Frontcountry crews camp near the crew vehicle, usually in established campgrounds. They can bring a few more creature comforts like a full-sized pillow, camp chair, or some board games to play with the crew.
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Check out the video to see what Eleanor, our Crew Program Coordinator, has in her frontcountry pack.

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

  • Large duffel bag or backpack for gear and clothes*
  • 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* (Hammocking is possible at some sites, but we recommend bringing a tent just in case!)
  • Sleeping bag* (rated to at least 0°F for spring & fall crews; sleeping bag liners are helpful)
  • Sleeping pad*
  • 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, 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)
  • Watch with alarm or any alarm that is not your phone

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

Worried about ticks?
Check out the Wellness in the Field tab for info on tick-proofing your gear!

Recommended Gear

  • Small mirror for tick checks
  • ​Gaiters for tick prevention*
  • Pillow
  • Breathable camp shoes (crocs are commonly used)
  • Insulated mug*
  • 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
  • Camp chair
  • Dry bag(s) or heavy duty trash bags to keep gear dry

Optional Gear

  • Rain pants​
  • Pocket knife 
  • Sunglasses 
  • Bandana 
  • Phone (many crews do not have service on site)
  • ​Portable charging block and charger cord
  • Camera
  • Notebook & writing utensil
  • Personal reading material
  • Cards and/or small games​​

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.

Prohibited Gear

  • Drugs & alcohol
  • Firearms, fireworks, or explosives
  • Knives with blades over 3” long
  • Clothing with inappropriate or offensive graphics
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Day pack example
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Work pants example
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Work boots example
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Sleeping pad examples
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Acceptable water bottle examples
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Gaiters

We asked folks...

What's a luxury piece of gear that you love to have with you in the field?

#1 Answer: A nice pillow!!! (inflatable or full size)

Other gear that we love:
  • ​Insulated coffee cup that doesn't leak
  • Camp chair (Crazy Creek-style chairs are great!)
  • Inflatable solar-powered lantern
  • Spare carabiners - always handy to have
  • Thin wool blanket (so versatile - it's a pillow, a layer, a seat, & more!)
  • Extra change of comfy clothes (keep 'em dry!)
  • A couple good books
  • Biodegradable wet wipes (it's basically a shower!)
  • ​Hammock for relaxing around camp
  • Comfort food/personal snacks (be sure to store them with the crew food for safety!)
  • Earplugs (for a quiet night's sleep)