Personal Clothing and Equipment List

Personal Clothing and Equipment List: Advanced Field Practicum Spring 2012

Dressing for comfort and safety is one of the important lessons of an outdoor leader. A major consideration in outfitting is selecting fabrics that will keep you warm even when they are wet. Synthetics developed specifically for outdoor use (e.g. polypropylene, polyester fleece, Polartec®, etc.) will keep you warm when they are wet and are quick drying, lightweight, and compress well when stuffed into your pack. Wool is a natural fiber that insulates even when wet, but it has the disadvantages of being slow to dry and relatively heavy. Cotton is not acceptable on any clothing, with the exception of your road clothes, as it does not dry well and can be deadly in the backcountry.

Start getting your gear together now. Borrow from friends. You can probably find a lot of what you need for not a lot of money at stores around here and Goodwill. Just be sure that any clothing you buy is made from a synthetic material and NOT COTTON. You can also order gear online from sierratradingpost.com, rei.com, or rei-outlet.com. And of course, please talk to us if you are having problems finding any gear or if you have questions about something.

ABOUT THE LIST:

The gear list is broken up into five sections: - Footwear - Upper body garments - Lower body garments - Personal gear - Optional items

Each section will list the item and the number of that item required. Although you may bring more than the required amount, we discourage it. Your packs will be heavy enough and extra ounces quickly add up to extra pounds. Do not bring less than the required amount.

FOOTWEAR:

Boots: You will want to purchase an inexpensive pair of calf-length rubber boots (Northerner brand at Orschlen’s are about $30-$40). They should not be felt lined.

Socks: - 4 pairs heavy rag wool or synthetic blends, calf length. NO COTTON! - 2-3 pairs of synthetic liner socks are also recommended

Camp Shoes: 1 pair. Lightweight, athletic sneakers to wear around camp (possibly your road shoes). Avoid bringing your expensive shoesthey will get wet and muddy. Open toed “river” sandals are not appropriate.

UPPER BODY GARMENTS: You’ll need at least 3 insulating layers, plus a waterproof layer, which must fit comfortably over each other so that they can all be worn at the same time. If you tend to get cold easily, add a pile vest or another full layer in addition to the 3 insulating layers. T-Shirt: 1 50/50 blend or 100 synthetic short sleeved t-shirt

Trail shirt: 1 Synthetic long sleeve shirt with a collar is recommended because it will dry faster (Remember, clothing will get wet not only from rain, but from sweat as well, which can make you very cold, very fast). 50/50 blends are adequate. Long sleeve and collar keeps away bugs and sun (can find these cheap at Goodwill).

Long Underwear Top (Primary Layer): 1 midweight, synthetic material (polypropylene).

Secondary Layer: 1 Medium weight wool, polyester or fleece shirt, sweater, or pullover.

Third Layer: Depending on temp, either a warm vest, or additional fleece shirt/ jacket

Top Layer: 1 heavy weight wool/polyester fleece, large enough to fit over all other layers with comfort and freedom of movement. This should be big and bulky, down or synthetic downs or heavy wool are good choices for this layer.

Rain Jacket: 1 hooded waist-thigh length rain jacket. It absolutely must be waterproof and not just water-resistant. Breathable fabrics are best, as you will sweat and get wet from the inside if moisture cannot escape (it can, but does not have to be Gore-Tex® or a similar fabric). Look for taped seams.

Gloves: I pair light weight wool or synthetic “liners.”

Warm Hat: 1 wool or synthetic hat. A balaclava can also be used and is very warm as it covers the entire head and neck.

Brimmed Hat: 1 sun or baseball cap for sun protection and to keep rain off your face.

LOWER BODY GARMENTS: You’ll need 2 insulating layers plus a rain layer which all must fit comfortably together so they can be worn at the same time.

Underwear: 1-2 pairs. Quick drying polyester, light cotton or nylon (with cotton crotch for women).

Long Underwear Bottom: 1 midweight, synthetic material (polypropylene). ABSOLUTELY NO COTTON!

Fleece Pants: 1 pair of long, insulating, wool or synthetic (perhaps fleece) pants is required. Must be large enough to fit over long underwear.

Trail Pants/Shorts: 1 pair synthetic trail pant/short. Pants are useful on portages and keep you out of bugs/sun. Shorts are cooler and can easily double as swim wear (cold water though!).

Rain Pants: 1 pair of waterproof or water resistant pants. Slickers are OK. Pants must fit over everything else on your lower body. PERSONAL GEAR:

Eating Utensils: Bring an insulated mug (12-20 oz.), a bowl, and a spoon. Sturdy plastic containers work great.

Water Bottles: You must have 2, 1 liter bottles with screw top lid. Nalgene® are a popular choiceadd an identifying sticker. A water bladder (camelback or similar) may be substituted for 1 bottle, but they are less useful in colder weather.

Glasses/Contacts: Be sure to have a sturdy case and possibly a strap. Contacts are fine as long as they don’t require extensive care, if you wear contacts do bring a pair of glasses with you as well.

Sunglasses: A must! A quality pair that blocks nearly 100%UV is best.

Bandanas: 1-2 large, useful for a variety of purposes.

Sunscreen: A small tube of SPF 15+.

Lip Balm: 1 small stick, SPF 15+.

Toiletries: Toothbrush, toothpaste, tampons (put some baking soda in a zip bag for disposing tampons), and personal medications*. Do not bring big sizes; travel sizes are best for packing!

Road Clothes: Pack a set of “freshies” for the drive home.

Headlamp/Flashlight: small LED lights are popular and work well

Journal and Pen/Pencil: Bigger than pocket size, smaller than full size

Camera and Film (optional): lightweight w/ case, avoid a heavy set-up, fancy, or expensive camera, maybe share with a friend

*NOTE: If you experience any recurring infections (i.e. ear, yeast, urinary tract) bring your own medications. You may bring your own over-the-counter medications for menstrual cramps, headache, muscle aches, etc. Please let us know about any prescription medications (including inhalers and epinephrine) you will have with you.

You will be provided with a sleeping bag, sleeping pad, and bug net through the Outdoor Education Center. All other group gear will also be provided (packs, tents, dry bags, etc.)