WYOMING TRIP
INFORMATION SHEET
Hike and Backpack Yellowstone and the
Grand Tetons, August 6-14, 2005
Well, it is hard to believe we leave for Wyoming in about one month. We are very excited
about seeing some of the most beautiful mountains and valleys in the U.S. with you. We hope
you will find everything you need in this information sheet, but if you have questions about
anything, please do not hesitate to ask one of us. Andrea and Stacia
ITINERARY
We have a fairly tight itinerary but we hope to offer as much flexibility when and wherever
we can. Although we are the leaders, we want everyone to feel comfortable making
suggestions. We are all different people with varied expectations. Hopefully our goals for this
trip are similar, so with lots of communication and flexibility we think everyone will have a
positive experience. We would like to have a brief status check with people after dinner each
night and go over the next day’s plans. We have specific goals as far as our destinations and
accommodations, but when we are day-hiking and backpacking we will have lots of daylight
and time to complete our journey.
Date/Day/Activity
Accommodation/Meals
Sat, 8/6 Most people arrive in Jackson Hole in the early afternoon.
We will do a van run to the grocery store around 3:30 pm to pick
up lunches for the Yellowstone portion of our trip. If you go on
your own there is a mini-mart across from the Inn and an
Albertson’s Grocery store about a mile away. You can ask
directions at the front desk. Stacia will have a cooler for
perishables. We will then meet in the lobby of the Inn for a
welcome dinner at 6:30pm. If you are arriving later in the
afternoon, Stacia and Andrea can arrange to pick up your lunches.
Elk Country Inn
307-733-2364
www.elkcountryinn.com
Sun, 8/7 After an early breakfast we will make the 80 mile drive
out to Yellowstone to meet our Yellowstone Association guide,
Melissa Pangraze. We will do a dayhike of geysers in their natural
setting. The hike will be about 16 miles. We will start at the Lone
Star Geyser and hike to Shoshone Geyser Basin and back. This is a
really neat backcountry destination without hand rails or tons of
people. The topography is fairly flat so it should be good for
adjusting to altitude (~7500').
Grants Village Campground,
Yellowstone National Park
Mon, 8/8 See bison congregated during rut as we hike to a remote
backcountry lake and then end by hiking along the famous Grand
Canyon of the Yellowstone with breathtaking overlooks. Hike of ~
14 mile loop(round trip). Start at upper falls of Grand Canyon of
the Yellowstone, head to Wrangler Lake, and end near artist point
pathway back to upper falls parking.
Grants Village Campground,
Yellowstone National Park
Wyoming Final Trip Information, Page 1
MEALS
Dinner
MEALS
Breakfast
Dinner
MEALS
Breakfast
Dinner
Tues, 8/9 We will begin our day in Yellowstone National Park.
After an early morning wake up call we will pack up camp, eat
breakfast and drive back the Elk Country Inn to drop off nonbackpacking items. We will also have time to go shopping before
we continue on to the airport to drop off the rental vehicles. We
will be picked up at the airport by a shuttle service that will take
us to the Teton Village. Since we will be starting the backpack in
early afternoon, rather than making the 3+ mile hike up (3,000’)
with full packs, we will take the aerial tramway up to the start of
the backpack. The first day will still involve 4+ miles of hiking at
10,000+ feet.
We will stay at
Middle/South Fork Granite
campsite, marked area 17
on your map.
Wed, 8/10 We will meander along the Teton Crest Trail, up to
Marion Lake, by Spearhead Peak and over Fox Creek Pass. Then
there will be a long journey through Death Canyon Shelf, over
Moose Meek Pass and into the Alaska Basin area. We will now be in
the Jedediah Smith Wilderness Area, outside the boundaries of the
Grand Teton National Park. We will make camp near Basin Lake,
in the shaded pink area on your map that has grid lines. This
campground will be our home for two nights most likely. The total
distance for this day will be approximately 11 miles, with
moderate elevation gain and loss, except for some minor steep
sections near the passes. The elevation of Fox Creek Pass is 9,600’
and 9,726’ for Mount Meek Pass. The Basin Lakes are at
approximately 9,500’.
Alaska Basin camping
Thurs, 8/11 There is a great loop, leaving from the Basin Lakes
area descending into the Jedediah Smith Wilderness Area on the
Basin Trail. The loop will take us down to Devil’s Stairs, around
8’000 feet, and back up to a small section we will have hiked the
day before. Depending upon how long this takes us, there is
another 4.7 mile loop in the opposite direction towards Buck
Mountain and Veiled Peak. We can do the entire loop, part of it up
and back, or just relax in camp for the rest of the day. Or, we can
decide to cut down the next day’s hike by moving to Sunset Lake
for the night.
Alaska Basin camping
Fri, 8/12 We will continue to travel along the Teton Crest Trail,
past Battleship Mountain and over Hurricane Pass (10,400’). We
will pass the trail junction with Cascade Canyon and continue
along the Lake Solitude Trail down to our last campsite at North
Fork Cascade Canyon. We will also pass Schoolroom Glacier, one
of the only glaciers we will see up close. The total mileage for this
day’s hike is about 9 miles. NOTE CHANGE TO ITINERARY!
North Fork Cascade Canyon
campsite
Sat, 8/13 We will be met at the trailhead at the Jenny Lake Lodge
around 2pm. After packing up for the last time, we will go through
Paintbrush Divide, down through Paintbrush Canyon and finish our
hike at the Jenny Lake Lodge, between String Lake and Jenny
Lake. The total mileage on the last day will be about 12 miles.
There will be a tough uphill near Paintbrush Divide and the rest
will be mostly downhill. Our finishing point, String and Jenny
Lakes, are at about 7,200’. After cleaning up, we will have a
goodbye dinner that night, around 7pm at a location to be
determined by the group.
Sun, 8/14 Shuttles will take people to the airport at their assigned
time. Bye!!
Elk Country Inn
307-733-2364
www.elkcountryinn.com
Wyoming Final Trip Information, Page 2
MEALS
Breakfast
Dinner
MEALS
Breakfast
Dinner
MEALS
Breakfast
Dinner
MEALS
Breakfast
Dinner
MEALS
Breakfast
Dinner – if budget allows
MEALS
Breakfast
ARRIVING INTO JACKSON HOLE, WY
The group will be arriving throughout the day,
starting in the early afternoon. Stacia and Sue
will already be there. A list of people’s flights
appears below. Some people will be arriving on the same flight as Andrea. She will be
renting the first of two vans, so those people will go with her to the hotel in the van. If you
are not coming in on the same flight as Andrea, there will be a representative of Jackson Hole
Alltrans waiting for you with a sign with your name on it. The shuttle ticket will be pre-paid,
but you will be responsible for any tip if you wish to give the driver something. If you take
the shuttle please make sure to hold onto your ticket since you will use it for the return on
Sunday.
Like most hotels, check in at the hotel isn’t until 2pm. When you arrive you can ask if they
have your room ready. If they don’t you can leave your luggage and go for a walk around
town. The center of town is only 4 blocks from the Inn. We will leave room assignments at
the front desk, and they will be the same as the tent assignments.
If you miss your flight for some reason or it is delayed, please call Stacia at 617-835-6532 on
Saturday morning. If you need to take the Jackson Hole Alltrans for any reason and your
ticket isn’t pre-paid, we will reimburse you the cost.
If you need to reach Stacia or Andrea before the trip, Stacia will be in Wyoming the week
prior to the trip. You can try and reach her on her cell phone at 617-835-6532, but she won’t
have access until Friday the 5th. Andrea can be reached at adeaton@xpn.org, tel: 267-7388048.
Name
Stacia Zukroff
Sue Lach
Andrea Deaton
John Urick
Dawn Britton
Joyce Horrigan
Kathleen Anderson
Kevin Perry
Stephen Cohen
Rob Slavin
Flight/arrival time
Will be in Wyoming
Will be in Wyoming
Delta 1837, arriving 12:08 pm
AA 2245, arriving 11:23am
UA 267, arriving 3:40 pm
Delta 1837, arriving 12:08 pm
AA 2245, arriving 11:23am
Delta 1837, arriving 12:08 pm
Delta 1837, arriving 12:08 pm
Delta 218, arriving 5:00 pm
Transportation to hotel
n/a
n/a
Will rent van
Will go with Andrea
Will take shuttle
Will go with Andrea
Will go with Andrea
Will go with Andrea
Will go with Andrea
Will take shuttle
YELLOWSTONE ASSOCIATION
While we are in Yellowstone we will be accompanied by a Yellowstone Association
Naturalist named Melissa Pangraze. Melissa teaches backcountry and dayhiking
courses for the Institute, and will be a great fit for our group. Melissa is an
experienced naturalist with a degree in wildlife science from Purdue University. She has
studied coyotes in Yellowstone, red wolves in the Great Smokies and white-tailed deer in
Shenandoah. For the past 12 years she has worked as an environmental educator for various
nature centers and community-based organizations. She has also worked as a program
supervisor and field instructor with the National Leadership School since 1996.
Wyoming Final Trip Information, Page 3
For your information, the non-profit Yellowstone Association funds and provides educational
products and services for Yellowstone National Park. The Yellowstone Association is the
National Park Service's primary partner in providing educational programs, exhibits, and
publications for park visitors and has furnished $9.5 million in support for Yellowstone since
its inception in 1933. All net proceeds from Yellowstone Association sales, memberships, and
programs are used to support education in and about Yellowstone National Park.
The Yellowstone Association also sponsors the Yellowstone Association Institute. Founded in
1976, the Institute offers a wide range of classes related to the Yellowstone ecosystem.
These classes, which range from one to five days in length, focus on the park’s abundant
wildlife, geothermal features, rich history and expansive wilderness. Through interaction
with the park’s environment, thousands of participants each year experience, understand,
and appreciate the natural wonders of the area first hand. The Institute has developed a
reputation as one of the nation’s outstanding wilderness schools, with high standards for
instructors and academic credit available for many courses.
The Yellowstone Association recommended that each person tip between $5-20 to the
naturalist. We will not dictate how much you give, but we do ask you to give Melissa
something, and we will collect it the last night and give it to her as a group.
Lastly, enclosed with this information sheet is the waiver form for the Yellowstone
Association. Please read it over and sign it. Make sure to bring it with you on the trip to turn
in the first day.
HIKING IN BEAR COUNTRY
We hike in bear country all the time on the East Coast, but
rarely do we give it a lot of thought because bear encounters
are more likely in our back yards next to the garbage cans
than they are in the woods. However, we cannot take this for
granted in Wyoming. Bears (both grizzly and black) are very much a reality. Bears are either
scared away by all the noise and activity of people or are attracted by the abundance of food.
We will have to take precautions when cooking and storing our food, and that includes
hanging all food and smelly items when we go to bed. Please remember to bring a couple of
larger stuff sacks to store group food and your own lunches. Refer to the newsletter on bear
safety, and forgive us if we remind you again and again to make sure to hang anything with an
odor!
If you wish to purchase pepper spray, the cost is approximately $40-50. You must purchase it
in Jackson since it cannot be taken on the plane. It must be worn on the outside of your
backpack, immediately available in case of a surprise, close-range bear encounter. Pepper
spray is made from hot pepper oil and is designed to deter a bear that is actively charging or
attacking you. Bear spray has been show to be sometimes helpful in deterring an active
grizzly or black bear attack. However, it is not effective if sprayed at a distance. The
leaders will not be carrying it.
HIKING AT ALTITUDE
The last newsletter had lots of great information about hiking at altitude. No matter how
much you prepare for it, you will feel it the first couple of days. The hikes in Yellowstone are
designed to start us out gradually. We will be hiking the first day at 7,500 feet, but we will
not have tremendous elevation gains, nor will the terrain be strenuous. The most important
thing that you can do to prevent headaches and nausea associated with mild altitude sickness
is to DRINK, DRINK, DRINK! Also, slow your pace if you are feeling out of breath, and don’t be
afraid to ask the group to slow down or take a break.
Wyoming Final Trip Information, Page 4
LIGHTNING
The following information is from the AMC’s Mountain
Leadership School manual regarding lightning. While we are on
the Teton Crest trail there is a real possibility of lightning
strikes, especially in the late afternoon. Please read these
guidelines and know what to do in the event of a storm.
Lightning is a real hazard for the outdoor enthusiast. The
highest concentrations of lightning injuries occur high in mountainous areas and on large
bodies of water. On the positive side, most of those affected by lightning are not killed, and
many are not seriously injured. Knowledge of lightning and prudent decision making eliminate
much of the risk of lightning. It is useful to plan for possible lightning in advance and to
practice re-analyzing your situation once out in the field. The differential between the speed
of light and the slower speed of sound make it possible to learn the approximate distance of
any given storm. Use the distance of the storm and observations on its movement to create a
plan of action. The highest object in a given area is the most likely to be struck by lightning,
thus many of the guidelines below are an attempt to keep people from being that high point.
The lightning drill is important in that the insulating material may help protect a person in
the event or lightning splash or ground transfer. The squatting position allows current to flow
through the lower body without running through the heart. Many lightning strikes have
affected more than one person, thus it is critically important to spread out to avoid this
situation. It is important to remember that most lightning victims are not exposed to a direct
strike.
Location During a Lightning Storm
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Avoid – Peaks, ridges and other high points, open bodies of water, shallow caves and the
drainage bottoms (wet or dry).
Other Potentially Dangerous Areas – Wet or lichen covered rock, cracksor crevices in
rock, wet ropes and tree roots can all serve as conductors.
Head For – Wooded areas with trees of generally equal height. Position yourself
equidistant between trees of approximately equal height. Avoid the tallest trees. Valleys
(but not drainage bottoms) and low on slopes are better than most locations higher up. If
you are out on the water, head forshore.
If Caught in the Open – Utilize likely strike points as a means of protection. Locate a tree,
pinnacle or other point that is 5 or more time your height. Estimate the height of the
object and position yourself approximately 50% of that distance from the base of the
object. Avoid being the highest point in your vicinity.
As the Storm Approaches
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Monitor – Keep a diligent eye on the approach of weather systems. Learn to identify the
cumulonimbus clouds that are likely to produce lightning discharges.
Flash to Crash – When you see lightning begin counting off the seconds until you hear
thunder. The light reaches you almost immediately; however the sound travels more
slowly. The sound of thunder takes approximately 5 seconds to travel 1 mile – dividing
your second count by 5 gives the approximate distance of the storm in miles.
Head to Safer Areas – Generally it is advisable to head for safer areas if you feel that a
thunderstorm may be approaching. If your route takes you into an exposed area, this is
likely the time to alter your plan.
Wyoming Final Trip Information, Page 5
Lightning Drill
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Two to Three Miles Away – At this distance (based on your second count) a group should
enter into a “lightning drill.” Three miles (15 seconds) is the standard for US Outward
Bound Schools, which have had several deaths caused by lightning.
Ideal “Drill” – This consists of squatting on insulating material (if available), heels
touching, knees apart and hands off the ground. You should be in this position when the
storm is at its closest. The insulating material might be a sleeping pad, a pack or a coiled
climbing rope.
Sitting – The duration of the storm may make if difficult to squat the whole time, thus
individuals may choose to sit when the storm is not immediately on top of them.
Spread Out – Groups should spread out to reduce the likelihood of more than one person
being affected by a strike. Everyone should be within audio or visual contact of other
group members.
Location, Location – Lightning drills should be conducted in safer areas of terrain, as
outlined above. When caught in a highly exposed area, it is usually advisable to continue
travel to a safer area, if one is nearby, rather than enter into a lightning drill. Think! If
you are on a peak or a ridge, get down off of it before doing the drill.
Hypothermia – This is a real concern during lightning drills. Make sure everyone has
raingear and, if necessary, insulating layers. Snacks and water should be available.
Falling Objects – Be aware of dead trees or branches close to your location that might get
blown down.
Holding Tight – If the group in a tent or under a tarp in an ideal location, it may be
advisable to remain dry and sheltered.
Metal – Avoid any contact with metal, which can cause serious burns if it is exposed to
current.
TRIP FINANCES
The $900.00 trip fee you paid covers the following:
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Lodging at the Elk Country Inn in Jackson
Campground at Grants Village in Yellowstone
Yellowstone Association Naturalist and use of YA vehicle
All backcountry permits and camping fees
Parks pass for Yellowstone and the Grand Tetons National Park*
Welcome dinner in Jackson Hole
All breakfasts and most dinners
Van rental, gas and insurance
Airport shuttle and shuttle to trailheads and back
Tram ticket to trailhead
Cost of mailing stoves
Emergency medical evacuation and assistance insurance
* If you have a Parks Pass, please bring it and we can refund you $10.00.
You should probably bring about $100-200 to spend on other meals and miscellaneous for the
week. Your lunches are not included, nor is dinner the last night. If there is money left over
in the budget we will purchase dinner that evening. Also, your tip for the Yellowstone
Naturalist is not included. You should expect to give Melissa between $5-20 at your
discretion. This money will be collected and given to her as a group.
Wyoming Final Trip Information, Page 6
The fee you have paid for your trip includes coverage for medical emergency evacuation and
assistance through Trip Mate. This is not medical insurance. It will cover up to $5,000 for
accident and sickness expenses and up to $100,000 for emergency evacuation and
repatriation. Details of the coverage can be found in the enclosed brochure. You can also
visit their website at www.tripmate.com and enter plan code 450. Coverage only
includes the dates of travel as the AMC itinerary indicates, so early arrival or extending your
trip is not included. Trip Mate has an ''On Call Assistance" line that provides the support you or
your family needs in a crisis, beyond what the AMC and/or the volunteer leaders will be able
to provide. It will also document the incident should a claim need to be filed. It is highly
recommended that you have your own medical insurance coverage, and you should also
consider buying optional travel insurance coverage to cover interruption or cancellation of
your trip. The optional travel insurance coverage information was sent to you when you
received your acceptance letter.
ACCOMMODATIONS
The first and last nights we will be staying at the Elk Country Inn, located 4 blocks from
downtown Jackson Hole. Each room will have two queen size beds, and you will be assigned
to the same person who is your tent partner. The Inn’s website is www.elkcountryinn.com.
There is no pool, but they do have a hot tub. Check in isn’t until early afternoon, so if you
arrive before 2pm you may have to store you bags and grab lunch before checking in. The Inn
has agreed to store our duffel bags for the duration of the backpack, and we will also be
mailing ahead any stoves.
The rest of the nights we will be staying
in tents. In Yellowstone we will stay at
Grants Village, one of the only group sites
in the park. This woodsy campground is
located at the southwestern edge of
Yellowstone Lake, 22 miles north of the
South Entrance. Within a half mile, you'll
find stores, restaurants, pay showers, a
coin laundry, and a sanitary dump station.
During the backpack we will stay in two
assigned backcountry campsites the first
and last nights, and while we are in the
Alaska Basin we will camp freely in nonimpact zones. Please remember to
adhere to Leave No Trace principles while
backcountry camping.
MEALS
Fruit and coffee is served in the morning
at the Inn. We will meet in the hotel
lobby for an early breakfast the first
morning before heading off to
Yellowstone. While at Grants Village we will be having a basic continental breakfast at the
campsite, and on the backpack you will select various hot cereals, breakfast bars and dried
fruit to bring along. We will have instant coffee, hot chocolate and tea bags. If you have a
favorite hot beverage or prefer a certain kind of breakfast treat, please let us know. A
welcome dinner will be provided the first night, and dinners in Yellowstone will be at a
restaurant in Grants Village. Depending upon the services we may just give you cash to
purchase whatever you wish to eat. If there is money left over in the budget we will also buy
dinner the last night in Jackson. Lunches are on your own the entire trip. We will do a van
Wyoming Final Trip Information, Page 7
run the first day at 3:30 pm for anyone who wishes to purchase lunch for Yellowstone. There
is a mini-mart across the street from the Inn or an Albertson’s Grocery Store about a mile
from the Inn if you go on your own. Check at the front desk for directions. Stacia will buy a
cooler there to keep perishables cold. We will stop in Jackson the morning of the backpack
to pick up more food for lunches.
EQUIPMENT/PACKING LIST
Below is a list of equipment we sent out before. Please make sure that if you have been
assigned something to bring (*) that you bring it! Stacia will be carrying her mammoth first
aid kit and space blanket, so you should probably just bring a small, personal first aid kit with
blister stuff. Andrea and Stacia will also bring biodegradable camp soap and a small sponge
for cleaning the pots. If you have been assigned to bring a camp stove, do not bring any camp
fuel as Stacia will purchase it in Jackson. If you have been asked to bring your stove you
should already have the information on sending it, including the address.
PLEASE REMEMBER that on the backpack we will have to carry five days’ worth of group food
as well as lunches and snacks. You should assume too that you will be carrying half of one
tent and other group gear. Make sure that in your packing you accommodate for this.
The temperatures during the day will most likely be in the 70s. They drop considerably at
night, sometimes as low as the 30s. It is very comfortable sleeping weather. The Teton Crest
will mostly be above tree-line, so whatever weather we get we hike in. Be prepared for rain,
possibly some snow or sleet and bring sturdy rain gear.
Lastly, for non-backpacking days please pack as light as possible. You should not be bringing
more than a medium-sized duffle. As we will only have two small mini-vans, we have limited
space inside. We have to fit 10 passengers, 10 backpacks and everyone’s miscellaneous
luggage inside the two vans.
Required and Essential Gear
FOR THE FEET
 Backpacking boots – One pair of backpacking boots with sturdy ankle support well broken in and waterproofed.
 Camp footwear – One pair of lightweight sneakers or Teva-style sandals. Sandals
can also be used for stream crossings or swimming.
 Socks – Several pairs made of synthetic materials or wool blend. Synthetic sock
liners are recommended to transport perspiration from the foot to the outer sock.
FOR THE BODY
We will be experiencing several temperature variations during the day and snow or sleet is a
possibility at higher elevations. Layering will be key to your comfort and heat management.
Items must be made of wool, synthetic or pile. Make sure all layers fit comfortably over each
other and supply good insulation. Cotton items do not provide adequate insulation and are
completely useless when damp or wet.
 Insulating layer – one pair of tops and bottoms. They should be made of CoolMax,
polypropylene, or another synthetic blend (no cotton blends).
 Underwear – several pair, synthetic lycra or nylon (preferably no cotton blends for hiking).
 Bra/sports bra – two-three bras, synthetic (no cotton blends).
 Shirts – 3 or 4. Bring at least two short sleeve and one long sleeve. Lightly-colored long
sleeve shirts will provide good protection from the mosquitoes.
 Additional insulating layer—Fleece jacket and light to medium weight fleece pants
Wyoming Final Trip Information, Page 8
 Waterproof/breathable jacket and pants – The jacket should be waterproof with hood and
pit zips. The pants will go over fleece pants or long underwear, and must be waterproof
(side-zip style is optional). Gore-Tex or a similar waterproof material
is acceptable.
 Pants – One pair, synthetic, wool or fleece. These should fit loosely
and be comfortable. No cotton jeans or khakis for hiking.
 Shorts – At least one pair, synthetic. This is good for hiking at lower
elevations. Consider bringing zip-off pants, which can double for
shorts on warmer days. It saves space and weight.
FOR THE HANDS
 Gloves or mittens – One pair of heavier mittens. Consider also bringing waterproof
mitten shells, which would go over your liners, gloves or mittens and can protect against
wind and rain.
 Glove liners—a thin pair of liners to wear on cooler nights or, if colder, to wear under the
heavier gloves or mittens.
FOR THE HEAD AND FACE
 Headgear, a.k.a. Hats - During the day you’ll need a hat with a brim to protect your face
from intense sun, and at night a fleece or wool hat for warmth.
 Sunglasses
 Bandana – One or two. Tied around your neck, they give you excellent sun protection in a
spot that most people forget about. They can also act as a sweat band or to clean your
glasses or for various other uses.
 Sunscreen and lip protection - One of each; you should carry these with you during the
day. A SPF rating of 15 or more is absolutely essential.
FOR SLEEPING
 Backpacking tent– 2 person size. You will share with another participant, so if you do not
have your own, you will use your tent mate’s.
 Synthetic sleeping bag – minimum 20-degree synthetic or down.
 Stuff sack – To keep your sleeping bag in. You can also bring a compression sack to save
room.
 Sleeping pad – A closed cell foam camping mattress is okay. An inflatable Therma-Rest
type is more comfortable and will be warmer. Do not bring a car-camping size ThermaRest. It is too heavy and bulky.
FOR CARRYING YOUR GEAR
 Backpack – 4500 cubic inches or more. You will be carrying your gear plus group
food and gear, so remember to leave room for other things.
 Day pack – Any daypack that is comfortable when caring rain gear, fleece, water.
bottles, lunch, personal first aid kit, binoculars, and camera. It should have a
waist-belt.
 Pack covers – Something waterproof to cover your pack when hiking in the rain.
Otherwise, bring a large plastic bag to line the inside. A sturdy plastic is recommended.
 Duffel/travel bag – One medium size one to hold your clothing and gear that won’t be
used during the backpack.
 Plastic bags or stuff sacks – Several, to double bag your sleeping bag and clothes. These
will also be used to hang your food and group food on the bear hangs.
FOR DRINKING
 Water bottles – Two bottles, preferably the 32oz Nalgene brand. Another option is a
hydration system. If you choose the bladder route, make sure you still bring at least one
Wyoming Final Trip Information, Page 9
water bottle so we can use it to filter water as well as to be used as backup if you get a
hole in your bladder.
 Water treatment – If you have a water filter, please bring it with you. We will also have
Aqua Mira available.
 Collapsible cooler – group leaders will bring one for group water at the campsites.
FOR COOKING
 Mess kit – This includes plate, bowl, cup, and utensils
 Stove – We will be shipping stoves to the Inn in advance of the trip since fuel stoves are
not allowed on planes. If you are volunteered to bring a stove, please see the instructions
below.
 Cooking pots – If you’ve indicated you have some on your application we may be asking
you to bring them.
 Matches and/or lighters – at least 2 lighters and some strike-anywhere matches.
 Insulated mug – for hot drinks or soups. If you like to go lightweight, you can also use this
as your bowl for eating.
FOR PERSONAL COMFORT
 Regular towel – One medium one for showering at the Yellowstone campground
 Flashlight or headlamp – Remember to bring extra batteries.
 Snacks –Bring your favorite GORP mixtures, snack bars and summit treats. You can also
easily buy most recognizable brands in Jackson Hole.
 Hot drink mixes – The trip leaders will purchase group instant coffee, tea and hot
chocolate. Bring a supply of herbal teas or other hot drinks if you have favorite ones.
 Toiletries - Toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoo, dental floss, lotion, etc. Try to find organic
brands that won’t hurt the environment. Women must remember to bring sanitary napkins
or tampons and plastic bags to dispose of them.
 Ear plugs - Good for blocking out wind or a snoring tent companion.
 Waterless hand cleaner/sanitizer – One small bottle to carry with you during the day.
 Baby/personal wipes – One package. These work great for cleaning up after a long day!
 Spare glasses, contacts and cleaning solution – If you wear contacts you may find wearing
your glasses easier if it is really windy.
 Bug spray – Lots of it!! Something with DEET in it works best.
 Trowel—there will be a few that can be used at camp for the “latrine”. We will not be
camping near outhouses.
FOR PERSONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY
Stacia and Andrea will carry first aid kits with gauze, tape, aspirin, antibiotic ointment,
antacid tablets, a blister treatment kit, Imodium, etc. You should consider bringing the
following medical items.
 Personal prescriptions - Please bring enough to last you throughout the trip and make
sure Stacia and Andrea know what medications you are taking and why.
 Cuts and scrapes - It's wise to bring a supply of "Bandaids" to treat those abrasions that
sometimes occur.
 Infections - Antibiotic ointment for cuts and abrasions.
 Blisters - It is wise to bring your own small supply of blister treatment items to insure that
you avoid letting any blister get out of hand. "Second Skin" and moleskin are
recommended
 Headaches - Tylenol, Ibuprofen, aspirin, whatever works best for you.
 Whistle - by attaching a whistle to the harness of your pack, it can be used very quickly
to alert the group in case of an emergency
Wyoming Final Trip Information, Page 10
 Ropes – we will need at least 2-3 ropes for the group to hang our food for bear bags. Each
rope should be about 50 feet long. P-cord works well. We will be contacting you later to
see who already has rope.
 Carabiner - to help when hanging bear bag ropes; it also allows you to attach items to the
outside of your pack.
Recommended and Optional Gear
Please keep space restrictions in mind when considering the extras. Here are some things you
may not want to do without though!
 Camera and film – Recommended ASA is 100 or 200 for the conditions. Make sure to carry
all film onto the plane with you!!! The new airport x-ray machines that scan checked
baggage will damage your film.
 Extra batteries for digital camera – beyond the extra batteries you will carry for your
headlamp.
 Binoculars – These will come in handy for viewing wildlife from a distance.
 Books, journal, etc – On all days there will be time to read and write.
 Non-hiking clothing – For travel and non-hiking days. We will be able to leave these things
at the Inn.
 Bathing suit – For those crazy enough to take a dip.
 Nylon stuff sacks or plastic bags to organize clothes, laundry, and other items in your
duffle and pack.
 Ziplock bags – Good for food, storage, keeping things dry, etc.
 Maps and guidebooks – Good for figuring out where you are and what you are doing! We
will supply you with a photocopy of the area we are hiking and in a future newsletter will
inform you of the specific trails and suggested books and maps you might want to
purchase.
 Pocket knife – To fight off the bears! (just kidding…. really…. )
 Clip-on book light – For reading in your tent at night.
 A small deck of cards
 A lightweight small flask - (with something in it!)
 Gaiters—One pair of either high or low gaiters made of breathable material to
keep mud and dirt of your boot and another layer of rain protection.
 Hand warmers—to keep your fingers warm at night
 An extra layer of insulation—perhaps a down vest or jacket such as PrimaLoft, or a
heavy fleece
 Camp towel – quick dry material
 Trekking poles – Poles can reduce downhill pounding on your knees by 30%, and good for
balance.
 Flavoring packets – Wyler’s Lemonade, Tang, Gatorade, etc.
 Compass - The leaders will be carrying compasses, however you may wish to also carry
one for safety.
 Camp pillow – a small size pillow or fleece type sack to fill with your clothes to serve as a
pillow
 Head net – for those pesky bugs
* Please bring what you’ve been assigned!!
If you have specific non-perishable requirements, such as packaged tuna fish or a favorite
snack food, you may want to think about bringing it with you or buying it in Jackson. Smaller,
backpacking-size containers may also not be available (i.e., for peanut butter), so you should
also consider bringing smaller food containers and transferring the food to them before the
Wyoming Final Trip Information, Page 11
backpack. Nalgene makes a handy set of backpacking-size containers that can be purchased
at REI or EMS.
EQUIPMENT SHARING
Below is a list of the tent sharing partners and who is responsible for bringing gear to share
with the group. Please make sure that if you are assigned a particular piece of gear that you
test it out before the trip to make sure it is working! We will still finalize equipment and who
carries what the night before the backpack.
Name
Stacia Zukroff
Andrea Deaton
Sue Lach
Kevin Perry
Steven Cohen
Rob Slavin
Dawn Britton
Joyce Horrigan
Kathy Anderson
John Urick
Tent
Stove
H20 filter
Cookset
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
First Aid Kit
Tent partner
X
X
personal
personal
personal
personal
Sue
Kevin
Stacia
Andrea
Rob
Steven
personal
personal
personal
personal
Joyce
Dawn
John
Kathy
STOVES
If you have been selected to bring a stove and canister, please make sure to mail it to the Elk
Country Inn by July 27th. We will reimburse you so please keep the receipt. Below is the
information you will need to put on your box:
Your name, guest arriving 8/6/05
C/O Elk Country Inn
P.O. Box 1948
480 W. Pearl Avenue
Jackson WY 83001
Wyoming Final Trip Information, Page 12