Winter Ecology - Equipment List

Winter Ecology - Spring 2006

FIELD EQUIPMENT | OVERNIGHT | FOOD | COMPUTERS | RETURN TO MAIN PAGE

WHAT TO BRING!
Updated 1/30/09

** You will need gear for both the field and for staying overnight at the lodge, and you'll need to bring food. **

Gear rental note: Snowshoes, skis, and some other equipment can be rented through the CU Rec Center (http://www.colorado.edu/rec-center/facilities/outdoor-equipment.html) and most sport shops in Boulder (such as Neptunes, REI) and Nederland (Happy Trails, Guru Sports)

The Big Picture -
In putting together your field pack, be ready for high-elevation wintertime environments with -

High exposure to cold and wind

High radiation (including high UV) and very low humidity

Low oxygen (subject to altitude sickness)

In addition, you need to be prepared for both -

High exertion

Periods of standing in the cold and wind.

The Personal Gear List is compiled with these issues in mind. What you bring with you will affect your safety and ability to participate in class activities.
See also notes re Health Matters

Personal Equipment required or recommended for field work includes -

For course excercises and individual projects fieldwork -

Required -

Field journal
Compass (and for emergencies)
Topo map - either:

National Geographic/Trails Illustrated "Indian Peaks/Gold Hill" (#102)
USGS 7.5' map "Ward", and to get the Divide: "Monarch Lake"

Highly Recommended (bring if you have) -

Hand lens
Binocs
Camera
Field guides - e.g. to Animal Tracks, Birds, Trees & Shrubs
Snow shovel
Altimeter

Backcountry access equipment -

Snowshoes (with sufficient floatation on unpacked snow and grip on packed/icy surfaces)

or: Skis/board (telemark, touring, or splitboard) with climbing skins
See note above re possibilities for rentals

Ski poles
Ski/Snow goggles

for protection against wind, blowing snow, sun (UV-rated)
optionally, I also bring sunglasses for sunny and calmer days - UV-rated, wrap-around or w/ sideshades

Sun protection - speaking of UV... UV at higher elevations is intense, plus reflection off the snow adds to your exposure. It's easy to get sunburned without realizing it because of the cold and wind.

Sunblock, at least 30 SPF
Chapstick or equivalent, best if SPF rated
I recommend putting on sunblock before going out, and periodically reapplying it during the day.

Day pack -

Comfortable for snow travel
Big enough to carry your gear, water, lunch & snacks (see FOOD), and that day's course equipment

Water/Beverages - see also Food

either:

Water bottles, carried inside Day pack or in an insulated pocket
Hydration pack (with insulated tube recommended)

Drinking plenty of water is a crucial factor for enduring the stresses of altitude and cold.
I recommend carrying at least 2 liters (70 oz) of water, and filling bottles/hydration bladder with warm water to start off with.
Also bring some Sports drink - i.e. any drink that helps restore electrolytes - an important part of rehydration
You may also wish to bring a light-wt (stainless steel) thermos with your favorite hot beverage (hot chocolate, tea, ) or soup

Extreme cold weather clothing and boots -

Sufficient to stay warm while standing about for substantial periods (e.g. 1 hr)
Use a layering system that works for you - that keeps you warm, yet mobile.
Wind-proof outer-shell jacket and pants - e.g. ski jacket/pants, nylon rain jacket/pants
Pile (or equivalent) jacket
Pile (or equivalent) vest
Cap

Insulated
Wind-proof

Ski face mask or balaclava
Neck gaiter
Sport tights/shirt or full-length undergarmets - wicking and thermal
Gloves and/or Mittens

Insulating. Some wind-proof
bring 2nd pair! crucial if other set gets wet

plus Overmitt shells (water- and wind-proof)
Boots -

Whatever type to match your access gear (above), hopefully ones that keep your feet warm
For snowshoeing consider insulated boots (e.g. Sorel's), if they work for you
If leather/canvas - Waterproof your boots! e.g. with Nikwax products.

Gaiters - to provide an extra layer of wind projection, as well as keeping snow out of your boots. Some come insulated.
Socks

Whatever combination of inner and outter pairs that work for you
Wicking, warm
Bring backup pairs! if others gets wet. Carry an extra set in the field, have additional backup sets in the lodge.

For emergencies -

Heat packs!

e.g. 'Heat Treat' Hand/Toe Warmers - available at REI and elsewhere ($1.50/$1.80 2-pack)
I suggest having at least 2 with you each weekend

Whistle

for emergency signaling
keep handy, e.g. on a lanyard about your neck.

First Aid kit - small, light-weight
Headlamp, w/ extra batteries

OVERNIGHT AT THE LODGE

For staying overnight at the lodge, you'll need:

either Sleeping bag or Bed linens & blankets
Pillow
Towels
Soap

FOOD

Bring food for:

Breakfasts
Lunches

Most lunches will be in the field (see schedule for each week)
Bring lots and lots of food that can be easily consumed when you're cold! Having extra food goes along ways for staying warm and feeling energized in the field.
Prepare field lunches during breakfast, before morning class.

Snacks

Lots and lots for time in the field - nuts, energy bars, chocolate - be prepared to share ;-) , mint cake, ...
For 'energy bars', if you're a fan of those, I recommend ones that don't get superhard when cold -

for example: Cliff & Odwalla bars generally still chewable, Powerbars bricklike when cold.

Keep a couple bars in inside pockets so they're warm

Dinners - bring your contribution to Saturday group dinners, as you've arranged as a group.
Beverages -

Non-alcoholic only (sorry, per CU/MRS rules)
Sports drink for the field (see WATER)
Your favorite hot beverages - Coffee, tea, hot chocolate, ...

COMPUTER, INTERNET ACCESS

We will have access to 5 PC's in the Marr Lab's library, which is not too far from the Lodge. If you have a laptop, I recommend bringing it.

The Lodge has internet. In addition, the Marr Lab has both wire and wireless connections. If you have a wireless card for your laptop, I also recommend bringing that.

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