The following list of equipment is required for backcountry survey trips. It is vital that you consider this list carefully in order to ensure your safety in the backcountry where weather conditions can change rapidly and dramatically at any time of year. Specific recommendations for equipment types have been made in parentheses. Some items can be shared between group members.

Please note that this list has been designed for the backcountry portion of the course. You will also need ‘comfort clothing’ for classroom activities. You will be taking part in a pre-course orientation workshop that covers equipment and clothing but if you have any additional questions regarding this list, please do not hesitate to ask Chris Morgan.

The Ten (well, 11) Essentials

Every participant will need to be equipped with the 11 essentials listed below. It is good practice to become familiar with these items which are indispensable during backcountry fieldwork.

1. Map (topographic).
2. Compass (directional, Silva).
3. Sunglasses (UV) and sunscreen (SPF 15).
4. Extra food (energy bars, fruit leather for emergency use only).
5. Flashlight (Maglite) or headlamp (Petzyl).
6. Extra clothing (socks, light pants, long-sleeved shirt).
7. Basic first aid kit (gauze pad, 3” roller gauze, band aids, adhesive tape, moleskin & molefoam, antibiotic cream sachet, aspirin, chapstick, bee sting kit (if allergic)).
8. Matches (waterproof, or at least in a waterproof container) & candle.
9. Knife (Swiss Army or Leatherman tool).
10. Fire starter (e.g. small candle).
11. Water purification tablets (50 tablet bottle Potable Aqua) or water filter.

We strongly recommend participants to be equipped with the following outdoor gear. The ideal items are listed, and will ensure safety and comfort.

Clothing
(please, no cotton. Try polyester, wool or silk)

• Strong hiking boots (broken in, with ankle support).
• Socks (wool or synthetic).
• Sock liners (to help prevent blisters).
• Long underwear bottoms (polypropylene).
• Long underwear long-sleeved shirt (polypropylene).
• T-shirts (polypropylene).
• Shorts.
• Long pants & shirt (one of each – synthetic).
• Rain jacket and rain pants (preferably breathable fabric like Goretex).
• Fleece layers (two, long-sleeved).
• Gloves (one pair, fleece).
• Hat 

• Water bottle (1 or 2 plastic 1 liter bottles).
• Toilet paper (otherwise known as mountain money!).
• Signaling device (whistle and/or metal mirror).
• Survival blanket (aluminum).
• Insect repellent (with DEET).
• Cup (lightweight plastic, insulated).
• Carabiner & bear bag stuff sac to hang food high away from bears (one large). 
• Nylon cord to hang bear bag (? inch, 100 feet).
• Garbage bag (one large), Ziplocks (four).
• Back pack (3500-5000 cubic inches).
• Sleeping bag & stuff sac (3 season – caution – down bags lose their insulation properties when wet).
• Sleeping pad (Thermarest/foamy).
• Tent & ground cloth (one or two person).
• Stove (MSR), fuel bottle & fuel (22 oz).
• Cooking pots, pot gripper (2 liter, aluminum).
• Utensils (fork, spoon, plastic).
• Toiletries (toothbrush, toothpaste, etc.).
• Accessory straps (two).
• Small notebook & pencil (“Rite in the Rain” is recommended).
• Binoculars.
• Trowel (for digging catholes).

Optional:

You might like to consider bringing the optional items below – especially if you already own them.

• Pepper spray & holster (Counter Assault, 230g/12 oz) (available for purchase from Chris Morgan).
• Gaiters (OR, breathable).
• Comfortable camp shoes (Birks or Tevas).
• Camera, film & flash.
• Field guides (birds, plants, mammals).
• Biodegradable camping soap (Mountain Suds).
• Back pack rain cover.
• Waterproof map cover.
• GPS.
• Fanny pack.
• Altimeter.
• Bandana.
• Thermarest camp chair.
• Spare contacts/glasses.

2. EXAMPLE COURSE TIMETABLE

Participants, please note that this timetable is provided as an example only. You will be provided with the actual itinerary directly. 

As you know, the course is 14 days long. This 14 day period includes 8 fieldwork days, 5 classwork days and one full day off.

Here is an example breakdown of daily activities (taken from year 2000):

• Friday 21st July: Introduction day (class day #1).
• Saturday 22nd July: Day hike (field day #1).
• Sunday 23rd July: Lectures/discussion (class day #2).
• Monday 24th July/Tuesday 25th July: Overnight hike (field days #2 & #3).
• Wednesday 26th July: Lectures/discussion (class day #3).
• Thursday 27th July: Rest and restock.
• Friday 28th July/Saturday 29th July/Sunday 30th July: 2-night hike (field days #4, 5, 6)
• Monday 31st July: Lectures/discussion (class day #4).
• Tuesday 1st August: Day hike (field day #7)(may become overnight trip).
• Wednesday 2nd August: Day hike (field day #8).
• Thursday 3rd August: Lectures/discussion & exam.

For course information: 
Chris Morgan (course leader)
Tel: (360) 734 6060. 
email: courses@insightwildlife.com

For general enrollment information: 
Western Washington University (quote course # ENVR 397a): 
Tel: (360) 650 3757
Fax: (360) 650 3761
web site: www.wwu.edu/~summer