Packing for backcountry travel is all about packing light and practically. Every day, you will be carrying all your gear, food, and water. So the lighter your load, the more comfortable you'll be! That's why we ask that students bring everything on the required gear list (and whatever you'd like to bring from the optional items list), but nothing more. Most experienced backcountry travelers will tell you that they bring about the same amount of gear on a three-day trip as they would on a three-week trip.

Important Packing Information

• Pack your clothing and gear in a duffel bag or suitcase. You will keep personal items such as clean clothes for your return trip home and valuables (cell phones, electronic devices, and wallets) in this bag while you are on course. Please leave unnecessary or expensive items at home.
• Once you arrive at base camp, your instructors will help you pack for backcountry travel. They will assess your personal gear, the group gear you will be required to carry, and help you adjust your pack as needed. 
• We encourage you to leave the tags on any items you purchase for this course. That way, you may return these items if you do not use them on your expedition.
• Please bring everything on the list! If you have questions or concerns, we encourage you to reach out to your course advisor.

Medications:

• All prescription medications must be listed in the applicant’s medical record, must be approved by your course advisor prior to course, and must accompany the participant on course. Participants may not be permitted to begin their course without their required medications OR with new medications not approved by your course advisor.
• All medications (prescription, non-prescription, and OTC) must be in their original containers with the prescription label intact. The prescription label is documentation of the dosage directions. If possible, bring a double supply.

What to Wear While Travelling:

We recommend you wear course clothing and boots while travelling and bring all essentials (prescription meds, insurance card copy, cash) in a carry-on. This will minimize the inconvenience in the unlikely event your luggage is delayed in transport. Being dressed for course will also further the efficiency on your first day, especially since front country bathrooms and private changing areas are rarely available.

Gear that Outward Bound Provides

Outward Bound provides all other equipment needed that is not on the required packing list. There are no additional fees for the use of our equipment. If you have your own equipment that meets the criteria below, you are welcome to bring it with you. Your instructors may ask you to use Outward Bound gear in lieu of your own if it does not meet our criteria below.

If you do wish to bring some of your own gear, here are the standards for what may be acceptable

• Sleeping bags – need to have a 15-degree warmth rating or warmer. Synthetic filled bags have the advantage of being warm even when wet. Down-fill sleeping bags are not appropriate for this course due to the wet conditions found in the backcountry. Should weigh less than 5 lbs.
• Sleeping pads – can be ¾ to full size in length. They can be made of closed-cell foam or inflatable. Inflatable pads must have insulation and please bring a patch kit.
• Expedition Backpacks – need to have a minimum capacity of 80 liters, should carry 45-60 lbs. comfortably. Side pockets are also a useful option.

Layering:

• First layer—This layer is worn next to your skin. Synthetic and wool materials are best for this layer.
• Mid layer(s)— This is the insulation layer. Think thick tops, leggings, wool socks, and fleece jackets.
• Outer layer— This is the layer that will protect you from the wind, snow, and rain. Outer layers are completely waterproof not just water resistant.

Materials:

• Hard Shell: Waterproof and windproof, generally worn when it’s raining, snowing, or really windy.
• Soft Shell: Water and wind-resistant. Not waterproof but more breathable than hard-shell.
• Fleece: Great insulator and dries quickly.
• Wool: Natural material that, unlike cotton, keeps you warm when wet.
• Synthetic: Almost anything else but cotton! Acceptable non-cotton options are wool, capilene, poly-propylene, polyester, fleece, acrylic, rayon, Polartec, Thinsulate, COOLMAX, and nylon.

Still confused? Check out this video about fabrics from our friends at NCOBS.

Rain Pants and Rain Jackets:

Although Colorado and Utah have a reputation for lots of sunshine, it rains frequently in the backcountry! Having high-quality waterproof gear that will keep you dry will be very important.

Please read our Guide to Picking the Right Rain Gear to make sure you pack the right waterproof gear. 

** All clothing items should be merino wool or synthetic fabrics unless otherwise noted 

Head & Hand Layers:

Quantity	Item	Description
1	Baseball Cap	Necessary for sun protection; full brimmed hats do not work well with backpacks.
1	Warm Hat	Wool or fleece beanie that can be worn under a helmet.
1	Midweight Gloves	Should maintain warmth and be weather resistant. To wear in colder temps.
1	Buff	Tubular style.

 

Top Layers:

Quantity	Item	Description
3	Sports Bra	Sports bra should be able to provide support in physical activity.
3-4	Short Sleeve T-Shirts	Outermost shirt, must be comfortable during walking, hiking, and other course activities
1	Long Sleeve Shirt	UPF materials are recommended. Loosefitting, long sleeves. Long sleeve button up shirts and sun hoodies also work to keep you warm and provide sun protection. UPF materials are recommended.
1	Long Sleeve Mid Layer	Worn on top of baselayer for insulation. Soft, long sleeve technical fleece, (hood optional). Lightweight, compact, and moisture wicking.
1	Long Sleeve Base Layer	Base layers are the first layer of clothing to  provide warmth while absorbing and evaporating sweat to keep student warm and comfortable.
1	Insulated Jacket	This is a puffy, lightweight jacket with a hood to optimize warmth. Will be worn as outermost layer in dry conditions.
1	Rain Jacket	Should be waterproof, not water resistant. Should be helmet compatible and loose fitting as to go over all you other layers of clothes.

 Bottom Layers:

Quantity	Item	Description
4-5+	Underwear	Comfortable underwear for physical activities. Cotton underwear is recommended for sleeping (bring at least one pair).
1	Shorts	Athletic shorts that wick moisture and dry quickly.
1	Pant Base Layer	Base layers are the first layer of clothing to provide warmth while absorbing and evaporating sweat to keep student warm and comfortable
1	Hiking Pants	Medium weight, loose fitting pant; These will be your most used pants.
1	Insulated Pants	These pants can be down, fleece, or synthetic insulation full side zips on these pants are useful in the backcountry. For keeping warm at camp on cool days and evenings, great for layering.
1	Pants For Climbing	A durable pair of pants for use at rock camp. They should be loose fitting. These pants will get torn up a bit due to the rough nature of rock climbing.
1	Rain-Shell Pants	Should be waterproof, not water resistant. Should be loosefitting as to go over all you other layers of pants. Lower leg zippers recommended.
1	Belt	Easily adjustable synthetic belt. Something that will fit smoothly under your backpack hip belt..

 

Footwear Layers:

Quantity	Item	Description
1	Thick Hiking socks	Important for very cold days, sleeping, and being at camp. Make sure new boots are fitted with the thickest socks
2-3	Hiking Socks	Basic wool hiking sock; crew to ski-length socks
2-3	Cotton Socks	Thin socks for being at camp or sleeping.
1	Boots	The most essential piece of gear that you will purchase. Must be waterproof, have good tread, a sturdy non-flexible sole, and at least mid-ankle in height. * Please read this blog on choosing boots for more information.
1	Running Shoes	This will be your dry, comfortable, camp shoe. It should be somewhat lightweight and sturdy.

 

Toiletries: 

Quantity	Item	Description
1	Waterproof Sunscreen	SPF 30 or greater.  For courses 15 days or longer, consider bringing a small bottle to carry and a larger bottle to resupply from.
1	Lip Balm	SPF 30 or greater
1	Insect Repellant	Must be a cream or lotion. 2-4 oz., plastic container. Products with Picaridan or DEET (10 - 35%) are most effective.
1	Moisturizing Lotion	4-6 oz. per week for dry feet and hands
1	Toiletry Kit	Travel-size toiletries for basecamp use.
	Menstrual Products	Choose the method you are most familiar with and bring extra supplies. Regardless of your choice, take into consideration that you will have to pack out all waste. Menstrual cups produce less waste. If you’ve never used a menstrual cup, we recommend you try it before course. If using tampons, consider a non-applicator tampon to reduce bulk and waste.
10-15	Wet Wipes	For extra cleaning and hygiene.
1	Towel	For showering at basecamp.

 

Personal Accessories:

Quantity	Item	Description
1	Luggage Bag	Large duffle bag or suitcase for travel to and from course.
1	ID & Insurance Card	Bring your card if you have insurance. The actual card is preferred, but a copy of the front and the back of the card will be okay. Store in ziplock bag.
3	Bandana	Bring extra if intended to use for backcountry hygiene including as a pee rag.
1	Sunglasses with keeper strap	Sunglasses with UV protection. For winter, or courses expected to travel significantly on snow, peripheral coverage and dark lenses are important to protect from the additional sun glare.
1	Prescription Eye Wear + Extra Glasses and/or contacts	Contacts – bring extra pairs, as well as a backup pair of glasses. Glasses - Ensure these are compatible with your sunglasses, or bring prescription sunglasses. Bring an extra set in case of loss or damage
2	Water Bottles	Two wide-mouth 32 oz. water bottle.  A hydration bladder is not recommended for river courses or sections with freezing temperatures.
1	Headlamp	LED headlamp with extra batteries - lithium batteries recommended.
2	Prescription Medications including Asthma Inhalers	THESE MUST BE DECLARED DURING THE APPLICATION PROCESS. Bring medications in original containers (name, dosage, and instruction labels should be listed). Bring a ziploc bag for storage. Bring two sets of medication in case original is lost or damaged.
1	Watch	Digital and water resistant recommended.
3+	Large Zip-Lock Plastic Bags or Stuff Sacks	Heavy duty to protect cameras, etc. from sand and water

 

Travel to and From Course: 

Quantity	Item	Description
	Travel Money &   Snacks	Extra cash and snacks are recommended for travel days and unexpected expenses such as luggage fees, bus fare, etc.
1	Emergency Contact Numbers for Travel Delays	Carry a copy of the COBS phone numbers to use in case of travel delays
1	Clean Clothes	Please bring a set of clean clothes for your travels home

Optional Items:

Quantity	Items	Description
1	Vest	To be worn as an extra layer for core body warmth.
	Stamps and Envelopes	If you would like to send mail, bring your own stamps and envelopes. Store it in a ziplock bag.
1 pair	Gaiters	COBS provides a basic pair of gaiters. Higher end gaiters may provide more coverage and may be easier to use.
1 pair	Hiking Poles	COBS provides basic poles. You may bring your own pair if you prefer.
1	Camera	Each patrol will have a COBS provided camera. If bringing your own, keep in mind the bulkiness and level of care needed to maintain the camera.
1	Insulated cup	½ liter size, maximum. Nice for hot drinks.
1	Toys, Instruments,    Books	You are welcome to bring hacky sacks, frisbees, musical instruments, and other fun stuff. You will only have access to these items for certain, limited times.
1	Cell Phone & Charger	You will have a chance to use your phone at course start and end.
2+	Ear Plugs	Recommended if you are a light sleeper.
1	Inflatable Sleeping Pad	COBS provides an insulated foam pad. If bringing an inflatable pad, it must be lightweight, and have appropriate R-value for the cold. Patch kits required if bringing an inflatable pad.
1	Portable Chair	Crazy Creek and REI are popular brands. Must be lightweight and packable/rollable. No chairs with legs can be brought.
1	Climbing Gear: Helmet, Harness, Belay Device, Climbing Shoes, or Climbing Chalk Bag	COBS provides basic models. You may bring your own items if you prefer.
1	Backpacking Water Filter	COBS treats water with Aquamira, bleach, or by boiling. If you prefer a water backpacking filter you must bring your own.

Items not Allowed on Course:

• Electronics—cell phones, iPods, etc. These may be brought on the plane or bus but will need to be stored at the base before going into the field.
• Deodorant, makeup, shampoo, conditioner, perfume, cologne, etc.
• Illegal drugs, any CBD/THC products, alcohol, vapes, tobacco products of any kind, and nicotine. 
• Any prescription drugs not cleared by your course advisor.
• Weapons of any kind.

Weather During Your Course:

You can expect temperatures between 40°-80°F during the day and 15°F-40°F at night. Weather in the mountains can be unpredictable, which is why it is essential to pack everything on the required gear list. Please check the weather prior to your course for Leadville, Colorado at www.weather.com to have an idea of what to expect. If you tend to get cold easily, we encourage you to make sure your base layers, hat and gloves are extra warm! Once you arrive at course start, your instructors will update you on current weather patterns and advise you on what clothing will be appropriate.