Equipment and Clothing for Backpacking Trips
Head, Neck, Hands & Feet
Shade Hat (1):
A sided brimmed hat is best. The sun can be very
bright (especially with reflection), the more protection your
cap offers from the sun the better. A baseball cap with a
bandana covering the back of your head and neck will work
in pinch.
Warm Hat:
A wool or synthetic stocking cap or balaclava is
wonderful if you are a “cold” sleeper. This hat will also be
very beneficial in the cool evenings and mornings when the
wind is blowing.
Sunglasses:
Sunglasses with retainer strap and a case. The sun
can be extremely bright at times. A pair that offers UV
protection w/polarized lenses is recommended.
Light Wt. Gloves: A pair of light weight synthetic gloves.
.
Socks :( 3-4)
Hiking Boots:
These should be synthetic or wool. Having a mix of light,
medium, and heavy weight socks is nice for adjusting boot
fit and variable weather conditions.
All boots must be high top boot. Select a boot that will be
comfortable durable and light weight. Full grain leather
boots that are usually used on a normal backpacking trip
are not a good choice for this trip. Full grain leather boots
will get destroyed on this trip because of the amount of time
hiking in water. Plus a full grain leather boot will become
extremely heavy as it will absorb a great deal of water. A
better choice is an inexpensive light weight hiking boot.
Examples of this would be a Hi-tec brand boot or some of
the brands sold at Wal-Mart work great also.
Note:
Please check with you instructor if you have concerns with
boots. All boots and boot fit need to be checked by your
instructor 14 days prior to trip departure date.
.
Sport Sandals:
Sport sandals are great for traveling in the van or when
you’re not hiking,
Camp Shoes:
A camp shoe is a must. At the end of the day you will want
to get your boots off as soon as possible. Light weight tennis
shoes, sport sandals, crocks, or aqua socks will work for
camp shoes.
Upper Body Layers
Base Layers :( 3) One thin and two medium weight long sleeve tops made of
synthetic material that can be layered together to increase
warmth. A light colored thin weight (white/tan/light
blue/etc…) is a good idea, because it will decrease the
amount of solar radiation (warmth) that your shirt absorbs.
That being said, your mid weight base-layers should be
darker so that they do absorb the suns warmth. *Note: A
synthetic vest can be substituted for one of the medium
layers.
Medium to heavy
Weight top :( 1) To be worn over the base layers and should be wool or
synthetic or wool. (A soft shell is an acceptable substitute).
T-Shirts: (2)
Two short sleeve synthetic to be worn for hiking or in camp.
Synthetic is the way to go, and can double as a bandana or
extra sun protection under a baseball cap.
T-Shirts: (2)
Two cotton t-shirts. To be worn for traveling, around town,
relaxing or when the conditions are conducive for their use.
Outer Wear:
A lightweight jacket made of waterproof/breathable
material is best.
Lower Body Layers
Base Layers :(( 2) One thin silk weight and one medium weight synthetic
bottom layer.
Shorts :(1-2)
Quick drying synthetic shorts. These are a must for hiking
and for all warm conditions. Cotton is unacceptable;
synthetic will dry faster and be more comfortable for long
periods of wear.
Outer Wear :( 1) Waterproof pants. Vital for keeping you warm and dry.
They need to fit over all your bottom layers. It is nice if they
have side zips but not essential.
Sleeping Bag & Pad
Sleeping Bag:
A synthetic bag is recommended with a comfort rating of 20
degrees Fahrenheit. It must pack down to a minimum size
of 8”x 16”. It is highly recommended that the sleeping bag
be packed into a thin light weight dry bag for protection. If
have concerns about your sleeping bag please discuss this
with me as soon as possible so we can get you outfitted
properly.
Sleeping Pad:
A compact inflatable pad is best for travel and fitting into
your pack. Ensolite pads will work great as well. All pads
must have a stuff sack for protection. Large inflatable pads
will not work for this trip. See me for questions and
outfitting.
Backpacks:
Backpack:
An interior frame backpack that is 5200 cu. in. will work
great. If you need a backpack let’s take care of it as soon as
possible. Backpacks are available to check out.
Miscellaneous
Cash and/or
Debit Card:
Don’t forget something to carry your cash and other small
valuables on your person while traveling. We will have
several discussions on how we handle ourselves while
traveling to protect our valuables.
Eating Utensils: 12-14oz. insulated mug with lid attached with small cord.
Lexan bowl or light weight durable bowl. A spoon or spork.
There is no need for a fork or small butter knife it’s just
extra weight you end up carrying. We have bowls, mugs,
and sporks available for check out.
Headlamp:
Headlamp with LED bulbs and one set of extra batteries.
Sunscreen:
8-10 oz. of sunscreen should suffice. Should be SPF 30 or
higher. Waterproof sunscreen is nice to have.
Lip Balm:
1 stick should have some type of SPF protection.
Whistle:
For emergencies-we have some whistles for check-out
Hand and Body
Lotion:
The combination of dry desert air and cool nights will leave
you with lizard skin.
Small Towel:
Toiletries:
Nice to have cleaning up.
Bring what you need to feel comfortable. Fresh water will
be at a premium so bathing will be limited. Wet wipes
and/or baby wipes our essential
Bags:
Ziploc bags (3) quart & (3) gallon, (2) trash compactor
bags. All the bags will come in handy throughout the trip
for numerous uses, Such as for personal garbage, wet gear
etc.
Water Bottles:
Hydration
Systems:
Water ‘
Treatment:
Cotton
Bandanas (2):
(2) one quart water bottles, Water is your lifeline in the
desert environment. Nalgene bottles and Gatorade bottles
are excellent because they will withstand ruff use and
someone stepping on them.
A bladder hydration system is a must. You will just need
the bladder system not the small pack that comes with
many of them. Bring an extra mouth piece for a back-up.
Only use quality name brands for these (i.e. Osprey,
Camelback, Platopus, Dueter). Do not go with off brands
from Wal-Mart these are unacceptable.
Aqua Mira Chemical Water treatment system. Purchase the
set that has two small bottles (A) and (B). Can be purchased
at Gene Taylors.
Nice to have for many different things from wiping off
sunglasses to first aid needs.
Trekking Poles: One pole is required. Can be purchased at Wal-Mart for a
fair price. No need to buy top brand. We have some poles
for check-out.
Assorted Stuff Sacks small to Medium sizes:
Useful for organizing gear and used for food bags. We have
stuff sacks available for check out. Do not purchase them
until you talk to your instructor.
Pocket Knife
Or Multi-tool:
Watch:
Comes in handy for everything. Locking 3”-4” Swiss Army
is the best.
If you want to travel in the backcountry and not get lost
carry a watch. A watch is a key tool for traveling safely and
efficiently in the backcountry.
Compass:
A standard orienteering compass works great. There are
compasses a available for check out
Footcare Kit:
Foot powder (Dr. Scholls foot powder is the best. Moleskin
and band aide comede. Available at City Market.
Hygiene and
Health Items:
Make sure you bring a kit to take care of your teeth.
Lighter (2) and some kitchen Matches:
Duct Tape:
10 feet- wrap around a lighter or trekking pole.
Accessory Cord: 15-20 feet of 2mm cord.
Journal pencils (2)
And one pen:
This is a necessity for “Time Control Plans” logging entries
for each day of travel and plant identification classes. “Rite
in the Rain” all weather journal No. 390 is the best. Go to
www.ForestryProducts.com or www.riteintherain.com to
purchase one. Or purchase a journal at Wal-Mart.
Travel Clothing: One set of clothes and footwear that will be worn during the
vehicle travel portion of the trip. It is especially important
to have a fresh set of cloths to put on for the way home.
Group Gear:
All group gear will be provided. This will consist of: tents,
ground tarps, stoves, fuel, pots, pot grippers, trowels for cat
holes, signal mirrors, water pumps, and Dromedary bags
for water containment and transport, first aid and medical
supplies.