The video above should help you know how easy gathering your trek clothing can be. (One take, no edits, it’s that good!) 

What’s the deal with pioneer clothing: Dressing in pioneer clothing can have a tremendous impact on the spirit of trek. When everyone is dressed like a pioneer, a unique setting and environment are created. External barriers, images, cliques, pride, and popularity egos seem to be removed. What then remains is a group of equal and potentially humble families ready to be taught. We would like everyone participating in Trek to wear pioneer clothing. The following is a short description of what the pioneers wore as they crossed the plains. It also gives some IMPORTANT hints for trekking in our day.

Everyone will need a 5-gallon bucket to pack in. These are great for keeping things dry and clean, and they will also serve as your campfire chair. We will have an activity in May to decorate and put pads on our buckets so please get this item sooner than later. Your packing is limited to your bucket and one black garbage bag with your sleeping supplies. 

Don’t forget that you will need a packed lunch for the first day. You are also welcome to bring car snacks to share with everyone in your car. 

Tips:

• A screw-on lid for your bucket will make it much easier to access your supplies.
• Consider spraying your clothing with Pymethrin the day before trek. It works great to keep bugs away and lasts about a week. 
• We will take our buckets in the handcarts so you can access to chapstick, sunglasses, trek booklet, blister pads, etc, and since it will also serve as your chair (ie. chapstick, sunglasses, trek booklet, blister pads, etc.) 
• Get 40% Deet or better for bug spray. Deep Woods Off and 3M ultrathon are recommended.
• Bring a water bottle or camel pack. Water jugs will be available during trek to refill personal water bottles. You may also want to bring a carabiner to attach your water bottle to a rope on the handcart so it doesn’t roll around. 
• A small personal first aid kit could include moleskin (for blisters), a picket knife or small scissors, band-aids, Neosporin, anti-itch cream, etc.
• One of the most important components of this trek is to leave the world behind. The leaders will have cell phones in case of emergencies. Please don’t bring anything that will keep you digitally “plugged in.” 

MEN’S CLOTHING

Shirts

Men’s shirts were worn loose. They had a narrow neckband with no collar. Plain colors were most common, but stripes or plaids were also used. For modern-day trekkers, light colors will be the coolest. Choose something larger than a regular fit, with long sleeves, and it’s ok if it has a collar.

Pants

Men’s pants were also worn loose. Wool or linen was used. Colors included blue, black, gray, and brown, especially beige and tan. Trekkers in our day find that wool is too hot but that cotton, corduroy, twill, cargo, and canvas pants are good choices. Choose styles that are rather loose-fitting through the crotch and thigh area to add comfort in walking.

Suspenders

Men’s pants were held up by suspenders that were buttoned on the outside of the waistband and crossed in the back. Modern-day trekkers probably have never used a pair of suspenders in their lives! They are optional.

Hats

Men’s everyday hats ranged from pilot caps, straw hats, wide-brimmed low-felt hats, or round crowned hats. Modern-day trekkers can wear a wide-brimmed western-style hat or a straw hat. (No baseball caps please.)

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WOMEN’S CLOTHING

Dresses

Women’s basic dresses were floor length. It could be plain or have many ruffles. The sleeves were full, and long, with buttons or bands at the wrist. Necklines were usually high, with buttons up the front. Fabrics were cotton in solid colors or small print. Bright colors were popular (especially bright yellow). Blouses and long skirts or jumpers could be used. Pioneer trekkers now have found that dresses and skirts should be mid-calf or above the top of a hiking boot in length (so the girls do not trip over their skirts while pulling).

Aprons

The standard apron was six to twelve inches shorter than the skirt length. It gathered at the waist and tied. The bib attached at the waist and was pinned to the dress bodice at the top two corners, hence, the name pinafore. (It was pinned at two of the four corners!) Daytime aprons were made of calico remnants. Sunday aprons were made from white fabric and did not have a bib. For trekking today, large deep pockets are important to be able to carry different items along the trail.

Bonnets

Women wore bonnets whenever they were outside. They were made of cotton with a deep stiffened brim and a back ruffle to protect the neck. They could be white, plain colors, or a print, but they never matched the fabric of the dress. Today, bonnets or straw hats for girls are important; they need to have something for protection from the sun.

Pantaloons

These were worn underneath the dress and were normally white. Their length was usually between the knee and mid-calf. Modern-day trekkers could use scrubs or pajama pants hemmed shorter. Wearing pantaloons helps maintain modesty in trekking situations it also helps with chaffing. Pantaloons, modist capri length pants, will be essential especially on day one as we anticipate taking off our skirts for the ropes course. 

Shoes and Socks

Shoes for both women and men do NOT need to be “period” style. Comfort is most important. Do not wear new hiking boots unless you have taken at least two months to break them in. Bring two pairs of shoes if one gets wet or causes blisters. Pack clean socks for each day. Some people wear a double pair of socks, with a smooth, lightweight nylon stocking being closest to the skin.

Clothing Sources

• Check local second-hand stores or borrow clothing.
• ASK cousins and friends who have been on treks! Sometimes people have clothes tucked away just to share with someone else. 
• Look up websites for Butterick and McCall’s patterns under costumes (they have pioneer patterns) but making clothing should not be necessary unless it is desired.
• There are several bonnet patterns and apron patterns on the internet! Just google and find your favorite! The young women are working on planning an activity to make aprons. 

Things that are NOT allowed, or necessary, include: electronics, baseball caps, t-shirts, tank tops, blue jeans, weapons, card games, makeup, and perfumes.