1. READ YOUR PACKING LIST THOROUGHLY, IDENTIFY WHAT YOU HAVE

   Look through your packing list to determine what is required and what is optional. Carefully read over what you need and collect the gear you already have! Check the Glossary/ Explanation of Items if you’re not sure what something is.

    

2. ASK FRIENDS/FAMILY/NEIGHBORS TO BORROW WHAT YOU DON'T

   Before you buy lots of new camping gear, ASK friends, neighbors, relatives, classmates, etc. if you can borrow their equipment.  You do not need new equipment -- older gear is totally fine as long as it works properly!

    

3. BUY WHAT YOU ARE ABLE

   Now that you have identified what you have, what you can borrow, and what you still need – it's time to purchase those remaining items on your packing list. 
   Good suggestions for deal-hunting include:
   - Used/consignment gear stores: local gear shops, thrift stores, military surplus stores, etc. Used gear is great!!
   - REI Outlet/REI Garage Sale offers deals on last year’s products and gently used items. You don’t need the latest’n’greatest gear for Trips!
   - Sierra Trading Post: good gear at discounted prices
   - Backcountry.com: check the “Sale” tab

    

4. BORROW FROM FIRST-YEAR TRIPS

   If you are unable to find or purchase the gear you need for your trip, we have a limited supply of gear, which you can request to borrow, free of charge. You can request gear by filling out the gear request form, which we will email you when you are assigned your trip type. We will do our best to meet everyone’s needs, but priority will go to students who complete the form by the deadline. We will do our best to accommodate requests for equipment, but encourage you to explore your options BEFORE requesting to borrow from us. 

To learn more about what each piece of gear is and does, or if you have the right thing, see the glossary!

In general, we encourage you not to go buy a bunch of new expensive things. You probably don’t need anything new, fancy, or costly. While you can buy a new pair of hiking boots or the latest headlamp that will light up an entire forest, in most cases, any sturdy pair of running shoes or a household flashlight will do. Think about what you have that might serve the function. Again, any questions you have feel free to email or call us!

You are responsible for the items on your individual packing list. First-Year Trips does have a limited amount of sleeping bags, backpacks, hiking boots, and headlamps to borrow (but if you can acquire these things elsewhere please do!)

Other items not on your packing list that are necessary for comfort, safety, and any specific activity will be provided on Trips, including:

• All food, and the equipment on which to cook it
• All first-aid and safety equipment
• All shelter and tarp equipment
• Any technical gear specific to your trip type
  • e.g., rock climbing gear, mountain bikes, helmets, kayaks, canoes, paddles, or fishing equipment/licenses 

While we encourage you to bring the things on Trips that make you feel comfortable and that you think you might need, here are some guidelines of what not to bring:

Absolutely Not Allowed

We ask that you kindly not bring these. If you do bring them on Trips, we will discard them.

• Firearms or weapons of any kind
• Alcoholic beverages, nicotine, or other non-medical drugs.
• Food containing nuts

Highly Encouraged to Leave Behind

These are items which, while not absolutely forbidden, we think will make a better experience if they’re left in your residence halls while on Trips, and we ask that you do not bring them. These requests are designed to help you further engage with and be respectful towards the experiences and people on your trip. If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to us.

• Cell phones and other electronics
  • While on Trips, we encourage you to be engaged in the moment. Cell phones negatively impact the experience of the trip, both for you and the other people on your trip. Beyond this, most trips will not have access to cell phone service, wifi, or electricity to charge devices. If you do bring your cell phone, you will be expected to keep it in your bag and not use it except to take photos.
  • If you use electronics to address a specific medical or mental health need, please reach out to us! We’ll be happy to talk through what might be the best way to do this on Trips.
  • In the event of an emergency, your Trip Leaders will have access to cell phones or other communication devices.
• Private food or snacks
  • While on Trips, we will provide all of the food you need and ensure that it specifically meets the allergies and dietary needs of you and others on your trip. Lots of food is shared on Trips, so for the safety of everyone, we ask that you not bring outside food on your trip.
  • If you need to have a small supply of personal food for a medical or other need, please reach out to us.
• Valuables
  • It is easy to lose things on Trips – we encourage you to leave anything at home you wouldn’t want to lose. Most trips are in the backcountry, and will not have the opportunity to spend any money.