Camp Wojtyla Back Country Gear List
Item
Upper Body Layers
Qty
Recommended Minimum
We layer our clothing, combining different garments to achieve optimum insulation and
protection from wind, rain and snow. We use either synthetic or wool fibers, which insulate
when wet. We avoid cotton, which is poor insulation when wet. Up in the mountains of
Colorado, it's common to need 3 insulating layers and a vest.
The list below is all of what your son or daughter will need to be comfortable and
prepared in the backcountry. Please do not feel that you need to buy all of these
things if you do not have them already. Consider borrowing from a friend or
renting some of the items (see last page). We may even have something in our
donated gear room that could fill a need-call us.
Our advice? Bring the sweaters, fleece jackets and other layers you think might work. We'll advise you on
the best combination for your course. You may not use all of the items listed on your course, it depends on
weather and other extenuating circumstances.
1 or 2
Mid-weight, Synthetic for example Under Armor
T-Shirt
3
A cotton or lightweight polyester/Capilene Tshirt.
Middle Layer
1
Outer Layer
1
Polyester fleece pullover/expedition weight top of Polartec® 100 or 200, fiberfill jacket or
a wool sweater
You may have one jacket that meets all of these three categories or be sure to bring the
winter shell and a rainproof shell. See below for all 3 parts of an approved Outer layer
(Synthetic Jacket) Synthetic full-length zip fiberfill jacket. If you have many warm layers, a
down vest will work fine.
A lightweight, breathable, durable nylon wind shell in either pullover or parka style.
Lightweight nylon exercise jackets usually are not sturdy enough.
Base Layer

Winter Jacket

Wind Shirt/
Anorak

Rain Parka/
Poncho
Lower Body Layers
Base Layer
Middle Layer

Wind/Rain
Pants

Nylon Shorts
and briefs for
boys
Sports Bras for
girls

Head, Neck and
Hand Layers
1 or 2
1
1
2 shorts,
5-7
briefs
A sturdy, roomy waterproof jacket with a hood.
Both coated nylon and breathable fabrics such as
Gore-Tex® are acceptable.
You will need 1-2 synthetic insulating layers (usually an under layer and in early summer, a
pair of fleece pants). All must fit comfortably over each other so that they can be worn at
the same time.
Our advice? Bring the synthetic or wool long johns, fleece or exercise pants you think might work. We'll
advise you on the best combination.
Mid-weight Synthetic bottoms of high performance polyester, polypropylene, ZeO2 or
Capilene®. If you want to bring a second pair, please feel free to bring them.
Cotton and cotton blends are not acceptable.
Expedition-weight bottoms that fit comfortably
over the under layer bottoms. Fleece Pants Polartec® 200 or equivalent. Side zippers (full
length, or knee high)
These should fit comfortably over all lower-body layers. Side-zippers allow the pants to be
put on over boots. Breathable fabrics such as Gore-Tex are acceptable, but lightweight
"running pants" are NOT durable enough. If you own Gore-Tex bibs, we recommend that
you bring them. Also REI sells a great pair of Marmot rain pants
Loose-fitting nylon athletic shorts. For underwear, silk or synthetic is advised.
Women should use what's comfortable, but avoid cotton if possible.
Our advice? As long as they're not cotton, bring your gloves and mittens. We'll check them and see if they'll
work.
Camp Wojtyla Back Country Gear List
Baseball Cap or Wide
Brim Sun Hat
1
Balaclava Optional
To protect ears and face from the sun.
Balaclavas are full head and neck coverings that have an opening for the face.
They are usually made out of Polartec® 100 or 200 fleece. If we are having an unusually
cold summer, this may be nice, but most likely a hat will be fine.
A warm hat made of wool or fleece.
Wool or Fleece Hat
1
Gloves or Mittens
Mitten Shells
Backpack
1
1
Ragg wool or synthetic (fleece). Water-repellent nylon or Gore-Tex® shells that fit over
your mittens or gloves. They may be together or separate.
4000 to 6500 cubic inches.
Lash Straps
2
We use these to lash gear/sleeping pad to a pack; recommend at least 24" long.
Small Stuff Sacks
2
1
Small nylon or mesh sacks for organizing items in your pack.
Synthetic–filled bags (Quallofil®, Hollofil®,Polarguard®, etc.) perform well.
MINIMUM Rated to 15° F
Summit/Compression
stuff Sack
1
For your sleeping bag
Plastic Trash Bags
2
Sleeping Pad
1
Heavy-duty lawn and garden bags (33 gallon) to help waterproof your sleeping bag and
backpack
Should be closed-cell foam and 3/8" thick. Used for padding and insulation between
sleeping bag and ground. We have heavier form pads available for use, but if you have
one of the above mentioned pads, they are lighter and preferred.
Our Advice? We highly recommend and sell self-inflating sleeping mat as one of your pads. Thermarest
and Insulmat are great brands.
Our advice? Your boots will be a critical piece of gear. If they're not sturdy, don't provide enough support
or don't fit properly with at least a liner and a wool sock, we won't let you use them. If you have any doubts
about boots, feel free to give us a call.
Sturdy leather heavy backpacking or light mountaineering boots with good ankle support.
RECOMMENDED BOOTS
Medium-weight, off-trail backpacking/light mountaineering boots work best. This type of
backpacking boot is constructed with a full grain leather upper and typically has a Vibram®
rubber sole. Some models utilize an injection molded, composite rubber sole with a randed
welt to bond the leather upper to the sole. Both types of sole are acceptable. These boots
are designed for extended backpacking, provide good support for off-trail hiking with
heavy packs, and usually require less break in time than heavyweight mountaineering boots.
The following list is not exhaustive and is to be used for suggestions only. The boots listed
here should help define what boots are acceptable for your course. It is fine to substitute a
similar boot for one of the types listed here provided the boot that you bring is a good
quality leather model designed for extended backpacking expeditions with heavy packs.
EXAMPLES OF RECOMMENDED BOOTS**
Asolo: TPS 520 GV, TPS 535
Lowa: Tahoe GTX, Tibet GTX, Banff
Garmont: Dakota, Expedition, Montana
La Sportiva: Latok Trk, Thunder GTX
Montrail: Blue Ridge, Torre, Traverse
Raichle: Mt. Peak, Mt. Trail
Scarpa: Delta M3, SL M3
Technica: Galaad NB, Galaad, SD GTX
Vasque: Chinook, Breeze XCR Hiking, Switchback, Switchback GTX, Zephyer II, Clarion
GTX Sundowner GTX, Wasatch
Sleeping Bag
Footwear
Boots
1
Camp Wojtyla Back Country Gear List
GTX, Summit GTX
Oboz: Wind River.el.10 2/4/10
Socks
Liner Socks (optional)
3
3
Wool Purchase 4-6 Heavy ragg wool or heavy wool/polypropylene blend.
Light weight wool, polypropylene or Capilene® "wick dry" socks.
Camp Shoes
Miscellaneous Items
1
Running, tennis, or cross-training athletic shoes.
Backpacking cup or
mug
Bowl
Spoon/Fork combo
1
12 to 20 oz. insulated mugs with lids or a lightweight titanium cup
1
1
Water Bottle/
Hydration/Dromedary
2
With a snap-on lid is also handy, such as a Tupperware bowl or disposable Rubbermaide.
Simply bringing a set from your kitchen at home is great, but check with Mom and Dad
first. Lexan is light, durable and popular but not necessary.
Wide mouth quart or liter size plastic bottle, such as a Nalgene. A Camelback or Platypus
is fine.
Lip Balm
1
Sunscreen
Bandannas
Sunglasses
1
2
1
Glasses And Contact
Lenses
Stick, cream, or tube type moisturizing balm with sun protection factor (SPF) 15 or
Greater.
3 to 6 ounce tube with sun protection factor (SPF) 15 or greater
A few of these are always handy.
Lenses should block 100% ultraviolet and95% infrared light.
If you wear contacts bring an extra set and your solutions. If you wear glasses, please
bring a string that will connect them and prevent them from falling off.
Head Lamp
1
Durable and lightweight. Please bring spare batteries.
Batteries
Insect Repellent
1
Bring two sets batteries for all devices such as head lamps.
Creams only, NO aerosol spray cans.
Baby Wipes
2
Toothbrush, toothpaste, comb, brush, skin lotion, tampons, shampoo, soap, razor,
Travel or trial sizes are enough.
Travel size packs
Watch
Notepad And Pencil
1
1
A watch with an alarm is a nice feature.
A small, lightweight pad is fine.
Whistle
Rosary
Small Bible
1
1
1
Toilet Articles
Optional
Gaiters
Mosquito Head net
Binoculars
Compass
Camp Chair
Candles
GROUP EQUIPMENT
1
1
1
1
1
1
Knee high, durable.
A light nylon headnet that fits over your hat.
Chairs such as Crazy Creek are nice to have for base camp settings.
Plumbers candles
Camp Wojtyla Back Country Gear List
All items listed below are provided and shared among all group members. Group equipment is included as part of the course
tuition. However, students will be charged for any lost or damaged group equipment.
Tents & Shelters
Maps & Compass
Equipment Repair Kits
Water Filtration Systems
First Aid Kits
Cooking Gear
Camp Stoves and Fuel
Reference Books
Bear Resistant food containers
ITEMS AVAILABLE FOR RENT FROM
Please let us know at least two weeks prior to the first day of your scheduled program.




Backpacks $ 10/ first day, $ 5 after day one
Sleeping bags $12/ first day, $6 after day one
Sleeping pads $3/ day
Trekking Poles $ 10/ day