Spring/Fall Weekend Packing List

Wool layers and socks

• Multiple layers are your best bet for staying warm. A wool-base layer should guarantee you a toasty, warm vacation! We recommend SmartWool products. We also recommend Burton glove liners for your morning activities. They are thin enough that you can do just about anything in them, and they provide additional warmth for your hands.

Jeans and quick-dry pants

• All guests should wear jeans or quick-dry pants for horseback riding and ATV adventures.
• If you’re looking for great quick-dry pants, we recommend PrAna or Patagonia.

Shoes and hiking boots

• Closed-toe shoes are required for all ATV and horseback activities, as well as for biking and paintball. They are also recommended for hiking. Spring can be a muddy time of year on our trails, so we recommend waterproof hiking boots for most activities.

Hats

• Cowboy hats are acceptable on horseback rides, but they require a stampede string to be attached, which can be purchased at the Wilderness Outpost. Beanies are recommended for morning activities such as climbing, biking or hiking.

Layering jackets and rain jackets

• Thin and noninsulated rain jackets, which can be stuffed into saddlebags, ATVs and rafting dry bags, are recommended. The Wilderness Outpost has a selection of “slickers” and kids’ rain gear, which can be borrowed while participating in activities.
• Morning and evenings are chilly, so we recommend layering, with a lightweight wool second layer, such as a fleece or a mid-weight shell, and a down top layer, which you can take off as the day warms up. We recommend Patagonia down products.

Sunscreen

• While Paws Up does provide sunscreen at the Wilderness Outpost, we understand that many folks have sensitive skin and may require a special brand. Please provide your own preferred sunscreen.

Sunglasses

• We recommend that all guests bring polarized sunglasses.

We provide:

• Sunscreen
• Noninsulated slickers and rain gear
• Wet suits
• Splash tops
• Helmets for horseback rides and ATV adventures
• Buffs for ATV trips

Dressing for spring and fall in Montana

Spring and fall in western Montana are periods of transition. While larch trees and willowy shrubs convert their canopies into new blossoms, the weather can still be cool at this time of year. Nighttime and morning temperatures dip into the thirties. Daytime temperatures reach the high forties, fifties and sometimes into the sixties, but not until well after noon. In the spring months, we generally get periods of rain throughout the day with nice dry times as well. Some mornings may even have a bit of snow!

Barring unsafe conditions (such as lightning storms), scheduled activities will proceed rain or shine, hot or cold. Therefore, guests scheduled for any outdoor trips should arrive well-prepared for such extremes. Check with Concierge Services before departing to The Resort for the most up-to-date weather conditions and use the following suggestions to ensure a comfortable and rewarding Paws Up experience.

General

Dressing in layers is essential during the spring and fall—thin, synthetics nearest to the skin, mid-weight fleece layers next, covered with waterproof shells. Cool mornings will require warm outfits. As days warm up, unnecessary layers can be shed. If bad weather rolls in, insulating layers may be added. The Wilderness Outpost does not recommend wearing cotton instead of modern synthetics. Once damp, cotton will not hold warmth and will make the body very cold. Newer synthetics, however, continue to heat the body even when wet. Examples include polypropylene items, such as Capilene from Patagonia or VaporWick from North Face.

For all activities, guests should bring appropriate sunscreen for their skin type. Wide-brim hats and sunglasses are also important for bright days. Every activity takes place in beautiful scenery, so most guests find a camera or video recorder an absolute necessity as well.

River activities

For fly-fishing, wading boots are available for any splashing that occurs while in the boat or for scouting that perfect spot from outside the boat. Polarized sunglasses are very helpful, as they reduce glare and help contrast the fish from the river bottom. Sandals, water shoes or old sneakers are appropriate (not flip-flops) when not wearing wading boots.

ATV tours and equestrian activities

Closed-toed, sturdy shoes or boots are required for these activities. No sandals, please. It is also safer to wear long pants (versus shorts) due to the heat of the engine (ATV) or the chafing of saddles (equestrian) on the legs of the rider. Upper wear is weather-dependent, but a windbreaker or fleece is always suggested. The Wilderness Outpost will supply helmets, goggles and gloves for ATV tours.

Geocaching/hiking/hot air ballooning/mountain biking/paintball/shooting sports

Depending on the weather, shorts will be fine for these activities. Closed-toed sneakers or boots are important for rough terrain and low brush. No sandals, please. A light jacket or fleece may be necessary for cooler days. For mountain biking, the Wilderness Outpost will provide helmets, but guests may wish to bring sunglasses and riding gloves for comfort.

Having the above items fitted for personal use ensures comfortable and memorable activities while at The Resort at Paws Up. Of course, if guests are missing any items, the Wilderness Outpost stocks the following gear in a variety of sizes: fleece gloves, fleece hats/neck warmers, rain jackets and hiking boots.