OUWS Pioneer TREK 2015 Clothing Recommendations
Dressing in pioneer clothing can have a tremendous impact on
the spirit of the trek. The following is
a short description of what the pioneers wore as they crossed the plains. It also gives some hints for trekking in our
day.
Undergarments to add
a warmth layer
There is the potential for the temperatures be in the 40-50
degree range in the daytime if there is a storm passing through the area, so
ALL TREKKERS should prepare for potential cold weather by packing a thermal
base layer, like you might wear for winter sports.
Men’s
Clothing
Shirts
Men’s shirts were worn loose. They had a narrow neck-band with no collar,
but a long-sleeved, larger than regular fit button up shirt will be ideal and
easy to locate. Plain colors were most
common, but stripes or plaids were also used.
For modern day trekkers, light colors will be coolest.
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.
Choose styles that are rather loose fitting through the crotch and thigh
area to add comfort in walking. NO JEANS.
Suspenders
Men’s pants were held up by suspenders. Suspenders were buttoned on the outside of
the waistband, and crossed in the back. Belts will also work.
Hats
Men’s everyday hats ranged from pilot caps, straw hats, wide
brimmed low felt hats, or round crowned hat. These types of hats are available
at various country supply store locations such as Cal Ranch and IFA for a
modest price. But don’t hesitate to look
for hats at Deseret Industries as well. Modern day trekkers should not wear
baseball caps.
Women’s Clothing
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 or straw hats 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 and prevent chaffing. Knee
shorts will also be an acceptable replacement for pantaloons, but no cutoff
Jeans, please.
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 recommend that 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 and men need not be “period”
style. Comfort is most important. Do not wear new hiking boots unless you have
taken at least two months to break them in. Pack clean socks for each day. We recommended the use of nylon 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 should not ride low. Please adhere to The Strength of Youth
Standards.
Clothing Sources
Check local second-hand stores, such as Deseret Industries,
or borrow clothing. Many have had this
wonderful experience before us and would be willing to share what they wore on
Trek. Deseret Book is now also selling
pioneer bonnets, aprons, skirts, and men's hats and shirts.
MEN:
Hiking/walking shoes (not new)
Water shoes / sandals for crossing river
Pair of Socks for each day (good quality to
prevent blisters)
Clean underclothing for each day
Poncho or water repellant coat
Wide-brimmed western style hat (helps avoid
sunburn)
Long cotton, canvas, or wool pants. Dockers
brand works well. (no jeans)
Long-sleeved shirts (cotton or flannel – no
logos)
Coat / jacket
Optional: A pair of sweats, t-shirt, and
sweatshirt for Nightwear
One handkerchief (provided by stake)
WOMEN:
Hiking/walking shoes (not new)
Water shoes / sandals for crossing river
Pair of Socks for each day (good quality to
prevent blisters)
Clean underclothing for each day
Poncho or water repellant jacket
Two mid-calf length long-sleeved pioneer
style dresses OR 2 mid-calf length skirts and 2 long sleeve blouses OR one of
each
Bonnet (no modern hats, must be pioneer
style)
Apron with deep pockets
Bloomers/knee shorts – to be worn under
dress or skirt
Warm Coat / jacket
Optional: A pair of sweats, t-shirt, and
sweatshirt for Nightwear
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