Wilderness Heals

Thank you for visiting the Wilderness Heals blog. Wilderness Heals is an all-women, three-day annual pledge hike that benefits the Elizabeth Stone House (ESH), a Boston-based emergency shelter, transitional housing program, and therapeutic community that provides services to women and children who are escaping violence and overcoming trauma. By encouraging hikers to set challenging physical, emotional, and financial goals, Wilderness Heals mirrors the experiences of hundreds of women who have sought help from the Stone House. Committing to hike is a way to grow personally while simultaneously standing in solidarity with women of the Stone House and women everywhere who are working to overcome the effects of violence in their lives.
Wilderness Heals 2011 will take place July 15-17, 2011. Registration materials may be downloaded here.
Go here to view the 2011 routes, and visit our Who's Who page to meet this year's team leaders and Recruitment Committee members.
Want to learn more? Visit our list of Frequently Asked Questions.
Still have questions? Contact Erika Whyte, Wilderness Heals event coordinator, at 781-726-0551 or ewhyte@elizabethstone.org.

Saturday, January 27, 2007

Gearing Up for the Hike

Wilderness Heals hikers must have all of the following equipment and clothing with them during training hikes and the three-day event. While it may sound like a lot of gear to carry up the mountain, it is imperative that hikers remain warm, hydrated, and safe throughout the event. Here is a list of mandatory gear:

• Internal or external frame backpack with padded hip belt and padded shoulder straps, at least 3,000 cubic inches
• Light-weight sleeping bag or sheets for sleeping at the hut
• Sturdy, comfortable hiking boots meant for multi-trips with a pack (no sneakers or fashion boots)
• Wicking long underwear, bottoms and tops, polypro, capilene, bergaline, or silk (no cotton or cotton-blends)
• Synthetic underwear bottoms and sports bra (no cotton)
• Waterproof jacket with hood and pants, coated nylon with ventilation or Gore-Tex (no ponchos)
• Two pairs of hiking socks and sock liners (wool, polypro, or nylon—no cotton)
• Fleece or wool hat (no cotton)
• Glove liners and warm outer gloves (no cotton)
• Insulating fleece or wool shirt or sweater (no cotton)
• One or two polypro/quick-dry T-shirts (no cotton)
• One pair polypro, Nylon quick-dry shorts or zip-away pants (no cotton)
• Flashlight or headlamp and extra batteries and bulb
• Water containers to carry at least 96 ounces of water (three Nalgene bottles or bladder-type system, ie: CamelBak)
• Enough food for three days of snacks/lunches (only one days’ worth of food for training hikes)
• Personal toiletries kit and small washcloth/towel
• Personal first-aid kit with Band-Aids, Ibuprofen, moleskin
• Three days’ supply of any prescription medication
• Sunscreen, lip balm, and bug repellent
• Bandana
• Emergency whistle
• Rain cover for pack or three large trash bags
• Plastic bags to carry out trash
• AMC White Mountain Guide maps (available for discounted price of $15 from the Stone House)
• Photo identification and insurance card

*Please note that the backcountry route requires additional gear, including tents, sleeping bags, and cooking equipment. The backcountry team leaders will contact hikers to let them know what gear they must bring.

Other suggested—but not required—gear items include:

• Pocket knife
• Sunglasses or sun hat
• Extra boot laces
• Gaiters
• Powdered energy drinks
• Trekking poles
• Sandals or slippers (to wear at the huts)
• Compass
• Journal and non-leaky pen
• Lightweight camera and film
• Tampons or sanitary napkins (these must be carried out with you)
• Lightweight binoculars
• Lightweight water filter or purification tablets
• Biodegradable soap and toothpaste
• Hairbrush
• Waterproof matches
• Tissue or toilet paper (these must be carried out with you)
• Ear plugs
• Clothes for comfort and warmth at the huts (cotton okay)
• Cash for purchases at the hut

The Elizabeth Stone House will make every attempt to assist hikers for whom purchasing or renting equipment presents a financial hardship. Please contact the Stone House for more information.

Please note that when fully packed, hikers should have extra room in their packs for a share of group gear.

Here is a list of camping stores throughout the Boston area where hikers can purchase gear:

• Eastern Mountain Sports
• Hilton’s Tent City (all registered hikers receive 10 percent off of purchased gear)
• Patagonia
• REI
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