Wilderness Institute (WI) 2007 Comprehensive Equipment List
(Adapted from the
National Outdoor Leadership School)
The items on the list (except those listed under Optional Items) are MANDATORY for your participation in the Wilderness Institute! Failure to have the appropriate gear may jeopardize your participation in the program. If you have any questions about the equipment, please feel free to contact mwagstaff@radford.edu.
Clothing
Backcountry clothing is grouped into two main categories: insulating and non-insulating, for both the upper and lower body. We will be using a layering system of different articles of clothing worn together or alone to achieve ideal body temperature control. Cotton or cotton-blend garments are NOT considered insulating layers.
Upper Body Garments
You will need at least 3 insulating layers, plus a wind-proof layer and a waterproof layer, which must fit comfortably over each other so they can worn at the same time.
Primary Layers: 1 midweight and 1 expedition weight underwear top of wool, high performance polyester, polypropylene or Capileneâ.
Middle Layer: A midweight (Polartecâ 100 or 200) fleece pullover or vest. If you get cold easily, we recommend the pullover AND the vest.
Top Layer: A heavyweight jacket (Polartecâ
200 or 300 or synthetic filled. Down jackets work well but are NOT recommended
because if they get wet they will lose their ability to insulate). Jacket
should have a full-length zipper. If you get cold easily, we recommend that you
bring the Polartecâ
300 jacket or the synthetic filled jacket.
Wind Top: A lightweight, breathable, nylon wind
shell either pullover or parka style. This must be large enough to fit
comfortably over the 3 insulating layers. Gore-Texâ
wind gear is acceptable.
Rain Jacket: A durable, roomy, lightweight,
waterproof garment that will fit over all 3 insulating layers.
Cotton T-shirt: Useful for warm hiking days.
You will need at least 3 insulating layers, plus a durable windproof layer and a waterproof layer, which must fit over each other so they can all be worn at the same time.
Primary Layers: 1 midweight and 1 expedition weight
underwear bottom of wool, high performance polyester, polypropylene or Capileneâ.
Fleece Pants: Polartecâ
200 or 300 weight. Pants with side zippers are easier to put on over hiking
boots.
Wind Pants: Breathable, nylon wind pants, roomy
enough to fit over all lower body garments. Gore-Texâ
wind pants are acceptable. Zippered legs are easier for putting on over hiking
boots.
Rain Pants: Durable, roomy, lightweight waterproof
pants that fit over all 3 insulating layers. Zippered legs are easier for
putting on over hiking boots.
Hiking Shorts: Loose fitting nylon hiking or river
shorts. Nylon “quick dry” shorts can double as swim trunks.
Wool or Fleece Hat: Should pull down enough to cover
the ears.
Sun Hat: To keep the sun off your face. Baseball
caps work great.
Gloves and Mittens: Two pairs of either wool or
Polartecâ200.
If your hands get cold easily, bring mittens.
Glove Liners: Thin polypropylene or Capileneâ
gloves that will fit under gloves or mittens.
Mitten Shells: 1 pair water repellent or waterproof
nylon shells that fit over your mittens or gloves.
Backpack: We highly recommend internal frame
backpacks of at least 6200 cubic inches. Many backpacks on the market are not
large enough for carrying the bulky equipment and large amounts of food we will
have on the WI.
Day Pack: A medium sized pack is recommended for the
rock climbing section.
Stuff Sacks: 3 or more small nylon bags for
organizing items in your pack.
Zip Bag: 1 or 2 nylon duffel bags (approximately
12”x24”) with a zipper for clothing or food storage.
Sleeping Bag: We recommend synthetic fill bags (Quallofil,
Hollofil, Polarguard HV, etc.) for durability and ease of care in the variety of
conditions that we will encounter on the WI. A bag rated from 0-5 degrees
Fahrenheit will be adequate.
Compression Sleeping Bag Stuff Sack: Extra large
size (approximately 12”x30”)
Sleeping Pad: A full-length cell foam pad to
insulate and cushion between the ground and your sleeping bag. Thermarestâ
type pads are acceptable with a repair kit.
Sleeping Pad Stuff Sack: A nylon sack to protect
your sleeping bag from being punctured or torn.
Eating Gear: Mug, bowl and spoon. Insulated mugs of
12 to 20 ounces are great.
Water Bottles: 1 or 2 wide mouth quart or liter size
plastic bottles. Water bladders (Camelbacksâ
and Platypusâ)
work well but are prone to leaking and puncturing.
Lip Balm: Stick, cream or tube type moisturizing
balm with Sun Protection Factor (SPF) 15 or greater.
Sunscreen: 3 to 6 ounces of SPF 15 or greater. Zinc
Oxide also works great!
Pocket Knife: One small knife is sufficient. Swiss
Army knives or multi-tools are best. DO NOT bring any other style of knife
(hunting, fillet, survival, etc.) Remember, you cannot fly with any knife in
your carry on luggage.
Bandannas: 2 are useful for a variety of purposes.
Sunglasses: Lenses should be dark and block 110%
ultraviolet and 95% infrared light. They should either wrap around or have side
shields and a sturdy case. Prescription sunglasses are worth considering.
Prescription Glasses and Contact Lenses: If you wear
them bring a spare pair of glasses or lenses. Contact lens wearers should also
bring glasses as a backup.
Headlamp or Flashlight: Headlamps are preferred and
are more convenient than flashlights. Bring lots of spare batteries and an extra
bulb.
Disposable Lighters: Bring 2 or 3. Remember: You
cannot fly with lighters in your luggage.
Plastic Trash Bags: 4 or 5 extra large, contractor
or trash compactor bags for making storage bags more waterproof.
Watch: Water-resistant. An alarm feature is necessary for early morning starts.
Journal and Pen/Pencil: A stenographers pad works
well.
Toilet Articles: Travel-sized toothbrush,
toothpaste, comb or brush, moisturizing lotion, nail clippers, and tampons.
Please remember to bring any prescription medications for the duration of the
trip. Nail clippers are not allowed in your carry on luggage.
Underwear: 3 changes should be sufficient. Most
women prefer sport “jogbras” which should be made of nylon. Underwear is
optional for men.
First-Aid Kit: A small “ouch kit” containing:
band-aids, athletic tape, moleskin, antibiotic cream, etc.
Socks: 6 pairs. Socks must be heavy ragg or merino
wool.
Gaiters: 1 pair. These are leggings worn over the
top of the boot to protect against dirt, mud or snow. The department does have
some gaiters that you can check out for the duration of the WI.
Neoprene Booties: Low profile neoprene shoes that will fit inside a kayak. Must stay on while swimming in river.
Hiking Boots: 1 pair. Sturdy boots with good ankle support and proper fit are required for off-trail travel on uneven terrain with a heavy pack.
RECOMMENDED BOOTS: La Sportiva Pacific Crest, Merrell Wilderness, Montrail Scarpa SL, Salomon Adventure 8 Leather, Technica Pegasus, Vasque Super Hiker II.
BOOTS NOT RECOMMENDED: Asolo 530, Danner
Mountain Light, Raichle Ecolite, Vasque Clarion, Newbriar, or Sundowner.
Rock Climbing Shoes: 1 pair. A smooth soled
“friction” boot seems to be the most versatile for the extended routes that
we will be doing. The department and RU Outdoors do have shoes that you can
check out for the duration of the WI.
Climbing Harness: 1 each. The department will
provide you with a climbing harness. If you already own one, you may want to
bring it.
River Sandals: 1 pair. Rubber sandals with a heel
strap. Teva or Chaco sandals are recommended. These will be worn on the river
only. THESE ARE NOT IN-CAMP SHOES!
Eyeglass Retainers: 1 pair. Chums or Croakies are
useful for keeping track of glasses or sunglasses.
Swimsuit: 1 each. Light nylon suits that will dry quickly. Women can wear shorts and a sports bra.
Towel: 1 each. A small camp towel is fine and will
work for all sections of the WI.
Liner Socks: Light, thin polypropylene or Capileneâ
“wick dry” socks. NOT a substitute for wool socks.
Insect Repellent: 1 small bottle.
Camera and Film: 35mm compact camera with a
protective case. It is best to avoid heavy photography equipment.
The WI staff will issue group equipment. The following
equipment is provided by the department and will be carried by all of the
expedition members. The responsibility for replacing any lost group equipment
will be shared by all expedition members, including staff. This means, whether
you lost it or not, you will be paying for part of it.
Tents & Shelters Technical Climbing Gear Helmets
Camp Stoves Climbing Harnesses Maps & Compasses
Fuel Bottles Ropes Reference Books
Cooking Gear Canoes, Paddles, Drybags Repair Kits
Trowels
Wetsuits, PFDs, Paddle Jackets
First-Aid Kits
2 Shirts, 2 pairs of pants or skirts, a jacket or sweater, a pair of casual shoes that will not be carried in the field, underwear and additional toiletries (shampoo, soap, razor, etc…). Any personal spending money and some form of personal identification.