PERSONAL EQUIPMENT LISTS FOR TWO PARTICIPANTS 2015.
Below are the Personal Equipment Lists for TWO 2015 Backpacking, Hybrid, Trail Crew and Canoeing
Trips. Please note that the Canoeing Equipment List is slightly different . All items on your trip’s list are
ABSOLUTELY NECESSARY for your safety and comfort.
Read through the entire document (especially the personal equipment notes) before you begin looking for gear.
*Further information below
BACKPACKING, HYBRID AND TRAIL CREW PERSONAL EQUIPMENT LIST
Basic Equipment:
______ large internal or external frame backpacking pack*
______ 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 Thermarest type pad)*
Clothing:
______ 1 100% wool sweater or fleece jacket
______ 1pr long underwear (tops AND bottoms, polypropylene, silk, Capilene, etc.)
______ 1pr 100% wool or fleece pants
______ 1 wool or fleece hat
______ 1 wind shell (can use top of rain gear if it is light and windproof)
______ 1 set rain gear (top AND bottom)*
______ 3 pr 100% wool or synthetic hiking socks
______ 3 t-shirts (synthetic is best--try to avoid cotton)
______ underwear
______ 2 pr shorts (quick-drying)
______ 1 pr gloves or mittens (wool or fleece- it gets chilly at night!)
Footwear:
______ hiking boots* (sturdy, broken-in and well-fitting. See below for more info)
______ alternate pair of shoes (We love Tevas, Chacos, Crocs, etc.)
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)
______ approx. 2 lbs. GORP *
______ 2 large garbage bags and 2 Ziploc bags (for toiletries and other essential belongings)
______ swimsuit
______ toothbrush and toothpaste
______ Feminine 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 Thermarest type pad)*
Clothing:
______ 1 100% wool sweater or fleece jacket
______ 1 pr long underwear (tops AND bottoms, silk polypropylene, Capilene, etc.)
______ 1pr 100% wool or fleece pants
______ 1 wool or fleece hat
______ 1 wind shell (can use top of rain gear if it is light and windproof)
______ 1 set rain gear (top AND bottom)*
______ 3 pr 100% wool or synthetic hiking socks
______ 3 t-shirts (synthetic is best--avoid cotton)
______ underwear
______ 2 pr shorts (quick-drying)
______ 1 pr gloves or mittens (wool or fleece- it gets chilly at night)
Footwear:
______ 1 pr “dry shoes” (sneakers to wear in camp)
______ 1 pr “wet shoes”(sandals or sneakers to wear in the boat that won’t fall off in the water. 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, and spoon (no glass items, disposable Tupperware are great)
______ extra pair of glasses or contacts plus related equipment (if needed)
______ approx. 2 lbs. GORP *
______ 5 (five) large garbage bags and Ziploc bags (for toiletries and other essential belongings)
______ swimsuit
______ sunglasses with cord
______ baseball cap or sunhat
______ toothbrush and toothpaste
______ Feminine 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.
PLEASE do not substitute cotton for any polypropylene, wool, or fleece. This is very important because cotton items cannot keep you warm once they get wet! If you are unsure, most garments have material information on the tags. The equipment lists have been put together from years of camping experience.
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.
High quality, inexpensive wool clothing can be found at a local army surplus store. Gore-Tex, Ultrex, and other brand name breathable items are acceptable but not necessary. Many discount clothing stores (TJ
Maxx, Marshall’s, etc) offer great deals on synthetic clothes and fleece. Check out online gear stores for some spectacular bargains on all types of gear ( www.backcountry.com
, www.rei.com/outlet , www.sierratradingpost.com
, www.gearx.com
to name a few). TWO also 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 all belongings in the backpack/bag upon arrival. 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 upon arrival 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 dry bag, 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 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. Synthetic, polyester fill (i.e.; Polarguard,
Quallofil, Hollofil, etc.) bags are strongly recommended; down bags will NOT keep you warm if they get wet! A stuff sack (waterproof/trash bag lined sack to stuff your sleeping bag 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 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 very important that every student comes with GORP
Pocket Knife: Pocketknives are handy on TWO trips, but not required. If you do choose to bring a knife on your trip, please plan to have a parent pick it up on matriculation day (August 27 th ) or ship it home, as knives are not allowed in Tufts dorms. Please do not bring long blade or survival knives.
Feminine 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 feminine 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 travel 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 used 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 ask that you put your cell phone in your shower bag upon arrival at Tufts on
August 31 st . 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.
PERSONAL EQUIPMENT FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

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 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),
Hudson Trail Outfitters, 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 call us.

What about rental equipment? TWO has a partnership with a gear rental company, Pack Out
Gear. You can reserve backpacks, sleeping bags, sleeping pads, and dry bags (canoe trips only) on the
TWO page of their website. Rentals are granted on a first come, first serve basis. Only students participating in canoe trips should rent dry bags. Students participating in backpacking, hybrid or trail crew trips should rent backpacks. You’ll be notified of your assigned trip type in the next few weeks.

Does TWO have a Gear Lending Program?
Yes! 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 Personal Information Form in the acceptance packet.
Contact the coordinators at TWO@tufts.edu
if you have any questions.