Heading out on one of our volunteer trips?

Check out the suggested packing list below.

GBCA will provide:

Breakfast, dinner, and cooking equipment.

Group water filter, as well as dishwashing equipment.

The trip leader will also carry bear spray, InReach, and a first aid kit with them at all times.

Before leaving the trailhead, trip leaders will assess trip participant gear and leave redundant gear at the trail head. Items like water filters, sunscreen, trowels, bug spray, and camp stoves can be shared.

Clothing

Avoid cotton clothes as they hold onto moisture. Cotton is a great breathable material when it’s dry, but once it’s wet it’s going to stay that way. If possible, bring quick drying, synthetic layers to wear during the work day.

Wool is also a good alternative to cotton, as it retains heat even when wet. Packing warm clothes in July or August might sound crazy, but the weather in the mountains can be unpredictable and nights are often chilly.

Toiletries

It’s important to bring supplies that will make you comfortable when using the bathroom outside…but it’s even more important to mitigate the impact our waste has! Having a well made toilet kit helps us do that. If you bring toilet paper or wet wipes out with you, bring a small Ziplock bag to pack out used material.

Periods in the backcountry can be daunting, but with a little prior planning they’re easy to manage! Here’s a great guide from our friends at Leave No Trace on how to manage periods when camping: LNT Period Guide

This checklist is meant to be a general guide, not comprehensive list. Everyone packs differently, and you know yourself best! If you run cold, throw a beanie or a pair of gloves in your pack. If you sweat a lot, you might want to change your socks more frequently than the person next to you. If you’re going out for 1 night vs 5, you’ll need more things!

If you are missing any of the suggested gear, reach out and see if we have any extras! Gear rentals are also available at the University of Montana Campus Recreation Department, REI, and The Trail Head downtown location.

Still have questions? Drop us a line below or at volunteer@greatburn.org!