PERSONAL EQUIPMENT LIST – Trainer Course
Always prepare for the worst weather and more than likely you’ll be quite comfortable. When packing clothing for a backpacking trip, think in terms of a layering system which includes moisture-wicking skin layers, warmth-holding insulating layers and wind/water-proof shell layers. With these layers in various combinations, you will be warm and dry in many types of weather.
Group Gear:
Certain gear is provided for the use of all participants. These include: first aid kits, trowels, and water purification items. You may bring your own tent if you own one, but we may ask you to share a tent with other participants to minimise the number of tents we use.
Footwear:
Your feet are your means of transportation while on the trail, so be considerate of them when deciding what footwear to use. The best choice is a pair of well-brokenin, water-proofed hiking boots with good ankle support and tread. You should be wearing them with two socks (a polypropolene liner sock with a wool or synthetic sock on top) to prevent blisters. Gaiters are worn over the top of your boots to prevent mud, dirt, and snow from getting into the boots. They are optional, but highly recommended as they allow you to walk through muddy areas instead of around them, helping to prevent trail erosion.
Backpack:
You’ll need an internal or external frame pack large enough to carry essential food and equipment (approximately 3500 for external and 5000 cubic inches for internal).
It should have a wellpadded hip belt to transfer weight off your shoulders. Line your pack with a large plastic bag to waterproof your belongings. If you are not in good hiking shape, It is important that you practice hiking or walking with a full pack several times before the course. This will alert you to problem areas and get you in shape for carrying extra weight.
Sleeping Bag:
Comfortable to 30 degrees F (0 degrees or colder for March and October course), with down or synthetic (Polargard, Hollofil, etc.) fill. Remember, down loses insulation properties when wet, so take proper precautions to keep it dry by lining the stuff sack with a plastic bag.
Clothing:

Clothing traps body heat and different insulation qualities of various fabrics regulate the rate of body heat loss.
Cotton loses its insulation ability when it gets wet, so it is not an appropriate fabric for backcountry use. Cotton also absorbs water and holds moisture next to the body, making the wearer cold. Make sure to avoid cotton thermal “waffle knit” long underwear.
Wool retains its insulation qualities even when wet. Wool is also very durable and can stand up to a lot of abuse.
Fleece is a synthetic fiber with qualities very similar to wool. It is able to "wick" moisture away from the skin. It doesn't absorb water so it is able to insulate in wet weather. Pile is lighter than wool; however, it's more bulky.
Polypropylene is another synthetic fiber with qualities comparable to those of pile and wool. It is generally worn next to the skin and is a very effective wicking layer.
Items to Bring
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Hiking Boots
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Cooking stoves
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Pots,
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Cooking utensils,
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First aid kits,
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Maps,
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Notebook & Pen/Pencil
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Liner socks (polypropolene is best) (2 pair)
 Sleeping bag
 Towel
 Wool or wool/synthetic blend socks (2-3 pair)
 Stuff /compression sack for sleeping bag, lined w/ plastic bag
 Gaitors
 Sleeping pad (closed cell foam or self-inflating style)
 Wool sweater/pile jacket
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Backpack with hip belt
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Shorts (1-2 pair)
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Packcover or plastic garbage bags
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T-shirt (1 or 2)(cotton is OK for warm weather), polypropolene preferred
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Small pocket knife
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Synthetic underwear top (2) & bottoms (1) (no cotton)
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Flashlight/headlamp and extra batteries
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Wool or pile pants or thick polypro bottoms
 Personal items (toiletries, medications, etc)
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Wool or fleece hat and gloves
 Sunscreen and lip balm

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Waterproof rain/wind gear jacket & pants (No Ponchos, jacket must have hood)
 Bug net (for your head if May or June especially)
 Cup, bowl & spoon Bug repellent (small bottle for May-August)
 Water bottles
 Light shoes to wear around camp
Optional
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Camera and film Binoculars
 Snacks
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Extra parachute cord
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Sunglasses Personal First Aid Kit/Blister Kit
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Lightweight camp chair
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Trowels
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Water purification items.
Note: Pack everything in plastic bags. Total weight of backpack, sleeping bag and pad, plus clothing and personal items should be between 25 and 30 pounds.
Remember that group items such as food, tents and stoves, will also need to be carried by participants and will add additional weight to your pack.
If you have any questions about equipment, please contact: 01 9059009 or email info@leavenotraceireland.org