Required Clothing and Gear - Colorado Outward Bound School

Required Clothing and Gear
30 Day Rockies to Ecuador Pathfinder Expedition
WEATHER
To pick the best clothing for your trip, you need to know a little about the climate. The Colorado Rocky
Mountains are beautiful, but unpredictable. As a general rule, a bit of everything in Colorado: warm sunny days,
blizzards, and everything in between. If your course starts in November, you will experience cold snowy
weather, short days and variable amounts of snow on the ground. If your course starts in March, you’ll have
longer and potentially warmer days, but will be traveling on deep snow.
In Ecuador, this course operates in the remote, high altitude plains and peaks, not too far from the border of
the Amazon rainforest. Expect to experience snow, rain, wind and hot sun, and cold rain.
Unfortunately, we can’t predict exactly what the weather on your course will be like. The clothing list that
follows is comprehensive and has been designed to help you prepare for such variable weather conditions.
Please bring all of the required clothing on the list, and feel free to bring additional items and clothing.
Because packing is extremely personal, you may well get there and wish you had a particular item or feel you
purchased things you didn’t need. But in order to have the best set of options for packing it is important that
you have the complete “stock” of choices indicated on your clothing list. We suggest leaving the tags on any
items you purchase in case you don’t use them. Your instructional staff will help you chose what to carry in the
field based on current conditions.
You may also bring additional items and clothing, particularly if you plan to travel around post-course.
However, please keep in mind that there is limited luggage space in the vans used for travel, and on the flight to
Ecuador there will be weight restrictions.
GENERAL CLOTHING INFORMATION
In order to accommodate ALL the weather conditions you may encounter, the age of the season and the wide
range of individual preferences and body temperatures of our students, this list is very broad. Also, wilderness
travel means you can and, for your comfort should carry a lot less than you do in the regular world; most
experienced wilderness travelers will tell you that they bring about the same amount of stuff on a three day trip
as they would on a three week trip. So this list is a balance of minimalism and “pleasing all the people all the
time”; it is designed to keep you warm if it is cold but be flexible enough to be packed away if it is hot.
Staying Warm with Layering:
1. First Layer: usually called the wicking layer (long underwear, liner socks and gloves) – Moisture
is the enemy of warmth. Sweat from physical activity like backpacking, paddling or climbing is
your body’s attempt to cool itself off. Synthetic long underwear pulls moisture away from your
Rockies to Ecuador Pathfinder RC
Colorado Outward Bound School
3/31/15 CT
body so your sweat won’t cool you down too much and make you cold. This layer is worn next
to your skin. Cotton items retain that moisture and thus exaggerate sweat’s cooling effect and for
that reason are not recommended.
2. Second Layer: usually called the insulation layer (warm tops, socks, fleece pants) – This should be
thick fluffy sweaters and jackets that will trap and store the heat your body is producing to keep
you warm. This layer is worn on top of the first layer. There might be more than one component
of the “insulating layer” like a medium weight fleece and a heavier top.
3. Third Layer: usually called the wind/shell layer (jackets, pants, rain gear) – Finally, adding an
outer wind and/or waterproof layer makes sure that the wind does not steal all that built up heat
and all your insulating layers do not get soaked. The third layer is worn on top of the first and
second layers.
The only cotton that is acceptable to bring on course is in the form of underwear and town clothing. Otherwise,
all material must be non-cotton. Acceptable options include wool, capilene, poly-propylene, non-cotton blends
and nylon.
No cotton in the field. Except for underwear.
Rockies to Ecuador Pathfinder RC
Colorado Outward Bound School
3/31/15 CT
Required Clothing
Instructor Favorites, left to right: 1. Marmot PreCip Rain Jacket, 2. Patagonia’s Das Parka and 3. Nano Puff and 4. Patagonia Guide
Pants
PLEASE BRING ALL ITEMS IN THIS SECTION: If there is a (+) sign beside the number, then you are
welcome to bring more than the number suggested. Some items on the list are suggested for certain sections of
the course and will not be used as much during other sections, while other items will be used during each section
of the course.
Tops
# Item
2-3 Wicking Short Sleeve TShirts
1
Expedition or Heavy
Weight Long Underwear
Top
Bottoms
# Item
1
Shorts / Swim Trunks
1
Pants
1
Warm long pants
Description
This T-shirt is made out of quick-drying fabric that moves moisture away
from your skin and allows maximum airflow. No cotton.
Can also be a lightweight fleece top. Needs to be highly breathable for
aerobic activity. You need this in addition to your lightweight long
underwear.
Description
Quick drying, should be usable as a swimsuit.
Lightweight, synthetic and quick drying. Soft shell pants are the best option
for this environment, such as the REI Mistral Pants. Light, nylon pants are
the next best option, Example: REI Adventure Pants
Medium weight wool or 200 weight pile/fleece.
Outer Layers (must fit over all the layers)
# Item
Description
1 Warm Jacket
Synthetic insulation is a must (no down insulation). This should be a really
warm jacket, such as the Patagonia Das Parka
1
Light Jacket
Heavy fleece, like The North Face Quantum Hoodieor a lightweight
synthetic puffy jacket, such as the Patagonia Nano Puff.
Rockies to Ecuador Pathfinder RC
Colorado Outward Bound School
3/31/15 CT
1
set
#
6+
2
1+
Rain jacket and Rain pants All rainwear must be advertised Waterproof/Breathable, not Water
Resistant. Rain jackets should also include a hood. Breathable Options
include: Any 2.5 or 3-layer Gore-Tex jacket or breathable coated fabrics like
the Marmot PreCip © Side zips for venting are highly recommended.
Inner Layers (fit next to the skin)
Item
Description
Underwear
Underwear is the only piece of clothing where cotton performs better in the
backcountry. Cotton underwear particularly helps to improve feminine
hygiene. Briefs or boxer briefs are recommended over boxers to prevent
riding up.
Sports Bras
Should have the proper support for athletic activity. Can be worn as a
swim top with quick drying shorts if a swimsuit is required. You do not
need to bring a swimsuit if you plan on using this combination.
Long Underwear set
You will need both a long-sleeve top and a bottom. This is your base layer
and will be used at night or possibly for cold hiking days. It should be
lightweight or medium weight, depending on how easily you get cold.
Head & Hands
# Item
1
Warm ski hat or beanie
1
Baseball cap or visor
1
Light weight glove
1
Waterproof, insulated
mittens
1
Neck gaiter or balaclava
Feet
# Item
4
Medium Weight Hiking
or Ski Socks
1
Sturdy Running Shoes
1
Mountaineering Boots
Description
Wool or fleece
Necessary for sun protection; full-brimmed hats do not work well
with backpacks
Wool, fleece or synthetic. Weatherproof shell is preferable. For finger
dexterity that also keeps you warm. Example: REI Fall Gloves
Waterproof and insulated mitten to keep your hands warm and dry.
Removeable liner recommended for fast drying. Example: Outdoor Research
Meteor Mitt, or the REI Taped Mitten
Wool, fleece or synthetic insulation. Buffs work well.
Description
Wool or Synthetic – base hiking sock; ski socks are nice because they pull
up to the knees and provide extra warmth
Camp shoes should be lightweight, sturdy running shoes. An old pair of
running shoes is just perfect. Sandals are not appropriate for this course.
Please see the attached Mountaineering Boot document
Other Items
Personal items
#
Item
Description
1
Passport
1
Money Belt
Your passport must be valid for six months after your intended stay in
Ecuador. If you don’t have a passport you need to get on this process
immediately since there is a backup on passports issuing.
Recommend waist belt that can be hidden beneath clothing.
Rockies to Ecuador Pathfinder RC
Colorado Outward Bound School
3/31/15 CT
1
Insurance Card
1-2
Bandanas
1
Sunglasses with keeper
strap
1
Contacts, Glasses, if
needed, with keeper
strap
32 oz. Water Bottles
2
If you are covered under any medical insurance please bring your card. The
actual card is preferred, but a copy of the front and the back of the card will
be okay.
This all-purpose piece of cotton absorbs sweat, cleans off trail-grime and
offers a multitude of other camp and trail uses. One for men, two for
women.
Sturdy & dark wrap-around style sunglasses to keep the sun and wind
completely out and for high altitude. No John Lennons. If you need
glasses, make sure you bring prescription sunglasses or ones that fit over
your regular pair.
If you wear contacts, daily disposables are best.
1
Wide-mouthed and durable—Nalgene, Sigg, and Klean Kanteen are good
brand names. Minimum 32oz capacity.—NO DISPOSABLE BOTTLES.
Simple pocket knife or With can opener (no sheath knives)
multi-tool
Headlamp
This is a hands free flashlight. It is either a LED or halogen headlamp that
uses a minimum of three volts (two or more AA- or AAA-batteries).
Halogen bulbs are bright but consume more battery power. LED lamps are
bright and consume very little battery power. Bring one set of alkaline
batteries per week of course. Black Diamond, Petzel and Princeton
Tech are reputable brands.
Prescription Medications
THESE MUST BE DECLARED DURING THE APPROVAL PROCESS.
Bring 2 sets in their original containers and a Ziploc bag for storage on trail.
Inexpensive watch with
Water resistant. Fancy-looking watches are discouraged.
alarm
Moisturizing lotion
For dry feet and hands (e.g. Intensive Care Lotion)
1
Stationery, and pen
6
Large zip-lock plastic bags
1
1
2
1
Toiletries:
# Item
15 Waterproof sunscreen
oz
1+ Lip balm
1
Toilet kit
Feminine supplies
Baby Wipes
Rockies to Ecuador Pathfinder RC
Heavy duty to protect cameras, etc. from sand and water
Description
SPF 30 or greater, travel size
SPF 30 or greater
Travel sizes are great. If you are travelling before or after course, we
recommend bringing a roll or two of toilet paper.
Most women will get their period on course even if it is not their regular time
of the month so please bring an ample supply of feminine hygiene products
to course. We are a Leave No Trace organization so tampons such as OB
that do not have plastic applicators are recommended as it reduces the
amount of trash being carried out. A Diva Cup also is a great reusable
option. You are welcome to bring pads if that is the system you are most
comfortable using. If you have any questions please contact your course
advisor or instructor.
For extra cleaning and hygiene
Colorado Outward Bound School
3/31/15 CT
1
Small towel
Travel to and from
# Item
- Emergency contact
numbers for travel delays
- Money
2-3 Casual Clothes
sets
For course end shower.
Description
Carry a copy of the phone numbers to use in case of travel delays (from the
travel and itinerary document) and a copy of the photo page of your passport
The first day is often long. Have cash to buy snacks along the way or bring
food with you. You may also have the chance to purchase COBS souvenirs
and don’t forget about any checked baggage fees for your flight home.
Used for travel, base camp time, and the trip home
Your clean travel clothes, luggage, cell phone and any other items not needed during your course will be stored
in a secure place at our basecamp and will be returned to you at the end of course.
Rockies to Ecuador Pathfinder RC
Colorado Outward Bound School
3/31/15 CT
Optional Items: these are NOT required and you will be fine without them. Please only buy
them if you plan to use the items again after your course or you think they will be of great assistance to
you while on course (you may be asked to leave these behind depending on weather and availability in
pack or dry bag).
Instructor Favorites, left to right: 1. Hole-less Crocs; 2. Camelbak bladder; 3. A pack towel; 4. Black Diamond Z-poles
Optional Items
# Item
1 Day pack
1
Soft Shell Jacket
1
1
Swimsuit
Camera & Batteries
1
Trekking poles
1
Water bladder or
hydration system
Ear Plugs
1
Rockies to Ecuador Pathfinder RC
Description
Capacity needs to be about 40 liters this will be used for travel, flying with
and climbing peaks in Ecuador. Light and compact design is favorable.
Nice for dry, cool days in the mountains. Example: The North Face Apex
Bionic Jacket
Quick drying. There may be opportunities to go to hot springs on course.
Most people bring small, digital cameras or disposable 35mm cameras.
Large cameras (SLRs, for example) are heavy, bulky and difficult to protect
in the backcountry. Bring multiple cameras if disposable. If bringing a nondisposable camera, consider taking extra precautions like putting it in a
Ziploc bag or Pelican hardcase to keep out dirt and sand.
These are of great assistance to those who experience knee problems or
want more stability on the trail. Spring loaded, adjustable length sticks
provide the best versatility and comfort, though Black Diamond’s z-poles are
by far the lightest, and the choice of many of our staff. Old ski poles are an
inexpensive alternative.
CamelBak or Platypus are good brands; there are several others. Please bring
a hard 32oz water bottle as a backup in case of breakage in the field.
Recommended if you are a light sleeper
Colorado Outward Bound School
3/31/15 CT
Outward Bound Provides
Please note Outward Bound provides all other equipment including but not limited to sleeping bags &
pads, dry bags and backpacks. There are no additional fees for the use of our equipment. If you have your
own equipment and it meets the below criteria, you are welcome to bring it with you. Please be aware that your
instructors will assess it for appropriateness and may ask you to use Outward Bound gear in lieu of your own if
they do not find your gear adequate for your particular course.
If you DO wish to bring some of your own gear
Here are our minimum standards for what MAY be acceptable for few common items.
 Sleeping bags – need to have a 0 degree warmth rating. 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 Ecuador.
 Sleeping pads – can be ¾ to full size in length. They can be made of closed-cell foam (Ridge-Rest or Z-Rest)
or be inflatable (Therma-Rest®). If you bring an inflatable pad you must bring a patch kit as well.
Remember that inflatable pads usually weigh considerably more than closed-cell foam pads.
 Backpacks – need to have a minimum capacity of 6,000 cubic inches, should carry 45-60 lbs. comfortably and
be an internal frame design. Side pockets are also a useful option.
If you bring your own equipment it will be inspected by your instructor at the beginning of your course. If it
does not meet our standards you can store it in a secure location during your course.
Rockies to Ecuador Pathfinder RC
Colorado Outward Bound School
3/31/15 CT