FOOTWEAR Objective dependent

  • Hiking Shoes or Boots: Pick a comfortable shoe or boot that is designed for backpacking (carrying weight).  Make sure it fits your foot well and try them out before your trip!  (Guides Pick: Scarpa’s backpacking line.)
  • River/Camp Shoe: Should be light weight. (Keens, Crocs, etc.).
  • Socks: 2 to 3 pairs (synthetic or wool-mix). Sized for your boots. At least one thin liner recommended for blister management.

TOP LAYERS

  • T-shirt/sport shirt – synthetic
  • Long sleeve base layer – synthetic or wool
  • Long sleeve light weight cotton shirt for insects
  • Fleece: medium weight polar fleece
  • Puffy jacket (down or synthetic fill)-light to medium weight
  • Rain Jacket (lightweight)

BOTTOM LAYERS

  • Bottom base layer (long johns)- light weight synthetic or wool
  • Pant – synthetic/nylon
  • Hiking Short – synthetic
  • Rain Pant – lightweight

OTHER

  • Ankle high gaiters through mid July (optional)
  • Hat or visor for sun
  • Hat: lightweight
  • Gloves: lightweight
  • Backpack: 55L-80L (Guides Pick: Osprey: Ariel or  Aether Series)
  • Summit/Day Pack: 15-25L super light weight (guide tip: summit pack can double as sleeping bag stuff sack)
  • Sleeping Bag: 15 degree.  (Guide’s pick: Mountain Hardwear, Phantom 15.)
  • Sleeping Pad: Closed-cell foam or Thermarest ttype air mattress
  • Tent (optional): We will supply tents.   If you have a lightweight tent you may want to consider bringing it along. (Guides Pick: Mountain Hardwear Super Mega UL2 or Big Agnes Fly Creek 2 Platinum)
  • Water Bottles: two to three 1L bottles or hydration system and at least 1 bottle
  • Sun Glasses with eyeglass retention strap
  • Sunscreen and lip balm
  • Insect Repellant
  • Insect head net
  • Headlamp with extra batteries
  • Personal care items: toothbrush, etc. keep it minimal
  • Restroom: hand sanitizer, toilet paper (PACK IT OUT!)  Bring 3 zip lock bags; one for clean paper, two for used TP.  This land is pristine; we have to leave it that way. Thanks
  • Personal first aid: blister care (mole skin), personal meds (inform your guide or our office if bringing meds)
  • Misc. items: lighter, knife, camera, bandana, hand sanitizer, etc.
  • Bowl, spoon, and insulated mug (GSI makes a super light bowl/mug combo)
  • Water treatment: tablets (iodine, chlorine, Steripen, etc)
  • Bear Spray
  • Trekking Poles (optional)

FOOD:

  • Snacks/Lunches for each day: a mix of sweet and savory items.  In the end you have to like it to eat it, so bring what know you like, but think about weight vs. caloric value.
  • Drink mixes: optional but if it helps you hydrate; bring it.
  • Guide choices: A small sandwich and or piece of fruit for day 1 can be nice.  Nuts, dried fruit, snack bars, beef jerky, a few energy gel/GU packs for that needed boost at the end of our long days (they can really help!)

OPTIONAL ITEMS

  • Reading material (Lightweight)
  • Music (ipods)

COLD WEATHER CONSIDERATIONS: Early and late season trips (June and late August-Sept) require warmer clothing.  

  • Down Coat (lightweight, but warm, 800 fill down is great)
  • Lightweight fleece pants
  • Lightweight buff or neck gaiter

WE WILL SUPPLY:

  • Bear hang and other bear safe camping gear and practices
  • Cookware: Stoves, cook sets, fuel
  • Tents:  Consider your own tent if you want to save on weight or look into a porter.  (see “tent” under “other” for suggestions.)

NOTE: A POUND IN YOUR PACK IS A POUND ON YOUR BACK!

Attempt to shed every pound that you can. The lighter your load the more you will be able to enjoy yourself.  On top of all the gear on this list you will be expected to carry, your share of the group food and cookware, tent, and water bottles (full).  Pack weight estimates are between 35-60 lbs, depending on trip length and objectives.

***PORTERS ARE AVAILABLE*** Please call or email for details.