Backcountry Camping 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

Required Gear

Backpacking pack (65-80L)
Day pack (20-35L)
Two pairs of work pants (no big rips/holes; Dickies or Carhartts are a good choice, jeans not recommended)
Sturdy work/hiking boots (needs to reach over your ankle and be mostly leather, steel toes not recommended)
Rain jacket
Tent
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!)
As much underwear as you think you’ll need
Fleece, wool, or synthetic layers - multiple
Reusable water bottles (4 liters total capacity, plastic bottles recommended for weight concerns)
Tupperware/storage container (to pack lunch)
Toiletries (biodegradable wet wipes, toothbrush, toothpaste, hair brush/comb, menstrual products, 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

Recommended Gear

Camping pillow
Breathable camp shoes (crocs are often used)
Pocketknife or multitool
Mug for coffee/tea
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

Backcountry Packing

When you're camping in the backcountry, you'll want to make sure you have everything you need but not too much. A pack that's too heavy can really hinder your experience. However, not having a specific layer or item can hinder your experience just as much. You know your needs and values, for example: do you value an extra layer for warmth over a superior sleeping bag. Balance weight with your needs as you pack for the backcountry. Here are some tips below:

You can use clothes or jackets as pillows in a pinch, there are also blow-up options that pack down and are lighter
Prioritize a variety of layers for different degrees of warmth
Bring one set of camp clothes for after work every day - they may get smelly but you can do camp laundry as needed and everyone will be smelly anyway!
You will not regret ensuring you will be warm at night; if your warm sleeping bag is heavier, try to drop weight somewhere else if you can

Optional Gear

Rain pants
Gaiters (for tick prevention)
Sunglasses
Bandana
Phone (many crews do not have cell service on-site)
Portable power bank & charging cable
Camera
Notebook & writing utensil
Personal reading material
Cards and/or small games
Personal water filter (we will have large water filters for the crew, however, some people may prefer their own)

Not Recommended Gear

Cotton layers or socks, these retain water causing you to be colder and more damp for longer than synthetic or wool layers
Try not to over pack
- Usually, 2 pairs of pants will get you through a hitch
- Having 2 sets of clothes to change into at camp can make life more comfortable