We strongly recommend an inflatable pad for comfort and warmth
You may wish to use a foam pad underneath your inflatable pad.
Acts as another layer of insulation
Helps stop your inflatable pad from sliding around
Helps prevent punctures.
Sleeping Bag
Down is not recommended since it doesn't insulate well when it gets wet and we work in a damp area!
Rated to at least 0 degrees for spring or fall crews. We frequently get snow during spring training or end of fall season.
Summer crews can do a 30-40 degree bag or some of the alternatives below, but if you're planning to do this kind of work long-term, it is worth investing in a good cold-weather bag!
Frontcountry crews can bring a full size pillow (or two). We have plenty of space for gear in our trucks/trailers
If you have a backpacking pillow that you like, that is fine as well.
Tent Setup 101
Types of pole attachments
Site Selection
Whether you're in an established campground or setting up your tent in the backcountry, it's important to consider where you choose to set up your tent. Here are our recommendations:
Look up, down, and all around for hazards and signs of water flow or collection
Seek out an area that is as flat as possible
If you need to set up on a slight slope, ensure that your head is higher than your feet when lying down!
Avoid setting up your tent under dead trees, dead limbs, or heavily leaning trees
Avoid setting up your tent somewhere that water obviously collects or flows - depressions or channels are bad places for tents.
Site selection plays a big role here, so check out that section above!
Once you have a good place to put your tent, make sure that you stake it out tightly and use as many guylines as possible, especially on your rainfly. If you're using a tarp as a ground sheet, make sure to fold it up to be just smaller than the body of your tent. If the tarp sticks out on the sides, it can collect water and funnel it under your tent.
Tarp sticking out - Not Good!
Tarp neatly tucked under - Good!
When you leave for the workday, it's important to "bombproof" your tent before you go. Whether or not you're expecting rain that day, always be prepared for it! Before leaving your tent:
Ensure that your belongings are away from the sides, edges, and corners of the tent - these are areas that can collect water or condensation
Put your clothing and other items in a dry bag, heavy-duty trash bag, or ziplocs
An easy way to stay organized and dry is to keep all your stuff in a large trashbag (or line your large pack or duffel with a trashbag), shut that each morning and place it on top of your sleep system in the middle of your tent before you leave.
When you leave your tent:
Close your tent doors and rainfly doors
Ensure that your tent is securely staked down
Can I use a hammock?
Short answer? Maybe.
Most of the sites where our crews camp can accommodate a hammock, but not all sites can and many campsites have only one good spot for a hammock. We recommend bringing a tent each hitch just in case and are happy to set you up with a loaner tent as a backup.
Before committing to hammock camping, ask yourself the following questions:
Have I slept in a hammock before?
Have I slept in a hammock for multiple nights in a row before?
Do I have appropriate gear for warmth in a hammock setup (underquilt, sleeping pad, etc)?
Will I be able to stay dry in a hammock setup?
Do I have a plan to keep my gear dry in a hammock setup (dry bag, trash bags, second hammock for gear)?
Will I be able to avoid bug bites in a hammock setup?
