Dressing in pioneer clothing can have a tremendous impact on the spirit of the trek. All trekkers (both youth and adults) will be required to bring two sets of "pioneer clothes" with them on trek. Clothing guidelines are included below.
Pioneer clothes must be worn at all times, from boarding the bus on August 8th to returning home, with the exception of appropriate nighttime clothes (sweats recommended). Pioneer Clothing should be worn to the July 28th Square Dancing event.
Each Ward will have a Clothing Specialist called who will be a resource to help youth obtain their pioneer clothing. We are asking parents and ward leaders to assume responsibility for this obtaining pioneer clothing. Sister Weaver (970-434-4020) is the head of the Stake Pioneer Trek Clothing committee and can be used as a resource.
MEN:
- 2 pairs pants (cotton, , twill, canvas - Khakis) - no Levis
- 2 long-sleeved shirts - MUST BE LONG SLEEVE TO PROTECT FROM SUN
- 1 wide-brimmed western style hat - A MUST - NOT OPTIONAL - needed to protect from Sun Burn. (The Cove recommends a "tornado straps" or chin straps to keep hats from blowing away (no baseball caps)
- 1 pair suspenders or belt (optional)
- A pair of socks for each day - See advice on socks below
- Clean underclothing for each day
- A pair of sweats, t-shirt, and sweatshirt for Nightwear
- Pair of sturdy shoes (1 pair tennis / running shoes, worn in (Not new!!)
- Second set of shoes and socks for River Crossing - Yet to be determined if necessary. If dry conditions continue there may not be any water crossings).
WOMEN:
- 2 mid-calf length long-sleeved dresser OR
- 2 mid-calf length skirts and 2 long sleeve blouses
- 1 bonnet - A MUST - NOT OPTIONAL - Needed for Sun Protection
- 1 pair of knee length bloomers
- 1 apron with deep pockets (optional)
- A pair of sweats, t-shirt, and sweatshirt for Nightwear
- A pair of socks for each day - See advice on socks below
- Clean underclothing for each day
- Pair of sturdy tennis shoes (1 pair tennis / running shoes, worn in (Not new!!)
- Second set of shoes and socks for River Crossing - Yet to be determined if necessary. If dry conditions continue there may not be any water crossings).
Avoid socks containing large quantities of cotton for long distance hiking. Cotton is a poor insulator and retains moisture. The latter trait is what leads to hotspots ( i.e. friction areas) on your feet when you hike and ultimately causes blistering. Cotton socks are a recipe for disaster when hiking. Try to wear nylon or wool socks made for hiking.
Additional Info - Men
Shirts
Men’s shirts were worn loose. 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.
Pants
Men’s pants were also worn loose. Wool or linen was used. Colors included blue, black, gray, and browns, especially beige and tan. Trekkers in our day find that wool is too hot but that cotton, corduroy, twill, and canvas pants are good choices. Khaki dockers work well Choose styles that are rather loose fitting through the crotch and thigh area to add comfort in walking.
Suspenders - Optional
Men’s pants were held up by suspenders. Suspenders were buttoned on the outside of the waistband, and crossed in the back.
Hats
Men’s everyday hats ranged from pilot caps, cowboy hats, wide brimmed low felt hats, or round crowned hat. Modern day trekkers should not wear baseball caps.
Additional Info - Women
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, but they never matched the fabric of the dress. For Trekking today, bonnets for the girls are important; they need to have something for protection from the sun.
Pantaloons
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.
Women / Men’s 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 COLD 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/shelters.
Shoes and Socks
Shoes for both women should NOT be “period” style. Comfort is most important. A worn in pari of tennis shoes is best. Do not wear new hiking boots unless you have taken at least two months to break them in. Pack clean socks for each day. The medical committee has recommended we use nylon socks (like dad’s dress socks) against the skin to protect against blistering.
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 Strength of Youth Standards.
All items brought by participants (both leaders and youth) must fit in the Stake provided five-gallon bucket and duffel bag. The bucket and bag will be provided to participants at the July 28th event. See "What to Bring Tab" for more information on the buckets and duffel bags.
Many pioneer clothing resources are easily available on the internet. An example of one website resource is below: