Equipment (stuff) To Bring To Field Camp

Before camp begins you need to decide what supplies you lack and purchase them. Lost River Field Station is 70 miles from the nearest Wal-Mart and 100 miles from the nearest organic food store. This is the rural west. It is possible to order things on-line and get them delivered by UPS at field camp, but it is easier to just bring them.

The weather in Idaho will vary from below freezing, cold rain and snow in the first weeks, to 80 and 90 degree dry heat during the last weeks, and sometimes a 40^o F temperature change within a few hours. We will map in all weather, so bring the appropriate clothing and field gear. The terrain will vary from rolling sage- and cactus-covered hills to angle-of-repose slopes with pine trees. We will begin some days by wading across cold mountain streams.

Here is a PDF version of the same list .........

Clothing

• Layers of synthetic fabric for warmth. Bring three layers of insulating clothing plus a shell. (The key is to have layers, with a windproof jacket and pants and gaiters over your boots. We walk through a lot of moist sagebrush and willows).
• At least one synthetic wicking T-shirt. (Cotton is the worst thing to have next to your skin when you are cold, so get at least one of these).
• Workout pants or long underwear from the Nike Outlet store are great under nylon running pants or lightweight nylon wind pants. Check that the fabric does not trap moisture.
• Wool sweaters or work shirts are also fine. (Two midweight layers are better than one heavy-weight layer).
• Rain gear -- A Gore-tex coat and nylon pants are essential. If you can afford both, a nylon wind shell (or workout shell) and a waterproof rain jacket are ideal. It WILL RAIN on you (also snow).
• Hats -- necessary to protect you from sun and rain. Some people use baseball caps, others prefer straw or felt cowboy hats. Something to cover those ears from the sun ! ! ! You will also need a fleece hat for those frosty mornings.
• Gloves -- ditto on the frosty mornings, lightweight gloves are useful for warmth and protection from sharp rocks. Cotton or leather, or fleece gloves are fine.
• Socks -- changing socks often keeps feet healthy and happy
  • Wool or polyester hiking socks - 4 pairs
  • Wet-suit socks—if you have some, they sure make the cold stream crossings less painful.
  • Several pairs of light weight under-socks (polypro or silk). These prevent blisters
• Boots -- Use hiking boots, not logger's boots with heels. One pair is ok, but using two pair will make each last longer, allow wet boots to dry, and be more comfortable in the long run. Boots with a minimum of exposed stitching will survive longest. The moderately priced composite boots (Asolo, etc.) will work for lighter weight folks, but will almost certainly be worn by the end of camp. Heavier weight leather boots will last longer, provide more support, and are well suited for heavier people. Break-in and waterproof the boots before coming to camp.

(Note: every year at field camp someone experiences boot failure --many boots blow apart at the seams. We hike off-trail on rocks, so that we constantly scuff the uppers and rip the stitching. Former students unanimously recommend that you bring boots with as little exposed stitching as possible.) If you are buying new boots, for your own sake, break them in for 2 weeks before you arrive.

• Gaiters -- a pair of hiking gaiters will keep sticks and stones from falling into your boots. This is another item students find remarkably important.
• Sneakers (for around camp and light hiking) and/or Tiva-like sandals -- bring a pair to wear while wading rivers
• Underwear -- long polypropylene underwear is good to wear under nylon pants on cold days
• Pants -- baggy, cotton or nylon pants work well
• Shorts -- You will map in these most every day once the weather breaks in mid June
• Shirts -- whatever you like. Real desert rats bring a couple of long-sleeve, button-down, baggy, cotton long-sleeve shirts to protect from the sun.  If they are layered over a t-shirt (T-shirts - Lots of these; short sleeved and lightweight long-sleeved ones) they work especially well. The new synthetic T-shirts that wick perspiration away are great if you sweat a lot.
• Belt -- strong enough to hold hammer and Brunton compass.
• Swimsuit -- by July you'll be basking in the sun
• Bandanas -- many uses for a couple of these
• Sunglasses -- it is bright at these high elevations
• Camp and going to town clothes -- whatever is comfortable for lounging

Other Items You May Want To Have

• Flashdrive: Just in case you need to transfer files or download pictures or save your field camp assignments.
• Camera and film, or digital camera. We will have computers at camp that you can use to download your memory cards.
• Laptop Computer: Not necessary but useful. If you can't part from your laptop, you can bring it, but be aware that it probably will get dusty and that the tents have been known to blow over in thunderstorms. If you bring it you will want a case that you can store it even in your tent. We will have computers on site for e-mail and our digital mapping exercises.
• Cell Phone: Lost River Field station is right at the fringe of cell phone range. New towers were put up last year. But you may find you don't have service. We have a land line at camp (208-588-2030) and you can buy a calling card. We will send someone up there next week and see what cell phones work this year (it is always an adventure).
• Fishing gear: the rivers are cold and turbid during snowmelt but several are excellent trout streams after they clear
• Cash: You will need some cash for personal beverages, food or entertainment in town. There ARE cash machines in Idaho. Bring a checkbook just in case.
• Musical instruments: Sharing and making music at Field Camp is one of the best things we do. Bring fiddles, guitars, harmonicas, etc.
• Ipods: These are fine but they serve to isolate people from each other. Thus we discourage their use in the public study areas, and during field mapping. We do have a boom box at camp and people always share their music via CD’s and ipod transfers. This is in fact a highlight of camp.
• Trailers: If you want to bring a trailer to live in, that is fine. Normally we have several spaces available in trailers for those who don’t want to sleep in the tents.

Absolutely Essential: Patience, enthusiasm, good humor, hunger for knowledge. Attitude is the single most important part of a successful field camp experience. If you do not want to participate whole heartedly in an intense group experience, please find another field camp.