PERSONAL EQUIPMENT LISTS:

Below are the Personal Equipment Lists for , Hybrid, Trail Crew, , and Canoeing Trips. All items on your trip’s list are ABSOLUTELY NECESSARY for your safety and comfort. Please note that the ​ ​ ​ Canoeing Equipment List is slightly different. ​

If you are new to the backcountry, some of these items might be unfamiliar and the list may seem overwhelming, so make sure to read the additional information on what each item is, why you need it, and where you can find it (and how to find it affordably!). Please read through the entire document (especially the personal equipment notes) before you begin looking for gear and don’t be overwhelmed by its length; it’s long to make sure you know exactly what you need and where you can find it. You can also refer to an additional document, “More Gear Info” which ​ ​ includes pictures, to get a better sense of what each item looks like.

A * indicates that there is further information below about that particular item.

BACKPACKING, HYBRID, CAMPING, AND TRAIL CREW PERSONAL EQUIPMENT LIST Basic Equipment: ______large internal or external frame backpacking pack* ______sleeping (synthetic fill, rated to at least 32 F)* ​ ​ ______sleeping bag (stuff sack with compression straps is preferable but not required) ______sleeping pad (closed cell foam or inflatable pad)*

Clothing: ______1 100% wool sweater or fleece jacket ______1 pair 100% wool or fleece pants ______1 pair long underwear (top AND bottom) ______3 t-shirts (synthetic is best; try to avoid cotton) ______2 pairs shorts (quick-drying; again, try to avoid cotton) ______1 set rain gear (top AND bottom)* ______1 wind shell (can use top of rain gear if it is light and windproof) ______3 pairs 100% wool or synthetic socks ______underwear and sports bras ______1 wool or fleece hat ______1 pair gloves or mittens (wool or fleece; it gets chilly at night!)

“Shower Bag” (Students will sleep in dorms when trips return, and can access shower then- this is mainly for ​ students who will not have access to all their belongings until the next day when families arrive): ​ ______a change of clothes for when we get back ______toiletries (soap, shampoo, deodorant, towel etc.)

Footwear: ______hiking boots* (sturdy, broken-in, and well-fitting) ______alternate pair of shoes (we love Tevas, Chacos, Crocs, old sneakers etc.; no flip-flops, please!)

Other Essentials: ______2 (two) 32 oz (1 liter) water bottles (if you have a Camelback please also bring 1 water bottle) ______cup, bowl, spoon (no glass items; disposable Tupperware are great) ______extra pair of glasses or contacts plus related equipment (if needed) ______medication (if needed) ______approx. 2 lbs. GORP* ​ ​ ______2 large garbage bags and 2 Ziploc bags (for waterproofing and holding toiletries and other essential belongings) ______swimsuit ______toothbrush and toothpaste ______Menstrual Hygiene Kit* ______flashlight or headlamp (with plenty of battery life) ______sunscreen

Optional Items: ______notebook & pen ______insect repellent ______sunglasses/sun hat ______pocket knife (no “survival” or long blade knives, please)* ______small quick-dry camping towel ______camera ______something unusual & funky (small, light, and not electronic!) ______

CANOEING PERSONAL EQUIPMENT LIST (Hybrid trips must follow Backpacking Equipment List, even though you’ll be doing some canoeing) ​ ​

Basic Equipment: ​ ______large bag* ______sleeping bag (synthetic fill, rated to at least 32 F)* ​ ​ ______sleeping bag stuff sack (stuff sack with compression straps is preferable but not required) ______sleeping pad (closed cell foam or inflatable pad)*

Clothing: ______1 100% wool sweater or fleece jacket ______1 pair 100% wool or fleece pants ______1 pair long underwear (top AND bottom) ______3 t-shirts (synthetic is best; try to avoid cotton) ______2 pairs shorts (quick-drying; again, try to avoid cotton) ______1 set rain gear (top AND bottom)* ______1 wind shell (can use top of rain gear if it is light and windproof) ______3 pair 100% wool or synthetic hiking socks ______underwear and sports bras ______1 wool or fleece hat ______1 pair gloves or mittens (wool or fleece; it gets chilly at night!)

“Shower Bag” (Students will sleep in dorms when trips return, and can access shower bags then- this is mainly for ​ students who will not have access to their belongings until the next day): ​ ______a change of clothes for when we get back ______toiletries (soap, shampoo, deodorant, towel etc.)

Footwear: ______1 pair “dry shoes” (sneakers to wear in ; must be closed toed!) ​ ​ ______1 pair “wet shoes”(sandals or sneakers to wear in the boat that won’t fall off in the water. Tevas, Chacos, Keens etc. or old sneakers are great options! No flip flops please!)

Other Essentials: ______2 (two) 32 oz (1 liter) plastic water bottles (if you have a Camelback please also bring 1 water bottle) ______cup, bowl, spoon (no glass items; disposable Tupperware are great) ______extra pair of glasses or contacts plus related equipment (if needed) ______medication (if needed) ______approx. 2 lbs. GORP* ​ ​ ______2 large garbage bags and 2 Ziploc bags (for waterproofing and holding toiletries and other essential belongings) ______swimsuit ______toothbrush and toothpaste ______Menstrual Hygiene Kit* ______flashlight or headlamp (with plenty of battery life) ______sunscreen

Optional Items: ______notebook & pen ______insect repellant ______pocket knife (no “survival” or long blade knives, please)* ______small quick-drying camping towel ______camera ______something unusual & funky (small, light, and not electronic!) ______

PERSONAL EQUIPMENT NOTES ALL OF THESE ITEMS, EXCEPT THOSE LISTED AS OPTIONAL, ARE ESSENTIAL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! ​ ​

Participants who do not have these items will not be allowed to participate for safety reasons. Late August ​ nights in the mountains of New England can be dangerously chilly if you do not have the proper equipment. The equipment lists have been put together from years of camping experience and are designed to keep participants both safe and comfortable.

While you must have everything marked as essential to go on your trip, there is no need to spend a great deal of money. Check before you buy: many items can be borrowed from friends, neighbors, or relatives. For items you ​ ​ do not already own and are unable to borrow, here are some suggestions on where to find gear and what you might be able to find there: ● Goodwill and other thrift shops: fleeces, synthetic layers, rain gear, hat/gloves ● TJ Maxx/Marshalls etc.: fleeces, synthetic layers, wool socks, water bottles, rain gear, hat/gloves, hiking boots ● Target/Walmart etc.: fleeces, synthetic layers, wool socks, water bottles, rain gear, hat/gloves, hiking boots, sleeping bags, sleeping pads, headlamp ● Army surplus stores: wool layers, hat/gloves, ● International Mountain Equipment (NH)/Outdoor Gear Exchange (VT)/Second Gear (NC)/other used outdoor gear stores: everything! ● discount gear websites (www.backcountry.com, www.rei.com/outlet, www.campmor.com, ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ www.sierratradingpost.com, www.gearx.com, www.geartrade.com etc.): everything! ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ● REI/Eastern Mountain Sports/LL Bean/Moosejaw/Cabela’s/other outdoor gear stores: everything! ● www.amazon.com: everything! ​ ***TWO has a Gear Lending Program, which qualifies students with sufficient financial aid packages to utilize the limited supply of TWO-owned gear. TWO also has a partnership with local gear companies that provide equipment rentals. See FAQs below for more information on the Gear Lending Program and Gear Rental.

Please be aware that leaders will go through each student’s /bag upon arrival and look at each student’s belongings. On the trail, everyone’s gear is of concern to the group – so there are no secrets! Be ready to go through your stuff with your leaders in order to make sure everything is appropriate and packed efficiently. You will need to purchase or rent any required items on the above list if you fail to bring them with you.

SPECIFIC EQUIPMENT (*NOTED ABOVE) Backpack: It is important that your backpack have a frame, either internal or external. It must have a waist belt ​ and be large enough to carry all personal and group equipment; this means a pack with an internal volume of 55 liters or more. It must fit properly. You will be carrying between 30 and 50 pounds, so try your pack out before the trip. Load it up and see how it feels. When loaded with all your personal gear, your pack must have about 1/4 of the space left over for group gear and food, which is heavier than your personal gear.

Canoe Bags: You can use just about any large bag for a canoe trip. Stuff sacks and duffel bags work well, ​ especially if they have a shoulder strap or handle. You will line your bag with large garbage bags to make it waterproof, but if you already have a , that would be your best option. Avoid large external frame packs, as they won't fit easily in the canoe. Remember that your bag must be large enough to hold all of your stuff plus some group gear and food.

Hiking Boots: If you are on a backpacking, hybrid, or trail crew trip YOU WILL need hiking boots. We can't let ​ you go out on the trail without them. Obtain a quality pair of hiking boots soon. They must be comfortable, fit well, and above all, provide excellent ankle support. They should be well broken in before the trip to prevent foot problems while trips are out. If your boots do not already have a waterproofing treatment (ex. Gore-Tex) you may want to buy a waterproofing product and treat them.

Sleeping Bag: Bring a bag that is rated to about 20-30ºF. A synthetic, polyester fill (i.e.; Polarguard, Quallofil, ​ Hollofil, etc.) bags is required; down bags will NOT keep you warm if they get wet! A stuff sack (waterproof/trash ​ ​ bag lined sack to stuff your into) is necessary. Sleeping bags should stuff small enough to leave AMPLE room in your pack for all other personal and group items.

Sleeping Pad: A closed cell foam (ensolite) or Thermarest pad will insulate you from the ground and make you a lot ​ more comfortable. Ensolite pads are a lot less expensive, and work just as well! You’ll also need straps or cords to attach your pad to your pack; some backpacks come with these straps built-in.

Rain Gear: Make sure it is durable and will cover you completely. You will need both a rain jacket and rain pants. It ​ will rain! Coated nylon works perfectly, and is a lot less expensive than Gore-Tex. Local thrift stores often have rain jackets/pants that work great and are less expensive than buying them new.

GORP: GORP is an acronym for Good Old Raisins and Peanuts, also known as trail mix. GORP will be consumed ​ in addition to three meals a day. GORP is a very personal item and we encourage you to be creative. Try nuts, dried fruit, M&Ms, granola, yogurt balls, pretzels, etc. Bring about two pounds in two or three separate Ziploc bags. It is rd very important that every student comes arrive with prepared GORP on August 23 .​ ​

Pocket Knife: knives are handy on TWO trips, but not required. If you do choose to bring a knife on your ​ trip, please plan to have a family member pick it up on matriculation day (August 29th) or ship it home, as knives are not allowed in Tufts dorms. Please do not bring long blade or survival knives.

Menstrual Hygiene Kit: Having your period while you are in the woods is no big deal, and if you plan ahead you ​ should feel comfortable and prepared. Regardless of whether or not you expect to get your period during TWO trips, diet and exercise can affect your cycle, so it is best to plan ahead and prepare by bringing a menstrual hygiene kit. This kit should be some sort of opaque bag or stuff sack containing the following things: a ziplock of tampons/pads (bring more than you think you’ll use), a second ziplock bag with a pack of baby wipes, and two more ziplock bags for used supplies (all dirty tampons/pads, dirty baby wipes, tampon wrappers). Feel free to cover the bags in duct tape if you would prefer them to be opaque. Also, both aspirin and tea bags make a great odor eliminator for your garbage bag. TWO provides all participants with one small opaque bag and the medical kits come with aspirin to eliminate odors.

PROHIBITED ITEMS The following items are NOT allowed on any TWO trips: alcohol, non-medical drugs, cigarettes, firearms, cell ​ ​ ​ phones, ipods, radios, or electronic games. You will be evacuated from the trip if you bring alcohol, drugs, or ​ ​ ​ firearms onto your trip. Cigarette smoking is not allowed on the trip for fire safety reasons (we’re not kidding). Your leaders will look through all parts of your bag before you leave Tufts, so don’t even try it.

A NOTE ABOUT CELL PHONES: No cell phones will be allowed on the trail with first-years. All leaders will carry cell phones, used only for communication with program coordinators and emergency support if necessary. We nd ask that you put your cell phone in your shower bag upon arrival at Tufts on August 22 .​ Not only are cell phones ​ unnecessary for the trail, they also distract from the group experience that we are trying to create in the time on TWO.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

● Why do I need these things? o Wool/fleece jacket and pants, long underwear: to keep warm, especially at night o Synthetic t-shirts and shorts: to keep dry and comfortable while hiking or canoeing o Rain gear: to keep dry and warm in the rain and for wind protection o Wool/synthetic hiking socks: to keep feet dry and comfortable while hiking and to keep feet warm o Wool/fleece hat and gloves: to keep warm, especially at night ● Why is it so important to not bring cotton? When cotton is wet, it will not keep you warm. Because you ​ will be moving a lot and in the woods, you are likely to be wet from sweat or rain. For this reason, it is important to have layers that keep you warm even when wet and can dry quickly. ● Why is wool or fleece so important? Wool and fleece, unlike most materials (especially cotton), will ​ keep you warm when it is wet. Polyester pile garments work also, but they can be far more expensive. Polypropylene long underwear will help insulate and works when wet since it does not absorb water. Please don't bring cotton jeans, flannel shirts, or sweatshirts to wear on your trip. You will not be allowed to take them with you. ​ ● Why shouldn’t I bring extra stuff? Don’t bring things that aren’t on the list. Remember, you'll be ​ ​ ​ carrying a share of the group gear, so leave room in about 1/4 of your pack. Everything you bring, you will carry on ​ ​ your back for five days. If it’s not on the list, you won’t be allowed to bring it on the trip. ● Who should I call about specific equipment questions? Your local outdoors/camping store should be ​ your first option (i.e. Recreational Equipment Inc. (REI), Eastern Mountain Sports (EMS), etc. or any number of local stores). Their staff is trained to answer specific questions about brand names, quality, and prices. If you show them a copy of your equipment list and tell them what you are planning to do and for how long, they should be able to help you. If you still have any questions, feel free to contact us. ● How does the Gear Lending Program work? TWO has a limited supply of personal gear that will be ​ distributed in sets. Each set has one backpack, one sleeping bag, and one sleeping pad. We allocate them based on financial need as determined by Tufts. Please indicate whether or not you are interested in the Gear Lending Program on the Participant Information Form. Contact the coordinators if you have any questions. ● How can I rent equipment? TWO has a partnership with local gear companies from which you can ​ ​ reserve backpacks, sleeping bags, and sleeping pads. The price for a complete set (backpack, sleeping bag, and sleeping pad) is $170 and you can also rent individual items if you don’t need a whole set. Rentals are granted on a first-come-first-serve basis, so please note on the Participant Information Form if you are interested in renting gear. You’ll be notified of your assigned trip type in the next few weeks and will receive additional information about gear rentals.