Joshua Tree Program Equipment List
Clothing and Equipment List for Joshua Tree Programs
All your gear should fit in one medium size duffel bag please
Our intent with this list is to provide guidelines for appropriate equipment for the trip. You do not need to go out and spend a fortune on equipment - please contact Outdoor Link if you have any questions on what to bring or not bring, in many cases we may be able to provide or rent the right piece of gear if you do not have access to what is on the list.
The weather is usually fine on our desert trips. But on those odd occasions when it does turn bad, having the right equipment can be the difference between being comfortable or miserable!
Footwear:
__ Light weight hiking boots or
running shoes. The hiking on this trip can be accomplished wearing running or trail shoes. Boots are more water proof and supportive. We strongly suggest that you don't wear brand new boots on the trip. If you are buying boots just for this trip, get them at least three weeks in advance and wear them around for a few days to help break them in to your feet, and your feet into them.
__ Warm boots – Winter boots
(Sorels type or Ughs) are great for wearing around camp. A
pair of shoes in addition to the running/hike shoes above are needed for walking around camp. Please note that the
only time it is ok to go barefoot on the trip is in a tent!
__ 3 pr socks
Clothing: Worn in layers, avoid cotton as much as possible!
__ 1 or 2 pr shorts
__ 1 or 2 pr sweats or pants – loose and comfortable, synthetic fleece preferred
__ 1 long sleeved shirt or turtleneck
__ 2 T-shirts
__ 1 pair long underwear top and bottom – no cotton! Capline and other synthetic fabrics, or wool are preferred.
__ 1 wool or fleece sweater or sweatshirt of synthetic or fleece material
__ 1 warm jacket (ski jacket type)
__
1 set rain jacket and pants – waterproof coated nylon. You do not need
to spend much money on this but it is important to have a waterproof
top and bottom with sealed seams - key to water proof rain gear. A
simple coated nylon set can cost about $50. Sierra Designs, Mountain
Hardware, REI, Patagonia. Helly Hansen all make good coated rain gear.
__ 1 pr warm gloves or mittens
__ 1 hat – wool or fleece
Sun Protection: vital on any outdoor program
__ 1 hat with visor
__ 1 pr sunglasses with keeper cords
__ 1 bandanna
__ 1 sunscreen and lip balm, SPF 15 or higher, SPF 30 recommended. Make sure the lip stuff actually contains a sunscreen
Sleeping Gear:
__ Sleeping bags and pads are provided
However if you already own a good bag and pad you may bring it. If you bring your own the lowest temperature we expect would be
25ºF at night. Most likely it will be in the low 40’s at night. If you bring your own sleeping bag you also need to bring a pad. Backpacking style foam pads (NOT egg shell foam) work fine and are better than
inflatable pads unless the inflatable is a Therm-a-rest. Please do not
bring a large air mattress type pad!
__ Tents: Outdoor Link will be providing 3 person tents.
Equipment:
__ 1 duffel bag for all your gear. All your equipment should fit inside of one duffel bag.
__
2 water bottles – the kind that won’t break or leak. Nalgene, Klean
Kanteen are good brands, available at most outdoor stores. Please avoid
narrow mouth bottles as they are difficult to refill. 2 Quarts capacity
total is required. (put your name on them!). These will at times be carried full in your day pack; again - make sure they don't leak!
__ 1 wash-up kit (keep it simple – include washcloth, soap, toothbrush and toothpaste)
__
1 flashlight or headlamp with new batteries. If you are buying a new
one, a headlamp is preferred. The new small ones are great!
__ 1 journal, notebook pen and pencil (bring your class journal)
__
1 daypack capable of holding lunch, water bottle, extra clothes and
notebook (school backpack is great). Please make sure this pack is of a
variety that you can comfortably carry all day long.
__ 1 large trash bag (extra rain protection for your gear)
__ 1 pair extra glasses (if you wear them)
__ 2 sets prescription medications if required – labeled, in original bottles, in separate Ziploc bags.
Optional: But Highly Recommended
__ Crazy Creek Camp chair
__ Camera, batteries, accessories – waterproof single use cameras are great on the water
__ Binoculars
__ Reading book
Items which are not allowed:
Candy, gum, food
of any kind except for special dietary needs - please ask first - people often send their child out with special food only to have it go uneaten and spoil, we can, of course accomodate special dietary needs if we know about them in advance; money,
knives, magazines, iPods, electronic games, and over-the-counter
medications. Phones and Ipods are okay for the drive but will be left in the
faculty car and will remain inaccessible during the trip. Please refer to the FAQ
page for questions concerning calls and emergencies.
Many items on this list are available to rent or purchase at
Adventure 16, or you can buy equipment at REI, Sport Chalet, Supply
Sergeant or Big 5. Let us know if you would like to rent equipment
(sleeping bags and pads) no later than three weeks prior to the trip and we will do our best
to accommodate you.
It is recommended that students pack their duffel bags themselves so they know where all their equipment is located.