 Clothing & Equipment:
FOR THE MOST UP-TO-DATE INFORMATION ON EQUIPMENT AND SAFETY, READ THE 2008 HANDBOOK.
Suitable outdoor clothing and gear is vital, not only for comfort, but for safety. Most students will already own appropriate items; therefore, not all of the listed equipment need be purchased.
Students reporting to Fall Camp must have all of the equipment on the “Basic Gear list,” but should not purchase items from the “Complete Gear list” until after Fall Camp. Advice from faculty and special workshops will ensure students spend their money on appropriate equipment.
If a student has absolutely no personal gear, expect to spend $1,500 on gear for the duration of the program. Keep in mind this equipment is required for work in the industry, and has a useful life far beyond the Outdoor Adventure Naturalist Program.
Basic Gear List:
Students must have this gear for Fall Camp (approximate retail costs provided). Students soon realize that practical, effective gear is recommended over the brand name/”look” of the gear.
- Compass - Mirrored-sighting compass with adjustable declination setting, $60-80
- Binoculars - Compact, high quality, waterproof, rubber-coated, 8x35 power or better, i.e. Bushnell Fisherman’s, $65+
- Notebook and pen
- Rain gear - Hooded jacket and pants, rubberized, $30-$100. “Real” rain gear is essential.
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Sleeping bag - Summer and winter use (-20C), “mummy” style, $150-$500. (Any sleeping bag will do for Fall Camp; however, a high quality bag must be purchased by the end of September and for cold weather. Students will sleep outside during the winter semester.)
- Sleeping pad/Therma-rest - Ensolite or self-inflating, $15-$90
- Nalgene water bottles (2) - Wide mouth, plastic, unbreakable, $15
- Carabiners (2) - Inexpensive ones, clips for attaching water bottle to canoe, etc., $5
- Cup/bowl/spoon - Generic trail eating utensils, plastic, $6
- Headlamp and batteries - (specialized flashlight) i.e. Petzl “Zoom”, $40
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“Day” backpack - 24-45 litre capacity, medium-sized - not to be confusedwith a “book bag.” Students need a sturdy, mid-sized backpack for day hikes
- Personal first-aid kit - Band-aids, swabs, Polysporin, etc., $15
- Nylon “quick dry” shorts - Plus one piece swimsuit for women
- Nylon “quick dry” pants - $60
- Sports bra for women - $40
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Underwear tops & bottoms - Long, 2 sets, polyester or polypropylene* (no cotton!), $40/set
- Toque and light gloves - Wool or fleece toque
- Warm layers - Fleece pants and sweater, $50 each. Trim fit to be layered under and over other clothes.
- Windproof jacket - “Warm up” or gym-style, among others
- Sun hat/ball cap
- Sunscreen and bug repellent
- Sunglasses and retainer/string
- River shoes or sandals - Old running shoes or non-velcro sandals are appropriate
- Casual clothes for evenings
- Towel and basic toiletries
Complete Gear List:
In addition to the above list, students should bring this equipment but wait until after Fall Camp before purchasing (if not previously owned). Also, this gear does not need to be purchased all at once.
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Sleeping bag - High quality summer/winter use (-20C), “mummy” style, $150-$500. (See notes referring to the “Sleeping bag” item under the Basic Gear List).
- Jacket or parka - Down or synthetic insulated, $150+
- Underwear, top & bottom - “Expedition weight” fleece, $70 set
- T-shirt(s)* - Polyester, $20
- Spare fleece layers - Vest, pullovers, etc, $50 each
- Socks - Polypro light liners and heavy wool winter, $5-12/pair
- Mid-weight hiking boots - Leather, stiff sole for light backpacking $100-$200
- Winter boots - Sorel type (-30C) with removable liner, $50+
- Winter mitts and hat - Heavy-duty
- Pocket knife & river knife - $10-$14 each
- Whistle - Fox 40, “pea-less” style
- Hand lens - Hand-held or pocket magnifier, $10
- Full-size backpack - 65-90 litre capacity for multi-day hiking trips, $100-$300
- Bivy bag or over bag - For over the sleeping bag (increases warmth - optional), $100
- Extra foam sleeping pad - For winter camping - optional
- Small dry bag - Optional, $15
- Camera - Optional
* As a rule, students will not be wearing cotton t-shirts, sweatshirts, jeans, etc. during outdoor skills days, since cotton gets wet and cold. Fleece and polyester stay dry and are warmer. These items are available at local “outdoor” stores, Canadian Tire, or the Mountain Equipment Coop by mail-order (www.mec.ca). Staff will provide advice on requirements and best values for each piece of equipment required through workshops and training. In addition, students have an opportunity to purchase gear through outdoor adventure “preferred suppliers” discounts.
Gear Provided by Program:
- Mountain bikes and helmets
- Tent, camp kitchen and stove
- Full wet suit
- Nordic skis and boots
- Snowshoes
- Kayak, canoes, and paddles
Please bring any of the above gear you may already have. Please note: if any of the faculty have safety-related concerns with your gear, you may be asked to use program equipment instead.
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