Impacts of Climate Change on the Pacific Northwest

What to bring?

We will have very limited space on the bus and in the dorm rooms we are staying. Thus, you are allowed to bring:

  • One carry-on size suitcase: 22″ x 15″ x 10″
  • One small light weight daypack 20L capacity or less

Daypack

Your daypack must be lightweight and easy to store as you will bring it with you on the bus daily, you will also hike with this daypack on all outings through the day (hike length will vary from 2km-8km) we recommend the following specifications:

  • Capacity 20L
  • Weight: 1 kg
  • Size(max): 15″ x 12″ x 10″
 What to pack in the daypack:

  • Water: You will need 2 L of water every day. UW PFC will provide refillable water bottles, however, if you prefer an internal hydration bladder make sure it meets the size specifications and is lightweight.
  • Lunch: At Pack Forest and NatureBridge, you will be provided with a bagged lunch and drink every morning to pack in your daypack.
  • Snacks: We will have snacks on the bus. When we go for longer hike you will want to put a couple in your daypack.
  • Electronics: Phone with a camera, an emergency battery pack and charging cable and a head lamp with batteries or a charger
  • Clothing: 1 pair of wool socks, a pair of slip-on sandals for the shared bathrooms and the beach, a light hand towel, a hat, rain jacket and a light top for layering
  • Other: ear plugs if bothered by sleeping noise, motion sickness pills if bothered by driving, any medicine you must have such as an EpiPen, inhaler, allergy medication, or other.
  • N95 mask for smoky days.
  • Personal and very small first aid kit; we will  have additional first aid kit on the bus
  • Field notebook and pencil (pens are not ideal if it is raining)
  • Sunscreen SPF 50+ and bug spray
  • A small travel hand towel
  • Identification of some kind (passport, student ID).

Finally, don’t forget your:

“Field Guide to the Cascades & Olympics” (2nd edition) by Rob Sandelin, and a daily spotting list; both will be provided by UW PFC

 
Luggage Please DO NOT bring checked luggage, this will slow us down  on arrival and departures at the airport. More importantly, this is a scientific excursion to locations that do not have paved pathways. Expect to hand carry your luggage from the bus to your dorms. You will also need to walk with your bags from the UW dorms to the Seattle Lightrail (1km) on the last morning of your trip. You should bring one carry-on size suitcase: 22″x15″x10″ What to pack in the carry-on suitcase luggage:

  • This is a scientific expedition with lots of hiking and outdoor time in unpredictable weather conditions,. You can expect temperatures between 5C-30C. Rain is likely, so is wind. Bring layers and technical clothing that is protective and dries quickly. You will have limited opportunity to do laundry until we return to Seattle/UW campus. Full laundry facilities are available the last 3 days of the trip. Example of what to pack:
    • 5 pairs of light socks, 2 pairs of medium weight socks
    • 5-7 days of underclothing
    • 1-2 pairs of shorts/capris and tops that you can use for water activities, things that can dry very quickly are ideal
    • 2 pairs of long outdoor pants, jeans are not ideal
    • 3-5 short sleeve shirts (avoid cotton)
    • 2 long sleeve shirts (avoid cotton)
    • 1 fleece or warm hoody (avoid cotton)
    • very light rain jacket; rain pants are optional
    • one set of evening clothing
  • Bring a pair of light hiking shoes, or sneakers, no mountaineering or heavy hiking boots needed. A second pair of outdoor shoes is useful for activities in the evening in case you need to dry your day shoes. The flip-flops that are in your day pack are good for evening bathroom trips.
  • A small bag to carry the things you need for your hygiene to the bathroom. You will be staying in shared dorms – bathrooms and showers could be in a separate building.
  • Any medications you need – inhalers, EpiPen, allergy or motion sickness medication, etc. Note: Wildfires in August in the Pacific Northwest often mean smoky air. If you are asthmatic, please be sure to bring your inhaler and other medications. N95 masks can also be helpful.
  • Earplugs/headphones – you will be sleeping in shared dorms with other students. Bring earplugs if you are bothered by sleeping noises.
  • A small laptop or tablet with a keyboard and a mouse (this is optional -you will have access to computer labs at all locations).
  • Power plug adapters as needed
Other
  • Assure you always have a piece of ID with you – in addition to your passport, please also bring your student ID if you have one. Some locations will have discounted entry for students.
  • Have some $ with you in case you want to buy a post card or a souvenir