Frontcountry Crews

Frontcountry crews camp near their crew vehicles, 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.

Check out the video to see what Eleanor, our Field Program Assistant, has in her frontcountry pack.

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 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

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

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
Gaiters (for tick prevention)
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 trash with you). If you bring non-biodegradable wipes, we recommend you bring a Ziploc bag covered in duct tape and with a little baking soda inside to store the discarded packaging.