Summer EduTrips Equipment List
Please note that an average mid-summer day on Mount Washington has a high temperature of about 53 degrees Fahrenheit, and an overnight low temperature of about 42 degrees Fahrenheit. It has never been warmer than 72 degrees Fahrenheit (and that only happened twice!). Temperatures below freezing can occur even in summer. Average winds in summer are about 25 miles per hour, with hurricane force gusts possible. Thick, wet fog occurs on about 90% of the days in summer; and measurable precipitation occurs on more than half of summer's days. Never underestimate the severity of summit weather conditions!
- Wool or synthetic pants (Jeans, corduroys, or any cotton pants can be used for casual wear, but must be supplemented with wool or synthetic pants).
- Wool or synthetic (e.g. fleece, pile) shirt and/or sweater, plus spare.
- Sturdy boots, well fitting and broken -in
- Wool or synthetic socks (not cotton) to fit comfortably in boots, plus spares.
- Insulated jacket (down, fiberfill, pile, etc.).
- Rugged wind parka with securely attached hood. (Simple snaps can fail in high winds.) Wind pants are also recommended.
- Rugged rain parka and rain pants. Lightweight plastic raingear is inadequate, as wind and rough rocks can destroy it. Ponchos are unsuitable for use in the above treeline areas of Mount Washington. (Raingear can do double duty as wind gear.)
- Wool or synthetic stocking cap or equivalent.
- Mittens or gloves with a windproof, water resistant shell.
- A lightweight sleeping bag (summer weight) or equivalent (sheets and blankets) and a pillowcase.
- Daypack, water bottle, flashlight, sunblock, shorts (be optimistic!)
- Walking stick or (a) ski pole(s). (Optional)
- A spare set of socks and underwear, and a change of casual clothes (including slippers or sneakers) for indoor wear.
- Remember your camera or camcorder, plenty of film or equivalent, spare batteries and/or charger, and your toiletries, including towel, handkerchief, sunglasses, spare eyeglasses if you wear glasses, and any medications (prescription or over-the-counter) you might need on a regular or occasional basis. Earplugs for the common bunkroom.
- Sleepwear (e.g. pajamas) for common bunkroom. Robe is optional.
Personal gear not listed above should be kept to a minimum, since space and carrying capacity of the vehicle, and storage area in the bunkroom, is very limited.