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
Medications:
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
Layering:
Materials:
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.
Head & Hand Layers:
Quantity | Items | 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 |
4 |
Sports Bra |
Sports bra should be able to provide support in physical activity. |
4-5 |
Short Sleeve T-Shirts |
Outermost shirt, must be comfortable during walking, hiking, and other course activities |
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 |
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 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 |
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 loosefitting as to go over all you other layers of clothes. |
Bottom Layers:
Quantity |
Item |
Description |
5-6 |
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 |
Belt |
Easily adjustable synthetic belt. Something that will fit smoothly under your backpack hip belt.. |
1 |
Rain Pants |
Should be waterproof, not water resistant. Should be loose fitting as to go over all you other layers of pants. Lower leg zippers recommended. |
Footwear Layers:
Quantity |
Item |
Description |
4-5 |
Hiking Socks |
Basic wool hiking sock; crew to ski-length socks |
2 |
Thick Hiking Socks |
Important for very cold days, sleeping, and being at camp. Make sure new boots are fitted with the thickest socks |
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, if showers are an option. |
|
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 |
Duffle 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. |
2 |
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 Glasses - Ensure these are compatible with your sunglasses. Bring an extra set in case of damage or backup. |
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. |
6+ |
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 |
|
Money & Snacks |
Extra cash and snacks are recommended for travel days and unexpected expenses such as luggage fees, bus fare, etc. |
|
Emergency Contact Numbers for Travel Delays |
Carry a copy of the COBS phone numbers to use in case of travel delays |
|
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 | 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:
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.