrabee State Park and up) Galbraith Mountain hiking trails Lake Padden Park (horse trails)

Advanced Trips​ (see sample description of Advanced Trips ​here​)

Backpackers must be able to hike 5-6 miles with 3,000 ft elevation change, with a full weight pack (about 25% of your body weight).

Suggested Hikes Blanchard Mountain trails (east side to Lizard and Lily Lakes, North Butte, Oyster Dome) Blanchard Mountain trails (west side to Oyster Dome) Lookout Mountain (near Sudden Valley) Pine and Cedar Lakes Rock Trail (Larrabee State Park)

Packing & Equipment

Part of the challenge of a backpack trip is carrying a full pack. Another is discovering what is essential and what is not. When starting to pack, first check for detailed weather forecast at​ ​NOAA​ or​ ​Weather Underground​. Plan and prepare using their forecast and this pack list as a guide. We will let you know if there are any other adjustments to this list based on the weather forecast and trip itinerary.

Every trip pack list we create has essentials that we expect will be needed in the wilderness. Note: though a lightweight pack can minimize discomfort on the trail, you know your tolerance for other discomforts (such as cold, wet, bugs, etc.) so use your common sense and pack with consideration of your particular needs.

Loaner Gear:​ We have gear and clothing available to loan. If obtaining any of this gear is keeping you from participating in a trip, please contact us and we will work to get you everything you need! Also note that consignment and thrift stores can be inexpensive sources of outdoor clothing.

Prepare to bring everything except departure day’s lunch to the ​Pre-Trip Meeting​.​ We will go through packs together and decide if anything is missing or can be eliminated.

Our Goal:​ A backpack with a base weight (without group gear added) that is less than 18 lbs. Remember! Packs alone can weigh 3-5 lbs. Please read over this list carefully. If an item is not listed, you probably don’t need it!

We encourage you to use the packing list below to ensure you don’t forget anything! A downloadable PDF of this pack list can be found ​here​.

Wild Whatcom Trips Pack Checklist

Footwear

❏ Hiking/backpacking boots (broken in!):​ 1 pair ● Ankle Support: ​Boots that fit above the ankle provide support for your ankle and lower leg and protect your ankles from painful sprains. With heavier loads, above ankle boots help minimize the occurrence of rolling ankles over rough terrain. ● Materials:​ Preferred boot material depends on what you will generally use boots for. Leather and Gore-Tex® provide better waterproofing, but are slower to dry. Synthetic materials will dry faster, and generally require shorter break-in periods. Wild Whatcom does not have a preferred material provided the material is comfortable for you. ● Fit: ​This is the most important consideration for your boot. A great resource for proper fit is REI’s boot fitting guide ​here​. Also, don’t forget that breaking in a new pair of boots can take as many as two months of consistent use! ● Example brands include: Asolo®, Danner®, Merrill®, Montrail®, Raichle®, and Vasque® are just a few popular brands. Equivalent brands are also acceptable. ● Not appropriate: tennis shoes, hiking shoes (below ankle), Five-Fingers® (toe shoes), trail runners. ❏ Hiking Socks:​ 2-4 pairs ● Wool or synthetic ● Must be taller than the ankle of your hiking boot ● Optional: Hiking sock liners. Some find that sock liners reduce friction and wick moisture, reducing the occurrence of blisters. ❏ Closed-toe, sturdy camp/water shoe: ​1 pair ● “Camp” shoes should be closed-toed, secure to feet, lightweight and quick drying. These are worn around camp after a day of hiking is done to give feet a rest, as well as while swimming. Camp shoes are worn while swimming to avoid incidence of cuts on feet from debris in water and while entering water. Such cuts could lead to the evacuation or early cancellation of a trip for participants for safety reasons. ● Examples include: ​Mesh water shoes, ​Keens®, ​Crocs®, or any off brand equivalents. ● Not appropriate: thin water shoe/socks, jelly sandals, flip-flops, open-toed sandals

Clothing

❏ Underwear: 2-3 pairs ● 2 lightweight, wicking (synthetic or wool-blend). Tip: Bring one pair. Turn inside out or wash mid-trip. ● 1 cotton pair for sleeping if preferred ❏ Sports Bra: 1 (if needed)

❏ Long Underwear Top: 1 ● Wicking (synthetic or wool-blend) long underwear bottom and long-sleeve top. ❏ Hiking Bottoms: 1-2 ● Quick-dry, lightweight material ● Shorts, hiking skirt, or dress acceptable, but if you bring one of these, you must also bring full length hiking bottoms ● Examples include: Leggings, hiking pants, athletic shorts. ❏ Warm Pants: 1 pair ● Warm fleece pants or extra pair of heavyweight wicking (synthetic or wool-blend) long underwear. ❏ Rain Pants: 1 pair ● Waterproof and breathable (i.e. No PVC vinyl or rubberized fabric) ● Must fit over all layers ❏ Rain Coat: 1 jacket ● Waterproof, hooded, and breathable (i.e. No PVC vinyl or rubberized fabric) ● Must fit over all layers

❏ Tops: 2 pair ● 1 lightweight, wicking (synthetic or wool-blend) short-sleeve shirt. ● 1 lightweight, wicking (synthetic or wool-blend) warm long-sleeve sweater or fleece mid-layer. ❏ Jacket: 1 ● Warm, synthetic (ex. fleece) jacket or down jacket. Note: Down is 50% warmer than synthetic and considerably lighter weight and compressible, but more sensitive to moisture - and more expensive. ❏ Hats: 1-2 ● Warm, lightweight hat. ● Hat: brimmed, lightweight for sun protection (sun hat, visor, or baseball cap). ❏ Gloves: 1 pair ● (required for advanced trips or high elevation trips) ❏ Swimsuit/Swim Shirt: 1 ❏ Bandana and/or Buff : 1 ❏ Sunglasses ● any brand will do

Gear

❏ Backpack ● 50-70 liter backpack with waist belt and chest strap. Note: Smaller capacity packs may be better for smaller backpackers. ❏ Sleeping Bag ● Rated to 20 degrees F or less. Non-cotton. Note: Down is warmer and considerably lighter weight than synthetic and compressible, but more sensitive to moisture - and more expensive. ❏ Sleeping Pad ● Closed cell foam or self-inflating. Note: Closed-cell foam pads weigh less than inflatable pads and are more durable (but can be less comfortable). Tip: Closed–cell pads can be cut down to torso length to save space and weight. ❏ Headlamp or Lightweight Flashlight/Batteries (New and Fresh): 1 ● Trust us when we say new batteries are essential. Those who don’t heed this advice have regretted it! ❏ Water Bottles or Bladder: 2-32 oz (1 liter). ● Note: If you plan to bring a bladder, please make sure the second is a bottle in case the bladder leaks, malfunctions, or gets punctured. Any hard-sided bottles will do (gatorade bottle, nalgene, smart water bottle, etc). ❏ Pack Towel: 1 ● Small-medium size, quick-drying. ❏ Mug: 1 ● Lightweight, heat-proof. ❏ Bowl: 1 ● Lightweight, sturdy, plastic reusable container with a screw-top or secure lid for storing uneaten food. Small, heat-proof reusable container, ex. Rubbermaid, Tupperware, etc.) work well. ❏ Utensil: 1 ● Lightweight, sturdy spoon or spork. Silverware works! (spoon recommended)! ❏ Plastic Bags: 2-1 gallon freezer-weight (1 for mess kit, 1 for toiletries). ● Helps reduce clutter in packs and keeping bear hangs organized. ❏ Small Journal/Pencil: 1

Personal Items: ❏ Toiletries (Travel Size) ● Toothbrush (toothpaste provided) ● Sunscreen (if particular brand is needed, otherwise we will provide) ● Lip Balm w/ sunscreen ● Insect Repellent (if particular brand is needed, otherwise we will provide) ● Glasses and/or contact lenses/solution ❏ Medications (Note: Medicines must be in original containers with labels that show participants name and dosage. Medications will be collected on day one and administered as needed by staff). Please bring completed ​Medications forms​ with you. ❏ Lunch for the first day ● Large lunch, snacks, and water bottle for day one en route to the trailhead.

Optional Personal Items

❏ Extra Bandana (lots of potential uses) ❏ Gloves (warm): 1 pair ❏ Hiking Poles: 1 or 2 (strongly suggested for all advanced trips) ❏ Large, Heavy-duty, Plastic Trash Bags (pack liner and/or pack cover): 2-3 large ❏ Mosquito Headnet ❏ Eyemask (or Cotton Headband)/Ear Plugs ❏ Post-trip Clothes (for ride back to Bellingham). Cotton OK. ❏ Nylon Stuff Sacks: 2

Please DO NOT Bring

● Cell phones, cameras, iPods, or other electronics. ● Valuable items that may get lost, stolen, or damaged. ● Medications or vitamins of any kind that are not listed on your health form.

Wild Whatcom will provide

● Tents/Rainfly/Stakes ● Water Purification System ● Stoves/Fuel/Matches ● Pots/Pans/Cooking Utensils ● Food and Beverages (except first day lunch) ● Critter hang bags plus rope for food storage (if not using bear canisters) ● Gear Repair Kit/Other Tools ● Whistles ● First Aid Kits ● Map/Compasses ● Hand Sanitizer/Biodegradable Soap ● Toothpaste ● Toilet Paper/Trowels ● Insect Repellent ● Sunscreen ● Camera ● Emergency Spot Device (Communication) ● Permits ● Important! All participants will help carry group gear (ex. tents, stoves, pots/pans, food, etc...). The amount of weight/gear added beyond a participants base pack weight will be based on the individual's height, weight, and abilities.

Pre-Trip Meeting

All pre-trip meetings take place at ​Cascades Montessori Middle School​. Specific times and dates can be found in your trips ​detailed itinerary​ online and will also be emailed to you well in advance of the meeting. It is required that participants attend.. The pre-trip meeting is a time when participants can expect to meet all other trip attendees and start to get to know each other as well as prepare for our trip the next day. Please prepare your child with:

❏ All gear and clothing they plan to bring (check out the gear list​ ​here​). ❏ A small bag for things that will be needed back at home like toothbrushes, medications and clothes for Day 1. ❏ Me​dication Forms (if your child is bringing any prescription or no prescription medication).

At the pre-trip meeting, we will review our gear as a group and discuss how to properly pack our packs. ​Packed packs will be left overnight​ at Cascades Montessori to reduce the urge to unpack or add extra weight. Watch this​ ​video​ f​or more pre-trip information.

While on program…

A Typical Day on Trail

While each day on trail is unique, there is a general experience participants can expect while on program. Each night, mentors will discuss the route and plan for the following day, in order to help participants develop a general itinerary for the following day. Participants can expect to hike anywhere from 2-7 miles over the course of the day depending on the trip location and ​difficulty​.​ All hiking days will include frequent breaks for hydration and snacking and a lunch break. A day on trail will also generally include an introduction to or practice of backcountry skills, shared naturalist or human history information pertinent to the trip location, and activities that promote socio-emotional learning and leadership development.

Carrying a Pack

Carrying a full pack can be an uncomfortable and challenging activity at first. Trip participants should expect to carry 20-30% of their body weight​ ​during this trip, including personal and group gear. This can feel like a lot! That being said, with an appropriately fitted pack, training and a positive mindset, your backpack becomes

just one small part of your experience. Mentors will ensure that backpacks are appropriately sized and fitted prior to departure, and help adjust packs during the course of the trip. If you are unsure that you have the right pack or would like to borrow one, please contact us at ​[email protected]​.

Hygiene

Backcountry living can be a dirty endeavor, but there are many ways you can stay hygienic and healthy! Many participants new to outdoor living have reservations specifically about hygiene, so we’re here to answer some of our most frequently asked hygiene questions. If yours aren’t answered below, please reach out to us!

Will I be able to bathe, shower, or wash my hands while on trail?

While our trips are not located in areas with shower facilities, there will be plenty of opportunity to refresh in mountain-fed lakes or streams! We encourage participants to rinse off each day or as needed. You’d be surprised at how far a dunk in a lake or river will go! Additionally, we carry hand sanitizer for use before meals and after going to the bathroom to cut down on sharing germs.

I see that deodorant, wipes, and soap are not listed as toiletries to bring with. Why is that? All hygiene products of this type, even unscented, carry a smell that may attract wildlife. For this reason, all hygiene products must be gathered each night and hung in a “bear bag”’ We carry a limited number of bear bags, which must be prioritized to hang food, necessary toiletries, and other “smellables.” Deodorant, wipes and soap are not necessary hygiene items, and you will take up precious space in your pack! If you have concerns about not bringing these items, we’d be happy to chat about it.

Where/how will I go to the bathroom?

Depending on the trip, pit toilets (outhouses) may be available for use. Many of our trips have pit toilets within walking distance of each campsite. Occasionally, pit toilets are not available at a campsite, or when hiking between campsites. In this case, participants will go to the bathroom off trail. Peeing without use of a pit toilet is ideally done 200 feet from a trail, water, or campsite if possible. While we will have toilet paper with us, we encourage participants to go without when peeing or use alternative methods such as a specially designated bandana.

When pooping in the backcountry without a pit toilet, Wild Whatcom uses what is commonly referred to as the “blue bag system,” packing out solid human waste in order to reduce our environmental impact. While this can be a source of anxiety for new participants, using blue bags does not have to be scary, and many note that it is actually much easier than digging catholes (another backcountry solid waste disposal method). Mentors will provide extensive instruction on how to use the bathroom in the backcountry before participants are required to do so. At the end of our trips, many participants report comfort with backcountry bathroom use, and feel empowered learning a method that is more environmentally friendly! If you would like more resources on this subject, REI has an excellent guide to using the bathroom in the woods, which you can ​read here​.

What if I have my period in the backcountry?

Having your period in the backcountry is very similar to having your period at home. We recommend participants who have started menstruating bring enough supplies for a whole cycle, even if they think they will not have their period while on program (you never know what your body might decide to do!) You can use whatever menstruation products on your trip that you might use at home. The main difference on trail is that period products may not be disposed of in pit toilets or anywhere on the trail, so you are required to pack out any single use period products. Wild Whatcom will provide all participants who request it, an opaque bag with baking soda where they can dispose of period products. Any used bags will be hung away from the campsite each night and then returned to participants at the start of the day. Mentors will discuss and provide instruction and tips for having your period on trail prior to leaving. All of our mentors are comfortable and well versed on this topic, and participants are encouraged to ask any questions or share any concerns they might have!

Sleeping Arrangements

During a trip, Wild Whatcom will provide lightweight backpacking tents. Depending on the trip, mentors may choose to provide tent assignments to ensure participant comfort and encourage group bonding. Participants will have the opportunity to provide input before mentors create tent assignments. All tents will be in close proximity of one another, with mentors nearby in a separate tent. Tents will sleep 3-4 participants, each with a sleeping pad and a sleeping bag. Mentors will also facilitate a discussion about how to sleep respectfully in close quarters!

C O N T A C T U S