Small NIV Bible.
Your FGE supplied spiral wound packable Preparation Study Manual and Journal with room for notes.
Pens, a highlighter and a Sharpie pen (permanent black ink).
Camera.
Small Flashlight or Head mounted Petzl light (recommended).
Light weight collapsible walking sticks (optional).
Therma-Rest or bum pad for sitting on rocks during teaching.
Sunglasses.
Sunscreen.
Swimsuit.
Passport (and visa, if required). Canadians do not require a visa. Passport must be valid for six months AFTER your return date to your home country.
Photocopy of passport to be kept separately. Please scan and email (as a .pdf attachment) a copy of pages #2 & #3 of your passport to Cam Huth at cam@huth.com. This will serve as a backup in case of loss of passport.
Supply of energy snacks (granola bars, trail mix etc. to eat while hiking – lunch times can be unpredictable).
Personal first-aid kit (band-aids, ointments, Imodium for diarrhea, Pepto-Bismol, Tylenol, Ibuprofen, Gravol, moleskin for blisters, personal or allergy meds (in original containers) and Puffers etc.
Water supply while hiking (Camelback or Backpack with water bottles held on by carabineers or waist belt with minimum of two one liter bottles.)
Small bottle of laundry soap.
Tissue packs (Trail stops and some bathrooms are out of paper).
Purell – hand sanitizer and face mask (when needed).
Small alarm clock (recommended).
USD cash to cover personal purchases. Credit cards are accepted at most major outlets but not usually in markets. ATM machines are not readily available.
A facecloth and a small towel.
Canadiana: Canadian flag, lapel pin for shirt etc.
Your name tag, to be worn at all times, issued by Fifth Gospel Encounters
Your Study Manual, issued by Fifth Gospel Encounters
Consider duck tape for foot "hot spots". No kidding!
CLOTHING SUGGESTIONS & COMMENTS FOR WOMEN
There are some occasions where you will hike in shorts and tank top but then you must be able to carry in your pack something to cover your knees and shoulders for a section of the hike.
Therefore, bring a light/airy wrap that can be put over shorts or shoulders temporarily. You must be able to cover from below your mid calf up to your shoulders. Separate upper and lower wraps are acceptable if preferred.
Some people use 3/4 Capris.
Pants with zip-off lower legs that turn into shorts is a convenient way to accomplish the lower coverage when needed.
A shirt with 3/4 length sleeves or a T-shirt (which you would be comfortable wearing while you hike in the heat is acceptable).
A blouse or shirt you can put on over the T-shirt you have been hiking in, to cover your shoulders.
You never need to be concerned about covering all the way to the wrists and ankles.
Keeping direct sunlight away from the skin is one way to stay cool. Thus a wide brimmed hat, and pants or shirt that cover legs and arms is recommended for hiking in the heat.
CLOTHING SUGGESTIONS & COMMENTS FOR BOTH MEN & WOMEN
Pants with zipper legs that turn into shorts is a convenient way to adjust on the move for temperature changes when needed.
No flip flops or sandals for hiking will be excepted. No open toes. There are a few occasions when proper "hiking sandals" with closed toes can be worn.
A wide brimmed hat is essential for keeping the sun away and to help maintain normal body temperature.
Clothing should be light in weight and colour, airy and loose fitting. Long sleeves and long pants are recommended for controlling body temperature and keeping the direct rays of the hot sun off arms and legs. Some people prefer shorts and T shirts. Although such apparel may seem cooler, it does not shield the body from the heat of the sun as aptly. In dry or desert conditions. Light cotton is fine. In any conditions, a very light weave of 100% nylon or 100% polyester or a combination works very well. (Blue jeans are NOT recommended.)
A thin, light Jacket or a wind breaker can be useful at times.
A clear rain poncho is also necessary since rain is very possible in May or October in Israel. Dollar stores often sell 3-packs of disposable, clear plastic ponchos.
Footwear is critical. Be sure your hiking boots are well broken in. Although “off-road runners” can work for some, a better option is a light hiking boot which offers ankle support and ankle protection from rocky trails. Socks are important as well. Wearing a light polyester sock (which wicks away sweat) inside your thicker hiking sock will help the wear and tear on your feet during the heat of the day.
Have light and cool footwear available to change into when you return to the hotel at night to give your feet a rest. Use water shoes, sandals etc.
Pack clothes that you can wash in the sink and dry quickly overnight.
If you are going on our fall trip please note that, once we leave the desert, temperatures will drop at this time of year. We suggest you bring an extra fleece layer especially for mornings when there could be a slight chill in the air.