Clothing

The goal of trek clothing is to try and mimic the clothing worn during the time period of the 1850s. We would ask that you do your best to find clothing that matches the time period. We would ask to not bring clothing that is flashy or would bring undue attention to an indivual. Please try to avoid modern day looking clothing. Wearing this type clothing helps with focusing the mind toward pioneer experiences and contributes to the overall ambience of the trekking experience.


Men: Appropriate trek clothing for men should include:

  1. Pants - Slacks, or Levis. No shorts. Loose fitting pants that breathe well. Cotton preferred. The weather will likely be very hot so fabrics that are good for hot weather and breathe well will be the best.

  2. Shirts - Button up shirts that are long sleeve. Shirts are typically worn loose. Plain colors were common, but stripes or plaids were also used. Light colors will be coolest.

  3. Hat - There are various hat options from that time period, but we recommend getting a wide brim hat for the sun. It will likely be hot and sunny and a wide brim hat helps the most with keeping the sun out of ones face. Please do not wear ball caps.

  4. Suspenders: Optional. Men’s pants were held up by suspenders that were buttoned on the outside of the waistband, and crossed in the back. If you need something to help hold your pants up a belt will also work fine.

  5. Vests, Handkerchiefs, ties, etc. are all optional if desired.

  6. Shoes - Shoes should be good quality shoes good for hiking long distances. Your shoes do not have to be old fashioned and can be modern looking.

  7. Socks - Good quality socks are important to help prevent blisters. Wearing 2 pairs of socks while hiking can also help with blisters. Wearing a tighter, thinner sock on the inside and a thicker more padded sock on the outside can help prevent blisters.


  • See some clothing examples below:


Women: Appropriate trek clothing for women should include:

  1. Dresses - Should be about calf length or longer. Calf length will help to not trip over the dress while walking. Typical 1850s dresses were floor length. Dresses from that time period could be plain or have many ruffles. The sleeves were full, and long, with buttons or bands at the writs. For our trek sleeves can be long or to the elbow. Necklines were usually high, with buttons up the front. Fabrics were cotton in solid colors or small print. Bright colors were popular (especially bright yellow) Blouses and long skirts or jumpers could be used.

  2. Aprons - Aprons are options, but were common during that time period. 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.

  3. Headware - Bonnets were commonly worn during that time period, but are optional for trek. A wide brim had is also a good option to help with protecting you from the sun.

  4. Undergarment - Pantaloons were often worn during this time period and are an option should you desire although they can be hot. It is recommended you wear some kind of shorts, pants, or tights under your dress to help minimize chaffing while hiking. We would not recommended wearing any undergarment that is heavy material. It is important that the fabric breathes well to keep you from getting too hot.

  5. Shoes - Shoes should be good quality shoes good for hiking long distances. Your shoes do not have to be old fashioned and can be modern looking.

  6. Socks - Good quality socks are important to help prevent blisters. Wearing 2 pairs of socks while hiking can also help with blisters. Wearing a tighter, thinner sock on the inside and a thicker more padded sock on the outside can help prevent blisters.