Packing List

You are allowed two bags, your main bag with stuff in it and your day pack.

If you need suggestions on where to find relatively cheap but good daypacks, let us know! Here's a good place to start. I recommend anything with a waist strap and thick shoulder straps that are highly adjustable, with a single main pouch and padded/vented back contact.

Facebook Marketplace is also a great place to look.

Everything on this list is NON NEGOTIABLE unless it is under the "Optional/Accessories" list. If you cannot afford anything on this list/do not want to spend money on something you won't use again, please let me know! We can figure something out.

Geology supplies:

1. Rite in the Rain field book (at least 2) - Make sure to get a big enough book: ~4 5/8” x 7 ¼”.  We recommend the 540F.

2. Colored Pencils - A 24 pencil set. 

3. Pencil Sharpener

4. Ruler x 3 – the little red transparent kind with a protractor on it! Also with the metric grid.

5. Protractor (see above) - and set squares for drafting (2 of them is good).

6. Hand lens – 10x

7. Mechanical Pencils –  AT least three, must be .5mm, none of this .7 nonsense. Extra Lead.

8. Eraser – a good one or three. - I have some extras to share

9. Micron pens – 01 tip size (.25 mm) and 05 tip size BLACK. You will need at least 3 of each of these, they bust.

10. Map Board – You can make one if you like with two pieces of Plexiglas and some duct tape. We will hold a map-board making session and the materials will be provided by the department.

11. Rock hammer – A normal pick will work fine, the 10” 12 oz chisel head is not recommended. 

12. Field bag – small day pack with room for your field equipment and a minimum 2-3L of water

13. Field Clothing:

    • Rain Jacket / Shell – Make sure it is actually water-proof. If it is raining, we will be outside. Often called a "shell" - thick, light weight, and good for wind is best - especially for alpine summits

    • Rain pants – You may not need these in NM / S Colorado - but doesn't hurt to have.

    • Field pants x 2 – The temperature will vary between 40-90 degrees. You might want a warmer pair and a lighter pair, OR a lighter pair and a pair of long underwear (you only get one bag). 

    • Solid field shoes – hiking shoes are fine, if you have weak ankles you might want boots. NO TENNIS SHOES AT ALL.

    • One extra pair of shoe laces

    • Field Hat – It is sunny.

    • Hat for cold - It can get cold.

14. Long sleeve field shirt x 2 – loose fitting, light color, probably best to stay away from cotton.

15. Sun screen – get 100000 spf, you will be in the sun for five weeks straight. 

16. Acid bottle with HCl - IT IS YOUR RESPONSIBILITY TO GET THIS DONE - We will have ONE filling session in Rankin when we make map boards.

17. OPTIONAL: Camelbak or Nalgene bottles

18. OPTIONAL: Binoculars aka Swiss Rock Hammer.

Camping Supplies:

Somedays we will be getting up and going within 30 minutes (breakfast included). Please bring efficient gear.

1. Tent or tent buddy

2. Sleeping pad

3. Sleeping bag

4. Eating supplies (bowl, utensils, napkin/rag) - good to have mesh bag to put it in to dry it out

5. Reusable container for packing lunch

6. Medium reusable storage container

7. Headlamp

Personal Items:

Please remember: You will be limited to one bag, one backpack. We'll have opportunities to do some laundry but ensure that you have about 1-week worth of clothing. You can probably get by with just a couple of overshirts/pants each day, but will want plenty of underclothing.

8. One week’s worth of socks, underwear, shirts. - Good, wool socks are recommended (smart wool, darn tough, etc.).

9. One pair of non-field pants

10. One pair of shorts

11. One warm piece of outer wear – fleece/jacket/extremely compressible jacket.

12. One Sweater/sweatshirt.

13. One pair of non-field shoes.

14. One towel

15. Soap/shampoo/ toiletries/shower shoes with something to put it all in.

16. Laptop computer/tablet

Optional/Accessories:

1. Ear plugs - recommended if you struggle sleeping - sometimes at camp people make noise at night

2. Hat/Gloves (will be camping in cold spots)

3. Medication – MAKE SURE YOU GET PRESCRIPTIONS FILLED FOR THE WHOLE TIME YOU ARE THERE.

4. If you need Pseudophedrine, Ibuprofen, Aspirin, etc., you will need to provide it for yourself.

5. Electrolyte powder - it is dry and you will get dehydrated faster than in Boone

6. Bathing suit – you will get an opportunity to swim at most of our campsites and on other excursions

7. Laundry bag