Equipment List Yukon Outdoor Educator - Backpacking ... - NOLS

EquipmentT-ShirtRental PricePurchaseOnlyUpper Body Layers (Continued…)PurchasePriceAvailable atNOLS$30Qty2CommentsA cotton or lightweight polyester/CapileneT-shirt. NOLS Yukon has cotton T- shirtsfor sale.CheckListOur advice? Bring the fleece jackets and mid-layers you think might work. We'll advise you on the best combination foryour course, the season and area. We also have a wide selection at NOLS Yukon and can get you the right layers when youget here.Lower Body LayersYou will need 2 synthetic insulating layers plus a wind layer. Most students are comfortable with a mid-weight primary (orbase) layer and an expedition weight second layer. Both must fit comfortably over each other so that they can be worn atthe same time. If you tend to get cold easily, bring a pair of fleece pants for your second layer.EquipmentPrimary Layer (Mid-Weight Synthetic)Second Layer (Exp.-Weight Synthetic)Fleece Pants(Optional)Wind PantsRain PantsNylon ShortsRentalPricePurchaseOnlyPurchaseOnlyAvailable atNOLS$21Available atNOLS$32PurchaseOnlyPurchaseOnlyPurchasePriceAvailable atNOLS$30-40Available atNOLS$40Available atNOLS$40Available atNOLS$72Available atNOLS$70-120Available atNOLS$30-40Qty1-2pair1 pair1 pair1 pair1 pair1 or 2pairsCommentsMid-weight bottoms of high performancepolyester, wool, polypropylene, orCapilene®. Cotton and cotton blends arenot acceptable.Expedition weight bottoms that fitcomfortably over the under layer.Optional. Choose to bring these or a pairabove depending on how cold you get.Polartec® 200 or equivalent. Side zippersmake it easier to put pants on over boots.Breathable nylon wind pants, roomy enoughto fit over all lower body garments. Gore-Tex® pants are acceptable and can doubleas rain pants. Zippered legs will help youslip your pants on over boots. Werecommend that you rent wind pants fromus. NOLS has a custom design that includeszippered legs and reinforced patches atpoints of wear. They are frequently the oneitem students will purchase after theircourse.Sturdy, roomy waterproof pants made ofcoated nylon or Gore-Tex®.Loose-fitting nylon athletic shorts.CheckListcoe.el.14 rev. 10/31/2013© National Outdoor Leadership School3

EquipmentBriefs/Sports Bras(Optional)Rental PricePurchaseOnlyLower Body Layers (Continued…)PurchasePriceAvailable atNOLS$20-30Qty1-4pairCommentsOptional. Silk and synthetic are best as theywick away moisture and dry quickly. Werecommend that men go without underwearand use nylon athletic shorts with liners. Werecommend women bring 3-4 pair ofunderwear and non-cotton sports bras.CheckListOur advice? Bring the synthetic or wool long johns or exercise pants you think might work. We’ll advise you on the bestcombination for your course, the season and area. If you are unsure, wait to get the right layers at NOLS Yukon with theadvice of your instructors.Head, Neck and Hand LayersEquipmentSun HatWool or Fleece Hat(Toque)Mosquito HeadnetRentalPricePurchaseOnlyPurchaseOnlyAvailable atNOLS$5PurchasePriceAvailable atNOLS$24Available atNOLS$10-30Available atNOLS$10Qty111CommentsTo protect ears and face from the sun.Baseball caps are available for sale.Warm hat made of wool or fleece. If you areusing a hat instead of a balaclava, werecommend you bring a fleece neck gaiter forextra insulation.Light, nylon headnet with a drawstring. Ahigh quality weave is worth its weight in gold.You do NOT require BOTH a bug jacket andmosquito headnet. One or the other is fine.CheckListWool or FleeceGloves or MittensPurchaseOnlyAvailable atNOLS$10-251 pair Ragg wool or synthetic (fleece).Mitten ShellsAvailable atNOLS$12Rental Only1 pairThese are nylon shells that fit over your mittensor gloves. These over-mitts will keepyour warm gloves/mittens dry.Our advice? As long as they're not cotton, bring your gloves and mittens and we’ll see if they'll work. You may need onepair, or depending on the weather, you may need two pairs. Also bring head layers that you like and we will help you pickthe appropriate combination.coe.el.14 rev. 10/31/2013© National Outdoor Leadership School4

EquipmentBackpackZip (Duffel) Bag(Optional)Small Stuff Sacks(Optional)Rental PriceAvailable atNOLS$98Available atNOLS$8Available atNOLS$2PurchasePriceAvailable atNOLS$200-400Packs & BagsQty1Rental Only 1Rental Only 2-3CommentsOur packs are large, expedition models with avolume of 6300 to 7000 cubic inches (95-110L). If you are planning to purchase a pack, itmust meet this volume requirement to besuitable for a course. A 5000-6000 cubic inchpack may be acceptable with the addition oftwo large side pockets. Recommended packsinclude: NOLS/Lowe Alpine, Dana DesignsAstraplane, Osprey Motherlode, Lowe AlpineKanga Himal 100, Gregory Denali, NorthFace Aurora, Arc'Teryx Bora 95 and otherpacks of similar quality and capacity. If you donot already own a pack we recommend yourent one from us. If you bring your own, yourinstructors will examine it for suitability. Ifyou own an external frame pack with a topextension bar and a minimum volume of 3500cubic inches it may be suitable for yourcourse. We do not recommend buying anexternal frame pack for your course. We haveused internal frame packs for sale.Optional. A lightweight medium-sizedzippered nylon bag (approx. 12" x 24") withhandles, is sometimes used as part of ourpacking system.Optional. 2 or 3 small nylon or mesh sacks fororganizing items in your pack.CheckListOur advice? An expedition backpack is a major purchase. If you don't already own one, we think you should use ours, gainsome experience, then make an informed decision on your needs.Sleeping GearEquipmentSleeping BagCompression StuffSackRental PriceAvailable atNOLS$78Available atNOLS$9PurchasePriceAvailable atNOLS$110-190Available atNOLS$20-30Qty11CommentsSynthetic–filled bags (Quallofil®, Hollofil®,Polarguard®, etc.) perform well in the varietyof conditions we encounter. A bag withapproximately 3 pounds of fill rated to 5° or10° F and having 6-8 inches of loft is required.Much lighter down bags are for sale only, andcan work well if cared for and stored in awaterproofed stuff sack.Makes it easier to get your sleeping bag andother gear into an internal frame pack.CheckListcoe.el.14 rev. 10/31/2013© National Outdoor Leadership School5

EquipmentPlastic Trash BagsSleeping Pad orTherm-a-Rest®Sleeping Pad StuffSack (Optional)Rental PricePurchase OnlyAvailable atNOLS$10Available atNOLS$2PurchasePriceSleeping Gear (Continued…)Available atNOLS$1-2Available atNOLS$50-110Qty2-41Rental Only 1CommentsHeavy-duty 3-mil contractor/compactor bags(33 gallon) to help waterproof your sleepingbag and backpack. NOLS durable linersavailable for purchase.A full-length, closed-cell foam pad or aTherm-a-Rest® provides insulation andpadding between the ground and yoursleeping bag. If you bring a Therm-a-Rest®bring along a repair kit in case of damage.(Therma-Rests® are available for sale)Optional. A nylon tubular sack to protect yourpad from aggressive willows whilebushwhacking.Our advice? A sleeping bag is another major purchase. If you don't already own one, we think you should use ours, gainsome experience, then make an informed decision on your needs.CheckListMiscellaneous ItemsEquipmentInsulated MugCoffee- Press Mug(Optional)Coffee(Optional)BowlSpoonWater BottleLip BalmSunscreenBandanasSunglassesHeadlamp/FlashlightRentalPricePurchaseOnlyPurchaseOnlyPurchaseOnlyPurchaseOnlyPurchaseOnlyPurchaseOnlyPurchaseOnlyPurchaseOnlyPurchaseOnlyPurchaseOnlyPurchaseOnlyPurchase PriceAvailable at NOLS$5-15Available at NOLS$15-30Available at NOLS$12-15Available at NOLS$4-15Available at NOLS$2-8Available at NOLS$8-15Available at NOLS$2-4Qty111-2lbsAvailable at NOLS$10-151Available at NOLS$2-52 or 3Available at NOLS$30-100 1 pairAvailable at NOLS$30-40 1Comments12 oz to 20 oz. insulated mugs with lidsare preferred.Optional. Unless you can’t live withoutyour morning fix.Optional. Locally roasted coffee is forsale at NOLS Yukon.1 A bowl with a snap-on lid is preferred.121Lexan spoons are light, durable andpopular. Metal/titanium works well,too.A wide mouth quart or liter size plasticor metal drinking bottle. Need 2 litersof capacity.Stick, cream, or tube type moisturizingbalm with sun protection factor (SPF)15 or greater.A 3 to 6 ounce tube with sun protectionfactor (SPF) 15 or greater.A few cotton bandanas are alwayshandy.Lenses should block 100% ultravioletand 95% infrared light. Glacier Glassesare sold at NOLS.Although the Yukon is the Land of theMidnight Sun, we recommend a lightsource for courses with late July andAugust start dates. Durable andlightweight. Head-lamps are popular.CheckListcoe.el.14 rev. 10/31/2013© National Outdoor Leadership School6

EquipmentDisposable LightersRentalPricePurchaseOnlyMiscellaneous Items (Continued…)Purchase PriceQtyAvailable at NOLS$2Toilet Articles Must Bring Must Bring 1Insect RepellentWatchNotepad And PenSunglass RetainersMetal Thermos(Optional)Pocket Knife(Optional)Water PurificationInsoles(Optional)Backpacker's CampChair(Optional)Adjustable TrekkingPolesBook(Optional)PurchaseOnlyMust BringPurchaseOnlyPurchaseOnlyPurchaseOnlyMust BringPurchaseOnlyAvailable at NOLS$5-10Must BringComments1 Use for lighting your camp stove.1 or 2Available at NOLS$8-121Available at NOLS$5-101Available at NOLS$14-20 1Must BringAvailable at NOLS$16 per 30 days 1Must Bring Must Bring 1 pairPurchaseOnlyPurchaseOnlyAvailable at NOLS$35-45Available at NOLS$60-1001111 pairMust Bring Must Bring 1Toothbrush, toothpaste, comb, brush,skin lotion, tampons. Travel sizes areperfect.1-2 small bottles. No aerosol spray cans.A watch with an alarm is a neededfeature. You may have the opportunityto go off watches, but you will need oneto develop routine.A small, lightweight pad is important fornotes and keeping a journal.Chums® or Croakies® for keeping trackof your glasses.Optional. A thermos is a great additionto a canoe course for warm drinks onthe river during the day.Optional. A small knife is sufficient;simple knives are best.You must have a method of purifyingwater. NOLS carries inexpensiveChlorine based tablets ($8 for 50 tabs ofAquatabs). 100 tabs will cover you foryour 30 days. You may bring a productof your choice from home but it must belightweight and be able to treat 1L at atime. Acceptable brands are Pristine,Aquamira, Micropur, Potable Aqua.Optional. An after market insole such asSpenco Polysorb, Superfeet, or MontrailStabilizing Insoles can provide archsupport, stabilize your foot and heel, addcushion and help volume adjustment.Optional. Crazy Creek® and Therm-a-Rest® make lightweight collapsiblechairs. Although some students wouldargue that this is an essential item, thereare other options for sitting comfortablyin the backcountry.Optional, but recommended. Can reducestress on your knees. Should be a sturdy2-3 section telescoping model, as youwill need to lash them to your pack insome situations.Optional. A small paperback can be aworthwhile luxury item. We will alsohave a library on the expedition.CheckListcoe.el.14 rev. 10/31/2013© National Outdoor Leadership School7

EquipmentVitaminsCameraRentalPriceMust BringMust BringMiscellaneous Items (Continued…)Purchase PriceMust BringMust BringQty1CommentsAlthough our ration system is designedto provide a variety of foods withadequate nutrition, a multi-vitamin givesyou extra insurance.Modern lightweight 35 mm cameras takegood quality pictures that will be lifetimereminders of your adventures in theYukon.Our advice? While some extra items are definitely worth their weight, bringing all the optional gear would really be toomuch. Think hard and make choices that are most likely to increase the positive outcomes of your expedition.CheckListEquipmentSocksLiner Socks(Optional)NeopreneWaterproof SocksRentalPricePurchaseOnlyPurchaseOnlyPurchaseOnlyFootwearPurchase Price Qty CommentsAvailable at NOLS$10-20Available at NOLS$5-8Available at NOLS$12-185-8pairs1-3pairs1 pairBoots Must Bring Must Bring 1 pairGaitersCamp ShoesPurchaseOnlyPurchaseOnlyAvailable at NOLS$25-75Available at NOLS$25-351 pair1 pairHeavy ragg wool or heavywool/synthetic blend.Optional. Lightweight wool,polypropylene or Capilene® “wick dry”socks.Optional. Lightweight neoprene socksand/or waterproof socks such asDuPont Seal Skin. See paddling gear.Sturdy leather heavy backpacking orlight mountaineering boots with goodankle support and proper fit are criticalfor hiking on uneven terrain with heavyexpedition packs. Fitting your bootswith two thick pairs of socks will add anextra layer of cushioning to help preventblisters. A thick pair for cushioning anda thin liner sock for reducing frictionwould also be an appropriate sockcombination.Must be knee high and durable.Outdoor Research, Black Diamond,Granite Gear, Rocky Mtn. High,Powder Line and Mountain Hardwareall manufacture suitable gaiters.Running, tennis, or cross-trainingathletic shoes, in good condition to wearin camp and on short excursionswithout your pack. We recommend youavoid expensive specialty shoes. Waterresistant (closed toe) Holey Soles areavailable for purchase and are afunctional and lightweight camp shoeoption. NOTE: up to size 13 onlyCheckListcoe.el.14 rev. 10/31/2013© National Outdoor Leadership School8

Footwear (Continued…)EquipmentGaloshes/Waterproofshoes(Optional)RentalPriceAvailable atNOLS$8Purchase Price Qty CommentsAvailable at NOLS$25-351 pairOptional. Lightweight mid-calf lengthrubber galoshes that fit over your campshoes. These may be required for somecourses, depending on weather androute. Holey Soles makes verylightweight low cut boots – these arepopular and available at NOLS.CheckListOur advice? Your boots will be a critical piece of gear. If they’re not sturdy, don’t provide enough support or don’t fitproperly with at least a liner and a wool sock, we won’t let you use them. If you have any doubts about boots, please give usa call. Make sure to give yourself time to break your boots in before the start of your course. This will reduce blisters.Recommended Boots - (NOLS Yukon does not provide hiking boots.)Medium-weight, off-trail backpacking/light mountaineering boots work best. This type of boot is constructed with a full grainleather upper and typically has a Vibram® rubber sole. Some models utilize an injection molded, composite rubber sole with aranded welt to bond the leather upper to the sole. Both types of sole are acceptable. These boots are designed for extendedbackpacking, provide good support for off-trail hiking with heavy packs, and usually require less break-in time thanheavyweight mountaineering boots.The following list is not exhaustive and is to be used for suggestions only. The boots listed here should help define what typesare acceptable for your course. It is fine to substitute a similar boot for one listed here provided the model you bring is a goodquality leather boot designed for extended backpacking expeditions with heavy packs.Examples Of Acceptable Boots**Please note that boot manufacturers often rename their product line. Visit the manufacturer’s website or contact us if youhave questions. Please refer to your enrollment packet for specific boot fitting information.Asolo: TPS 520 GV, TPS 535Lowa: Topeka, Ranger GTX, BanffGaramont: Dakota Syncro GTX, Sitka XCRMontrail: Torre GTXOboz: Wind RiverRaichle: Scout GTX, Explorer GTXScarpa: ZG 65 XCR, SL M3, Mustang GTXTechnica: Galaad NBVasque: Zephyer II, Clarion GTX Sundowner GTX,Wasatch GTX, Summit GTXcoe.el.14 rev. 10/31/2013© National Outdoor Leadership School9

Paddling GearIn addition to the above land-based equipment, much of which you will continue to use on the river, you will need thefollowing paddling gear.Equipment RentalCommentsCheckPurchase Price QtyPriceListWaterproof PaddlingJacket(Optional)Personal FlotationDevice (PFD)Pogies/NeopreneGloves(Optional)Rubber Boots(Optional)Available atNOLS$20Available atNOLS$22Available atNOLS$7PurchaseOnlyAvailable at NOLS$501Rental Only 1Available at NOLS$20-25Available at NOLS$351 pair1 pairRiver Shoes Must Bring Must Bring 1 pairNeoprene SocksPurchaseOnlyAvailable at NOLS$12-181 pairSwimsuit Must Bring Must Bring 1WetsuitLarge Dry Bag(Bills Bag)Medium Dry BagWaterproof CameraBag(Optional)Available atNOLS$28Available atNOLS$38Available atNOLS$10PurchaseOnlyAvailable at NOLS$701Rental Only 1Available at NOLS$20-30Available at NOLS$15-3011Optional. A waterproof pullover withneoprene cuffs. Must fit over yourinsulating layers.As a licensed business in Canada, weare required to use Canadian CoastGuard approved PFDs. If you have aCCG approved PFD, you may use it onyour course with instructor approval. Ifyou have any other PFD, you cannotuse it during the time you are a NOLSstudent in Canada.Optional. Nylon or neoprene overmittsthat allow you to grip your canoepaddle. Neoprene gloves are alsoacceptable but not available at thebranch.Optional. Calf-high boots withsubstantial non-slip sole to wear withfleece or wool socks around camp. Werecommend fitting these with insulatinginsoles (such as Dr. Scholl's.) Not anoption as river footwear.A sturdy pair of close toe river shoes.Must fit with a pair of neoprene socks,and must attach well enough to yourfeet that they will stay on whileswimming. An old pair of sneakers isperfect NO Five Fingers Brandslippers.Lightweight neoprene socks without ahard sole.A two- piece suit is especiallyconvenient for women while wearing awet suit.We use neoprene Farmer John stylewetsuits and suggest you rent from us.A waterproof storage bag with harnessthat replaces your backpack while onthe river. 110-litre capacity.A 20-litre waterproof storage bag foritems you may need during the daywhile on the river (such as layers andsnacks).Optional. If you are bringing a camera,we recommend you bring a small drybag to store your camera whilepaddling.coe.el.14 rev. 10/31/2013© National Outdoor Leadership School10

Our advice? Comfortable rubber boots and river shoes are worth the investment. If you are bringing sandals or booties andyou have an old pair of sneakers, we recommend you bring both so your instructors can set you up best for your specificriver. If you own any of the remaining river gear, bring it with you. As with other items, we recommend you rent from us toexperiment with the gear and with canoeing before making any big purchases.Group EquipmentAll items listed below are provided by NOLS and shared among all expedition members.Group equipment is included as part of the course tuition; however, students will be charged for any lost or damagedTents & Shelters Maps & Compass First Aid KitsCamp Stoves Reference Books Pepper Spray (bear repellant)Fuel and Fuel Bottles Ice Axes BinocularsCooking Gear Trowels or Shovels Water TreatmentEquipment Repair Kits Fishing Equipment Canoes, Paddles, River Helmetscoe.el.14 rev. 10/31/2013© National Outdoor Leadership School11