Backcountry Crews

Backcountry crews hike in all their gear a few miles to make camp in remote locations near their project work. They need to pack light and leave some room in their pack for some group gear and food as well

WE HAVE LOANER GEAR!!!

Items marked with a red asterisk below are things we have available to loan out. Please ask if there is anything else that you need, as we may be able to get more loaner items as needed!

Required Gear

Backpacking pack (65-80L)*
Day pack (20-35L)*
Two pairs of long work pants (no big rips/holes; Dickies or Carhartts are a good choice, jeans with stretch are not recommended, overalls or coveralls are acceptable)
Sturdy work/hiking boots* (needs to reach over your ankle and be mostly leather, steel toes not recommended) Chainsaw crew members, see the "Chainsaw Crews" tab for extra boot requirements!
Rain jacket*
Tent*
Sleeping bag* (rated to at least 0°F for spring & fall crews; sleeping bag liners are helpful)
Sleeping pad*
Headlamp* (your phone is NOT a sufficient flashlight in the field; you will be sad without a headlamp)
Several pairs of wool or synthetic socks (avoid cotton at all costs!)
Fleece, wool, or synthetic jacket/sweater*
As much underwear as you think you’ll need
Reusable water bottles* (4 liters total capacity, plastic recommended because it's lighter, water bladders like CamelBaks are great, but bring at least one bottle to have around at meals and stuff)
Tupperware/storage container (to pack lunch)
Toiletries (toothbrush, toothpaste, hair brush/comb, menstrual products, biodegradable wet wipes, any prescription or over the counter medications you normally need)
Alarm for mornings (wristwatch recommended; many people use their phone, if you plan to do so, ensure you have a way to keep it charged, e.g. a battery pack)

Blog Post about buying new hiking boots!

Spring/Fall Crews Additional Required Gear

One or two pairs of wool, synthetic, or silk long underwear tops and bottoms
More than one fleece, wool, or synthetic jacket/sweater
Warm hat
Warm gloves or mittens

Recommended Gear

Small mirror for tick checks
Camping pillow
Breathable camp shoes (crocs are commonly used)
Mug for coffee/tea*
Pocketknife or multitool
Unscented, alcohol-based hand sanitizer (there will be crew sanitizer, but you may prefer to have your own)
Quick drying towel
Sunscreen
Insect repellent
Extra set of clean clothes for camp and town
Hat
Dry bag(s) or heavy duty trash bags to keep gear dry

Optional Gear

Rain pants
Gaiters* (for tick prevention)
Bandana
Phone (many crews do not have service on site)
Portable charging block and charger cord
Camera
Notebook & writing utensil
Personal reading material (keep it dry in a ziploc!)
Cards and/or small games
Lightweight camp chair

Not Recommended Gear

Non-biodegradable products (they must be packed out, which means you have to take the used products with you). If you bring non-biodegradable wipes or plan to use disposable menstrual products, we recommend you bring a Ziploc bag covered in duct tape and with a little baking soda inside to store the discarded items.