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 that is not included on the required packing list. There are no additional fees for the use of our equipment. If you have your own equipment and it 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
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.
Layering:
Materials:
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. |
2 |
Midweight Gloves |
Should maintain warmth and be weather resistant. To wear in colder temps. |
1 |
Buff or Bandana |
Personal preference |
Top Layers:
Quantity |
Item |
Description |
4-8 |
Sports Bra |
Sports bra should be able to provide support in physical activity. |
4-7 |
Short Sleeve T-Shirts |
Basic synthetic layer that should be comfortable for both active and passive times on course. One cotton t-shirt for sleeping is optional. |
3-5 |
Long Sleeve Synthetic Shirt |
UPF materials are recommended. Loosefitting, long sleeves. Long sleeve button up shirts and sun hoodies provide the best sun protection. |
1 |
Long Underwear Top |
Synthetic light to mid weight long underwear top. Important base layer, provides warmth and wicks sweat. |
1 |
Mid-weight Fleece |
Breathable insulation for aerobic activities and provides insulation when wet. |
1 |
Insulated Jacket (Synthetic or Down) |
This is a puffy, lightweight jacket with a hood to optimize warmth. Will be worn as outermost layer in dry conditions. Synthetic is recommended because it is cheaper, more breathable, dries faster and insulates when wet. |
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 |
6-12 |
Underwear |
Comfortable underwear for physical activities (synthetic or wool). Cotton underwear is recommended for sleeping (bring at least one pair). |
2-3 |
Shorts |
Athletic shorts that wick moisture and dry quickly. |
2 |
Hiking Pants |
Synthetic medium weight, loose fitting pant; These will be your most used pants. |
1 |
Long Underwear Bottoms |
Synthetic or wool light to mid weight long underwear bottoms. Important base layer, provides warmth and wicks sweat. |
1 |
Medium Weight Fleece Pants |
These pants are useful in the backcountry. For keeping warm at camp on cool days and evenings, great for layering. |
1 |
Rain Pants |
Should be waterproof, not water resistant. Should be loosefitting 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 |
2-4 |
Thick Hiking Socks |
Important for very cold days, sleeping, and being at camp. Make sure new boots are fitted with the thickest socks |
1 |
Neoprene Socks |
This will be for keeping your feet warm while canoeing and rafting to help protect against cold water injuries. If your feet get cold easy you will want these. |
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. Leather boots are NOT recommended for this course. |
1 |
Camp Shoes |
Comfortable shoe to wear around camp, should be lightweight, crocs are a great option (no flip flops). |
1 |
River Shoes |
Must be secure with sturdy sole and heel strap (no crocs or flip flops) and comfortable for short hikes. Chacos, Tevas and old sneakers are all excellent. |
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. Important to protect from cracked lips. |
1 |
Moisturizing Lotion |
Important for desert conditions, even if you don't usually have dry skin! 4-6 Oz. per week |
1 |
Toothbrush & Toothpaste |
Travel Size toothpaste can help save room and weight in a backpack. No electric toothbrushes. |
|
Menstrual Products |
Choose the method you are most familiar with and bring extra supplies. Many instructors and students who menstruate have had success with Menstrual Cups, if you've never used one, we recommend trying it before the course. If bringing a menstrual cup, make sure to bring appropriate sanitation supplies. In our experience, pads are more difficult than tampons in a river environment but can be managed. It's also worth noting that all waste is carried out, so bringing low-waste options (like non-applicator tampons) should be considered. |
1 |
Towel |
For drying off in the backcountry +/or possible campground showers. This could be a hand towel or a small pack towel. |
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. |
0-3 |
Bandana |
If you menstruate one will be used as a pee rag. Bandanas can also be helpful around camp for general use and extra sun protection. |
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 |
Hard sided water bottles that can hold at least 32 OZ. each. Must bring TWO, this is one of the most essential items! |
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
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 space available in your backpack or dry bag).
Quantity | Item | Description |
1 Pack | Wet Wipes | Unscented. All items must be packed out. |
1 | Belt | Easily adjustable synthetic belt. Something that will fit smoothly under your backpack hip belt. Check to see if any of your bottom layers require a belt. |
1 | Portable Chair | Crazy Creek and REI are popular brands. Must be lightweight and packable/rollable. No chairs with legs can be brought. |
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 | Hydration Bladder | You may being a hydration bladder as long as you bring a hard sided wide-mouthed, 32 oz water bottle. Do not bring on river courses. |
1 | Bug shirt | Good options are usually mesh with a hood for protection from bugs. **CHECK WITH COURSE ADVISOR ABOUT COURSE CONDITIONS**. |
1 | Neoprene Socks | This will be for keeping your feet warm while canoeing and rafting to help protect against cold water injuries. If your feet get cold easy you will want these. |
1 | Insect Repellent | Must be a cream or lotion. 2-4 oz., plastic container. Products with Picaridan or DEET (10 - 35%) are most effective. Ask Course Advisor about bug conditions. |
Items not Allowed on Course:
Weather During Your Course:
Expect temperatures between 60°F -100°F during the day and 35°F -50°F at night. Weather in unpredictable in the desert, which is why it is essential to pack everything on the required gear list. Please check the weather prior to your course for Moab, Utah at www.weather.com to have an idea of what to expect. Once you arrive at course start, your instructors will update you on current weather patterns and advise you on what clothing will be appropriate. Pro tip: bringing light-colored clothing is a great way to stay cooler!