Our you joining Connected in Motion for an upcoming program? Packing lists vary depending on whether we’ll be in the backcountry (canoe tripping, backpacking) or at a Slipstream weekend, and dependant on season.
Check out the packing lists below and get in touch if you have any questions.
Warm Weather Slipstream Packing List
If you’re attending a Slipstream in a summer month (June, July or August or in a warm weather environment (like SoCal!)), this list is for you!
Our Slipstreams take place in outdoor playgrounds across North America. There are plenty of opportunities to get active and have fun regardless of what Mother Nature throws at us. We always plan for weather to be unpredictable – hot, cold, wet or dry and cooler in the evenings. We can’t control the weather, but we can control how we dress. We will plan to be generally active outside for the majority of the weekend. Bring lots of comfy layers, as well as athletic, fast-drying, wicking clothing, along with rain gear just in case! This ain’t no fashion show!
Layers should include long underwear, warm mid-layers and waterproof outerwear. Wool, nylon, polyester and synthetic fleece are recommended as clothing materials because they provide insulation even when wet. In addition, they dry quickly.
Your skimpies of choice (a couple of pairs)
2 pairs of socks
1 or 2 t-shirts (including a quick dry one)
1 pair thermal/long underwear (top and bottom)
1 long sleeve t-shirt
1 pair of shorts
Comfy clothes for lounging – jeans, hoodies, sweats. etc.
Rain gear (jacket and pants)
PJ’s (hopefully matching plaid flannel)
Light jacket (insulated)
Light fleece or hoodie (not cotton)Brimmed hat
Bathing suit
Towel
Slippers/sandals (indoor shoes)
Running shoes and/or trail/hiking shoes
Shampoo/conditioner
Brush/comb
Soap/body wash
Toothbrush/toothpaste
Personal items
Sleeping Bag
Single bed sized fitted sheet (optional)
Pillow (optional)
Any meds you need, labeled
Insulin and supplies (enough to last a week) – be sure to pack extra pump sites, reservoirs, pump batteries, syringes, pen caps, etc.
Glucometer and testing supplies
Your favorite low supplies
Glucagon Kit (if you have one)
Camera
Flashlight/headlamp (camp gets dark at night!)
Sunglasses
Sunscreen
1L water bottle
Small backpack/daypack/fanny pack (<–yes, these are cool)
Glasses/contact lenses
Bug spray
Musical instruments
Toque/wool hat
Gloves/mittens (just in case!)
Yoga mat
Season-specific sports equipment (Think tennis racket, your favorite dodgeball, frisbee)
Cards/your favorite board game (you never know!)
Canoe Trip Packing List
Heading out with CIM on a Canoe trip? To make sure you are ready for the woods, please read this list of recommended personal gear. CIM will bring all the communal gear – tents, cooking etc. – but this list is for you, the participant.
Weather can be unpredictable and quick to change; so be prepared for all weather, at all times. Don’t forget to consider what you will be wearing on the day that we head out. That counts as an outfit.
Keep in mind – Most people bring WAY too much gear! When packing for a paddling trip we want to ensure we have everything we need, but try to pack as light as possible. We’ll be packing in waterproof 35L dry-bags. You can pick these up at MEC, REI or Canadian Tire! We encourage all of our campers to fit all of their main gear into a 35L pack – It might seem crazy, but it’s totally doable!
You need less than you think you do – GUARANTEED.
- Long sleeve shirts (1)
- Long pants (1 pair, quick-dry or synthetic fiber)
- T-shirt
- Light-weight fleece/Wool sweater (optional)
- Shorts (1 pair, quick-dry)
- Bathing suit
- Small towel (optional)
- Rain Gear (top and bottom)
- Brimmed Hat
- Underwear
- 2-3 pairs wool socks
- Sturdy footwear (Hikers /runners) Must be good for rugged portaging.
- Teva-type sandals or water shoes.
- Biodegradable soap
- Toothbrush/paste
- Sleeping bag (as small as possible, considering borrowing if yours is large)
- Sleeping pad (foam pad or Therm-a-Rest, optional)
- Head lamp/flashlight – check the BATTERIES!
- Water bottle (Nalgene)
- Sunglasses
- Sunscreen
- Any meds you need in waterproof containers.
- Insulin and supplies (enough to last a week) – be sure to pack extra pump sites, reservoirs, pump batteries, syringes, pen caps, etc.
- Glucometer and testing supplies
- Your favourite low supplies
- Glucagon Kit (if you have one)
*Please label your diabetes supplies with your name
- Personal PFD (otherwise, will be supplied)
- Personal Paddle (otherwise, it will be supplied)
- Lightweight long underwear (optional)
- Eyeglasses and contact lenses to spare (if needed)
- Connected in Motion T-shirt (1)
- Small day pack
- Bandana
- Earplugs
Remember, camping is about living with less. You’ll be surprised about how little you’ll need.
If you have any questions about your gear needs or would like to borrow gear from CIM, email Stephi at stephi@connectedinmotion.ca
Paddle On!
Backpacking Packing List
Heading on a hiking trip? Congratulations! To make sure you’re ready for the woods, please read this list of recommended personal gear. CIM will bring all of the communal gear – tents, cooking equipment, etc. – this list is of everything we’ll expect you to bring along.
Weather can be unpredictable but and quick to change. Be prepared for all weather at all times. Don’t forget to consider what you’ll be wearing on the day you head out! That counts as an outfit.
Keep in mind, most people bring WAY too much gear. When packing for a hiking trip, we want to ensure that we have everything we need, but try to pack as light as possible, what YOU bring, YOU carry.
You need less than you think you do — GUARANTEED!
CAMP CLOTHING
- 3-4 pairs wool/synthetic socks
- 1-2 sock liners (thin under socks that help to reduce friction and blisters – optional)
- 1 base layer (top and bottom – NO COTTON)
- 3-4 underwear (quick-dry, wicking)
- Long pants (1 pair, quick-dry or synthetic fibre)
- 2 t-shirts or tanks
- Light-weight fleece/wool sweater (1)
- Long-sleeve shirt (1)
- Down/synthetic insulated vest or jacket (1)
- Shorts (1 pair)
- Small towel (optional – quick-dry)
- Rain gear (jacket and pants)
- Brimmed hat
- Gloves/mitts and a toque
SHOES/FOOTWEAR
- Hiking boots (sturdy, well-fitting, comfortable, worked in)
- Light camp shoes/sandals (for airing feet out at night)
TOILETRIES
- Biodegradable soap
- Toothbrush/soap
- Sunscreen
- Eye glasses/contact lens supplies (if needed)
CAMPING EQUIPMENT
- Hiking pack (60-85L, well-fitted and comfortable)
- Hiking pack rain cover
- Sleeping bag (as small as possible – consider borrowing if yours is large)
- Sleeping pad (as small/light as possible)
OTHER
- Hiking poles
- Headlamp/flashlight
- Wide-mouth 1L water bottle OR backpack bladder
- Sunglasses
- Gaiters (optional)
DIABETES SUPPLIES/MEDS
- All meds you need in waterproof containers
- Insulin and supplies – enough to last 10 days
- Glucose meter/CGM and testing supplies
- Glucagon kit (if you have one)
OPTIONAL
- Camera
- Small power bank (for CGM receivers, rechargeable pumps)
- Bandana
- Earplugs
Remember – camping is about living with less! You’ll be surprised about how little you need to be happy and healthy on the trail. If you have any questions about your gear needs, or would like to inquire about borrowing any gear from CIM, get in touch with Adventure Coordinator, Stephi (stephi@connectedinmotion.ca)
Cold Weather Adventure Packing List
- Your undies of choice
- Socks (3-4 pairs) – wool, fleece and synthetic are best.
- Thermal/Long underwear (top and bottom) – Beware of the waffle looking stuff…it’s cotton!
- Warm Layers – wool sweaters or fleeces
- Warm Jacket (ski jacket, down jacket, etc.) Best if it is wind and water resistant.
- Snow pants – or some form of water repellent pants.
- Rain Gear (you never know!)
- Toque that will cover your ears
- Mitts and gloves (Consider bringing an extra pair!)
- Neck warmer / face warmer/scarf (optional)
- Winter Boots (warm and comfy) – high cut for deep snow if possible, like Sorels, etc.
Indoor Stuff
- Sleeping Bag (or comforter/duvet)
- Pillow
- PJs – animal onesie? Whatever helps you sleep at night
- Toiletries and personal kit
- Nordic Sweater
- Comfy clothes for lounging – hoodies, sweatpants etc.
- Slippers/indoor shoes (to wear/leave in yurt)
- Towel (for showering!)
- Big Appetite – we’ll be eating like royalty.
Gear
Beg borrow or steal from friends and loved ones and of course rentals are a last resort.
- Cross-country skis, poles, boots
- Snowshoes (not required, but always fun to have!)
- Skates (who knows…)
- Hockey Stick (if you’re bringing the skates anyway…)
Other Stuff
- Camera
- Musical instrument – guitar, bongos
- Flashlight
- Sunglasses
- Water bottle (1L)
- Small Day Pack
- “Low” pick me ups
- Diabetes supplies (x2)
The nature of our activities is obviously very weather dependent. For example, if there is no snow, we can’t go skiing. However, there are plenty of opportunities to get active and have fun regardless of what Mother Nature throws at us, but keep your fingers and toes crossed and hope she plays ball!
Outdoor ‘people’ have many rules and quirks, but one thing we can all agree on: COTTON KILLS! When cotton gets wet, it loses all of its insulating abilities. It keeps water close to your skin, facilitating body cooling. Anything synthetic or wool is better for outdoor activewear and socks. Think wool, fleece, lycra, polypropelene, etc. Wearing many thin layers of clothing is also better than wearing a couple big heavy layers – that way you can adjust for the weather and your activity level.
Warm campers are happy campers. Don’t stress if you don’t have the most technical feather count in your jacket, there’s no need to spend lots of money. Dress for the outdoor activity the best you know how. Remember, you’ll be generating warmth while moving outside, and getting cold when we stop. So, bring layers for optimal warmth and comfort. There’s no telling what the weather will be like – so come prepared for everything!
