Equipment List for Whistler, BC, Canada, 2012

Click EquipmentListAugustCamp2012.pdf  for pdf file of this Equipment list

Hikers must be prepared for extremes of weather. You must be prepared to carry additional gear for any hike above tree line: wool or fleece clothing, wind gear and rain gear, sun block. Emergency items and a personal first aid kit should be in your pack on all hikes. LEADERS MAY REJECT YOUR PARTICIPATION ON A HIKE IF YOU ARE NOT PROPERLY EQUIPPED, SO YOU SHOULD CONSIDER THE FOLLOWING CHECKLIST. Keep in mind while you're packing during a heat wave in the city that you will need warm clothing at camp even if you don't plan to hike above tree line. If we have cool weather, it can be below freezing in the morning; wind chills on top of the mountain are frequently below freezing. On the other hand, it could be very hot. In addition to two or three sets of your usual hiking gear (non-cotton shorts and shirts), please bring the following: :

_____your passport, at least six months from expiration (needed to get back into the US from Canada)

_____a "sun shower," so you can have a hot shower (available through several mail order companies)
_____a full set of waterproof raingear: parka and rain pants
_____boots - strong, comfortable and well broken-in (2 pairs if you have them)
_____shoes for around camp, including waterproof footwear for walking in high wet grass in the mornings
_____socks (inner and outer), twice as many as you think you will need
_____thermal underwear - wool or polypro, not cotton
_____long pants (fleece or wool slacks for cool evenings and high peaks)
_____light-weight windbreaker
_____wool or fleece layers of clothing
_____light-weight long sleeved shirt and pants for sun protection
_____wide brimmed hat
_____wool or fleece hat, wool or fleece mittens or gloves (necessary for high peaks)
_____warm sleeping bag (or summer bag and extra blankets, if needed)
_____air mattress or foam pad (full length as cold air beneath cot will cool you even in the warmest sleeping bag)
_____day pack
_____insect repellent
_____sunglasses and/or sun goggles
_____lip balm with sunscreen (rated at least SPF 30)
_____flashlight with extra batteries and bulb (Note: NO candles or Coleman-type gas lights are permitted.)
_____compass

_____coffee mug (for pre-breakfast visits to the coffee/tea tent)
_____whistle
_____sturdy pocket knife (packed in checked luggage)
_____quart size plastic or metal bottles (three or four for hiking) – or hydration system
_____personal first aid kit
_____BIODEGRADABLE unscented soap for personal use and hand washing laundry
_____sewing kit and safety pins
_____extra shoe/boot laces
_____several ground cloths or tarps (good for under your duffle bag or suitcase, and on the floor of your tent)
_____towel and washcloth; beach towel for river swimming, if desired
_____personal hygiene items
_____strong twine or light clothes line and clothes pins
_____a few heavy duty trash bags, for use in backpack and in duffle bag, to keep clothing dry, if it rains.

  OPTIONAL
 

_____hiking poles
_____gaiters

_____bathing suit
_____mosquito netting for sleeping under (many don't find it necessary if you close tent flaps before dusk)

_____head net for insect protection
_____small personal tent (if you want to have the option of sleeping in it or going on an overnight)
_____folding chair for campfire
_____trail guide books and maps
_____camera and film (extra batteries)
_____binoculars
_____bird, flower and other guide books

_____light blanket or quilt, for warmer nights
_____pillow
_____book to read
_____pen, stationery, Canadian stamps
_____headlamp, for reading in bed, or battery-operated  lantern, for tent
_____some plastic lunch containers (so your lunch doesn't get squished in your pack)
_____musical instruments
_____art supplies
_____a bathmat or throw rug for the floor of your tent
_____umbrella (for use around camp, and even some hikes)
_____tightly sealed box to keep cosmetics/lotions in tent

_____blank personal check for Croo tip

FOR OVERNIGHTS (occasionally offered)
_____backpack suitable for an overnight (with straps for your sleeping bag, pad, etc.)
_____backpacking tent