Author: Daniel Muller

Whether you’re climbing through the treetops on the Aerial Adventure Course or paddling across a mountain lake on a stand-up paddleboard, one thing is certain — your adventure with Greenbrier Outfitters is going to be unforgettable. But before you head into the wild beauty of West Virginia, let’s make sure your bag is packed with everything you need (and nothing you don’t).

Here’s your go-to Greenbrier outdoor adventure packing list, curated by locals who live and breathe the Appalachian outdoors.

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Clothing & Footwear: Dress for Adventure

Your clothing can make or break your experience, especially when you’re hiking, climbing, or kayaking. The weather can shift quickly here in the mountains, so layering is key.

Essentials:

• Moisture-wicking base layer (top and bottom)
• Lightweight long-sleeve shirt (for sun and bug protection)
• Quick-dry shorts or hiking pants
• Insulating mid-layer (fleece or puffy jacket, depending on season)
• Rain jacket or windbreaker (even if it looks clear)
• Comfortable athletic shoes or trail shoes
• Waterproof hiking boots (for Mountaineer or Alpine Tower activities)
  • Socks (wool or synthetic – avoid cotton)

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Adventure-Specific Gear: Tailored to Your Outing

Each Greenbrier adventure has its own gear needs. Here’s a quick breakdown by activity:

For Falconry Lessons:

• Comfortable, weather appropriate clothing
• Closed-toe shoes
• Sunscreen & sunglasses (you’ll be outside for most of it)

👉 Book a Falconry Lesson to walk alongside birds of prey like a true Master of the Mews.

For the Aerial & Alpine Tower Courses:

• Athletic wear that allows full range of motion
• No loose items or dangling jewelry
• Hair ties for long hair
• Closed-toe Shoes

👉 Get climbing: Alpine Tower Adventure

For Flatwater Kayaking & SUP:

• Swimsuit or water-friendly clothing
• Water shoes or sandals with heel straps
• Sunglasses with a retainer strap
• Waterproof phone case (optional)

👉 Learn more about Stand Up Paddle Boarding or Flatwater Kayaking

For Paintball Challenge:

• Long-sleeve shirt and long pants (preferably old clothes)
• Athletic shoes or boots
• Change of clothes (trust us on this one)

👉 Ready, aim, fire: Paintball Challenge Info

For the Mountaineer Experience:

• Comfortable athletic wear
• Closed-toe shoes
• Sunscreen & bug spray

👉 Throw like a Mountaineer: Experience the Wild

For E-Bike Tours or Greenbrier River Trail:

• Padded bike shorts or athletic wear
• Daypack for personal items
• Sunglasses and sun protection

👉 Choose your ride: E-Bike Tours or Greenbrier River Trail Shuttle

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Must-Have Gear for Any Adventure

These items are musts across all our outdoor activities:

• Sunscreen (SPF 30+)
• Bug spray
• Snacks or energy bars
• Sunglasses with UV protection
• Personal medications (inhalers, allergy meds, etc.)
• Phone or camera (in a protective case)
• Daypack to carry everything comfortably

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What Not to Pack

Traveling light is smart — there’s no need to lug your entire closet into the woods.

• ❌ Cotton clothing (it traps moisture and dries slowly)
• ❌ Expensive jewelry or watches
• ❌ Heavy perfumes (can attract bugs)
• ❌ Flip flops or slip-on sandals
• ❌ Large purses or handbags
• ❌ Drones

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Local Tip: Outfitters On-Site

If you forget something — don’t worry. Greenbrier Outfitters provides all the necessary gear and safety equipment for your adventure. Helmets, harnesses, paddles, life vests, tomahawks — you name it, we’ve got it.

And if you’re staying at The Greenbrier, many essentials are available at their on-property shops, from high-end outdoor wear to sunscreen and bug spray.

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Final Thoughts: Pack Smart, Play Hard

Packing smart means you’ll spend less time adjusting, and more time immersed in the beauty of the Appalachians. From peaceful paddles to high-flying hawks, every Greenbrier outdoor adventure becomes richer when you’re dressed and prepped for the moment.

Want help choosing your next activity? Check out all the guided experiences at Greenbrier Outfitters, and let’s get you geared up for the mountains!

Climbing a tower can seem daunting at first, but it’s a unique activity that brings a range of benefits to team-building exercises. In this FAQ, we’ll explore how the challenge of climbing a tower can enhance teamwork, communication, trust, and problem-solving skills within a group.

Why Choose a Climbing Tower for Team Building?

Climbing towers provide an adventurous yet controlled setting that can accommodate different skill levels, making it an ideal choice for diverse groups. This structured environment ensures that challenges are met with safety, allowing all team members to participate confidently. It encourages teams to step out of their comfort zones together.

The versatility of climbing towers is one of their greatest assets. They can be tailored to meet specific team-building objectives, whether you’re aiming to boost morale, strengthen existing skills, or introduce new strategies for collaboration. Their adaptability makes them a popular choice among organizations looking to enrich their team dynamics.

How Do Teams Bond During a Climbing Experience?

Climbing a tower creates a unique bonding experience that strengthens relationships among team members. As individuals tackle the challenges of ascending together, they share moments of triumph and vulnerability. This shared journey fosters camaraderie as participants rely on one another for support and encouragement. The physical act of climbing, coupled with the emotional connections formed, cultivates a sense of belonging within the group.

When faced with the tower’s heights, participants often find themselves cheering each other on, celebrating small victories, and offering words of reassurance in challenging moments. These interactions not only enhance individual confidence but also deepen interpersonal connections. The collective experience of overcoming obstacles together reinforces the idea that collaboration is key, reminding team members that they are part of a supportive unit.

Moreover, the fun and thrill of climbing create memorable experiences that participants will carry back to the workplace. These shared memories serve as a foundation for stronger communication and collaboration, as team members draw on their climbing experiences to bond in future projects. By fostering a sense of unity and shared accomplishment, climbing a tower not only strengthens skills but also builds lasting friendships, contributing to a more cohesive and resilient team dynamic.

What Role Does Trust Play in Climbing?

Trust is the cornerstone of climbing a tower as a team-building exercise. Participants must have confidence in each other’s abilities to ensure a smooth climb. This reliance nurtures a deeper level of trust and respect that carries forward into workplace relationships.

During a climb, team members often act as each other’s support system. This dynamic creates bonds of trust as individuals count on their teammates for safety and morale support, reinforcing the importance of reliability and mutual respect in collaborative settings.

The shared experience of overcoming the physical and mental challenges of a tower climb offers a practical lesson in trust-building. Teams learn that relying on each other strengthens the group, leading to more cohesive and efficient teamwork away from the tower.

How Does Problem-Solving Enhance the Experience?

Every tower climb introduces unexpected obstacles that require creative problem-solving as a group. Working together to strategize and overcome these challenges enhances a team’s ability to address and resolve complex issues back at the office.

The nature of tower climbing demands that team members think on their feet. This fast-paced decision-making environment sharpens their ability to tackle problems effectively and innovatively, fostering a mindset that is adaptive to change and open to collaboration.

Problem-solving during a climb not only builds technical skills but also encourages supportive dynamics, with team members brainstorming solutions together. This collaborative problem-solving enhances team unity and execution of strategies in professional scenarios.

What are the Long-Term Benefits for Teams?

Climbing a tower as a team leaves a lasting impact. Participants walk away with bolstered self-esteem, improved teamwork skills, and a reinforced sense of achievement that contributes positively to workplace morale and productivity.

The bonds formed during a climbing tower experience translate into stronger personal connections within the team, fostering a work environment that thrives on trust, confidence, and motivation. These attributes collectively drive the team toward successful collaboration in achieving their goals.

In essence, the skills honed on a climbing tower including communication, trust, problem-solving, and adaptability are vital components of any high-functioning team, proving that this kind of team-building activity can elevate professional interactions and outcomes.

The Power of Tower Climbing in Team Building

Climbing a tower is more than just a physical challenge; it’s an opportunity to foster key team-building skills in a fun and engaging way. From enhancing communication to building trust, these exercises can significantly improve how a team collaborates, leading to better outcomes in professional settings.