Personal Clothing and Equipment List: Mountain Wilderness

THE IMPORTANCE OF YOUR CLOTHING

ADressing for comfort and safety is one of the important lessons of August Wilderness. A major consideration in outfitting is selecting fabrics that will keep you warm even when they are wet. A number of synthetics developed specifically for outdoor use (e.g. polyester fleece, Capilene®, Synchilla® or Polartec® ) will keep you warm when they are wet and are quick drying, light weight, and compress well when stuffed into your pack. Wool is a natural fiber that insulates even when wet, but it has the disadvantages of being slow-drying and relatively heavy. Cotton is not acceptable on any clothing with the exception of your road clothes and one backcountry t-shirt as it does not dry well and can be deadly in the backcountry.

Shop now (see suggested resources at end of this document). Visit outdoors stores and get an idea of what's available. Order catalogs and compare. And buy good quality. Your clothing will comprise your primary shelter for the month you are on the program. It is important for you to have all of the necessary personal equipment and clothing before arriving in Richmond on outfitting day. All clothing for Mountain Wilderness must be roomy, to allow for freedom of movement and aeration. On cold days you will be wearing all of your warm clothes, and they should fit comfortably when layered.

When moderate to heavy garments are mentioned, we MEAN moderate to heavy, not light. One year we experienced an 11 inch snowfall, then high winds and temperatures around zero. Although this isn't typical, we must be prepared for the most difficult weather we may encounter. You will note from the following list that we expect you to have at least three layers of warm clothing for the trunk of your body. If you get cold easily and are uncertain whether that will be enough, bring four layers. REMEMBER: There is no substitute for appropriate synthetics or wool, which can provide adequate heat retention even when wet.

If you have any questions about particular pieces of clothing or equipment, feel free to contact us at (765) 973-2121 or wilderness@earlham.edu. We will be happy to help.

Happy outfitting!

ABOUT THE LIST:

The checklist is broken up into five sections:

Each section will list the item (socks) and the number of that item required (4 pairs). Although you may bring more than the required amount, we discourage it. Your packs will be very heavy and extra ounces quickly add up to extra pounds. Do not bring less than the required amount.

FOOTWEAR:

these are the most important items you will bring. You'll need boots and at least 4 pairs of socks. You will also want a pair of lightweight camp shoes (see below).

Boots

You will be carrying a heavy pack (+/- 55 pounds) on rough trails and cross-country. Your boots will need to be sturdy enough to 1) protect the soles of your feet as you carry that weight on uneven, rocky surfaces, 2) support your ankles as you hike, and 3) exclude moisture from rain, snow, etc. We recommend medium to heavy weight backpacking boots (not hiking or walking shoes). All-leather boots provide the most support and can be easily waterproofed, and are therefore recommended. There are many good brands of boots. The one that is best for you is the one that fits your feet the best. Expect to pay $150 to $200. Less expensive boots are unlikely to be sturdy enough for wilderness use. Some good boot manufacturers are:

Boots may be purchased mail order or from a reputable local outdoor shop. Buying boots personally in a good store is MUCH better if a good fit is to be insured. If you do choose to buy boots from a catalog make sure to follow fitting instructions and order them early enough to perhaps send them back for a better fit! With boots, you cannot compromise on quality or fit.

Boots should be fitted while wearing this combination of socks, just as you'll wear them in the field. If boots are too tight your feet will become because of restricted circulation and air insulation. If too loose, your feet can slip around inside them when you are walking on a grade, or develop blisters from friction while hiking.

Buy your boots as soon as possible and begin breaking them in by wearing them 2-3 hours per day. To break boots in you should wear them with the socks you will wear in the field throughout the day while you are active, not just while sitting. Sweat and movement are what break in boots. Wear new or seldom used boots full-time for at least one to two weeks before your expedition. Your feet will be sore at first and your boots stiff, but eventually they will conform to your foot. Our experience has been that breaking boots in early will make the trip much more enjoyable.

Socks

3 pairs heavy ragg wool or synthetic blends calf-length. Thorlo® or Smartwool® are good choices. No cotton!

2 pairs of liner socks. Lightweight wool, synthetic blends that you will wear in combination with your heavy socks. No cotton! If you use another thick wool sock as your liner, bring an extra pair (4).

Camp Shoes

1 pair. Running, tennis, or general athletic shoe to wear around camp. Avoid expensive shoes—these will get wet and muddy. Open toed "river" sandals are not appropriate

UPPER BODY GARMENTS:

You'll need at least 3 insulating layers, plus a wind/rain proof layer, which must fit comfortably over each other so that they can all be worn at the same time. If you tend to get cold easily, add a pile vest in addition to the other 3 layers.

T-Shirt

1. We recommend Capilene® or other synthetic t-shirts since they dry much faster. 50/50 blends are adequate.

Primary Layer

1 light-midweight underwear top of wool, polypropylene or other synthetic material. Zip-T's are useful for added ventilation.

Secondary Layer

1 medium weight wool shirt, sweater, or polyester pile of 100 or 200 weight Polartec® or equivalent.

Top Layer

1 heavy weight (Capilene®, Synchilla® or Polartec® 200 or 300). Extra large to fit over your other layers and still allow freedom of movement.

Wind Shirt (optional)

1 lightweight, breathable, nylon wind shell either anorak or full-zip style. This also must fit over your other layers. Great, breathable option when it's windy or rainy lightly.

Rain Jacket

1 hooded waist-thigh length rain jacket. Coated nylon or breathable fabrics such as Gore-Tex® are acceptable. There are many excellent (non-Gore-Tex) more affordable jackets on the market as well (Marmot, Mountain Hardware, Sierra Designs). Look for one with taped seams.

Gloves/Mittens

1 pair light-medium weight wool or synthetic. Mittens are warmer but less useful. Liner gloves work well. Ski gloves are not recommended.

Wool/Pile Hat

1 warm hat made of wool or synthetic material. A balaclava can also be used and is very warm as it covers the entire heard and neck.

Brimmed Hat

1 sun hat or baseball cap. Necessary for sun protection on your face and ears and to keep rain off your face.

LOWER BODY GARMENTS:

You'll need 1-2 insulating layers plus a wind/rain layer which must fit comfortably over each other so that they can be worn at the same time.

Underwear

2-3 pairs. Quick drying polyester, light cotton or nylon (with cotton crotch for women). Given long underwear and nylon shorts with liners, we actually recommend men go without underwear.

Hiking Shorts

1 pair loose fitting nylon athletic or river shorts. Men may want shorts with liners.

Primary Layer (optional)

1 pair of light weight long underwear bottoms of polypropylene or other synthetic material. A nice layering option for warmer weather.

Secondary Layer

1 pair of mid to heavy weight synthetic (Polartec®, Capilene®, flecce) or wool pants(thrift store wool pants work great but are heavier). They should be large enough to wear over your shorts and long underwear.

Wind/Rain Pants

There are several options-a sturdy pair of wind pants (they are more breathable and lighter in weight, but less water-proof), coated nylon (like Marmot's Precip® pant), and laminates (like Gore-Tex®-waterproof and breathable but pricier). Zippered legs are very useful for putting on over hiking boots. Needs to fit over all of your layers.

PERSONAL GEAR

Eating Utensils

1 each-- insulated mug, bowl, and spoon. Insulated mugs (12-20 oz.) are very useful. Re-sealable Tupperware® containers (small sizes) work great for bowls and are highly recommended.

Water Bottle

2 wide mouth (1 liter/1 qt) with screw top lid. Nalgene® are a popular choice—add an identifying sticker or two. A water bladder is acceptable for one of your bottles.

Sunglasses

Lenses should block out 100% ultraviolet and 95% infared light. Glasses should have a sturdy case. Students who wear prescription glasses should bring a spare pair and have dark clamp-on's or have dark glasses which are ground for your prescription. Contact lenses are OK, provided they don't require frequent boiling or other extensive care. If contacts are worn, bring a spare pair of glasses as well.

Bandanas

2 large ones—useful for a variety of purposes (Women should bring 3).

Lip Balm

1 small stick, cream, or tube type moisturizing balm (SPF 15 or higher)

Sunscreen

1 small (2-4 oz.) tube SPF 30 or higher. Do not bring a big bottle!

Toiletries

Toothbrush, toothpaste, floss, comb, tampons, and personal medications* Do not bring big sizes—travel sizes work best and are more packable.

Notebook

The program places a great deal of emphasis on the keeping of a journal and field observations. Please bring a small notebook and ziplock bag to keep it dry, plus two pencils or pens.

Road Clothes

The "freshies" bag! Pack one set of clean clothes, soap/shampoo, and small bath towel for drive home.

Headlamp

A small headlamp (not a flashlight) for light at night. Princeton Tec, Black Diamond, and Petzl all make inexpensive, small, halogen or L.E.D. type lamps.

OPTIONAL ITEMS:

the following are not required for August Wilderness but may be brought if desired.

Gaiters

1 pair. These are very useful for keeping dirt and mud out of boots. Ankle to mid-calf length would suffice. Knee high types may be too hot.

Sunglasses Keeper

Chums®, Croakies®, or equivalent can be handy to keep your sunglasses attached.

Insect Repellant

One small bottle or tube. No aerosol spray cans. We recommend learning to live with nature's minor annoyances!

Camera/Film

Lightweight, 35 mm compact cameras are sufficient; bring a protective case. Avoid heavy set-ups and think about sharing a camera with a peer.

Pocket-Knife

One small folding pocket knife is sufficient.

Camp Chair

Crazy Creek or equivalent, must be lightweight (inexpensive option: ¼ cut ensolite foam pad.)

*NOTE: If you experience any recurring infections (i.e. ear, yeast or urinary tract) bring your own medications. Also, bring your own medications for menstrual cramps. If you are on the birth control pill, talk to your doctor about your plans to spend three weeks at high altitudes since there can be side effects.

GROUP EQUIPMENT:

Earlham College is equipped to furnish all needed camping and mountaineering equipment and educational materials, except those specifically listed above as not being furnished. You do not need to bring such things as sleeping bags, foam pads, tents, and backpacks. Fees for the use of this equipment are included in the tuition for the program. Students will, however, be charged for unwarranted destruction or loss of equipment. If you have other personal equipment (e.g. Thermarest pad) you may bring it to Earlham and, subject to the approval of your instructors, on the hike. However, tuition will remain the same whether you have your own equipment or not.

Students do not need money during the course. Staff can advance money to students for emergency expenditures during the trip. Valuables are put into a sealed envelope on registration day and kept in the Earlham safe during the course.

WHERE TO FIND THIS STUFF:

Listed below are some catalog equipment suppliers who are nationally recognized. Even if you do not buy from them, their catalogs can give you some idea of good brands and price ranges. Order equipment early so you have time to try it on and return items that won't work. There is no substitute for the help of your local outdoor store. Walk on in and grab the salesperson who knows what they are talking about and get the low-down. If you can get your hands on it, Backpacker Magazine's annual Gear Guide can be a useful resource.

*Recreational Equipment, Inc. (REI) 1-800-426-4840. www.REI.com Items purchased through REI are guaranteed. They have more outlet stores every year; look for them in a city near you. REI has an online discount outlet www.rei-outlet.com.

*Campmor 800-226-7667. Another inexpensive alternative, with everything from headlamps to sleeping bags.

*Sierra Trading Post, 1-800-715-4534. www.sierratradingpost.com. A great resource. Discount prices for discontinued or slightly flawed brand-name gear. They also have a nice website.

*Northern Mountain Supply, 800-878-3583. www.northernmountain.com. Another place for web discounts on gear.

Contact Us:

Wilderness Programs
801 National Road West, Drawer 87
Richmond, IN 47374
phone:(765) 973-2121; fax: (765) 983-1207
Wilderness@earlham.edu