Geog 312 Marble Mountains Backpacking Field Trip checklist

Backpacking gear:

• Frame Backpack that fits you and is large enough to carry your gear plus shared items.
• raincover for backpack (a garbage bag will work)
• sleeping bag (nights will almost certainly be subfreezing at least) in waterproof stuff sack.
• sleeping pad
• tent with rainfly and groundsheet (or share) Not Optional -- you must have room available in a tent!
• cooking gear (or share):
• backpacking stove with fuel
• pots and utensils appropriate for food choice
• coffee pot for heating water
• matches in waterproof container
• food bag (can be a stuff sack) & rope for tying food up out of bear reach.
• eating utensils: fork, spoon, knife, plate, cup (everyone should have their own)
• pocket knife
• toiletries and medicines
• toilet paper
• small towel
• rain gear -- important!
• warm jacket, gloves and pile or wool cap
• wool or polypropylene underwear (for cave trip and/or cold weather use; cave air temperature in the high 30's)
• extra change of dry clothes
• water purifier (if you have one)

Day Hike gear:

• day pack or tummy pack
• water bottle or canteen (2 liters recommended)
• comfortable, sturdy walking shoes will take abuse
• boot socks: I recommend thick wool or polypropylene/olefin socks -- with thin inner "wick-dry" olefin socks.
• moleskin, "second skin", or other blister prevention
• layered clothing
• windbreaker, parka, or rain parka
• relevant literature
• compass (optional)
• map (optional)
• camera (optional)
• rugged camera case (if you want to take it through the cave)
• notepad with pencil
• sunglasses
• sunscreen
• hat (for sun or rain)

Food (for a 4-day trip, with 3 overnights)

• 3 breakfast (something instant, like instant oatmeal, that only needs hot water)
• 3 lunches (carryable)
• 2 dinner (in groups)
• fruit, bars, nuts, etc. for snacks
• instant beverages (e.g. cocoa, coffee, etc.) --
• No canned or bottled things!

Special Gear (for caving)

• Helmet (preferably climbing type). We have some available for checkout.
• Two head lamps, with batteries & spare bulbs
  • (we have some older headlamps in the map library for checkout)
• gloves (leather or heavy rubber)
• kneepads (for crawling) -- highly recommended
• rugged pants and blue-jean-type jacket, or coveralls. Ideal is something water resistant like nylon. Good suppliers are Bob & Bob and KarstSports. Basically you need something that isn't going to tear easily and that you don't mind getting muddy.
• small pack if you want to carry food through the cave, or if you need room for a flashlight, batteries, etc. Best is a small one with a shoulder strap that will fit under one arm, to make it easier to get through tight spots.
• flashlight with two sets of batteries & spare bulb; AA-type works well on neck lanyard.

Special Notes:

• Pack light!!! Think about what you're bringing.
• But don't forget anything you might need-- there are no stores in the Wilderness.
• You should make sure everything will fit, including room for research gear and shared items with your food group or shared tents.
• Have your pack ready to go when we get there -- we'll hit the trail right away.
• Caving will involve simple rock climbing, crawling, and about 50' of belly crawling. If this bothers you, this trip is not for you.