What To Pack

The packing list below is a general overview of appropriate clothing for your mountain biking adventures with First Descents. Outfitters will provide all gear and equipment including bikes, helmets, and gloves. Never been mountain biking? No problem! Our guides will teach you the mountain biking basics so you’ll be prepared for every adventure! Be sure to look at your personal page for packing details specific to your program. Please contact First Descents if you have any questions regarding this packing list.

Must Haves:

• Hydration pack (camelback) or 32 oz water bottle!
• Closed toe shoes – comfortable tennis shoes work great!

Clothing for Mountain Biking:

Top Layers

• Wool or Synthetic (e.g. nylon, polyester, etc.) Base Layer (long sleeve to help protect from scrapes and sun) T-Shirts
• Wool or Synthetic Mid-Weight Base Layer (fleeces, hoodies, merino wool pullover)
• Rain Jacket

Bottom

• Athletic shorts (padded if you have them)
• Pants – i.e. hiking pants, yoga pants – (biking in pants helps protect your legs from scrapes and sun)
• Lightweight waterproof wind/rain pant

Feet

• Cycling socks (non-cotton material)

Extra Protection

• Sunglasses (preferred polarized or clear)
• Gloves (full finger or no finger)

Why no cotton?

Cotton is a poor choice for outdoor activities due to its high thermal conductivity (rate of energy loss). When it gets wet, cotton allows the moisture to sit on your skin, in turn, cooling you instead of keeping you warm. In other words, you don’t stay very warm or dry with cotton!

Personal clothing not for biking:

• Warm, comfortable clothes (sweatpants, jeans, t-shirts, hoodies, shorts, etc.) nights at the lodge may be chilly. Cotton is acceptable.
• Comfortable shoes
• Headlamp/Flashlight

Mountain Biking Gear:

• The outfitter will provide all of the mountain biking gear you will need. Please feel free to bring your own gear if you have it (bike, helmet, gloves, eye protection, etc.)

Also to consider:

• Buff/Bandana (preferred UV protection)
• Stocking Hat/Beanie
• Personal hygiene items, sunscreen, hand sanitizer, insect repellent, SPF Lip Balm
• Camera
• Spending money (there may be opportunities to purchase souvenirs if you wish)
• Book/Journal

Medications:

• Prescription and over-the-counter medications will be self-administered. If you anticipate using any over-the-counter meds such as Motrin, Tylenol, or Benadryl, please bring them with you!

Other info:

All linens – sheets, pillow, blankets, and towels are provided – you do not need to pack these! All food will be provided – breakfast, lunch, dinner, dessert, drinks, snacks, snacks and more snacks!