WHAT TO BRING ON A WILDERNESS PACK TRIP
Bob Marshall Wilderness Outfitters practices Leave No Trace methods while in the wilderness. We have built a very comfortable, compact and light camp. We do this in an effort to use less stock and lessen the impacts of man in the wilderness, something we feel is important for all wilderness users. That is why we ask each person to limit the weight of what they bring to no more than 35 pounds per person.
Below is a list of suggested items to bring to make your trip as comfortable and enjoyable as possible.
Temperatures generally range between 85 degrees during the day to 30 degrees at night. As you pack think about layering your clothing.
Please avoid fragile objects and glass. Glass is a heavy material and can also break easily.
SLEEPING EQUIPMENT:
- Sleeping cots are provided
- Sleeping bag – rated to at least 20 degrees, wt. 3-5 pounds
- Sleeping pad:self-inflating sleeping pads are best i.e. Therm-a-Rest.
- Optional: Sleeping bag liner if you feel you may need added warmth.
FOOTWEAR:
- Riding boots with a 1 inch heel, such as the newer riding boots or traditional cowboy boots, please avoid vibram type soles for riding boots as these have a tendency to stick in the stirrups making it harder to dismount.
- If boots are not waterproof, overshoes are suggested or water proof with a product such as Obenauf’s.
- We suggest and prefer a pair of smooth soled shoes for camp to decrease impacts on the ground as you walk around camp. Rough soled shoes have a tendency to dig into the ground causing larger impacts on the resource – a perfect example is moccasins.
CLOTHING SUGGESTIONS:
- Broad brimmed hat; helps to keep you cool in the sun
- Cotton &/or Wool Socks
- Underwear
- Warm Sleeping Clothes (long underwear works well)
- Warm Jacket, Wool Sweater or a Down Vest for the cooler evenings
- Rain Gear, should be durable and lightweight (this gear will be kept with you at all times and tied on the back of your saddle, the weight of this gear is not counted in the 35 pound weight limit).
- Shirts – a variety of long sleeve, short sleeve and/or sleeveless. We suggest riding in a lightweight long sleeved shirt to decrease sunburn and also for protection against scrapes and scratches from the brush and trees.
- Jean or other durable pants – total of 2 – wear a pair, pack a pair – a 3rd pair if your bag weight allows or for trips longer than 7 days.
- Shorts – are nice to wear in camp, 1 pair should be sufficient.
- Optional: Soft Leather Gloves for riding
- Optional: Swim Suit, for either cooling off in a creek after a day’s ride or taking a shower.
- Optional: A Neckerchief or two.
- Optional: The nights can be very cool, some folks find light weight gloves and a stocking hat to sleep in are helpful to keep warm.
PERSONAL ITEM SUGGESTIONS:
- A Bath Towel or 2 and Washcloth
- Water Bottle
- Sunscreen
- Sun Glasses
- Toothbrush & Paste
- Skin lotion
- Lip Balm with SPF
- Camera
- Prescription Medicines
- Environmentally Safe/Biodegradable Shampoo – an environmentally friendly homemade shampoo – mix 1/4 – 1/3 Castile soap and 3/4 – 2/3 water in a plastic bottle – (this also makes for a good body wash as well) – use a small amount of conditioner if needed.
- Environmentally Safe Soap, i.e. Castile
- Insect Repellent
- Hair Brush/Comb
- Head Lamp or Flashlight
- Extra Batteries
- Hand warmers are good to warm your feet on a cool night
- Day pack or fanny pack if day hikes are planned
- Bear pepper spray, such as Counter Assault
Bring unscented items when possible, sweet scents and smells attract bugs and bears.
PACKING SUGGESTIONS:
Be sure to pack your belongings in a durable duffle bag – remember 35 pounds per person.
- Since we practice Leave No Trace and try to limit our impacts on the wilderness resource we take the fewest number of pack animals needed. Therefore, we request that you try to limit your personal items, clothing, sleeping bag and sleeping pad to a maximum of 35 pounds. This allows us to put 4 guests duffle to one pack animal, a total of 140 pounds, 70 pounds per side. This is a comfortable load for a pack mule to haul without stress.
- The best way to pack your gear is to use – Two Medium sized duffle bags, one for your clothing and personal gear. Pack clothing in small plastic bags to keep them separated and double your protection in case of moisture. A Second duffle bag could be used to hold your sleeping bag and mattress Or leave these items loose with your name on them. Whether in a duffle or loose your sleeping bag should be packed in a plastic bag to reduce the chance of it absorbing moisture. It is also better to pack in smaller duffels than using one large one. This allows more flexibility when we are matching the weight for the mantied loads.
- Lunch is provided on day one and will be given to you at the trail head prior to departure. Your lunch will be packed in a small bag which will be reused throughout the trip.
- Items that should be with you while riding are, but not limited to; a water bottle, sunscreen, lip balm, sunglasses, Kleenex, camera, binoculars and gloves. These items can be stored in your saddle bags or if you prefer a pommel bag (a bag over the saddle horn) one will be furnished upon request. When not being worn rain gear and/or a jacket will be tied to the back of your saddle for added convenience and accessible if needed for inclement weather. The weight of these items that are with you as you ride, do not count against the 35 pound weight limit, however, we will monitor how much gear you are putting on your horse to keep with you as to not over load the animal.
- Snacks are provided so please limit the amount of personal snacks you bring. Your snacks will need to be brought to the kitchen every evening to be placed in a bear resistant container and out of your tent.
- Pack your toiletries in a separate bag to be stored out of your tent in a bear resistant container overnight.
- Bring any small items not included on this list as you might desire, just be conscious of the weight they might add and also think about, “do I really need this?”
- Cocktails/wine in camp is permitted—but not provided. Those who want to bring cocktails/wine please transfer the contents to a flask or plastic container with a tight seal. Glass adds extra weight and can also break. (we have one quart plastic containers that, upon request, are loaned just for this purpose, you may use as many as you need). Beer is not recommended because of the volume of space it requires in packing.
- Fishing gear counts towards your 35 pound weight limit.
- NO FIREARMS OR PORTABLE RADIOS.
WE WANT YOU TO ENJOY THE TRIP. PLEASE CALL IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS AS YOU ARE PUTTING YOUR GEAR TOGETHER.
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Many guests ask about the policy of tipping our staff. This is strictly up to you. Our crew receives a wage, however, if you feel they have done a top‑notch job and you want to tip that is fine. Their job is seasonal work and every unexpected bonus is a big help. We know they will appreciate it!
