What to Wear and Bring for Your Ziplining Adventure in Santa Cruz?

Santa Cruz is an adventure world nestled in the arms of mountains and lush greenery, with a cozy view and majestic coastal redwood trees. With impeccable scenery, a canopy zip-line excursion can easily make your day worthwhile.

Hundreds of feet above the ground among the ancient redwoods is an invigorating day; however, if not dressed appropriately, it can be a chilly or not-so-enjoyable day.

It is important to pack the proper essentials and layer up, due to the quick changes in climate between cool coastal fog and bright, sunny warmth in the Microclimates of Santa Cruz. This is the best Santa Cruz zip line clothing and packing list.

We are talking about a suddenly large canopy.

Heavy helmets, full-body harnesses with tight straps, and strong gloves will hug your garments. Be sure to select garments that don't chafe, shield from tree bark, and keep you comfortable despite varying temperatures.

Mandatory: Closed-Toed, Secure Footwear

All the zip-line operators in Santa Cruz have a closed-toed shoe rule.

Flip-flops, sandals/slip-ons, Crocs, and high heels are strictly prohibited on the course.

Best Choice: runners, trail runners and lightweight hiking boots that are sturdy and have good tread.

It's important because hiking trails will be dirt and suspension bridges will be wooden - and you'll have your feet in your feet while flying through the air between the platforms.

Pro-Tip: Untie the shoelaces when strapping into the harness; this should be done in a double knot before attaching the harness.

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Wear form-fitting and flexible pants or shorts.

Your full-body harness straps around your upper thighs with heavy-duty leg straps and fits around your waist just above your hips with the waist harness.

• Best Choice: High-waisted leggings, athletic joggers, or a pair of tough, moisture-wicking hiking pants constructed of synthetic material. Shorts are okay, but have to be mid-thigh or longer bermuda-style athletic shorts.

• Avoid: Thin sweatpants; they tear denim jeans easily, and rough-edged seams directly chafing against bare skin will cause pain, or shorts that are very short; the harness straps, if not rough-edged denim, will rub against bare skin, causing painful chafing.

3. The Santa Cruz Microclimate Strategy (Smart, Breathable Layers)

The one thing people love about the Santa Cruz Mountains, apart from the spectacular views, is the large canopy... it will shield you from the direct sun and keep the morning chill out. The redwoods are the same temperature as the shade that they cast on a summer day when the temperature is 60° F. in downtown Santa Cruz.

• Mid-Layer: A lightweight fleece, long-sleeve performance shirt, or zip-up hoodie. It is best to have a zip-up so you can easily slip it off and on for the different times you'll be practicing before putting it on your harness.
• Outer Layer (Seasonal): If you are zip-lining early in the spring, late in the fall, or during a foggy morning, an outer layer/rain jacket designed to be lightweight and windproof would be useful.

4. Hair Accessories and very little jewelry.

Long hair in the wind can appear chic in the photographs, but can be a serious safety issue for carabiners and high-speed metal pulleys.

• Tie It Back: Long hair should be pulled back into a tidy ponytail or ponytail braid at the back of your head.
• No Jewelry: No jewelry – no rings, bracelets, necklaces, or earrings hanging out of your car or at home.

Part 2: Essential Gear & Personal Items to Bring

You should be ready, but you must also keep in mind one golden rule: anything you bring on the canopy course can fall to the forest. Never keep excessive numbers of items in the kit. Keep kits minimal, secure, and compact.

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Hands-Free Camera or Secured Smartphone

The breathtaking vistas of the redwood woods are bound to be on your mind during a 30 mph free flight, but a loose phone won't do!

• Action Cameras / GoPro: Use an action camera (if you have) that comes with a helmet mount or chest mount. The majority of tour operators offer helmets that feature GoPro mounting points.

• Phone Lanyards / Zippered Pockets: With smartphones, use a robust neck lanyard or phone leash fastened to your wrist or harness. If not, keep your phone securely in a jacket or a pant pocket when you start from a platform.

Sun Protection

You will be on open launch platforms, exposed suspension bridges, and base camp areas providing ample habitat for the forest sun, but with plenty of shade!

Sunscreen: Before putting up gear, FIRST apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen to the face, neck, and hands.

Eyewear retained by Strap: When soaring straight down over a ravine, use a retainable eyewear strap (Chums or Croakies) when using sunglasses or prescription eyewear.

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A Reusable Water Bottle.

Moderate physical activity involved in zip-lining consists of walking uphill from one platform to another and of climbing stairs. Appropriate fluid intake is crucial.

Do not leave your water bottle in your vehicle or locker at base camp. Water is generally available at the point of departure and destination of the course, and some guides bring their water packs for any stops.

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5. 50$ for every tour guide's tip

It's up to these certified canopy guides to keep you safe and entertained in the trees. They will take care of your equipment, set up your grip and braking, make sure it's within safety limits, and, when safety is key, they share related facts about redwood ecosystems.

It's accepted and valued in the outdoor adventure business to tip if you have a great experience. It is a typical gesture to bring $10-$20 in cash to your group to support a fine service.

In the end

With your attire lined and fitted to protect and keep you comfortable, you're ready to concentrate on what counts: enjoying the wind fresh in your face and breathtaking, soaring vistas of Santa Cruz's famed redwoods!