Recommendation: Limit personal gear to one medium bag (maximum 23 kg / 50 lb, 62 linear inches / 158 cm) plus one small daypack. Oversized trunks or wheeled containers require prior approval and incur a handling fee of $25 per item. Arrival drop-off permitted between 08:00 and 11:00; late deliveries possible only by arrangement with reservations.
Short-term storage and security: Reception offers temporary storage at $5 per item per night; long-term holding limited to 10 days. Items receive a tamper-evident tag; unclaimed property retained for 30 days before disposition. Lockbox rental available for valuables at $3/day; keep passports, cash and electronics on your person when possible.
Unloading and transport: Private vehicles may use the designated unloading zone for 15 minutes; oversize vehicles must park in the lot 200 m from the main entrance. A shuttle runs hourly from 07:30–21:30 (reserve when booking). Trails include uneven sections; soft-sided bags and waterproof covers reduce handling issues.
Prohibited and restricted items: No fuel canisters, fireworks, glass beverage bottles, or commercial cooking appliances. Lithium battery packs limited to 100 Wh each; multiples require prior notification. Bicycles, kayaks and stage gear need advance approval and specific drop-off arrangements.
Packing tips and declarations: Label external tags with full name, phone and booking ID. Use compression sacks for clothing, dry bags for electronics, and place wet items inside an additional plastic bag. For special equipment, email photos and exact dimensions to [email protected] or call +1-555-123-4567 at least 72 hours before arrival to secure clearance and avoid extra charges.
Baggage policy for the retreat centre
Each guest may arrive with one medium suitcase (maximum 20 kg; recommended dimensions 70 × 45 × 30 cm) plus one daypack; additional or oversized pieces require prior approval from reception.
Size and weight limits
Standard allocation: one checked-style bag up to 20 kg and one personal pack up to 8 kg. Mobility aids and essential medical devices do not count toward the allocation. Single-piece linear measurement (length + width + height) should not exceed 158 cm; individual pieces heavier than 30 kg must be pre-arranged for manual handling or vehicle transport.
Drop-off, storage and prohibited items
Vehicle drop-off permitted at the main entrance between 08:30 and 09:30 on arrival day; staff will move items to cottages for guests arriving during that window. After that window, drivers must park in the designated lot; trolley service for transferring baggage is available for a nominal fee. Short-term storage: one extra piece per guest held free for the first 24 hours; longer-term storage requires a completed form and advance notice–contact reception at least 72 hours before arrival to reserve space.
Items not accepted for on-site storage or transport include alcoholic beverages, illegal drugs, explosives/fireworks, open-flame heaters, and firearms/bladed weapons. Fragile or high-value items (electronics, passports, cash, jewelry) should remain in a personal carry pack or be transported by the guest directly.
Packing recommendations: label every piece with full name and mobile number; put medications and travel documents in the daypack; use soft-sided bags for tighter cabin fit; waterproof bags for wet gear; secure locks that staff can open if access is required. For special needs (large musical instruments, sports equipment, pet transport, mobility vehicles), notify reception during booking to confirm space and handling arrangements.
Which bag types are permitted: suitcases, duffels, backpacks
Recommendation: Pack one wheeled hard-shell carry-on (max external 56 x 36 x 23 cm / 22 x 14 x 9 in), one 60–90 L soft duffel with compression straps, and one 20–35 L daypack for daily gear.
Suitcases (hard-shell, wheeled)
Choose a hard-shell spinner with reinforced corners and a protective base; target an empty weight under 4.5 kg (10 lb) so packed mass stays within practical handling limits (recommended packed weight 18–23 kg). Use low-profile combination locks, cover sharp logos or metal that can snag, and secure zippers with a small cable tie for transit. Avoid oversized check-style cases unless vehicle access and storage space are confirmed in advance.
Duffels and backpacks
Soft duffels: select 60–90 L volume, water-resistant polyester or TPU-coated fabric, with a reinforced abrasion-resistant base and external daisy chains or compression straps. Packed weight for duffels should generally stay below 18 kg to ease lifting and overhead storage. Backpacks: pick 20–35 L daypacks for daily use and a framed 40–60 L pack only if car drop-off and secure storage exist; look for a ventilated back panel, sternum strap, and hip belt for loads over 8–10 kg. Use waterproof stuff sacks or dry bags for clothing and electronics.
Type | Recommended size | Suggested max packed weight | Best use | Key features |
---|---|---|---|---|
Hard-shell suitcase | 56 x 36 x 23 cm (22 x 14 x 9 in) | 18–23 kg | Structured packing, fragile items | Spinner wheels, reinforced corners, combination lock |
Soft duffel | 60–90 L | Up to 18 kg | Bulky clothing, sleeping gear | Compression straps, water-resistant base, grab handles |
Daypack / backpack | 20–35 L (daypack) / 40–60 L (overnight) | 8–12 kg (daypack) / 12–18 kg (overnight) | Daily essentials, hikes, personal items | Hip belt, sternum strap, hydration compatibility, rain cover |
Quick maintenance tip: remove loose dirt before stowing; for heavy mud on canvas or polyurethane-coated gear consider a controlled outdoor wash–see best pressure washer for drain cleaning for equipment options, but use a low-pressure nozzle and keep the head at least 50 cm from seams and zippers to prevent damage.
Baggage size and weight limits per guest
Maximum per guest: one checked bag up to 23 kg (50 lb) and one carry-on up to 7 kg (15 lb); checked item dimensions must not exceed 62 linear inches / 158 cm (length + width + height), carry-on maximum 22 × 14 × 9 in (56 × 36 × 23 cm).
- Weight tiers and handling:
- 0–23 kg (0–50 lb): standard – no extra charge.
- 24–32 kg (51–70 lb): overweight surcharge applies; items in this band must be pre-declared.
- >32 kg (>70 lb): will not be accepted without prior approval; owners must arrange alternate transport or split contents.
- Item counts:
- Standard allocation: one checked item + one personal/carry-on item per guest.
- Additional checked pieces require prior authorization and may incur fees or be refused at drop-off.
- Measurement tips:
- Measure at the fullest points; include wheels, handles and external pockets when calculating total dimensions.
- Use a luggage scale at home; if uncertain, repack to distribute weight under 23 kg per bag.
- Special equipment:
- Sports gear (boards, paddles, archery sets) must be declared in advance; typical maximum length 183 cm (72 in) and weight cap 32 kg unless arranged otherwise.
- Musical instruments that exceed carry-on dimensions count as a checked item unless a separate seat is purchased or prior approval is granted.
- Packing and marking requirements:
- Securely fasten zippers and closures; fragile contents should be cushioned and marked “FRAGILE”.
- Attach a durable tag with guest name, session dates and emergency contact on each piece.
- Excess and prohibited items:
- Unapproved oversized or overweight pieces may be refused at drop-off; prohibited items include hazardous materials and unapproved fuel containers.
- If an item is refused, options include vehicle transport, storage off-site, or redistributing contents into compliant bags.
- Arrival and collection logistics:
- Drop-off window: main entrance between posted hours on arrival day; earlier delivery requires scheduling.
- Labelled items left after the event must be collected within the designated retrieval period or will be handled per facility policy.
Prohibited items and hazardous-materials rules
Do not pack firearms, ammunition, explosives, fireworks, propane cylinders, gasoline, or open-flame cooking devices; possession will result in confiscation, possible law-enforcement notification, and immediate removal without refund.
Specific items that are strictly prohibited in guest bags and on-site personal gear: firearms and replicas (including BB, pellet and air guns); all ammunition; explosive or incendiary devices (fireworks, flares, blasting caps); illegal narcotics and drug paraphernalia; corrosive or toxic chemicals (industrial acids, concentrated bleach beyond household-strength, pesticides in non-retail volumes); flammable liquids and solvents (gasoline, kerosene, lighter fluid, paint thinner); pressurized fuel or gas cylinders (propane, butane, refillable camping gas cartridges) unless expressly approved in advance; weapon-like items (stun devices, brass knuckles, throwing knives); chainsaws, fuel-powered tools, and large fuel reservoirs; consumer fireworks, signal flares, and smoke devices.
Battery and electronics rules
Spare lithium batteries and power banks must be carried in personal carry items and have terminals protected (tape, original packaging, or insulated pouch). Capacity rules: up to 100 Wh – acceptable without prior approval; 100–160 Wh – require written pre-approval from operations (submit make/model and Wh rating); over 160 Wh – prohibited. One-day-use portable fuel cells, loose cells, and unprotected spare batteries are not permitted in checked storage. E-cigarette batteries follow the same battery rules; disposable e-cig devices and refill liquids that are pressurized or contain flammable solvents are not permitted in checked bags and may be restricted from personal carry based on staff direction.
Medical items, declaration and disposal
Prescription medications are permitted when kept in original labeled containers; bring matching documentation for controlled medications. Insulin needles and other sharps are permitted but must be declared at check-in and stored in rigid approved sharps containers. Medical oxygen or other compressed medical gases require advance written approval and coordination with operations; do not transport durable oxygen cylinders without prior authorization. Any hazardous material discovered during inspection will be logged; staff will offer disposal or secure storage when feasible. Confiscation records, disposal fees, and possible legal referral may apply for prohibited items.
To request an exception or pre-approval (examples: batteries 100–160 Wh, medical oxygen, compressed gas for equipment, or fuel-powered appliances), submit product specifications, battery Wh rating, and Safety Data Sheet (SDS) to operations at least 7 days before arrival. Failure to disclose hazardous items may result in penalties, removal from the facility, and denial of refunds.
How to label, lock, and document your bags for staff
Attach two waterproof ID tags: one secured to the main handle and a duplicate placed inside a clear, resealable plastic pouch sewn or taped to the lining.
Labeling details
Use heavy-duty vinyl or Tyvek tags (approx. 3″×2″) printed with a label maker or written in block letters with a permanent black marker. Required fields: Full name (FIRST LAST), group/unit or cabin/room if assigned, primary guardian phone, emergency contact name and phone, registration ID, arrival and departure dates, and one short special-code field (use MED, ALLERGY, FRAG, VAL). Add a brightly colored adhesive sticker for MED or ALLERGY (red) and FRAG (blue) so staff can spot critical info at a glance. Place a laminated copy of the tag information inside the bag in a waterproof pouch.
Locking and documentation
Use a small combination lock for personal security and supplement with a tamper-evident plastic pull-tie or numbered security seal threaded through both zipper pulls; staff can cut seals for inspection without damaging the lock. If you use a keyed lock, put the key in a labeled envelope inside the internal pouch and notify staff at check-in. Create two inventories: a one-line external summary (clothes count, shoes, electronics, meds) attached under the external pouch and a full itemized list inside the bag. Photograph the bag front and back showing external tag, serial seal number, and lock type; name files with LASTNAME_BAG1 and email them to the program contact before arrival. At drop-off, present the printed inventory and any medication documentation (original pharmacy labels, dosage schedule) to medical staff; mark the external tag with “MEDS IN” when medications are packed inside.
On-site storage, lost-and-found, and emergency access
Store bulky bags in the designated Storage Room (Lodge Annex) during daytime and use coin-free lockers at Registration for small items; after-hours retrieval is handled via Security (24/7) with valid photo ID and staff authorization.
Storage options and rules
Storage Room (Building A): locked, CCTV-monitored, staffed 07:30–21:00. Items logged on intake form, photographed, and issued a numbered receipt; oversized gear accepted but total weight per item must not exceed 35 kg. Registration lockers: internal dimensions 46×36×62 cm (18×14×24 in), recommended max weight 25 kg per compartment, electronic code locks; daily locker fee: $3. Long-term hold (over 14 days) requires pre-registration and a $10 flat handling charge.
Lost-and-found procedure and emergency retrieval
Report missing items to [email protected] or call +1 (555) 012-3456; provide date/time, location last seen, item description, serial numbers and photo(s). Walk-in claims accepted 08:00–20:00; claimants must present government photo ID and the intake receipt number or two matching identifying details. Valuable property (electronics, jewelry, wallets) held 180 days; general items held 90 days then donated or recycled. Shipping of recovered items available at recipient’s expense plus a $12 handling fee; international shipments require copy of passport.
After-hours access for urgent needs (medication, official ID, car keys, prescription eyewear) requires on-call Security verification: caller must provide name, unit/cabin number, and a staff member’s verbal or emailed authorization. Security will accompany the guest or authorized proxy, inventory retrieved items, photograph them, and obtain signatures from the guest and two staff witnesses. After-hours service fee: $25 per incident; emergency medical retrievals exempt from the fee but still require documentation.
Perishables left in storage will be discarded after 48 hours. Potentially hazardous materials found in stored property are isolated and handed to local hazardous-waste services; finders will be notified and the item logged separately. For disputes over ownership, retained evidence will be held pending police or legal resolution and will not be released without an official release order.
Check-in, drop-off, transfer and pick-up procedures and timelines
Arrive strictly within the assigned check-in window printed on your confirmation; common windows: Group A 08:00–09:30, Group B 09:30–11:00, Group C 15:00–16:30.
Scheduled arrival and check-in (on-site)
- Arrival lane: follow signage to the short-term unloading zone (maximum 15 minutes per vehicle). Vehicles left unattended will be redirected to overflow parking.
- Queue process: staff will check reservations and ID at the gate; expect 3–7 minutes per vehicle during peak times, up to 20 minutes if multiple family group verifications are required.
- Health screening & documentation: present signed medical form and emergency contact card at the check-in desk. Paper backups accepted; digital copies speed processing.
- Drop-off handling: staff will tag and transport items to storage or cabin area. Standard turnaround from drop to drop-complete is 10–25 minutes depending on distance from parking to housing.
- Late arrivals: arrivals after 18:00 must notify the arrival desk in advance; after-hours check-in will take 20–45 minutes and may require staff escort.
Transfers, shuttles and pick-up
- On-site shuttle schedule: fixed shuttles run every 30 minutes between main parking and the program site during peak check-in (08:00–12:00) and peak pick-up (15:00–18:00); off-peak frequency drops to hourly.
- Transfer time estimates: expect 12–35 minutes per shuttle trip depending on traffic and access roads; add 5–10 minutes for boarding and securement of belongings.
- Authorized pick-up list: only individuals named on the authorization form will be released a participant. Photo ID verification and signature required at release point.
- Early release protocol: submit written authorization via email or in-person at least 2 hours before requested pickup; emergency releases require phone approval from the primary contact on file.
- Missed pickup procedure: if no authorized collector arrives within 30 minutes of scheduled pick-up, participants will be held at the front desk; additional supervision fees may apply after 60 minutes.
- Vehicle access and parking: long-term parking available in Lot B; short-term unloading in Zone 1. Vehicles parked in loading zones beyond the allowed time will be ticketed or towed at owner expense.
Operational notes: check confirmation for your group letter and exact window, retain the printed pick-up authorization, and arrive prepared for a 10–45 minute check process depending on peak load. For packing recommendations consult best luggage to pack for europe and weather protection options such as best purple golf umbrella.