Equipment List Alaska Outdoor Educator – Backpacking and ... - NOLS

Equipment ListAlaska Outdoor Educator – Backpacking and Sea KayakingWelcome to NOLS! We look forward to having you with us this summer in Alaska.This list will help you decide what to bring with you to Alaska. The NOLS Alaska outfitting department can provide you withall the equipment on this list other than those items designated “must bring” or “bring if you want.” We recommend thatyou only bring gear that you already own. The actual gear needed for your course may vary slightly, depending oninstructor judgment, course location, season and recent weather.Here are three options to help guide your gear purchasing process:1) Purchase or rent from us. We have a full retail store with experienced staff that can outfit you completely, tailoringyour options according to route, weather and time of year. You will get only the equipment you need with no extrapurchases.2) Already have items? Bring them along! Your instructors will inspect your gear and determine if it is suitable for yourcourse. If an item is not approved, you can leave it with your luggage in our storage lockers.3) Want to shop before your course begins? Browse the NOLS online store at http://www.nols.edu/store/home.phpOr you can find Preferred Retailers in your area athttp://www.nols.edu/about/partnerships/preferred_retailers.shtmlWe recommend renting gear from NOLS rather than purchasing expensive gear specifically for your course. Whileyou do not have to rent gear from us, there are several reasons why we suggest it. Our rental gear is high quality, chosen andmaintained specifically for the use it receives on our courses. The rental prices are reasonable given the wear the equipmentreceives. Also, if you plan to eventually purchase gear, you will have a better understanding of your future needs andpreferences after the course. Finally, even if your equipment is appropriate, it will receive lots of hard use. Students are oftensurprised at the amount of wear put on their personal gear during a course. If you still wish to buy gear before your course,please read our equipment descriptions carefully and contact us if you have any questions. This equipment list is designed togive you information on the items you’ll need for your expedition, as well as the functions your gear will serve. Please see alsothe boot fitting instructions in your enrollment packet.If you purchase gear before arriving, carefully consider the weight of each article. Every ounce counts towards the totalweight of your pack. Do research, read labels and ask questions. Also keep in mind that some of the items on the equipmentlist are intended for use on the kayak section only. You’ll have a lighter pack and a more enjoyable trip by bringing onlynecessary items while hiking.In addition to your course tuition, you have been billed an equipment deposit, which will be applied to the charges you incurfor rental, cleaning, purchase of personal items and any loss or damage to our gear. Total charges will vary depending upon theamount of equipment that you rent or purchase from us. Please note that rental prices in the table below cover the entirecourse. Please use the worksheet provided on the final page of this list to estimate your equipment charges. Please note thatALL PRICES ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE.If you have any questions, or if you would like more information regarding any of the items in the equipment list, pleasecontact our staff in Palmer at (907) 745-4047; or email alaska_equipment@nols.edu; or visit our web site at www.nols.eduThe availability of each item is indicated as follows:Rental –the item can be rented from NOLS.Purchase Only – the item can be purchased from NOLS.Must Bring – the item is not available from NOLS, but is required.Bring If You Want – the item in not available from NOLS and is optional for your course.akx.el.14 rev. 10/08/2013© National Outdoor Leadership School1

Upper Body ClothingYou need at least three insulating layers, a wind-proof layer, a rain layer and a t-shirt. Make sure your layers fitcomfortably over each other. If you get cold easily, we suggest that you take four insulating layers, or three layers plus a vest.You should have two lightweight insulating layers: one to wear on the water, and one to wear in camp.EquipmentBase Layer (LongUnderwear Top)Fleece or InsulatedVestFleece JacketRentalPricePurchaseOnlyBring IfYou WantPurchaseOnlyPurchasePriceQuantity$30-$100 2Bring IfYou Want1$50 1Insulated Jacket $30 $190 1T-shirtPurchaseOnly$60 1Wind Shirt $20 $65 1Rain Parka $30 $195 1Paddle Jacketwith HoodPersonal FlotationDevice$20 $250 1$15 $100-$150 1CommentsMid- or expedition-weight synthetic orperformance wool is best. For sea kayaking,you’ll want one to wear on the water and adry one to wear in camp. (Examples:Mountain Hardwear Extend, PatagoniaCapilene, Ibex wool, Icebreaker wool)A vest can supplement other upper layers,which is good for folks who get cold easily.(Examples: Patagonia Synchilla Vest,Mountain Hardwear Mountain Tech Vest)Light- to mid-weight fleece jacket that fitsover your base layers. (Example: MountainHardwear Microchill)A warm, synthetic-filled jacket that fits overyour base layers. (Examples: MountainHardwear Compressor, Patagonia NanoPuff Hoody)To wear on warm days. We stronglyrecommend a lightweight wool or polyestertop (not cotton). We have these for sale withthe NOLS AK logo.Nylon wind shell, roomy enough to fitcomfortably over your base layers. Excellentprotection in dense bushes and from bugs.Your rain parka should be roomy enough tofit comfortably over all upper-body layers.Coated nylon or waterproof/breathableparkas are acceptable. Ponchos are notacceptable. We rent Gore-Tex pro shellrain jackets.We rent a waterproof breathable pulloverwith hood. If you bring one it must bewaterproof and have a hood.A type III life jacket designed for kayaking.We recommend renting ours.CheckListLower Body ClothingYou will need two to three lower-body insulating layers that should fit comfortably over each other and underneath yourwind or rain pants. You should have two lightweight insulating layers: one to wear on the water, and one to wear in camp.EquipmentBase Layer (LongUnderwear)BottomsRentalPricePurchaseOnlyPurchasePriceQuantity$30 2 pairsCommentsMid- or expedition-weight synthetic orperformance wool is best. (Examples:Mountain Hardwear Extend, PatagoniaCapilene, Ibex wool, Icebreaker wool).CheckListakx.el.14 rev. 10/08/2013© National Outdoor Leadership School2

EquipmentRentalPricePurchasePriceLower Body Clothing (Continued)QuantityCommentsFleece or synthetic-filled pants are usuallyonly needed on early-season courses when theInsulated PantsPurchaseweather is especially cold. Expedition weight$50-$200 1 pairOnlylong underwear bottoms are also acceptable.(Examples: Sherpa Jaaro Microfleece Pants,Mountain Hardwear Compressor Pants)Rain Pants $30 $195 1 pair We rent Gore-Tex Pro Shell rain pants.Nylon Pants $20 $65-$75 1 pairNylon ShortsBring IfYou WantBring IfYou WantNylon hiking pants are recommended forprotection from bugs and dense vegetation.We rent durable nylon shell pants.1 pair Light hiking shorts. Pockets are nice to have.CheckListEquipmentSun Hat or BaseballCapRentalPricePurchaseOnlyPurchasePriceMiscellaneous ClothingQuantity$20-$25 1Fleece or Wool Hat $8 $30 1Glove LinersFleece or WoolGlovesUnderwear/BraPurchaseOnlyPurchaseOnlyPurchaseOnly$10-$20 1 Pair$15 1 pair$35-$402-3 Pairs ofUnderwear;1 BraRain Hat $10 $65 1Neoprene Poagies orPaddling GlovesCommentsShould be wide-brimmed to protect fromsun.Any fleece hat that will fully cover your ears.A wool ski hat is fine.Lightweight polypropylene gloves may belayered with heavier gloves for warmth orworn alone for sun protection.Durable gloves made from fleece, Ragg woolor mid-weight polypropylene.Undergarments made from merino wool orpolypropylene wick moisture away from yourskin and are highly recommended.We rent Sou’wester type rain hats. Optional;your sunhat might work fine for rain.$10 $35 1 pair We rent neoprene poagies.CheckListEquipmentRentalPricePurchasePriceFootwearQuantityRubber Boots $20 $100 1 pairMid-weightHiking BootsMustBringMust Bring1 pairCommentsThese rubber galoshes will be your primaryfootwear during the course. Since the bootstake a real beating from the sharp rocks andbarnacles along the beaches, we recommendyou rent this item from us. We rent XtraTufbrand 16" Non-insulated Boots.Please read the Boot Selection Guide at theend of this list.CheckListakx.el.14 rev. 10/08/2013© National Outdoor Leadership School3

Footwear (Continued)EquipmentHiking SocksCamp ShoesGaitersRentalPricePurchaseOnlyPurchaseOnlyPurchaseOnlyPurchasePriceQuantity$10-$20 3-4 pairs$35 1 pair$40 - $60 1 pairCommentsMust be 75 to 100% wool, merino wool,heavy ragg type, or thick polypropylene. Nowool/cotton blends.During the hiking section, the ground aroundcamp is often wet, soggy tundra. These arealso great in the sea kayak section. We sellCrocs Specialist. (More examples: HoleysCoastal Boot Crocs Bistro—no vent holes)Full gaiters provide good leg protection whilebushwacking. We sell Outdoor ResearchVerglas. (Low gaiters are also acceptable, suchas Outdoor Research Flex-tex.)CheckListEquipmentRentalPricePurchasePriceSleeping GearQuantitySleeping Bag $50 $180 1Sleeping Pad $5 $60-$100 1Sleeping BagStuff Sack$8 $28-$35 1CommentsWe stock synthetic-filled sleeping bags with atemperature rating of 20 degrees F or colder.Due to Alaska’s extremely wet environment,down and feather bags are not recommended.We rent closed-cell foam pads; however, werecommend and sell ¾ length self-inflatingsleeping pads. We do not rent self-inflatingpads. (Example: Therm-a-rest Pro-Lite Smallor Regular)A compression stuff sack makes your sleepingsmaller to pack (example: OR UltralightCompression Sack) A no-compression stuffsack is fine too and weighs less (example:Granite Gear Air Compressor Stuff Sack).CheckListEquipmentRentalPricePurchasePricePacks & BagsQuantityInternal Frame Pack $40 $300-500 1Small Stuff Sacks $1-$4 $5-$15 1-2Waterproof BagLinersLarge EquipmentBagPurchaseOnly$0.75 2-3$10 $75 1CommentsInternal frame backpack with a volume of 75to 85 liters is ideal (4,600-5,200 cubic inches).Used to organize items in your pack.Lightweight drysacks are convenient (example:eVent Sil DrySack). Non-waterproof are finetoo and they weigh less (example: OutdoorResearch Ultralight Stuff Sack).3mm durable, sturdy, plastic trash compactorbags. These can be found in most grocerystores.These nylon bags are made especially forNOLS paddling courses.CheckListakx.el.14 rev. 10/08/2013© National Outdoor Leadership School4

EquipmentZip Duffle or LargeStuff SackRentalPricePurchasePrice$5 $25-$40Packs & Bags (Continued)Quantity1 Medium1 SmallCommentsUsed to keep clothing and personal gearorganized. Waterproof stuff sacks areconvenient; non-waterproof are fine too andweigh less.CheckListEquipmentBandanaLighterEating GearEyeglass RetainerInsect RepellentLip BalmRentalPricePurchaseOnlyPurchaseOnlyPurchaseOnlyPurchaseOnlyPurchaseOnlyPurchaseOnlyPurchasePriceMiscellaneous ItemsQuantity$3 1-2 For multiple uses.Comments$1.50 1-2 Used to light stoves. Do not bring a zippo.$5-$101 Bowl1 SpoonMosquito Headnet $5 $12 1Notebook andPen/PencilPrescription Glassesand Contact LensesSport SunscreenSunglassesToilet ArticlesWatchPurchaseOnlyMustBringPurchaseOnlyPurchaseOnlyMustBringMustBringTupperware-type bowl, 1-2 pints, with a lid.Lexan/plastic spoon.$5-$10 1 Good brands are Chums and Croakies$6 1 A small bottle, 2-3 oz$2.50 1 Stick or cream with sun protection.$6-$12 1 of eachMust Bring$5-$7NA1 tube orbottle$60-$70 1 pair$2.50-$6 NAMust Bring 1You can rent this if bugs will be a problemon your course.A small spiral notebook is fine. Avoidhardcover. We sell a durable notebook withwaterproof pages.If you wear prescription glasses or lenses, youshould bring a spare set. Even if you wearcontact lenses daily, plan to carry a pair ofglasses into the field.A tube or bottle of 2-4 oz. should be plenty.A sun protection factor of 30 or greater isnecessary. A physical sun block such as zincoxide is strongly recommended for peoplewho burn easily.Durable with 100% UV protection. If youwear prescription lenses, bring your ownprescription sunglasses or look for a qualitypair of clip-on shades. We sell Optic Nerve.(Other good brands: Julbo, Native)Toothbrush, toothpaste, comb/brush,moisturizer, prescription meds, tampons.Sample sizes of 2 oz are preferable. Nodeodorant or excessive items. We have basictoiletries for sale if you forget somethingfrom home.Bring a waterproof watch with an alarm evenif you do not normally wear one.CheckListakx.el.14 rev. 10/08/2013© National Outdoor Leadership School5

Miscellaneous Items (Continued)EquipmentWater Bottle orWater BladderRentalPricePurchaseOnlyPurchasePriceQuantity$10-$25 1-2CommentsWide-mouth quart- or liter-size. Alightweight bladder system also works well.We sell Platypus SoftBottle and Nalgenes.CheckListEquipmentCameraBookVitaminsKnifeHeadlamp orFlashlightRentalPriceBring IfYou WantBring IfYou WantBring ifYou WantBring ifYou WantBring ifYou WantPurchasePriceBring IfYou WantBring IfYou WantBring ifYou WantBring ifYou WantBring ifYou WantOptional ItemsQuantity1CommentsBring a small, durable camera with plenty ofextra batteries and memory cards.1 A small book for pleasure reading.NATrekking Poles $8 $65-$80 1-2Fishing GearCompassBuffThermosCamp ChairUmbrellaNeoprene SocksInstrumentBring ifYou WantBring ifYou WantPurchaseOnlyPurchaseOnlyPurchaseOnlyPurchaseOnlyPurchaseOnlyBring IfYou WantBring ifYou WantBring ifYou WantSome folks prefer to supplement their dietwith a multi-vitamin.1 A small pocketknife or multi-tool.11 set1$25 1$30 1$40 1$35-$40 1$25 1 pairBring IfYou Want1Good idea for August courses, unnecessaryfor June or July. Should be lightweight.Single or double telescoping poles are best.We sell adjustable trekking poles and rentheavy-duty ski poles.NOLS provides fishing gear for your course,however if you have personal gear you areexcited about, you are welcome to bring it.We provide two compass per hiking group.However, if students bring their own moremap reading practice is possible for everyone.Synthetic polyester fabric tube. Use it as aheadband, neck gaiter, balaclava, cap, facemask, wristband, or scrunchy.Vacuum bottles are great. Be sure it isstainless and not glass. We sell ½ Literthermos’s with the NOLS logo on them.A luxury item for sitting around camp and inclasses. (Example: Crazy Creek Hex 2.0Original Chair)Nice for those really rainy days. We sellMontbellTrekking Umbrellas and large golfumbrellas.Neoprene socks may be worn with campshoes or as hiking socks. (Example: SealSkinzAll Season Waterproof Socks)You are welcome to bring a harmonica orother small instrument that can withstand adamp environment for the sea kayakingsection.CheckListakx.el.14 rev. 10/08/2013© National Outdoor Leadership School6

Shared Group Equipment—NOLS will supplyExpedition members share both the use of and the responsibility for the group gear that NOLS issues. NOLS charges only forgroup equipment lost or damaged. Keep in mind that NOLS evaluates gear from a number of perspectives beyond those thatan individual user might consider. Performance, durability and simplicity are all contributing factors towards our gear selection.Tents Compass Trowel or ShovelStoves, Fuel Bottles & Fuel Maps Fishing GearBear Spray GPS Repair KitsCooking Gear/Spice Kits Reference Books Soap and Hand SanitizerFirst Aid: Our instructors carry adequate first aid kits. There is no need to bring you own.Boot Selection GuideNOLS has been outfitting people with boots for many years and our priorities have remained the same: We want you to havefootwear that provides adequate protection for your feet, that is durable enough to withstand weeks of rugged wear, and thatprovides reasonable comfort. Many boots and shoes available on the market do not meet these criteria.When considering footwear, remember that your course will travel mostly off trail, and your feet will get wet. You could be insnow for days. You will cross rivers and boulder fields. The type of footwear that you need will depend on how heavy yourpack is and how strong your ankles and feet are.Here are some features to look for in and hiking boots:• A sole that provides good traction like Vibram or other lugged sole.• Some form of nylon shank to provide foot support and protection.• Durable uppers that will withstand hiking among sharp boulders and dense vegetation.• A Gore-Tex liner is fine, but unnecessary. Your foot will get wet when the river comes in over the top of your boot. AGore-Tex liner will slow drying time once the boot is wet.• A comfortable fit with your preferred hiking socks. Boots that are too small are a common cause of blisters. Please see theBoot Fitting Guide in your enrollment packet for instructions on how to properly fit boots.The following list of acceptable footwear is not exhaustive. It is to be used as a guide to the general type of footwearacceptable for your course. It is fine to substitute a similar boot or shoe for one of the types listed here. If you are consideringa lighter boot or shoe, you will have to be committed to trimming your pack weight to below 40 lbs which takes priorcommitment to weighing each ounce of your personal gear. You have to factor in almost 25 lbs of group gear, fuel and food.Mid-weight hiking boots:Asolo: TPS Series, Power Lite Series, Matrix Series, Radiant Series, Energy Series, Fsn SeriesLowa: Terek GTX, Tibet Pro GTXGarmont: Dakota, Synchro Gore-TexLa Sportiva: Thunder II GTX, Garnet GTX, Omega GTXScarpa: Himavan GTX, Mangali GTX, Bhutan GTX, Kailash GTX, Terra GTXVasque: Wasatch GTX, Summit GTX, Sundowner GTX, Clarion GTX, Taku GTX, Talus UltraDryOboz: Wind River, Sawtooth Midakx.el.14 rev. 10/08/2013© National Outdoor Leadership School7