Required Clothing List – What to bring on course Colorado Rockies Alpine Backpacking – Youth 14-16 – 8 & 15 Days Packing for wilderness travel

Wilderness travel means you can and should carry a lot less than you do in the regular world; most experienced wilderness travelers will tell you that they bring about the same amount of gear on a three-day trip as they would on a three-week trip. Please see Attending Outward Bound for more information.

About this List This list is very broad. It is designed be a complete “stock” of all possible ideal combinations of clothing; enough stuff to pack “heavy” and keep you warm if temperatures are a bit on the cold side of normal but varied enough to pack “light” and carry fewer items if it is hot. Once on the course, your instructors will help you select from your “stock” the best combination of items for you; they will assess your personal gear, the group gear you will be required to carry, and balance it against your pack weight, physical size and temperature for the time of year. Because the list has to accommodate ALL the weather conditions you may encounter and consider the wide range of individual preferences and body temperatures of our students it is very likely you will not use every single item on this list. We suggest leaving the tags on any items you purchase for this course that, in the event it was not used on the trip, you wouldn’t want to keep, but please note that you should be aware of retailers’ return policies!!! Please bring everything on the list! If there are items not mentioned on this list you feel you will need, or you have concerns about cost and want help strategizing for less expensive options, call and ask your course advisor at 828.239.2300. Please note that companies such as the Patagonia, Mountain Hardware, REI and many others make high quality outdoor apparel. However, you don’t need to buy all name brand clothing. You can shop at Army Surplus Stores, second-hand outdoor stores like the Wilderness Exchange or Play It Again Sports or overstock merchants like the Sierra Trading Post.

Weather during your course Summer in the Colorado Rocky Mountains is beautiful, but unpredictable. Unfortunately, we can’t predict what the weather on your course will be like. As a result, we recommend you bring all of the required clothing on the list. Your instructional staff will help you chose what to carry in the field based on current conditions. As a general rule, during May and June, expect snow on the ground at the elevations where you will be hiking and camping. In July and August, most of the snow will have melted away. Daytime temperatures can reach 80+ degrees on any given day, but rain and snow are always a possibility. Afternoon thunderstorms are common. Nights are generally chilly. September brings crisp days, cold nights and an occasional snowstorm. Understand that whatever the time of year, it can be sunny and warm one minute and then cold and raining the next. Be prepared by expecting change and bringing all required clothing on the list. Our clothing list reflects the importance of the “layering” principle. Dressing in several light layers rather than one heavy layer allows you more flexibility as the weather and workloads change. When shopping or packing, keep in mind that layers need to be able to fit over top of other layers (i.e. your waterproof jacket should fit over top of 1-4 layers of shirts and mid-weight jackets). Backpacking 14-16

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Staying Warm with Layering: 1.

First Layer: usually called the wicking layer (long underwear and gloves) – Moisture is the enemy of warmth. Sweat from physical activity like backpacking, paddling or climbing is your body’s attempt to cool itself off. Synthetic long underwear pulls moisture away from your body so your sweat won’t cool you down too much and make you cold. This layer is worn next to your skin. Cotton items retain that moisture and thus exaggerate sweat’s cooling effect and for that reason are not recommended. 2. Second Layer: usually called the insulation layer (warm tops, socks, fleece pants) – This should be thick fluffy sweaters and jackets that will trap and store the heat your body is producing to keep you warm. This layer is worn on top of the first layer. There might be more than one component of the “insulating layer” like a medium weight fleece and a heavier top. 3. Third Layer: usually called the wind/shell layer (jackets, pants, rain gear) – Finally, adding an outer wind and/or waterproof layer makes sure that the wind does not steal all that built up heat and all your insulating layers do not get soaked. The third layer is worn on top of the first and second layers.

**The only cotton that is acceptable to bring on course is underwear. Otherwise, all material must be noncotton. Acceptable options include wool, capilene, poly-propylene, non-cotton blends and nylon.

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PLEASE BRING ALL ITEMS IN THIS SECTION: You are welcome to bring extras of the items marked with a plus (+) sign. There are multiple brand name options available at varying prices. Please ask your local outdoor retailer if you have specific questions or for alternative brands.

Instructor favorites, left to right: 1. Patagonia Nano-puff; 2. North Face Denali Fleece Jacket; 3. REI Ultra Light rain jacket; 4. Patagonia Guide Pants

Clothing & Footwear: Tops # Item 1-2 Wicking Short Sleeve TShirts 1 Warm, Long-Sleeve Shirt

Bottoms # Item 1 Quick Dry Pants

Description This T-shirt is made out of quick-drying fabric that moves moisture away from your skin and allows maximum airflow. No cotton. Can be expedition weight long underwear or a lightweight fleece top. Needs to be highly breathable for aerobic activity. You need this in addition to your lightweight long underwear. Description Lightweight softshell, schoeller or nylon fabrics dry quickly, resist pilling and are easy to pack away. Should be loose fitting or stretchy to aid in movement.

Inner Layers: fits next to the skin # Item Description 3+ Underwear Underwear is the only piece of clothing where cotton performs better in the backcountry. Cotton underwear particularly helps to improve feminine hygiene. Briefs or boxer briefs are recommended over boxers to prevent riding up. 2 Sports Bras Should have the proper support for athletic activity. Can be worn as a swim top with quick drying shorts if a swimsuit is required. 1 Long Underwear You will need both a long-sleeve top and a bottom. This is your base layer and will be used at night or possibly for cold hiking days. It should be lightweight or medium weight, depending on how easily you get cold. Outer Layers: must fit over all the layers # Item Description 1 Warm Jacket A heavy weight (300 weight) fleece or lightweight synthetic-fill jacket with a full length zipper. Synthetic insulation will dry more quickly than down and even retains some thermal resistance (warmth) when damp. See photos 1 or 2. Backpacking 14-16

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1

Raincoat & Rain Pants

Head & Hands # Item 1 Warm Beanie 1

Sun hat

1

Gloves

Feet # Item 3+ Medium weight Hiking Socks 1 Camp Shoes

1

Boots

All rainwear must be advertised either 100% Waterproof or Waterproof/Breathable, not Water Resistant. Rain jackets should also include a hood. Breathable fabrics highly recommended. Breathable Options include: Any Gore-Tex jacket or breathable coated fabrics like the Marmot © PreCip or Phoenix Rainwear, REI Ultra Light or Kulshan Rainwear are suitable examples. Description A warm hat that will be used for when things get chilly. Fleece or windproof material around the ears is warmer. Should have a good brim to at a minimum cover your face like a baseball cap or can have a brim all the way around for added protection. Should be made out of softer material so it can get folded up easily if needed. Should have a weather-proof exterior. Lightweight liners work for most, but folks with colder hands may want warmer gloves. Description Need to be at least crew-height. They have more padding for increased comfort on long backpacking trips. No cotton. Virtually every course requires two pairs of shoes, one to hike in and one to wear around camp. Camp shoes should be lightweight, sturdy running shoes. Most courses have a Challenge Event at course end that typically involves running so sturdy runners are preferred versus fashion or skateboarding type sneakers. An old pair of running shoes is just fine. Reference the boot document.

Instructor Favorites, left to right: 1. 32oz Nalgene; 2. Petzl Tikka Headlamp

Other Items Personal items # Item 1 Insurance Card 1-2

Bandanas

1

Sunglasses with keeper strap and hard case Water Bottle

2

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Description If you are covered under any medical insurance please bring your card. The actual card is preferred, but a copy of the front and the back of the card will be okay. This all-purpose piece of cotton absorbs sweat, cleans off trail-grime and offers a multitude of other camp and trail uses. One for men, two for women. Dark and sturdy, need to bring a keeper strap with them. Essential to protecting your eyes in a highly reflective environment! Wide-mouthed and durable—Nalgene, Sigg, and Klean Kanteen are good Page: 4-7

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1

Small headlamp and extra set of batteries.

2

Eyeglasses/Contacts

1 2

Watch w/ alarm Prescription Medications

Toiletries: # Item 8oz Sunscreen 1+ Lip Balm 1 Insect Repellent 1

Toiletries Kit Feminine Supplies

Travel to and from # Item - Emergency contact numbers for travel delays - Money for travel, snacks and souvenirs 1 set

Clean clothes for the trip home

brand names. Minimum 32oz capacity.—NO DISPOSABLE BOTTLES. This is a hands free flashlight. It is either a LED or halogen headlamp that uses a minimum of three volts (two or more AA- or AAA-batteries). Halogen bulbs are bright but consume more battery power. LED lamps are bright and consume very little battery power. Bring one set of alkaline batteries per week of course. If you rely on vision correction please bring back up, i.e. second set of glasses in case of loss or damage. Inexpensive, durable, & waterproof. THESE MUST BE DECLARED DURING THE APPROVAL PROCESS. Bring 2 sets in their original containers and a Ziploc bag for storage on trail. Description Waterproof, SPF 30 or greater. 15+ SPF or greater Small size, in an unbreakable bottle—no spray cans. Products with Picaridan or DEET (10 - 35%) are most effective. Toothbrush, small toothpaste, small biodegradable soap, comb or brush, several wash & dry or baby wipes (deodorant and makeup are unnecessary). Most women will get their period on course even if it is not their regular time of the month so please bring an ample supply of feminine hygiene products to course. We are a leave no trace organization so tampons such as OB that do not have plastic applicators are recommended as it reduces the amount of trash being carried out. A Diva Cup also is a great reusable option. You are welcome to bring pads if that is the system you are most comfortable using. If you have any questions please contact your course advisor or instructor. Description Carry a copy of the phone numbers to use in case of travel delays (from the travel and itinerary document) The first day is often long. Have cash to buy snacks along the way or bring food with you. You may also have the chance to purchase COBS souvenirs and don’t forget about any checked baggage fees for your flight home. Please bring a towel, travel size toiletries (including soap and shampoo) and a set of clothes to travel home in.

Your clean travel clothes, luggage, cell phone and any other items not needed during your course will be stored in a secure place at our basecamp and will be returned to you at the end of course.

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Optional Items: these are NOT required and you will be fine without them. Please only buy

them if you plan to use the items again after your course or you think they will be of great assistance to you while on course (you may be asked to leave these behind depending on weather and availability in pack or dry bag).

Instructor Favorites, left to right: 1. Hole-less Crocs; 2. Camelbak bladder; 3. A pack towel; 4. Black Diamond Z-poles

Optional Items # Item 1 Stationary, Stamps & Pen 1

Camera & Batteries

1

Water bladder or hydration system Trekking Poles

1 pair

Description Bring pre-stamped, addressed envelopes if you would like to send mail. Put in a zip-lock bag with paper and pen. Most people bring small, digital cameras or disposable 35mm cameras. Large cameras (SLRs, for example) are heavy, bulky and difficult to protect in the backcountry. Bring multiple cameras if disposable. If bringing a nondisposable camera, consider taking extra precautions like putting it in a Ziploc bag or Pelican hardcase to keep out dirt and sand. CamelBak or Platypus are good brands; there are several others

1

Quick Dry Shorts

These are of great assistance to those who experience knee problems or want more stability on the trail. Adjustable length trekking poles provide the best versatility and comfort. Old ski poles are an inexpensive alternative. Excellent for creek crossings, can be used as a camp shoe. Lightweight fast drying. Must have a heel strap and have closed toes. This small to medium sized towel continues to absorb even when wet, it wrings out easily and dries quickly. No cotton. Lightweight nylon fabric wicks moisture and dries quickly.

1

Ear Plugs

Recommended if you are a light sleeper

1 Croc type shoe pair 1 Pack Towel

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Outward Bound Provides Please note Outward Bound provides all other equipment including but not limited to sleeping bags & pads, dry bags and backpacks. There are no additional fees for the use of our equipment. If you have your own equipment and it meets the below criteria, you are welcome to bring it with you. Please be aware that your instructors will assess it for appropriateness and may ask you to use Outward Bound gear in lieu of your own if they do not find your gear adequate for your particular course. If you DO wish to bring some of your own gear Here are our minimum standards for what MAY be acceptable for few common items.  Sleeping bags – need to have a 0 degree warmth rating. Synthetic filled bags have the advantage of being warm even when wet. If you bring a down bag, expect to take extra precautions to ensure it stays dry. Down may not be appropriate for all course areas.  Sleeping pads – can be ¾ to full size in length. They can be made of closed-cell foam (Ridge-Rest or ZRest) or be inflatable (Therma-Rest®). If you bring an inflatable pad you must bring a patch kit as well. Remember that inflatable pads usually weigh considerably more than closed-cell foam pads.  Backpacks – need to have a minimum capacity of 6,000 cubic inches, should carry 45-60 lbs. comfortably and be an internal frame design. Side pockets are also a useful option. The items above are NOT required for your course. If you bring your own equipment it will be inspected by your instructor at the beginning of your course. If it does not meet our standards you can store it in a secure location during your course. Links to good information about gear on-line: Long Underwear: http://www.rei.com/expertadvice/articles/underwear.html Hiking Boots: http://www.rei.com/expertadvice/articles/hiking+footwear.html

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