Included, below, is a pack list for all the recommended gear students will need for a safe and comfortable trip. We often tell our students that what they see on this list is really all they need....no more, no less. As a parent, you may feel like you want to add more clothing to your child's gear, but remember, your child will have to carry it for many miles.
The two MOST important pieces of gear for the eighth-grade trip are good boots and adequate rain gear. Boots should go above the ankle to support feet on the rocky trails. A proper fit is necessary to avoid blisters. Toes should have room to wiggle and the heel should not move very much when one walks around in the boots. If you purchase new boots, please consider having your child walk around in them for many days to break the boots in and to make sure they fit properly. WATERPROOF rain gear is absolutely essential for the health and safety of your child. Rain gear MUST be seam sealed. Rain gear that is seam sealed will have a transparent tape located anywhere there is stitching. Students will need both a rain jacket and rain pants.
One other item of importance is the backpack. Packs with a volume of at least 60 cubic liters (3700 cubic inches) are recommended. Backpacks should be large enough to carry all personal gear, personal food, and some group gear/food. Many backpacks can be adjusted to fit your child. A proper fit will include an adjustable, padded waist belt that fits snugly around the waist and padded shoulder straps that fit comfortably on the shoulders.
Another important consideration is to make sure your child does not bring cotton clothing. Cotton does not dry quickly enough in the cooler temperatures of the mountains. If a student's cotton clothing gets wet, it could create many problems for their health and comfort. There are many other choices when it comes to outdoor clothing, especially for the layers that are against the skin.
Please remember that the equipment list has been time tested as this program has been operating since 1968. There is a lot of gear that can be borrowed from friends and families. The local mountaineering shops have sleeping bag and backpack rentals. Please do not feel the need to go out and buy all new gear. If you have questions, please contact a trip leader.
The two MOST important pieces of gear for the eighth-grade trip are good boots and adequate rain gear. Boots should go above the ankle to support feet on the rocky trails. A proper fit is necessary to avoid blisters. Toes should have room to wiggle and the heel should not move very much when one walks around in the boots. If you purchase new boots, please consider having your child walk around in them for many days to break the boots in and to make sure they fit properly. WATERPROOF rain gear is absolutely essential for the health and safety of your child. Rain gear MUST be seam sealed. Rain gear that is seam sealed will have a transparent tape located anywhere there is stitching. Students will need both a rain jacket and rain pants.
One other item of importance is the backpack. Packs with a volume of at least 60 cubic liters (3700 cubic inches) are recommended. Backpacks should be large enough to carry all personal gear, personal food, and some group gear/food. Many backpacks can be adjusted to fit your child. A proper fit will include an adjustable, padded waist belt that fits snugly around the waist and padded shoulder straps that fit comfortably on the shoulders.
Another important consideration is to make sure your child does not bring cotton clothing. Cotton does not dry quickly enough in the cooler temperatures of the mountains. If a student's cotton clothing gets wet, it could create many problems for their health and comfort. There are many other choices when it comes to outdoor clothing, especially for the layers that are against the skin.
Please remember that the equipment list has been time tested as this program has been operating since 1968. There is a lot of gear that can be borrowed from friends and families. The local mountaineering shops have sleeping bag and backpack rentals. Please do not feel the need to go out and buy all new gear. If you have questions, please contact a trip leader.
What NOT To Bring
We provide many items for the backpack trip. Cooking stoves and pots, water filtration systems, bear canisters, maps, and food will all be available so students need not pack any of these items. Students often ask to bring comfort items such as pillows, hammocks, books, etc. We STRONGLY suggest these items stay home. Items not included on the pack list are rarely used and take up space and add weight to a student's backpack. Cotton clothing is not to be included as it has little warmth value when wet. DO NOT include a knife of any type in a student backpack, however, safety scissors may be included for cutting the solo tarp nylon cord. |
Before you buy, please contact friends or neighbors to borrow!
Roaring Fork Valley Stores for camping gear: Ute Mountaineering (Aspen), Bristlecone (Willits), Factory Surplus (Glenwood)
Roaring Fork Valley Stores for camping gear: Ute Mountaineering (Aspen), Bristlecone (Willits), Factory Surplus (Glenwood)