Shining Rock Loop Private Hike

PACKING LISTS

Importance of Being Prepared

Your safety and enjoyment will depend on your level of preparedness. It is your responsibility to arrive with the items listed below. Our Gear Guide is a resource to find more information about these items and links to online options. If you have additional questions about what to pack, please ask your guide during the pre-trip contact (~7 days prior to the trip start date) or call our Adventure Consultants 7 days a week at 928-223-HIKE (4453).

WHAT YOU NEED TO BRING

The following items are required for your trip unless otherwise noted. When packing, think layered clothing systems that work together and can be easily added or removed.

(GG) = Gear Guide: see for more info and links to product options

• Hiking Boots/Shoes – mid-weight, lug-soled, waterproof, and ideally well broken in (Boots GG – Shoes GG)
  (Note: buy your boots/shoes 1/2 size to 1 size larger than your street shoes to allow for feet swelling and thicker socks)
• Hiking Socks – Hiking specific padded socks, no cotton please! (Socks GG)
  (Note: wearing thin liner socks under your hiking socks can help prevent blisters)
• Rain Gear – waterproof jacket and pants, breathable fabric such as Gore-Tex® or coated nylon. For the pants look for side zippers that will allow you to pull them over your boots. (Rain Jackets GG – Rain Pants GG)
• Mid Layer Insulating Jacket – down-fill or synthetic-fill insulated “puffy” jacket or warm, heavy weight fleece jacket (Mid Layers GG)
• Warm Hat & Gloves – lightweight beanie and light-to-mid weight fleece or wool gloves (GG)
• Hydration System – 2+ liters capacity, either water bottles or bladder/hose system and an additional water bottle (Hydration Bladders GG)
  (Note: We recommend always having a bottle with 1 liter of capacity as a back-up in case of a hydration system failure)
• Sun Hat – wide-brimmed hat or baseball cap/bandana combo (Sun Hat GG)
• Sunglasses, Sunscreen, Lip Balm
• Support Braces – consider bringing any joint braces that may be currently needed or from past injuries (i.e. knee, ankle, elbow, etc…)
• Money – for consideration of tipping your guide
  (Note: industry tipping recommendation is 10-20% of the trip cost based on your level of satisfaction)

DO NOT Bring

• Firearms and Weapons – per our terms and conditions no firearms or other weapons are permitted, including knives with blades longer than 4 inches
• Illegal Drugs – including marijuana, which is illegal on federal lands and in national parks
• Pets of any kind

MEETING POINT

If you’re staying in Asheville, NC we will pick you up at your hotel in Asheville. If you’re staying elsewhere and/or would prefer to meet us at the trailhead (Black Balsam parking lot) that is also an option. Your guide will be in contact approximately 7 days prior to your hike to coordinate the exact time and location of your rendezvous. If you’re staying in Asheville, this is a 3/4 day tour – the pickup time will be between 6 and 8 AM, and ending times can vary but are often between 4-6 PM.

CHECK THE WEATHER FORECAST FOR YOUR HIKE

We recommend using NOAA’s website (www.weather.gov) for the most accurate 5-day weather forecasts. Because of the significant elevation changes in the Blue Ridge Mountains, we recommend checking two local forecasts:

• Trailheads
• High Country

PACK WEIGHT AND CONTENTS

You will be hiking with a light day pack that we provide. You’re also welcome to bring your own. The contents will be what you need for the day – rain gear, an extra layer or two, snacks, water, sunscreen…etc.

ESTIMATED PACK WEIGHT: 10-15 POUNDS

TRAINING TIPS

The better shape you’re in the more fun you’ll have! We recommend very strongly that you train for your hike.

TRAINING BY HIKING

If you have access to hiking trails in hilly or mountainous terrain, this is the ideal way to train. If not, we recommend using the Stairmaster machine (with rotating stairs like an escalator) or actually training on stairs. Nothing prepares you for a trip better than the activity itself!

Train at least 3 days a week. Start with short hikes or workouts (1-hour in length) with a light daypack. From week to week build the length and intensity of your hikes/workouts and gradually increase your pack weight until you’re comfortably able to hike 6-8 hours a day carrying the weight you’ll have on your trip. Also be sure to use the boots you’ll have on your trip to break them in.

PRE-TRIP CONTACT

Your guide will reach out approximately one week before your hike by phone or email to answer any last minute questions you have and coordinate your pick-up logistics. If you need anything before then, we’re here 7 days a week at 800-715-HIKE (4453).