Gear!
It will Make or Break your experiance!
Here is a list of gear that will be needed to be safe and happy on the various field trips of the Grand Canyon Semester. Depending on the various field excursions, you may be told to bring additional, more expendable items, but below is the basic gear needed for the entire semester.
For the river trip, we will be on the river during October, weather can be beautiful and warm or rainy and cold; most likely we will see all types. It will be very important to stay warm, we will be running wild rapids and getting wet and in the evening the temperature will drop. Bring layers, fleece is great and long underwear is a must.
Note: More gear if required for the river trip portion of the semester Click here to see a condensed version of the recomened equipment.
REQUIRED for GLG 303 and PRM 499
Sleeping Bag with stuff or compression sack (warm to 15-20 °F)
Sleeping Pad (Thermarest or Foam-Type)
4 1-liter water bottles (Nalgene bottles, equivalent capacity hydration systems).
Rain Gear (Jacket & Pants) for the river trip it is helpful if they pull tight at both the ankle and wrists
Hiking Boots (See Boot Notes below)
2-3 pairs of wool/synthetic socks for hiking (Not Cotton) and for sun protection on the river trip
1 pair of lightweight long pants for sun/wind (Lightweight Cotton is OK; NOT Denim or Hemp) quick drying material is best for the river trip
1 long sleeved lightweight shirt for sun/wind (Cotton is OK) quick drying material is best for the river trip
1-2 t-shirts or short sleeved button for hiking (Cotton is OK)
1 wool sweater or better yet, fleece for warmth (NOT Cotton); fleece pants for the evenings is very nice to have
_ Long underwear top and bottom for layering on the river trip
Gloves, wool or fleece is best
Camp shoes or Teva/Chaco style river sandals
Flashlight or Headlamp with extra batteries & bulb
1 small dish/bowl/plastic container (for eating)
1 drinking cup/mug preferably with a top and handle
Fork and/or spoon
Personal first aid kit (bandaids, personal medications, headache medication, allergy medication, Tums, etc.)
1-2 packages of Mole Skin or Second Skin
1 hat with a brim (for sun protection) a warm knit cap for the evenings on the river will make all the difference!
Tent (lightweight, bug proof, with a rain fly)[share with someone is up to you; can be rented at NAU]
____ Day pack
Field note book (there is a specific type for the Geology class – obtain at NAU after first class)
WOMEN: Tampons or Sanitary Napkins (2-3 baggies or ziplocks for disposal)
OPTIONAL: (These items are nice to have, but you can go without them)
1-2 pairs shorts (Lighter can be better, quick dry can be very nice - Cotton is acceptable, but takes a long time to dry - NOT Denim) pants with zipper legs work well
Personal hygiene kit (toothbrush, toothpaste, hairbrush, lotion, insect repellent, lip balm, foot powder, “wet ones”, etc.)
Sunglasses
Sunscreen
Insect repellant
1 stuff sack for clothing
Lightweight socks for camp shoes
2-3 pairs of liner socks (if you want them)
1 or 2 bandannas
Outdoor chair, foldable or similar style
1 small sewing kit (needle, thread, safety pin, etc.)
Camera, film/disc, and extra batteries
Binoculars
Large external or internal backpack (minimum of 5000 cubic inch capacity; can be rented at NAU)
Lightweight, white gas, backpacking stove
2 white gas fuel bottles
Large stuff sack for food
Hiking pole
BOOT NOTES
Boots are the single most important and expensive item that you may need to purchase for the backcountry portion of the Grand Canyon Semester field trips. It is essential that you get the appropriate boot with a proper fit. Keep the following items in mind with regard to your boots:
- Hiking shoes are inappropriate for this course; YOU WILL NEED A BOOT WITH ANKLE SUPPORT.
- You will be carrying between 40-45 pounds of equipment/food/water on some trips. You will need a medium to heavy duty boot with a fairly stiff sole. Protect your ankles - wear a good boot.
- You may want to wear 2 pairs of socks with your boots, such as a wool sock and a liner or 2 wool socks. Fit your boots with the socks you will be wearing while hiking.
- Your boots must fit properly, make sure there is enough toe room for downhill hiking! Wear your boots around the house for a while to make sure they are comfortable and to break them in.
- Boot toes and uppers should be solid enough to afford protection against rocks, stones, and cactus spines.
