Earthquest Outdoor School supplies all the necessary equipment required for participation in the Program with the exception of personal belongings. Listed are items that your child will require for the duration of the Program. You will notice many of these items you probably already have lying around the house; some can be borrowed from past family, friends or others in the program.
During our initial meetings we will discuss in detail necessary equipment and possible purchasing outlets. Several local businesses give discount prices to our students, which may be discussed if needed.
Clothing
•Underwear: Top and bottom, select a wicking fabric such as poly pro, lifa, capilene, or any similar type fabric.
•Jacket and pants: Wind and water resistant shell. Wind and water resistant fabrics come in various names the most common being gortex, however; there are numerous others with the same resistant qualities.
•Rain wear: Jacket or poncho. Gortex and similar fabric are water resistant NOT repellent, only plasticized material provides the water proofing required to ward off the big rains we experience on our coastal expeditions.
•Hiking boots: Optional, a high top type runner will do. If you purchase new hiking boots make sure that they are broken in WELL before you participate in the Program. Semester 1 you should be wearing them often during the summer. Semester 2 will have opportunity to break them in during the Program before our back pack expedition.
•Socks: Cotton for running and wool or ones with wicking qualities for hiking/skiing.
•Water foot wear: Old runners with toes cut out, aqua socks, neoprene booties or water sandals.
•Layering Jacket: fleece or wool.
•Toque
•Mitts
•Hat with a brim
•Neoprene gloves or rubber dish washing gloves
•Jogging gear
•Swimwear
•Nylon or quick dry type shorts
Camping Gear (may or may not be supplied depending on your program - you will be notified of either)
•Tent with fly: This item is shared amongst the group, there is no need to run out and purchase a tent specifically for the Program.
•Sleeping bag: Down is still number 1 for warmth and weight; however synthetic bags which dry much faster and are much less expensive seem to work the best with the kids. Mummy style is the most effective for maintaining heat; temperature range should be at least good to minus 10 Celsius.
•Sleeping pad: Ensolite, evazote, thermarest, or bubble types. No foamies, or air mattresses.
•Flashlight and extra batteries
•Pocket knife: Swiss army type with saw attachment
•Back pack stove: propane or white gas fueled. Examples: Coleman, MSR, Apex, Whisper Lite.
•Fuel bottle if using white gas
•Light weight cooking pot
•500 liter plastic measuring cup
•Eating utensils
•Lighter
Miscellaneous Items: (not all required depending on your program)
•Day pack: This item will be used daily and therefore should be of reasonable quality. It should have BOTH a waist and sternum strap and hold between 30to40 liters.(We provide full size 80 liter backpacks for hiking expeditions.)
•Off road bike: Borrow one for the semester if you dont have one.
•Bike helmet
•Bike lock
•Basic bike repair kit
•Ski wax kit: Wax range from 0 t0 -7C, -1 to 2C, and -3 to -8C. Scrapper and cork.
This item can be shard with another student.
•Sunglasses
•Water bottle
•Personal first aid kit: Any plastic small box type container or small bag to hold the following:
Roll of adhesive tape
Sterile gauze compresses
Adhesive Band-Aids or spray band aids
Steri strip closures
Tylenol, Advil or Ibuprofen (no aspirin)
Lip salve
Sunscreen with 15 to 30 protection
Several pairs of disposable gloves
Moleskin and mole foam
Blister kit is prone to blistering
Small container of salt
Antacid (Digel, Tums, Mylanta etc,)
Antiseptic cleanser
Antiseptic cream
Personal medications as needed
