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Clothing Ideas
Purpose of Pioneer Dress
You have the opportunity to become immersed in a Pioneer Trek experience. Dressing in pioneer costume promotes unity within the stake and connects us to the pioneers who made so many physical sacrifices because of their commitment to the Gospel of Jesus Christ. As we come to understand, in a small measure, the devotion and fortitude of the pioneers, we have the opportunity to determine how we can apply that to modern circumstances that require spiritual, emotional, and mental commitment and resilience. Although Pioneer-style clothing is to be worn during the Trek, use of modern footwear, clothing, headwear, and sunscreen is also included to prevent blisters, chafing, and sunburn.
Where to Find Pioneer Clothing
Please do not spend excessive time or money on clothing. We encourage gathering your clothing outfits early. Secondhand thrifting, borrowing, or making clothes is suggested. Thrifted clothing/material is less expensive than buying fabric. Ask family/ward members or friends who have gone on Trek if they have clothes you could borrow or repurpose. If you’re willing to sew, patterns and tutorials can be found online, on YouTube, and on Pinterest. Stores such as Deseret Book and White Elegance offer ready-to-wear pioneer clothing; however, this is a significantly more expensive option.
Pioneer Attire for Women:
2-3 complete pioneer outfits, light colors are best.
A long pioneer skirt (or dress) about 6 inches from the ground; cotton, cotton-poly, gingham, or muslin material is best.
Button-up long-sleeve top (no t-shirts). Top should not be tight or form-fitting.
Western-style hat or wide-brimmed floppy hat with a chin strap to keep it from blowing away. Bonnets are okay, but not recommended as they trap heat.
1-2 pairs of “bloomers”= lightweight cotton shorts or breathable leggings to be worn under pioneer skirts to prevent chafing.
1-2 aprons with pockets.
See Amazon images: 2-pack, half apron here or a fully smocked apron here. Cotton, gingham, or muslin fabric is best.
Pioneer Attire for Men:
2-3 pioneer outfits, light colors are best.
2 pairs of pioneer-style pants –comfortable, loose-fitting cotton/ Dockers style; light colors are recommended. Jeans / Levi's are not to be worn.
Consider compression shorts to wear under pants to minimize chafing.
2-3 tops – long-sleeve button-up shirts. Light, single colors recommended; collarless pioneer shirts are optional (see Trek Manual pg 38-39). No t-shirts.
1 western-style hat with strings to keep it from blowing away. A wide-brim/ floppy hat would also be acceptable. No baseball caps.
Vest (optional).
Suspenders (optional).
Appropriate Clothing Choices Minimize Pain, Illness, and Injury
Preventing Blisters
Appropriate Shoes: For best protection /prevention, it would be wise to purchase new athletic shoes approximately 3 months prior to the Trek and wear them frequently enough that they become comfortable. Shoes that are too old will not provide sufficient protection. Shoes that are too new will not be comfortable. Hiking boots can be worn if preferred, but they are not necessary. If this option is chosen, the boots should be broken in.
Appropriate socks, enough for each day of the trek plus at least one extra pair. Cotton socks should never be worn. A thin nylon sock liner under a wool hiking sock is preferred. (More info on the two-sock system in the links below. Some people have had success wearing a woman’s knee-high nylon under a wool hiking sock.)
Water shoes, but no flip-flops, can be appropriate for the river crossing.
An investment in good socks and shoes is the most important money you will spend in trek preparation. Keeping your feet happy and blister-free will make the most difference between a happy trek experience and a miserable trek experience.
Websites for ideas and references
Pioneer Apron (http://howtodresslikeapioneer.blogspot.com/2010/06/pioneer-apron-tips.html?m=1)
Pioneer Skirt (http://howtodresslikeapioneer.blogspot.com/2010/06/not-so-pioneer-skirt-tutorial.html?m=)
Neck Cooler (http://littlebirdiesecrets.blogspot.com/2010/07/how-to-sew-neck-cooler.html?m=1)
Men's Pioneer Shirt (https://www.thisgrandmaisfun.com/15-minute-pioneer-shirt-2/)
Two Sock System (https://sectionhiker.com/hiking-socks-and-sock-liners)
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