top of page

How to Prepare for Trek

The pioneers planned and prepared extensively before they began their journey. Similarly, all trek participants should prepare physically and spiritually before the event. The trek will require physical, emotional and spiritual stamina; therefore each participate should seriously prepare for the trek. Here are some great suggestions:

20180628-6S8A0125.jpg

 Monthly Goals 

Gear Goals

  • APRIL

    • Get good shoes for walking and start wearing them!

    • Start collecting or making your 2 sets of pioneer clothing

    • Collect and start using wool socks​

  • ​MAY

    • Get your 5 gallon bucket

    • Get an IKEA FRAKTA zippered bag​​​​

​

Historical Goals

  • APRIL

    • ATTEND the temple

    • FIND at least ONE family name to take to the temple​​

  • MAY

    • ATTEND the temple

    • KNOW your ancestors - Research an ancestor or interview a living relative who was a pioneer in ANY way and discover ONE thing about their walk with Christ

  • ​​​​JUNE

    • ATTEND the temple

    • Continue to FIND and KNOW your ancestors

​​​

​

Physical Goals

  • APRIL

    • Walk 3 miles in 1 hour on level ground (i.e. Cedar river trail)

  • MAY

    • ​Hike 3 miles in 1 hour with at least 750ft elevation gain (e.x. McDonald Mtn, Henry's Ridge Natural Area, Rattlesnake Ledge, May Valley Loop Trail, etc.)

  • JUNE​

    • Complete a longer or more strenuous hike.​​​

Spiritual Goals

  • APRIL

    • READ The Book of Mormon.​ (Aim for daily study - even just a verse!)

    • JOURNAL ways you've felt the Lord's presence in your daily journey

  • MAY

    • Continue to READ The Book of Mormon

    • Look for ways Jesus "walked" with others

    • PRAY for your trek experience and the ability to  "walk with Christ" (physically and spiritually)

  • JUNE

    • Continue to READ The Book of Mormon

    • Identify ONE "handcart trial" in your life that you can prayerfully keep in mind during trek

CLOTHING RECOMMENDATIONS

Clothing

Men's Clothing

20180627-6S8A9631.jpg

​

Shirts

Men’s shirts were worn loose. They had a narrow neck-band with no collar. Plain colors were most common, but stripes or plaids were also used. For modern day trekkers, light colors will be coolest. Choose something larger than a regular fit, with long sleeves.

Here is a simple way to create a men’s pioneer shirt. This should take around 15 minutes.

  1. Start with an old long sleeve church shirt (preferably one size larger than your usual shirt)

  2. Unstitch and remove the collar.

  3. Finish the unstitched edge around the neck.

​

Pants

Men’s pants were also worn loose. Cotton, corduroy, linen, twill and canvas pants are good choices. Colors included blue, black, gray, and browns, especially beige and tan. Choose styles that are rather loose fitting through the crotch and thigh area to add comfort in walking.

​

Suspenders

Men’s pants were held up by suspenders that were buttoned on the outside of the waistband, and crossed in the back.

​

Hats

Men’s everyday hats ranged from pilot caps, straw hats, wide brimmed low felt hats, or round crowned hat. Modern day trekkers should not wear baseball caps, beanies or army hats.

20180629-6S8A0515.jpg

Women's Clothing

20180627-6S8A9631.jpg

Dresses/Skirts

A Woman’s basic dress was floor length. It could be plain or have many ruffles. The sleeves were full, and long, with buttons or bands at the wrist. Necklines were usually high, with buttons up the front. Fabrics were made of cotton in solid colors or small print. Bright colors (excluding neons) were popular (especially bright yellow). Blouses and long skirts or jumpers could be used. Pioneer trekkers today have found that dresses and skirts should be mid-calf or above the top of a hiking boot in length (so the girls do not trip over their skirts while pulling).

​

Aprons 

The standard apron was six to twelve inches shorter than the skirt length. It gathered at the waist and tied. The bib attached at the waist and was pinned to the dress bodice at the top two corners, hence, the pinafore (Pinned at two of the four corners!). Daytime aprons were made of calico remnants. Sunday aprons were made from white fabric and did not have a bib. For trekking today, large deep pockets are important to be able to carry different items along the trail.

​

Bonnets

Women wore bonnets whenever they were outside. They were made of cotton with a deep stiffened brim and a back ruffle to protect the neck. They could be white, plain colors or a print. For Trekking today, bonnets or straw hats for the girls are important.

See sample bonnets. There may also be someone in your ward who would be willing to help you make a bonnet. Feel free to ask around.

​

Pantaloons (Bloomers)

These were worn underneath the dress and were normally white. Their length was usually between knee and mid-calf. Wearing pantaloons helps maintain modesty in trekking situations.

20180628-6S8A0121.jpg

Misc. Clothing

Undergarments

Please be careful and modest in selecting your undergarments for Trek. Simplicity and items made of breathable cotton will be the best choice.

​

Nightwear

Keep in mind the weather will most likely be chilly in the evenings. We would like boys and girls to wear a pair of sweat pants (or sport pants) and a t-shirt. They should each also have a sweatshirt to wear for additional warmth. Nightwear is to be worn only when it is time to go to sleep, not when we arrive at a given campsite. You will change into your bedclothes once it is time to retire to your tents.

​

Shoes and Socks

Comfort is most important. Do not wear new hiking boots unless you have taken at least two months to break them in. Bring two pair of good shoes in the event that one gets wet or causes blisters. Pack clean socks for each day.

​

Items Not to Wear on Trek

Blue Jeans, shorts, baseball caps, tank tops, t-shirts, tight/short dresses, brand new shoes. Stay away from modern clothing and prints. Clothing and PJs should not ride low. Please adhere to the For the Strength of Youth Standards

Basic Sewing Instructions for Making...

Pioneer Skirt
Pioneer Bonnet
Neck Cooler
Men's Shirt, Women's Apron & Skirt
20180629-IMG_7709.jpg
bottom of page