Client Gear List
Summer Backpacking/Hiking Equipment List
For the success & safety of your course please bring the following items. This equipment is designed to keep you warm & dry in the environment in which you will be hiking, while keeping the weight you will carry to a minimum. If you have any question about any items, feel free to email me. You can expect daytime temperatures to be warm. Nights will be cool. Weather in the mountains is very changeable even in summer. It may be very warm or it may snow! This list will prepare you for all types of weather. Please follow it!
A few words about cost. You do not have to spend a great deal of money to prepare for these trips -- good wool items may be found at your local thrift store. If purchasing new equipment give us a call and discuss the pros and cons of the variety of equipment available. Packs, sleeping bags, & pads can be rented at your local backpacking/mountaineering store. If you have any problems obtaining equipment please email me.
We recommend the following gear:
(Check with your local REI store for gear rentals.)
Provided Gear
þ Tents (3 season, 2 person)
 Cooking gearStoves and fuelWater filterGroup first aid kitBear canister Backpacking Gear
 Backpack: large internal frame or external frame (4000 - 6000 cu in.) Pack cover - waterproof Sleeping bag (rated at 20o-25o F) Sleeping pad Outerwear
Rain jacket and pants, lightweight waterproof and breathable Clothing
1 Midweight fleece jacket or wool sweater1 Mid-weight thermal top and bottom made of synthetic or wool1 Hiking pants, quick-drying, lightweight (zip-off legs are great) no jeans!1 Hiking shorts, quick-drying, lightweight1 T-shirts, synthetic 2 changes of underwear Hiking socks, 2 pairs of wool or syntheticSock liners, 2 pairs of synthetic liners (optional) Clothing Accessories
Sun hat with brimWool or fleece hatBandana Lightweight wool or fleece gloves |
Footwear
Hiking boots: heavy duty, waterproof, and well broken-in, should rise above ankleTravel Accessories
One 1-quart water bottle, even if you have a hydration system Headlamp with spare batteries and bulbPlastic bowl, spoon, fork, 16 oz. mugSunglasses and retainer strapSunblock, small amount not the whole bottle, min SPF 25lip balm (unscented) Insect repellant (small)Head net for mosquitoes, especially in July Toothbrush & trial-sized pastePack towel and/or washcloth Personal first aid kit, tiny and light with personal medication (I carry a big group first aid kit)Bic lighterTravel size wet-wipes / feminine wipes Individually packaged Anti-bacterial hand wipes (WetOnes)Orange plastic trowelTP system: In a gallon Ziploc Bag: Toilet paper (not a full roll) & 1 Ziploc quart baggie,
orange plastic trowel, WetOnes, Feminine Wipes,
Pantiliners for women
1 large plastic garbage can bag Optional Field Gear… think weight!
Down vest or jacket (highly recommended, especially for Sept. trips)Swim suit (for bathing)Trekking poles (highly recommended)Compass - the guide teaches with a Sunto M-2DMap: Tom Harrison Map of Tuolumne Meadows (in REI's map section)Ear plugsLightweight camp shoes/sandalsJournal & penCamera and film- think weightSmall paperback book, if you mustHydration system |
Food: I provide all the food for the trip from Thursday evening thru Sunday lunch. Email me if you have food restrictions. Bring your own drinks for Thursday evening. All I'll have is water.
Note about toiletries: We must be able to fit all food and toiletries into our bear canisters at night so toiletry volume is a real issue. Think about leaving it home.
Last messages: In preparation for the trip, be sure to drink AT LEAST 4 QUARTS OF WATER A DAY for at least 2-3 days prior to your trip, preferably for the whole preceding week. It will make your adjustment to altitude & exertion infinitely easier.
A Final Note: We reserve the right to turn back at the trailhead anyone they deem unprepared for the trip - from lack of conditioning or inappropriate equipment. So to avoid disappointment & for your personal safety & enjoyment, please arrive with “all the right stuff”. If you have any questions please call REI or email Karen or put the item in your car and ask your guide at the trailhead.
"Get Out of Town"