Basecamp

If you have any questions about anything on this list, please don’t hesitate to phone Andrew Jillings or one of the interns at 315-859-4272.

You will need to bring these items to a trip meeting on your first day on campus, and there won’t be time to pack everything once you’ve arrived, so pack everything in a bag before you leave home. If you’ve asked to borrow a pack or duffel from us, put everything in something temporary like a garbage bag, before you come to campus.

Trip list 

• *Backpack or duffel to put everything in (4000 cubic inches/65litres or slightly larger)
• No cotton (except maybe t-shirts and undies!)
• Whistle - this is essential for wilderness safety
• 3 t-shirts
• 1 warm fleece top (see our website for an explanation)
• 1 synthetic thermal long sleeve top (see our website for an explanation)
• 2 pr. shorts (quick drying soccer-type shorts are best)
• 1 pr. synthetic thermal bottoms or running tights (see our website for an explanation)
• 4 pr. underwear
• 2 pr. socks (2 wool, 2 athletic nylon, no cotton.)
• 2 pr. sneakers (they will get wet and muddy) or 1 pair hiking boots and 1 pair of sneakers
• 1 bathing suit
• *Rain jacket (no ponchos please)
• 1 or 2 bandanas
• 1 lightweight brimmed hat (baseball hats work)
• 1 wool or fleece hat (like for skiing, etc.)
• Toiletries (toothbrush & travel toothpaste, contact solution, tampons, etc.)  Keep it small!  No glass containers.
• Fork and spoon
• Plastic bowl and mug (insulated travel mugs work well)
• Lighter or waterproof matches
• Extra glasses or extra contacts
• Safety strap for glasses or sunglasses
• Sunglasses, ChapStick, sunscreen (SPF 15 to 30)
• Insect repellent; small plastic bottle-no cans
• Any required medication(s)
• Headlamp or small flashlight with extra batteries
• *2, quart sized/1 liter water bottles (Gatorade bottles work great!)
• *Foam sleeping pad or Therm-a-Rest
• *Sleeping bag, lightweight rated to 35F (synthetic mummy bags, no cotton content)
• 2 large heavy duty plastic garbage bags/ bin bags
• Small daypack or book bag for day hikes
• Very small towel

Optional items

• Doctor Bronner’s soap (it’s biodegradable and comes in handy small plastic bottles)
• Camera
• Pocket knife (Swiss Army or Leatherman-type)
• Silva type compass (bring it if you have it)
• Small musical instrument. Guitars, ukuleles, and bagpipes are ok, but sorry no tubas. (We will be happy to transport this for you.)
• Stuff sacks (various sizes for gear)
• Rain pants

* These items are available for loan. If you requested one of these items in the registration process we will have it waiting for you when you arrive. Please contact us if you need to change your request.

DO NOT BRING: CELL PHONES, ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES, DRUGS, TOBACCO/NICOTINE PRODUCTS, EXTRA FOOD, JEWELRY, MISOGYNY, SPEAKERS, MAKE-UP, PERFUME ETC.