Montana Packing List

(CLICK HERE FOR A PRINTABLE PDF OF THE GEAR LIST) 

GEAR TIPS

Backpacks
SIZE: 60-80 liters (smaller students can use a 55 liter pack)
MEASURE: Torso before buying (How to Measure Torso Video) 
Backpack Guide from Sierra Trading Post (useful!)

MUST HAVE:
•Hip Belt
•External H20 Pockets
•Ability to Tie Stuff on Outside
•Adjustable Torso

GREAT BRANDS: Osprey, Mountainsmith, Black Diamond, Gregory, Arcteryx

Rain Gear
•GoreTex Shells (lasts much longer, can be re-waterproofed)
•Waterproof
•Breathable (we recommend "pit-zips")

GREAT BRANDS: Outdoor Research, Gore, Polartec, Mountain Hardware

Sleeping Bags
•Warm, Light, Compact
•20 Degrees or Lower Rating
•Must Have Waterproof Compression Sack (Size Med. should work for most bags, but you can check by putting your sleeping bag in the sack) 
•Mummy Bags required
•Look for bags that are around 3 lbs

Sleeping Pads
•Self-inflating (example) or Closed Cell Foam (example)
•Check Weight (lighter is better)
•There are Gender Specific Pads (not necessary, but can be nice)
•Thermarest is Best   

Note: A sleeping pad is what keeps your body warm, as the cold ground is responsible for sucking away your body heat. It is important to get a sleeping pad that can pack very small, but will also be warm. 

CLOTHING

☐ 1-2 Pair Quick-dry Hiking Pants (no cotton, no jeans, one pair can be non-cotton yoga)

☐ 1 Pair of Sweat or Fleece Pants for around camp (optional)

☐ 1 Pair Shorts (board shorts are great!)

☐ 1 Fleece Top (medium weight)

☐ 1 Long Underwear Bottoms (polypropylene or wool)

☐ 1 Long Underwear Top (polypropylene or wool)

☐ 2 Long sleeve shirt (1 lightweight button-down for sun/bug protection; 1 base layer-Smart Wool, etc.)

☐ 3 non-cotton T-shirts or tank-tops  (1 will be for bear clothes)

☐ Rain Jacket and High Quality Poncho

☐ Rain Pants

☐ 6 Pairs Socks (crew cut or mid-calf ; non-cotton)

☐ 10-12 Pairs Underwear/Boxers (optional; recommended: quick-dry underwear: example)

☐ Swimming suit/trunks (can count as one pair shorts)

☐ Belt (if needed)

☐ Hiking Boots (or running shoes with good tread) 

☐ Slippers for Around Camp

☐ Winter Beanie

☐ Gloves (small non-cotton gloves, not large ski gloves)

☐ Neck Buff

☐ Baseball Cap (or other sun cap)

☐ Camp Towel (small quick dry towel, click here for example)

☐ Mumu or similar long, ankle-length dress (for those who identify as girls)

EQUIPMENT

☐ Backpack (must have waist belt, 60-80 Liters; 55 liters for those under 115 lbs)

☐ Small Daypack (for plane & front country portion of trip)

☐ Sleeping Bag (20 degree or below; 3 pounds or less) 

☐ Waterproof Compression Sack (for sleeping bag)

☐ Sleeping Pad (Thermarest or similar, click here for example) 

☐ Camp Pillow (click here for example)

☐ Headlamp with extra batteries

☐ Sunglasses

☐ Mess Kit & Camp Mug (Chopsticks are great! Small, light collapsible bowl: example.)

☐ Whistle (many packs have a built-in whistle)

☐ 3 Bandanas

☐ 2 Water Bottles (48 oz; Camel Backs can replace 1 bottle.)

☐ Multi-tool/Pocket Knife

☐ 4 Carabiners (examples)

☐ Wrist Watch

☐ Compass

☐ 100ft paracord

TOILETRIES

☐ Sunscreen (small travel size) & Bug/Tick Repellant (we have a mandatory brand)

☐ Chapstick (very important due to dry climate, pocket size)

☐ Comb (Unless the brush is very small, don't bring one. Packing light is the key on a backpacking trip.)

☐ Toothbrush and Toothpaste (travel size)

☐ Deodorant (natural, preferably unscented)

☐ Feminine Hygiene Products

WELLNESS KIT

☐ Hand Sanitizer

☐ 10 reusable masks

☐ Small pack of disinfectant wipes (for the plane)

☐ Vitamin C with Quercetin (enough for two weeks)

☐ Vitamin D3 (enough for two weeks)

MISCELLANEOUS (Optional)

☐ Camera  (light weight)

☐ Binoculars  (light weight)

☐ Magnifying glass  

☐ Field guides

☐ Down Jacket/Vest (highly recommended)

☐ Camp chair (highly recommended; example)

☐ Additional Toiletries, Vitamins, Medications

☐ Personal Snacks per Dietary Needs

DO NOT BRING!

These items will be provided by Wild Kids:

☐ Soap, Shampoo/Conditioner   

☐ Matches

☐ Tents

☐ Tarps

☐ Backpacking Stoves and Cooking Equipment

☐ First Aid & Safety Kit (one for each camper)

Important Note: Personal electronics are not allowed once you arrive to Montana. You are welcome to bring them for the plane ride. We will collect them upon arrival and return them on departure. Cell phones will be kept in a group bag and used only for set parent communication days.