Youth Crew Leader 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. A pair of sturdy, lace-up, comfortable, work boots that are already broken in. Hiking boots would be great too! Boots should be above the ankle. Tennis shoes are NOT acceptable. 

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

We do not allow individuals to cross creeks barefoot. A pair of old sneakers, sandals with an ankle strap, or water shoes will suffice. These can serve double duty as your camp shoes, as youth crews do not frequently cross creeks.

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.  

Must be large enough to hold most, if not all, of your gear. 55-70 L is recommended. This does not necessarily need to be a "backpacking pack;" this is to hold all of your gear in the MCC vehicle!

At least enough to carry 3L of water.

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. 

Down or synthetic bags are required. Lightweight, compact, and warm bags are best for packing. Bags rated for 15℉ - 30℉ degrees preferred.

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.

A one person tent is adequate, but a 2-3 person tent is recommended so you have a little room to spread out.

NO COTTON (Cotton holds moisture against your skin, which pulls heat away from your body). Useful for both winter and summer, as they can provide both insulation, moisture wicking, and protection against ticks. 

Even in summer, Montana gets cold. Be prepared!

 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. 

Look for something you can fit more than just a sandwich into.  Sealed, leak proof containers are really great for storing leftovers, and keeping your lunch from getting squished

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!)

For potential showering and swimming opportunities!

These can be worn around camp after the work day is done, and on your off day.

25-35 liters. It should hold your lunch, water bottles, rain gear, first aid kit, and extra layers. If you are using a backpack instead of a duffel bag, your large backpack can serve double duty as your daypack.

You will need to conserve as much phone battery as possible during Hitch so a watch or alarm clock is recommended for a timely wakeup

“Smelly” items, including toiletries and personal food must be kept in a sack or bag away from camp for camping in bear country.

Toothbrush, Toothpaste, Hand Sanitizer, Menstrual Hygiene Products, Biodegradable Soap/Shampoo, Prescription Medications

Helps keep your bag free of dirt and debris, and can provide a little extra insulation. Can be bought, or you can repurpose something like an old duvet cover.

Handy for storing or organizing items. Plus added protection to keep things dry.

You will be outside all day, every day. 

Useful for washing your face, keeping you cool, covering your head, etc. 

Very useful out in the field! Ensure that any blades on multitools can fold up, and are shorter than 3”