Gear List

 You’re expected to purchase brown work pants  prior to your arrival. The pants must be work style pants that are a durable material (cargo pockets/double knee okay)

• Common Brands include:
  • Carhartt
  • Dickies
  • Red Ants Pants
  • Wrangler
  • Arborwear
  • Many more
• NOT acceptable:
  • Spandex
  • Quick Dry Materials
  • Ty Die
  • Pajama Pants
  • Yoga Pants
  • Blue Jean Color
  • bibs
  • lightweight hiking pants

Your feet are one of the most important tools out there. Look for mostly leather boots that will be comfortable for you to hike in. 

Get boots early and break them in so you do not get blisters during the season! 

Take the time to find boots that fit well and will continue to protect your feet throughout the season. 

Please note that fuels/chainsaw specific crews will have specific boot requirements; please talk to your regional office for additional guidance if this applies to you!  

There are a lot of good options out there, and if you have questions about what boots to purchase or if your will be acceptable, please call our office!

Creek crossing is a common occurrence in the field. 

They are required as we do not allow individuals to cross creeks bare foot. A pair of old sneakers, sandals with an ankle strap, or water shoes will suffice. 

These can be a thrift store find!

Rain gear needs to be durable and effective.
Always make sure it’s labeled as 100% waterproof, not water resistant.
Project work will not stop because of rain.  

On average, an appropriate multiday pack should fall within the range of 55-70 liters.

Gear you may need to carry includes: a tent, sleeping bag, group gear, personal gear, and crew food.

Make sure your pack is comfortable and of solid construction.

Plan on carrying at least four liters of water for a day; more in the heat of the summer.

You can carry some of that in a hydration bladder (MSR Dromedary/Camelback/Platypus) but you should bring at least one bottle with you in case the bladder is punctured. 

Getting a good night’s rest is a crucial part of enjoying your time in the woods. 

The main thing to think about with sleeping bags is warmth and fit. 
-- If you tend to sleep warm, a 20 degree bag with the option of a liner should work for you. 
-- If you tend to sleep cold, go with a 0 degree bag. 

Make sure you find a bag the fits your height. Too much room at the bottom leaves space for cold air and not enough room leaves you cramped. 

A pad acts as a mattress for both comfort and warmth (closed cell foam type or backpacking inflatable pads).

Foam sleeping pads are light and very durable and are far more cost effective! 

Inflating sleeping pads are usually heavier and may puncture during the season.

Things to look for:
--- A one person tent is adequate, but a small two person provides a little more room to spread out. 
--- Three season tents work well. 
--- Make sure it’s adequate to keep you out of the rain, snow, or winds. 
--- Make sure it has a full rain fly.  

For our Field Crews, being able to carry your tent on a backpack could be necessary. 
 

This layer pulls moisture away from the skin.

The most important factor is that they should NOT BE COTTON! Cotton holds moisture against your skin, which pulls heat away from your body. 

Light base layers can be used in summer or winter.

You should have a couple of pairs, ideally of varying weights.

These can be a thrift store find!

The mid and heavy base layers are good to have in spring, fall, and winter. These provide you with some insulation. Fleece, wool, and synthetics are materials that will continue to provide warmth even when they are wet. You can have a couple of items for this layer—something fairly light for minimal insulation and something thicker/ warmer for maximum insulation. All layers should fit under your rain gear.  

These can be a thrift store find!

 It gets cold in the mornings even in summer!  Bring a pair other than your work gloves.  

These can be a thrift store find!

Your feet are one of your greatest tools, take care of them!

Look for synthetic or wool socks.

NO COTTON! Cotton holds moisture against your skin and can be the cause of blisters and rubs on your feet. In cold weather cotton will not keep your feet warm once they are damp. 

Tupperware simplifies eating breakfast/dinner and makes packing lunches easy. It can also prevent your lunch from getting squished. Look for something you can fit more than just a sandwich into.  Sealed, leak proof containers are really great for storing leftovers. Bring a spoon/fork too. 

These can be a thrift store find!

Finding the latrine in the middle of the night can be difficult without the use of a light. 

Headlamps start as low as $10. 

Flashlights also work. 

(Remember Batteries!)

A smaller pack adds a level of convenience that many find advantageous during their term.

The pack should be comfortable to hike and wear for long hours and is 25-35 liters. It should hold your lunch, water bottles, rain gear, first aid kit, and extra layers.

A lot of people use their larger backpack as a daypack – this option can save money and make you more versatile; if you have to choose, go for the bigger backpack!

It's your call, but highly recommended!

Suggestions: Items may vary

Pack only as much as you anticipate needing for each hitch

• Hand sanitizer
• Toothpaste or baking soda
• Toothbrush
• Biodegradable soap
• Face wipes
• Menstrual products
• Prescription medications
• Sunscreen
• Insect Repellent