Packing List

If you are a transfer student (and thus going to Santa Fe), your packing list is here.

While a Geology Major would refute this, the Rocky Mountains are an unchanging and strikingly beautiful treasure of Colorado.  The weather here in theRockies, while also striking, is unstable at best and can be downright nasty anytime of the year.  The Baca Campus is located in the beautiful San Luis Valley, an arid high alpine valley which lies between the snowy peaks of theSan Juanand the Sangre de Cristo Mountain Ranges.  This packing list is meant to be taken seriously with the purpose of ensuring safety and comfort in rain, snow, high winds, and temperatures dropping well below freezing, all of which are a possibility this time of year.  As the Colorado saying goes; “If you don’t like the weather, wait five minutes.”

The following is a list of gear that each participant of Winter Orientation is required to bring.  A reoccurring mantra of this list is that COTTON IS BAD.  Cotton is an inadequate insulator… especially when wet.  Since precipitation and sweating will be encountered, the ability to dry quickly and insulate while wet are essential.  Wool, fleece, and polypropylene are the best choices.

If you have any questions or concerns regarding the following gear list, call or email us anytime: (719)-389-6800, outdoored@coloradocollege.edu.

Clothing

Foot Layers

• Hiking Boots ~ Sturdy, but comfortable for hiking and manual labor!
• 3 Pairs of Wool Socks ~ Wool-synthetic blends are fine.  Do not bring cotton socks!
• 2 Pairs of Liner Socks ~ To be worn under wool socks.
• Camp Shoes ~ Have something comfortable to change into while at Baca.

For your head

• Warm Hat ~ A stocking cap, beanie, took, balaclava, etc.  No matter what you call it, bring something that keeps your head warm.
• Sunglasses/Goggles & Sunscreen ~ Must block 100% UV.  Sun at elevation, above tree line, and in the snow is especially intense. 
• Chap Stick ~ Should have SPF of 15 or more.  Dry air combined with intense sun can lead to painfully chapped/sunburned lips.
• Sun Hat ~ This can be a visor/baseball cap (more sun protection).  And you can show off your hometown pride…this applies especially to White Sox fans.  

For your hands

• 1 Pair of warm gloves or mittens ~ Snow is always a possibility.  Bring something that keeps your hands warm and dry in snowy conditions.  Something with Gore-Tex-like lining recommended.

Lower body layers

• Thermal Underwear (long underwear) bottoms ~ Must be synthetic, silk, or wool blend.  No cotton!
• Insulating pants ~ These can be wool or a synthetic fabric such as fleece.  Insulating pants cannot be made of cotton!
• Shell pants ~ These may be light ski pants or equivalent as long as they repel water and are breathable (i.e. coated nylon/Gore-Tex).
• Gaiters (optional) ~ Gaiters are convenient in snowy conditions to keep snow out of your boots while hiking.  Gaiters that provide coverage up to the knee are ideal.

Upper Body layers

• Getting overly sweaty in winter conditions equals getting cold.  Layers are your best defense.  Remember, even though down uni-suits may look cool, they won’t keep you warm!
• Windproof/Waterproof Shell ~ Coated nylon or other waterproof  jacket.  Gore-Tex or equivalent works great. 
• Down/Synthetic parka/vest ~ This is a “puff ball” type jacket, usually an inch or two of loft.  Good to have under your shell.
• Insulating top ~ This should be a thick wool sweater/shirt or heavy fleece that you could hike or work in.  This is your warmest layer after your shell and parka.  Cotton flannel is NOT sufficient!
• Additional Insulating top ~ This should also be of wool or fleece-like material.  This layer should be thinner, so that it may be worn under the other.   
• Thermal Underwear (long underwear) tops ~ Must be synthetic, silk, or wool blend.  No cotton!

Personal Gear

• Extra Eyeglasses and/or Contact Lenses ~ Whether you use contacts or glasses, we recommend that you bring a spare pair.  Some people have great success with their contact lenses inColorado’s dry climate; others find them difficult to keep clean and moist.
• 2 One-liter Water Bottles ~ Dehydration/altitude sickness is a reality at altitudes as low as 8,000 ft.  Participants must be able to carry two liters while hiking and working…staying hydrated lessens the chance of altitude sickness. 
• Personal Toiletries ~ This should be self-explanatory.  Toothbrush/paste, prescription meds, allergy meds, tampons, etc. 
• Swimming Suit & towel for hot springs soaking.

Optional Gear

(The following items are not required, but are fun/useful to have on the trip.)

• Small Daypack/Fanny Pack ~ Highly recommended! 
• Knee/Ankle Braces ~ Hiking can be hard on the lower joints.  People with bad knees and/or ankles may want to purchase a lightweight brace to help prevent twists and sprains.  Ace Bandage makes cheap nylon/neoprene braces. 
• Camelback ~ These are a great way to carry water and gear.  This could serve as your small daypack.  Please bring only in addition to your 2 one-liter bottles. 
• Camera ~ Ah, the memories!
• Fun Stuff ~ Book, Frisbee/Hackey Sack, Crazy Creek Chair, Harmonica, Cards/Dice, etc.