The Pioneer Trek has become a popular activity for LDS church members. It’s an opportunity to experience a little bit of the life lived by the Utah pioneers. It is a way for them to learn and experience a little part of the challenges and sacrifices they faced as they made their way across the plains of America in search for religious freedom.
The Trek Experience
The trek is an opportunity to travel back in time and let go of everyday comforts and modern technology. Cell phones, cars, and cable are left at home and are replaced with handcarts, face-to-face conversation, and the great outdoors.
When you start your trek you are placed into a family that consists of a ma, pa, and siblings. The group is about ten people to a handcart as they travel up to 13 miles a day. Looking for a packing list to replace your misplaced list? Check out our Trek Packing List!
Being physically prepared is also very important: get out and walk for at least 60 minutes a day at least two weeks before the trek. Many activities are planned out as part of the pioneer experience: square dancing, spiritual meeting, and personal stories and history of the pioneers.
What do you Wear for Trek?
To fully appreciate and experience the pioneer trek, the clothing you wear will reflect those of a pioneer. LDS trek clothing can be a bit of a challenge, but our crew has been helping folks find the perfect outfit for several years – we’ll help you find the right pieces.
Women’s LDS Trek Clothing
For women, broomstick skirts are an appropriate and cool piece of clothing. We’ve got this broomstick skirt in several colors! They wash easy, and they look best wrinkled – no ironing needed.
We added an apron over the skirt which is handy for pockets and keeping your skirt clean. You’ll want check out our selection of women’s hiking tops. The lightweight blouses will keep you cool and their button-down design will allow for multiple purposes.
Looking to be more period specific for trek? No problem! We also carry these great pullover options in the Scully brand. These 100% cotton blouses are durable and hard-working yet feminine and fashionable.
Many stakes and wards suggest taking a pair of good hiking boots, like these Merrells. You’ll definitely need a good pair that you’ve broken in. There’s nothing worse than hiking and blisters.
If you do get a blister or two then you’ll want to have some moleskin with you. We carry Dr. Scholl’s and Adventure Medical Kits brands.
Add a bonnet for some shade and to help keep you cool. You can get this red gingham bonnet in-store or online.
Men’s LDS Trek Clothing
For a traditional men’s look, turn to the Scully brand. It’s got all you need for the traditional pioneer appearance. These pants have suspender buttons built-in so you can walk comfortably, and these pullover shirts look great as well.
For a more modern approach (and the promise of wearing your clothes after trek) you can check out these great products! Columbia, White Sierra, Stillwater Supply Co. and American Outback are great, lightweight options. They’ll keep ya cool and dry and many of the pant styles are convertible into shorts! You’ll wear these items over and over for many adventures to come.
Don’t forget those hiking boots! You can’t go wrong with Merrell, but we also carry other leading brands like Danner, Columbia and Hi-Tec. Keep a silk wild rag close to keep yourself cool in the summer heat.
A Sunbody palm-leaf hat is a smart way to keep cool and keep your skin safe. You can wear a wide-brimmed palm leaf hat right off the shelf, or use a steamer to shape the hat in any way you like. Get a Sunbody hat online here. 
What Else do I Bring?
Every stake and ward have different packing lists of what they want you to bring to the trek. Typically you’re asked to bring a bucket that holds your supplies. These ice fishing bucket seats have been popular here in the store for people going on Trek. They fit on both 5-gallon and 6-gallons and provide some much-appreciated cushioning.
Find everything you need all in one place as you shop for your trek at Smith & Edwards! More information on your pioneer trek can be found on your ward or stake’s Facebook page.
View our Trek Packing List for ideas on what you can collect at Smith & Edwards. You can view the ultimate guide by visiting LDS Living’s Ultimate Guide to Trek.
Special thanks to Kelsey from our Clothing Department and Tom from Western for modeling these great outfits!
