University of Michigan

Outdoor Adventures rents backpacking and camping gear Reserve your gear today! Call 734.764.3967

Group Gear: * Tent * Stove w/fuel * Cook set * Spatula/Spoon * Water purification * Trowel * Matches/Lighters * Spice kit * Hand sanitizer * Toilet paper (optional)

Backpack: * 1 external or internal frame backpack with shoulder straps and padded hip belt. External frame packs, should also have sleeping bag straps, a bungee cord, or rope to hold your sleeping bag onto the pack. External frame packs should have 3,300 - 4,300 cubic inches of volume and internal frame packs 4,000 - 5,000 cubic inches. Make sure that the pack fits well and that all straps and zippers are in working order. * 1 pack cover for Backpack. You can also bring a Garbage bag to line the pack.

Sleeping: * 1 sleeping bag with stuff sack: Any summer weight synthetic fill bag will do. The bag should have a nylon shell both inside and outside. Down bags are acceptable but extra care must be taken to keep them dry. Line your stuff sack with a sturdy plastic bag to give yourself added protection from rain. Do not bring cotton fill bags or bags with cotton outer shells. They will not keep you warm and cannot be dried if they get wet. * 1 sleeping pad (closed cell foam or self inflating pad) Pads provide insulation from the ground and padding for more comfortable sleeping.

Feet * 1 pair of lightweight hiking boots: Boots should extend above the ankle and be either leather/fabric or all-leather with proper soles for traction. Boots should fit comfortably with two pairs of socks, a light synthetic liner sock and a heavy wool sock. Above all, make sure that your boots are well broken in before you arrive, otherwise your feet will pay the price. We cannot emphasize this enough. Non-broken-in boots invariably cause chafing and blisters. * 1 pair of lightweight running shoes or other closed toed shoes for wearing at camp Running shoes or day hikers that you wear at the end of the day to give your feet a rest from your hiking boots. * 2 pairs of medium weight wool or synthetic hiking socks Ragg Wool, smart wool, and Thorlo socks don’t have cotton in them. Wool synthetic blend is OK. Wool socks don’t retain moisture and prevent blisters. * 2 pairs of liner socks Light weight polypropylene socks that are worn as a first layer to prevent blisters and wick moisture away from your foot.

Lower Body * 1-2 pairs of underwear * 1 pair of lightweight hiking pants – no jeans * 1 pair fleece pants – no jeans A second layer for your bottom half. Inexpensive wool pants can be bought at Army Surplus for around $15-20. Jeans are unacceptable since they are made of cotton. * 1 pair of loose fitting (non cotton) shorts Nylon or supplex shorts that will dry quickly after a rainstorm or a dip in the river. Umbros, Patagonia Baggies or any other non-cotton short is acceptable. * 1 lightweight long underwear bottoms capilene or polypropylene (ultimax or Dufold) do not retain moisture and are used as a base layer on cold days. Anything with a cotton blend is not acceptable. * 1 pair of rain pants – must be waterproof (PVC or Gore Tex)

Upper Body * 2 t-shirts (preferable synthetic) * 1 lightweight long underwear top capilene or polypropylene (ultimax or Dufold) do not retain moisture and are used as a base layer on cold days. Anything with a cotton blend is not acceptable.

* 1 fleece or wool sweater Wool and Fleece both maintain their insulative properties when wet and are used as a second layering piece. * 1 rain jacket with hood. (MUST be waterproof – not just water resistant!) A water proof jacket (or Cagoul) and pants that are made of coated Nylon, vinyl, Gore-Tex. Make sure that both the top and bottom are roomy enough to fit over all your layers comfortably. For a non-winter trip army surplus sells a top and bottom set for around $10. A poncho is not acceptable since it does not offer enough coverage.

Head * 1 wool or synthetic hat for warmth at night A non cotton hat that covers your ears is great for unexpectedly cold nights and mornings at camp.

Miscellaneous * 2 1-litre water bottles Nalgene brand 1-liter water bottles are best because they are leak proof and can be placed inside your pack. On a cold night they also double as a hot water bottle in your sleeping bag. * 1 bowl and spoon * 1 headlamp or flashlight with an extra set of batteries Late night trips to the bathroom are better with a hand held flashlight or a headlamp. Any small flashlight will do. * 3-5 small and large Ziploc bags for organizing * Small knife with locking blade or leatherman * Compass * First Aid kit – bandaids, moleskin, athletic tape, pain reliever, gauze, gloves, antiseptic, safety pins * Gaiters Coated nylon or Gore-Tex gaiters cover your boots and extend upward to prevent dirt, rocks or snow from entering your boots while you walk

Toiletries * Sunscreen * Lip Balm with SPF * Feminine supplies (bring Ziploc bag for waste) * Prescription Drugs * Contacts/Glasses * Toothbrush/Toothpaste * 1-2 bandannas

Optional * Camera * Journal * Crazy Creek * Sunglasses * Camelback * Deck of cards or other small games * 1 baseball hat or wide brimmed hat for sun protection * 1 cup/insulated mug * Small Towel * duct tape (wrap around nalegene or pencil) * bear bagging supplies * bathing suit * 1 pair light gloves or mitts