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Backpacking Gear List
All GU Outdoors Trips begin with a pre-trip meeting and a gear check, during which we go over trip logistics in detail. Please bring all of the items on the gear list and be prepared to unpack your bag with your trip leaders. You can print out this gear list and check items off as you go to help keep track.
This is a comprehensive gear list that includes items needed for trips in all weather and conditions. Some items may end up being left behind if they are not needed. If you have extra items that you’re unsure about, bring them and run them by your trip leaders. We’ll help you refine your kit to strike a balance of being prepared and keeping your pack light.
GU Outdoors will provide meals, tents, and cooking supplies. Any items with an* are available to rent from the Outdoors Office. Gonzaga Outdoors rents Backpacks, Sleeping Bags, Hiking Boots, and other backpacking essentials. Please sent an email to outdoors@zagmail.gonzaga.edu and let us know if you need rentals so we can meet your needs!
A Note on the Example Section: the function of the example section is to give you something to Google so you know what we’re talking about. Lots of comparable items can be found cheaply at thrift stores and second hand gear stores. We don’t want you to go out and buy lots of expensive gear, we can loan you almost everything you need for this trip!
TRAVEL EQUIPMENT (Items with a * are available for you to borrow)
ITEM | # | EXAMPLE | |
☐ | *Overnight Backpack: 60-85 litercapacity | 1 | Deuter Air Contact 70 + 10 |
☐ | *Hiking Boots: Broken in | 1 Pair | ASOLO TPS 520 GV EVO |
☐ | *Hiking Poles: fixed or adjustable (optional) | 1 Pair | Black Diamond Alpine Trekking Poles |
☐ | Water Bottle: 2 liters worth of capacity in hard sided bottles | 2 | 32 oz Nalgene Wide Mouth |
☐ | Hydration Bladder (optional) | 1 | Osprey HydraulicsReservoir 3L |
CAMP & COOK(Items with a * are available for you to borrow)
ITEM | # | RECOMMENDED | |
☐ | *Foam Sleeping Pad: closed cell foam, half length OR Inflatable Sleeping Pad: full or 3/4 length | 1 | Therm-a-Rest Z Lite Big Agnes Insulated Air Core Ultra |
☐ | *Sleeping Bag: 10-25°, down or compact synthetic | 1 | Mountain Hardwear Lamina 15 |
☐ | *Bowl: lightweight, safe for hot water | 1 | Tupperware Container |
☐ | *Spoon: metal or plastic, sporks are also cool | 1 | GSI Spoon |
☐ | Hot Drink Bottle: lightweight thermos, mug, or bottle | 1 | 16 oz Nalgene Wide Mouth |
CLOTHING ◦ TOP LAYERS(Items with a * are available for you to borrow)
ITEM | # | RECOMMENDED | |
☐ | Sports Bra: wicking, whatever's comfortable | 1 | Patagonia Active Mesh Bra |
☐ | Sun Hoodie (optional): you'll love it | 1 | OR Echo Sun Hoodie |
☐ | Long sleeve Baselayer: wool or synthetic, lightweight | 1 | Icebreaker Oasis 200 Thermal Top |
☐ | Long sleeve Midlayer: wool or synthetic, wicking fleece | 1 | Stylish Retro Thrift Store Fleece! |
☐ | *Rain Jacket: waterproof, hooded. | 1 | OR Apollo Jacket |
☐ | Insulated Jacket: down or synthetic, hooded | 1 | OR Helium Down Jacket |
☐ | Lightweight Gloves: thin liners, wicking (optional – bring if your hands get cold easily) | 1 Pair | Cheap gardening gloves from the hardware store |
☐ | Beanie: wool or synthetic, style points for a headband | 1 | OR Drye Beanie |
☐ | Hat: brimmed hat or visor | 1 | Trucker’s Hat |
☐ | Neck Gaiter (optional): sun and wind protection | 1 | OR Ubertube |
CLOTHING ◦ BOTTOM LAYERS(Items with a * are available for you to borrow)
ITEM | # | RECOMMENDED | |
☐ | Underwear: wool or synthetic, cotton for sleeping optional | 2 Pairs | |
☐ | Hiking Socks: wool or synthetic, midweight | 4 Pairs | Costco Wool Socks |
☐ | Baselayer Bottom: wool or synthetic, full-length | 1 Pair | OR Alpine Onset Bottom |
☐ | Hiking Pants: nylon | 1 Pair | OR Trailbreaker II Pants |
☐ | Fleece Pants (optional) | 1 Pair | OR Vigor Bottoms |
☐ | Camp shoes: closed toed, grippy soles | 1 Pair | Old Tennis Shoes or crocs |
OTHER THINGS(Items with a * are available for you to borrow)
ITEM | # | RECOMMENDED | |
☐ | Sun Glasses: dark, comfortable | 1 Pair | |
☐ | *Headlamp: fresh batteries, adjustable brightness | 1 | Black Diamond Spot |
☐ | Sunscreen: small tube, SPF 30+, UVA/UVB protection | 1 | Badger Sport SPF 40 |
☐ | Lip Balm: SPF 15+, moisturizing, zinc | 1 | Badger Lip Balm SPF 15 |
☐ | Toothbrush: Travel Size | 1 | Small Toothbrush |
☐ | Toothpaste: Travel Size | - | Bite 0-Waste Chewable Toothpaste |
☐ | Hand Sanitizer: small bottle, gel | 1 | Hand Sanitizer Gel |
☐ | Prescription Medication (as needed): labeled, correct quantity | - | N/A |
☐ | Corrective Eyewear (as needed): glasses or contacts | - | N/A |
☐ | Menstrual Care (as needed): menstrual cup | 1 | Moon Cup |
☐ | Pee Cloth (mandatory for those who squat to pee): cotton bandana, or antimicrobial cloth | 1 | Kula Cloth |
☐ | Large Garbage Bag: waterproof backpack liner | 2 | Hefty Industrial Bags |
☐ | Camera (optional): compact, protective case | 1 | N/A |
☐ | Notebook and Pencil (optional): waterproof paper | 1 | Rite in the Rain Stapled Notebook |
☐ | Post-Trip Care Package: cotton t-shirt, sports drink, chips | 1 | |