Gear for Camp

Large quantities of gear and clothing are not needed at Flying Cloud and, in fact, are contrary to Flying Cloud’s philosophy of simplicity. However, because we are often exposed to inclement weather, it is essential that you have adequate cold and wet weather clothing. Please adhere to this list to avoid bringing unnecessary gear.

I’ve made a few notes in parentheses about price and what to look for.

Clothing
1 pair hiking boots ($60-100. Vitally important that they fit well. I don’t recommend all-leather, as they’re slow to dry. If you’re growing fast, don’t buy expensive ones that you’ll have to replace for next summer!)
1 pair sneakers or sandals
3 pair cotton socks
3 pair wool socks
7 pairs of underwear
4 t-shirts
2 long sleeve shirts
1 long sleeve wool or fleece shirt (wool is flame-resistant, which is helpful at FC)
3 pair of shorts (one pair of simple nylon athletic shorts will be nice for every day use)
2 pair of long pants (one pair of wool are good because they’re so tough)
1 heavy wool or fleece sweater
1 raincoat or poncho
1 wool or fleece hat
1 hat for sun protection
1 pair of long underwear (these need to be non-cotton. Polypropylene is great, and it’s possible to get non-itchy wool these days too)
1 pair of work gloves

Camping
1 sleeping bag with synthetic fill ($80-120, goose down will get wet and won’t keep you warm)
1 hiking backpack w/ frame & hip belt (internal frame packs are great, but any frame will do)
1 bowl or plate (to be used on trips and around camp)
1 cup
1 spoon, fork, knife
2 one quart water bottles (metal or plastic, preferably ones you can clean the inside of)
1 ground tarp (water repellent a must)
1 sleeping pad (no cots or hammocks)
1 sleeping bag liner (a sheet sewn in half is fine. Just so you can toss it in the laundry each week. Not white.)

Other
1 towel (those microfleece camp towels are great, and small, but anything will do. I use a bandana mostly.)
1 wool / fleece blanket/ your FC blanket ($20 great ones are available from army surplus)
stationery and pen and “press-n-seal” envelopes and stamps (the kind you have to lick get stuck shut)
1 day pack
duffel bag or backpack to bring your gear to camp and store it (no trunks, please!)
knife (locking, folding blade or small sheath knife. See my article on knife suggestions.
toiletries (biodegradable soap please, like Dr. Bronner’s or CampSuds)
Candles (the white “nine hour emergency candles” are good. No scents or citronella please.)

Optional
craft supplies
camp chair (nothing that sits you off the ground)
sharpening stone (very important, and you can get a great one for under $10 easily)
insect repellent (non-aerosol)
musical instrument (though be sure it’s something that can stand up to being in a tough environment. Ask me if you’re not sure.)
books (though we have a pretty good library)
sewing kit
camera (digital or film is fine. No video. Be aware that you won’t be able to recharge batteries while at camp)
party clothes! (these are just about any fun or funny dress up clothes you’d like)
simple toys (frisbees, soccer balls, juggling balls. If you’re not sure, ask me!)

Leave at home
Anything electronic!
radio/CD player/electronic games
any food especially candy/junk food
hatchets
matches
breakable bottles
clocks
mirrors

Principles of gear:
1) Get the best gear you can, but please don’t spend a lot of money. Salvation Army and Army Surplus stores are both great places to go for most of this stuff.
2) If you want to spend lots of money, spend it on being warm at night, comfortable walking, and warm. Namely, your sleeping bag, boots and cold-weather gear.
3) The more you bring, the more you have to deal with. You’ll very quickly reach a point where you think of your stuff as junk when it keeps you from doing what you want with your time.
4) If you’re going to buy something expensive, get it from someplace with a lifetime guarantee like Eastern Mountain Sports or L.L. Bean and save the receipt!
5) Wool is cool and cotton is rotten! Wool will keep you warm when it’s wet, doesn’t get smelly, isn’t particularly flammable and is usually pretty cheap. It’s perfect for a summer at FC. It’s even better than synthetic, though a little heavier. A wool hat, shirt, gloves, pants and socks are great, though I’m not so sure about underwear! ☺