Personal Clothing and Equipment List: Water Wilderness

THE IMPORTANCE OF YOUR CLOTHING

Dressing 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 trail t-shirt as it does not dry well and can be deadly in the backcountry.

Shop now (see suggestions at the 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 Water 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. Late summer in Canada can have freezing temperatures and in some years we have had rain a majority of the days. 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:

other than your rain gear, your footwear is one of 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 need one pair of high top boots to be your “wet shoes.” These will provide support and protection while carrying canoes through forest undergrowth, beaver swamps, and boulder-strewn portages. Count on your boots being wet much of the day. Here are a few guidelines when buying boots:

Lightweight Hikers: This type of boot stressed comfort and breathability while also giving sufficient support.
Ankle Support: Your boots should cover your ankles – strong ankle support is needed for carrying your gear over land (portaging).
No all leather or Gore-Tex liners or any Gore-Tex at all: Your boots will be wet, your feet will be submerged in water. Gore-Tex and leather do not provide sufficient drainage.
Protective Sole: Your boots should have a stiff sole to prevent sharp rocks and sticks from penetrating the boot.
Fitting: Wear heavy wool socks when trying on boots since that’s what you’ll be wearing. When the boots are unlaced and your toes are pushed forward until they touch the front, you should be able to put your forefinger between your heel and the heel of the boot. When they are laced, your heel should be firmly lodged with minimal lift when you walk. You can walk on an incline or kick a wall to make sure your toes don’t hit the front of the boot. If they do, lace them up tighter or try a size up. Remember that feet swell while walking/hiking/portaging and while you can always put on an extra sock if there’s space, it’s harder if they are too small.

Examples of models (just a few – footwear styles change frequently and many boots fulfill the above qualifications):
www.rei.com Monarch IV Hiking Boots
www.campmor.com High Tec Outlander, Merrell Moab Ventilator Day Hiker, Merrell Chameleon II Ventilator Mid Lightweight Hiking Boot

Some possibilities include inexpensive hiking boots, or rubber calf to knee length boots that you can get at hardware or farm supply stores (neoprene booties are not acceptable). Do not buy new, expensive hiking boots.

Camp Shoes

1 pair. Running, tennis, or general athletic shoe to wear around camp and to act as a spare. Low tops are OK. Again, do not bring new, expensive shoes. River sandals are not acceptable.

Socks

4 pairs heavy ragg wool or synthetic blends calf-length. Thorlo® or Smartwool® are good choices. You may prefer one pair long enough to tuck pants into. 1 pair may be cotton athletic socks for the drive.

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. Cotton is OK here but will stay wet longer (useful when it is hot, not so much when it is cold).

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/sun/bug Shirt

1 lightweight, breathable, nylon wind shell either anorak or full-zip style for sun, wind, and light rain protection. This also must fit over your other layers. Great, breathable option when it’s windy or raining lightly. Collared light wool/synthetic shirts also work well (find at thrift shops).

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.

Shorts

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

Swimsuit

Men—your shorts will act as your suit. Women— You may bring a swimsuit or a pair of nylon shorts and a sports bra will also work.

Primary Layer (optional)

1 pair. Light-mid weight long underwear bottoms of polypropylene or other synthetic material. A nice layering option when it is warmer.

Secondary Layer

1 pair. Roomy in the seat and waist, medium weight (Capilene®, Synchilla® or Polartec® 200). They should be large enough to wear over your shorts and long underwear. Wool work pants also work well.

Wind/Rain Pants (optional)

Durable pants which are roomy enough to fit over all lower body garments. Options include: nylon wind pants (breathable but less waterproof), or laminated/coated rain pants. Gore-Tex® or equivalent fabrics breathe better but durable “slickers” are a good inexpensive option. Zippered legs are very useful for putting on over hiking boots.

PERSONAL GEAR

Eating Utensils

1 each-- insulated mug, bowl, and spoon. Insulated mugs (12-20 oz.) are very useful. Re-sealable Tupperware® (not too tall) work great for bowls and are highly recommended.

Water Bottle

1-2 wide mouth (1 liter/1 qt) with screw top lid. Nalgene® are a popular choice—add an identifying sticker or two. We do not recommend water bladders.

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. Avoid scented items (like deodorants)—they attract insects.

Notebook

The program places a great deal of emphasis on the keeping of a journal and field observations. Please bring a small notebook (no larger than 5X8) and ziplock bag to keep it dry, plus two pencils or pens.

Headlamp

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

Road Clothes

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

OPTIONAL ITEMS

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

Sunglasses Keeper

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

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. No sheath knives.

Dry Bag

1 18 oz. PVC dry bag no larger than 11X19 (2000 cu. in.) is useful to protect water-sensitive items

Fishing Tackle

Small, inexpensive, collapsible rod and reel. A lightweight case would be helpful. Fishing poles often get a lot of abuse. A few lures and 8-12 pound line is useful.

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. Bring medications that you take regularly, packed in waterproof plastic bottles or containers. All must have labels and prescriptions included for our knowledge and for customs officials.

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.

*Campmore 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 great place to look for web discounts on the gear you are looking for.

Contact Us:

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