What to Pack for Your Maine Adventure

Adventure Guidelines

• While a water-resistant or waterproof bag is not required, it is helpful to have as bags may be exposed to rain during transfers. If you do not have one, and do not wish to purchase one for this adventure, a good alternative is to place everything inside your luggage into some type of waterproof liner. This will help ensure that, even if your bag gets wet, your items inside will stay dry.
• It is highly likely that it will be quite cold and windy at the top of Cadillac Mountain in Acadia National Park at sunrise and on the two boat rides.
• Layers, layers, layers! It is far better to wear a long underwear base with an insulated jacket and an outer waterproof/windproof layer than to have a single large jacket. This will keep you toasty if outside temperatures are cold, and you can always shed layers if you grow too warm.
• Natural fibers such as merino wool and silk are superior to cotton because they can trap warm air even when wet. Please remember that down garments lose their ability to insulate when they get wet, so be sure you have a waterproof layer that will fit over any down jackets.
• Body heat is most likely to be lost from the head, hands and feet; it is important to keep them warm and dry with hats, gloves and thermal socks.
  
  

Clothing

• Lightweight neck gaiter (included in your pre-departure package)
  —Provides sun, wind and/or dust protection.
• Silk, wool or polypropylene long underwear for layering (tops & bottoms)
• Water-resistant daypack 
  —To carry camera gear and other equipment during shore activities.
• Sturdy, waterproof hiking boots or walking shoes
  —Make sure your boots/shoes are completely waterproof, not just water-resistant. They should also have good tread so you do not slip during walks should we experience inclement weather. Your boots/shoes should also be broken in to prevent blisters.
  —If you are comfortable hiking in tennis shoes, you may opt to bring these instead of hiking boots. Keep in mind, however, that hiking boots will be better suited for mud and rain.
• Warm down jacket 
• Lightweight, waterproof (not water-resistant) rain jacket with hood 
• Waterproof rain pants (optional)
• Lightweight fleece 
  —For cooler mornings and evenings.
  
• Warm hat and gloves 
  —It can be quite cool on the water and at higher altitudes.
  
• Scarf or fleece neck gaiter 
• Silk or polypropylene long underwear
  —Bring both tops and bottoms, as they are very helpful for layering under your regular clothes.
  
• 2–3 long-sleeved shirts 
  — For higher altitudes, cooler evenings and boat excursions.
  
• 2–3 short-sleeved shirts 
• 2–3 pairs of long pants
  —You may also want to bring zip-off pants, which are perfect for cool mornings and evenings and warmer afternoons.
  
• Nice change of clothing (optional)
  —Although not required, some travelers prefer to have a nicer change of clothing, including long pants or casual packable dress/skirt and nice shirt, to wear for our welcome and farewell dinners.
  
• Sun hat with brim 
  —Make sure you have something to secure your hat when it is windy.
• Socks
  —Bring several pairs of warm socks made of wool or other synthetic material. Cotton socks are not recommended.
  
• Underwear
• Warm sleepwear (nights can be chilly)
  
  

Additional Items

• Cash
  —For discretionary gratuities (you may want to bring envelopes for discreet presentation).
  —For personal spending (souvenirs, Internet use and food and beverages not included in your trip fee).
• Binoculars
  —May be helpful if looking for birds or other wildlife.
• Hairdryer (optional, not available at all accommodations)
• Sunglasses
  —With UV filter and secure strap.
• Toiletries in reusable bottles to minimize waste
  —Shampoo and soap will be provided at all accommodations on our itinerary.
• Insect repellent & anti-itch ointment
  —Mosquitoes may be present during the adventure.
• Sunscreen & lip balm (at least SPF30)
• Reusable water bottle (included in your pre-trip package)
  —In our continuing effort to operate our adventures with as little impact on the environment as possible, you will receive a reusable water bottle (unless you opted out on your Booking Form) to take with you on your adventure. We will provide drinking water throughout the adventure for you to refill your bottle. By doing this, you will avoid using multiple disposable plastic bottles.
• Carabiner (to attach your water bottle to your backpack)
• Electrolyte/flavor crystal packets (optional)
  —Can be added to water to replace fluids in case of intestinal illness and/or enhance the taste to encourage hydration.
• Motion sickness medication
  —We use a variety of transportation during this adventure (boats and vans). If you are sensitive to motion sickness, we strongly recommend that you come prepared with preventative measures.
• Hand sanitizer
• Prescription glasses/contact lenses
• Dry bags or reusable waterproof bags 
  —Bring several sizes. They are very useful for wet or dirty clothing and for protecting camera equipment.
• Hiking poles (optional) 
  —Although not required, you may bring them if you use them on most of your walks.
  —If you are bringing hiking poles, they must be able to fit in your check-in luggage, as you will not be allowed to carry them on the plane.