Shelter
The first piece of our shelter system is clothing. Our courses are run entirely outdoors so it is important to have a system that will help to maintain your core body temperature throughout the different seasons.
- Rain gear
- Long sleeves and long pants for sun and bug protection
- Layers appropriate for the season to include underwear, shirts, shorts, pants, socks, etc. You should have enough for the duration of the course and have clothing that you are willing to get dirty.
- Bathing suit and towel
- Wide brimmed hat
- Bug net
- Footwear: These should be broken in and fit for the woods and for on the water. Boots are preferred for the woods. Sandals or some type of water shoe may be preferred for on the water. Close toed shoes protect your feet better than sandals and sneakers dry slowly.
- 2 Tarps at least 10’x12’
- Tent: practice setting yours up before the course.
- Sleeping Bag: Should be appropriate for the season such as 40F for the summer to -20F for the winter and anything in between.
- Sleeping Pad: Foam pads are more durable than inflatable pads.
Personal & Other Items
- Medications
- Toiletries: toothbrush and toothpaste, biodegradable soap and washcloth or body wipes
- Sunglasses
- Notebook and pen/pencil
- Orienteering compass
- Headlamp and extra batteries
- Daypack
- Camp chair
Tools
- Knife: Fixed blade (non-folding) – We recommend something from Mora. Adam has been using the same Morakniv Classic No. 2 Fixed Blade for many years.
- Axe with a sheath: the handle should not be shorter than 25” and the geometry of the axe head should be for felling rather than something like a splitting maul. There are a lot of options out there, but if you would prefer an old, high-quality axe that was made in Maine, contact Don Merchant at PoleandPaddle.com
- Sharpening stone such as Lansky Puck – Dual Grit Multi-Purpose Sharpener
Kitchen
- Plate, bowl, utensils, pot grabber
- Water bottles: One should be metal, non-insulated, and wide-mouthed. The others can be personal preference.
- Cup for hot drinks that should be unbreakable
- Net bag: these mesh bags are useful for carrying your kitchen/cooking gear
- 2-quart, legless dutch oven
- Cook pot: The Mors Pot and Zebra pots get a lot of attention from the bushcraft community, and there is an enormous array of stainless-steel and titanium cook sets available online. Another option is Heavy Duty Stainless Steel Pail – 2 Quart. These are less expensive, they nest together which makes storing multiple pots easier, and they have a bail handle which is how we will hang our pots over the fire. Something like Stainless Steel 6-Inch Mini Pie Pan (Pack of 2) makes for a good lids.
- Cooler for perishable foods
