PACKING LIST

Please bring everything on the required clothing and gear list, but do not feel like you have to buy everything new. Many of these items can be found second hand at thrift stores, consignment shops, and online like eBay and Facebook Marketplace

Getting Started

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.

Equipment Provided by Outward Bound

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 Principles

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. 

Required Clothing and Gear

Head & Hand Layers:

Quantity   Item            Description
1 Sun Hat

Should have a good brim to at minimum cover your face like a baseball cap or have a brim all the way around for added protection. Should be made of softer materials so it can be folded up easily if needed.

1 Neck Gaiter or Balaclava

Synthetic or merino wool - medium weight for spring and fall courses.

1 Winter Hat

Wool or fleece – no tassels or brims as it must be able to fit under a helmet and cover your ears.

1 Midweight Gloves

For CO section: It should have a water-resistant shell, and synthetic insulation such as thick fleece or synthetic puff. Should either fit over your glove liners or have its own liner. 

1 Liner or lightweight gloves

For blister and sun protection in FL and as liner gloves inside you shell gloves/ mittens in CO. These should be made out of a thin, synthetic material such as polypropylene, microfleece, or thin wool. Not needed if both other pairs of gloves include their own liners. 

1 Heavy Gloves or Mittens

This glove or mitten should have a waterproof /breathable shell and down or synthetic insulation, and should fit over your glove liners, or have liners of its own.

2+ Face Masks - Fabric

To be worn at course start, during social distancing, during travel days, while preparing food, while in close proximity to others, and when requested by COBS staff.
Should be washable, consist of at least 2 layers of fabric and securely cover the mouth and nose.

2+ Buffs Tubular style. 

 

Top Layers:

Quantity Item Description
2-3 Sports Bra

Quick-drying synthetic bra

2-4 T-Shirts - Synthetic

Hiking shirt worn daily. It should be sweat wicking. No cotton or cotton blends. 

2 T-Shirts - Cotton

Nice for dry weather in Florida or for sleeping in. Not useful in Colorado. 

2

Long Sleeve Long Underwear or Base Layer

Materials may be wool, Capilene®, polypropylene or other synthetics; silk is less effective-NO COTTON. Light or medium weight. 
1 Long Sleeve Fleece Mid Layer  

Medium weight wool or expedition weight Capilene®/ 100 weight fleece, etc. (REI=$) (Patagonia=$$)

1-2 Long Sleeve Shirt

Button up or pull-over sun hoodies; cotton or nylon materials are ok. UPF materials are suggested for individuals more prone to sunburns. (Thrift Shop=$) (Black Diamond/Patagonia=$$)

1+ Fleece/Softshell/Thin Puffy Jacket

200 or 300-weight fleece; or a thin synthetic puffy jacket. Options for this layer provide a variety of warmth-to-weight ratios, durability, and costs. (REI Hyperaxis Fleece=$) (Patagonia Nano Puff=$$)

1  Parka

For CO section only: A hooded parka (synthetic insulation only) that goes over all your other layers for backcountry skiing. Must compress well to fit in a daypack. Example: Patagonia DAS Parka (available in men's and women's models). This could be your ski jacket if it is compressible enough to fit in your backpack. 

1 Wind Jacket

Lightweight, breathable, unlined nylon jacket for sailing.

1 Rash Guard or Swim Shirt

Tight fitting, long-sleeved surf shirt with a UV (UPF, SPF) protection of at least 30. 

1 Waterproof, Breathable   Hooded Rain Jacket

This layer should have a Gore-Tex or other waterproof coating that stops outside moisture from entering; must fit over all your other layers including a helmet. **See more detailed notes on rain gear (REI or Outdoor Research=$) (Patagonia/Black Diamond=$$)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Bottom Layers:

Quantity Item Description
4-7 Underwear

Synthetic fabrics work best but cotton is okay. 

2 Shorts

Loose-fitting, quick-drying athletic shorts. NOT for swimming in.  Board shorts or running shorts work well. Pockets are always nice. (What you have already or Thrift Store=$) (REI=$$)

1 Swimwear

We recommend women bring one-piece quick-drying suits, or you can swim in sports bra and lightweight shorts, instead. We recommend men bring lightweight shorts to swim in. 

2 Long Underwear Base Layer Bottoms Materials may be Capilene®, polypropylene or other synthetics; silk is less effective-NO COTTON. Light or medium weight. 
1 Quick Dry Pants

Lightweight, quick-drying, nylon fabric that packs easily. These are loose fitting for ease of movement. Course environment can be rough on clothing. We recommend pants that are semi-durable, or that you won't mind getting torn. (Thrift Store or REI=$) (KUHL or Patagonia=$$)

1 Fleece Pants Made of Polyester Fleece. Should be loose enough to fit over a pair of long underwear or shorts.  (REI=$) (Smartwool=$$)
1 Hard Shell Pants Waterproof, breathable hard-shell pants with internal snow gaiters. Should be made of 2.5 or 3-layer Gore-Tex ® or similar material (lots of companies have their own proprietary fabrics). Should have no insulation, for layering. Make sure internal snow gaiters fit over your boots. Great to bring if you have it. Example: Patagonia Snow Shot Pants. If you do not have your own to bring, suitable pants will be provided by Outward Bound 
1 Insulated Pants

These pants can be down, fleece, or synthetic insulation. Full side zips on these pants are useful in the backcountry. Examples: Mountain Hardware Compressor Pants, or REI Polartec 100 Pants. These could be your resort riding pants if they are insulated, and compressible enough to pack easily.  (Rab or Mountain Hardware=$) (Black Diamond Belay Pants=$$)

1 Rain-Shell Pants Similar to your rain jacket, this layer should have a breathable, waterproof coating that stops outside moisture from entering; must fit over other pant layers and ideally has lower leg zips for easy on/off without removing boots. **See more detailed notes on rain gear. (REI or Marmot=$) (Patagonia=$$)

 

Footwear Layers:

Quantity Item Description
2+

Heavy Weight Socks

Heavy Wool or Synthetic - important for very cold days. Make sure new boots are fitted with the thickest socks
3+

Medium-weight Hiking or Ski Socks   

Medium-weight: wool or synthetic only. NO COTTON. Need to come to middle of your shin. 
3+

Synthetic Liner Sock (Optional though recommended)

Lightweight, flat-knit provides a close fit for preventing blisters. Worn under heavier socks. Crew height at least, no cotton. 
2+

Cotton Socks

For around camp, and travel days
1 Boots

COBS will provide double plastic boots and footwear that corresponds to sliding equipment (skis). However, if students have a 3 season boot with a stiff shank they can bring them and staff will assess if they are appropriate for the conditions.   

* Please see the additional boot document for more guidance.

1  Sneakers Can be a sturdy pair of running or tennis shoes. 
1 Wet Shoes Full-coverage, closed-toed sneakers or neoprene booties with a sneaker-like sole. 
1 Water Sandals Must have a heel strap. Leather straps are not recommended.
(Keen, Teva, Chaco, etc.) Note: sandals are in addition to full-foot coverage "wet shoes" and sneakers and CANNOT be used in place of either. 

 

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. 

2+

Lip Balm or Chap Stick

SPF 30 or greater
1 Insect Repellant

2-4 oz., plastic container. Products with Picaridan or DEET (10 - 35%) are most effective. *No sprays or aerosols. 

16oz

Moisturizing Lotion

4-6 oz. per week for dry feet and hands
1 Toiletry Kit

Toothbrush, small trial-size toothpaste, floss, comb or I foot powder, biodegradable soap, hand sanitizer, anti-f1 cream, zinc oxide and aloe vera gel. Don't bring deodor, makeup. 

  Menstrual Products

Choose the method you are most comfortable with such as pads, menstrual cups, or tampons and include extra/supplemental supplies.  Many of our staff love a reusable menstrual cup (MeLuna, DivaCup or Lena), because it reduces the amount of waste that will need to be carried.  If you’ve never used a menstrual cup, we recommend you research and trial it before course. If using tampons, consider a non-applicator tampon to reduce bulk and waste that needs to be carried. Feel free to contact your course advisor with any questions. Regardless of your choice, we are able to share practices for managing periods and supplies in the backcountry and provide all the supplies to manage waste. 

1 Wet Wipes

For extra cleaning and hygiene.

1 Towel For showering at basecamp.

 

Personal Accessories:

Quantity Item  Description
1 Duffle Bag

Large duffle bag or suitcase for travel to and from course with. Bag should be big enough to contain all of your personal items. 

1 ID & Insurance Card

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. Store in ziplock bag.

2 Bandana

This all-purpose piece of cotton absorbs sweat, cleans off trail-grime and offers a multitude of other camp and trail uses. 1-2 extra for female students on longer courses.

1 Sunglasses with keeper strap

Sturdy & dark wrap-around sunglasses for adequate protection from sun and wind.  We recommend a higher quality pair for backpacking in the mountains and river travel, and a cheaper pair for daily use in the canyons and at rock camp.

1 Snow Goggles

For winter or spring courses with snow travel activities. Must provide 100% UV protection and some ventilation to reduce fog during exertion.

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

Wide-mouth 32 oz. water bottle.  A hydration bladder is not recommended for river courses or sections with freezing temperatures.  Please come hydrated to course start! (Nalgene=$) (Klean Kanteen=$$)

1 Bowl and Spoon (Mug optional for warm drinks)

Bowl should be unbreakable plastic or metal. Spoon can be metal or plastic. 

1 Headlamp w/ Batteries

LED headlamp with extra batteries - lithium batteries recommended. (Black Diamond or Petzl=$$)

2 Prescription Medications including Asthma Inhalers

THESE MUST BE DECLARED DURING THE APPLICATION PROCESS. Bring 2 sets in their original containers and a ziploc bag for storage on the trail - Please bring these to course start even if you feel they are unnecessary.

1 Watch

Must have alarm. Water resistant recommended.

6+

Large Zip-Lock Plastic Bags

Heavy duty to protect cameras, etc. from sand and water
2+ Personal Hand Sanitizer

Minimum of 60% alcohol-based hand sanitizer contained in 3 oz bottles. Plus a larger 16oz to refill if your course is 15-days or longer.

1 Digital Oral Thermometer w/battery Small, lightweight, and battery powered for daily temperature checks.
1 Pack Towel A synthetic, wringable towel, also called a chamois, a sports towel or a swimmer's towel. No cotton. 
1 Sarong A length of very light cotton or rayon (3' x 7'), preferably not white, to wrap around yourself while changing clothes. A non­fitted twin bedsheet can be used. 
1 Swimming Goggles Should be snug-fitting and comfortable.
1 Daypack A small backpack or book bag for travel and basecamp time.
1 Bug Bivy Big enough to cover one sleeping bag, with strings to hold you. The finer "nosee-um" mesh works best.
1 Dorm Clothes Your course end in our dorms, with shower Comfy clothes for hanging in the dorms: sweat pants, ­slippers, etc. It's okay for this stuff to be cotton. 

 

Travel to and From Course: 

Quantity Item Description
  Travel Money &   Snacks

For longer courses and when traveling from afar, extra cash ($50-$200 and a credit/debit card) and snacks are recommended for first and last days of course, as well as transition days. Consider unexpected travel expenses such as luggage fees, bus fare, etc.

 

Emergency Contact Numbers for Travel Delays

Carry a copy of the phone numbers to use in case of travel delays (from the travel and itinerary document)
 2 sets Clean Clothes for  travel to Florida and for Trip Home  Please bring a set of clean clothes for your travels home.
Optional Items

Optional Items:

Quantity Items Description
1 Rash Guard Tight-fitting, long-sleeved sun shirt. Good for sun protection and snorkeling in Florida 
1 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 Neoprene Socks Additional foot warmth for river or water sections.
1 pair Neoprene Gloves    For river sections to maintain warmth in wet conditions. Also helps prevent blisters from paddling.
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. Due to the risk of damage from weather and the expedition, we suggest you not bring a camera unless it is waterproof and durable, or disposable and inexpensive. 
1 Insulated cup

FOR CO SECTION: 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.

3+ Ear Plugs

Recommended if you are a light sleeper. In addition, 1+ Swimmers' type; may increase swimming comfort by preventing water from entering your ears. 

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.

  Hand & Foot Warmers Long lasting air activated hand and toe warmers for cold-season courses.
2-3 Stuff Sacks Made of lightweight nylon in many colors, these help to keep your clothes and gear organized. 
1 Swimming Cap Useful if you have long hair. 
Items Not Allowed

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

Florida is generally warm and sunny, but in the winter months cold fronts are common and there is usually plenty of wind and rain, so you will need to bring warm clothes. Daytime temperatures range from the 60s to the 80s. Temperatures at night can drop to the 40s. In Colorado you can expect temperatures ranging from 20-35 degrees with nighttime temperatures ranging from 0-10 degrees. Despite any recommendations of what is "normal weather," our course environments are characterized by unpredictable weather. Please check the weather prior to your course for either the Florida Keys or Leadville, CO at
www.weather.com to have an idea of what to expect, but please bring everything on this list since weather patterns can change quickly. Throughout both course areas, sun can be intense making sun protection (sunscreen & clothing) very important.