CORE Program Equipment List

  • *Please Read*

    Items linked to this list are EXAMPLES ONLY. Outdoor equipment should fit your specific needs. Please contact the CORE coordinator if you have any questions before purchasing equipment and always KEEP YOUR RECEIPTS!!!!

  • Backpack

    REQUIRED We recommend a large expedition pack (70-100L) for this program. This is an items that NEEDS TO BE FITTED and is probably worth splurging a little on for a comfortable fit and durability. External pockets are a plus.

  • Sleeping Bag

    REQUIRED You will need a 0-15 degree sleeping bag dependent upon how cold/hot you sleep. Down bags will pack MUCH smaller than synthetic bags and are significantly lighter weight but may require more care or a bivvy sack to keep dry.

  • Sleeping Pad

    REQUIRED Inflatable pads (Thermarest Neo Air or Prolite) are warmer and smaller but closed cell foam pads (RidgeRest or Z-Rest) are cheaper and more durable. Get a patch kit if using inflatable.

  • Backpacking Stove

    REQUIRED A small emergency stove is required of all participants (can include an alcohol or esbit stove, or small butane camp stove). A white gas stove is much more expensive but will work in all conditions and counts as a group and a personal stove.

  • Long Underwear Top

    REQUIRED Longsleeve insulating top to used as a base under heavier layers. Can sometimes find cheap in athletic or running department of stores. Under Armor is fine but shouldn't fit too tightly. NO COTTON!

  • Long Underwear Bottoms

    REQUIRED Long Underwear bottoms for a base under heavier insulating layers. Can sometimes find cheap in runnng/athletic department in stores. Leggings or running tights are acceptable.NO COTTON!

  • Insulating Jacket

    REQUIRED Down or Synthetic insulating jacket for wearing over base layers and under waterproof/windproof jacket. Cheaper options include wool or fleece zip ups.

  • Insulating Pants

    REQUIRED Heavy weight insulating pants for wearing over base layers and under a waterproof/windproof pant. Cheap fleece pajama pants can work just as well!

  • Winter Shell / Rain Jacket

    REQUIRED The example below works as a winter shell and a rain jacket. We recommend a durable waterproof shell with minimum insulation to allow for more layering options.

  • Rain Pants

    REQUIRED You need something durable but waterproof. Beware of ultralight rain pants that will rip as soon as you hit the snow but make sure you have something breathable (no yellow plastic fisherman pants).

  • Hiking pants and Shorts

    REQUIRED Convertable pants work well. The more uses you can get out of one piece of clothing, the better!

  • Hiking Boots

    REQUIRED Please do NOT buy your boots online! Go to a store and get fitted. You need a waterproof boot with full ankle support that will hold up well with a heavy pack in deep snow. This is a purchase you don't want to skimp on.

  • Hiking Socks

    REQUIRED 3 pair. You want something that will keep your feet warm without making them sweat. That may mean a heavy sock with thin liners or two thin socks layered. Experiment with different combinations to see what works best for you!

  • Liner Socks

    REQUIRED Non-cotton dress socks work just as well and may be cheaper.

  • Gaiters

    REQUIRED Beware gaiters that have strings at the foot instead of leather straps. They tend to break on the first ELC. Gaiters must cover your calves.

  • Head Insulation

    REQUIRED A balaclava will give you the best protection with the least amount of bulk but a snow hat and neck gaiter or scarf combo may give you more comfort. Find what works for you.

  • Hat

    REQUIRED You need something with a brim to shield your face and eyes from the sun. A baseball cap or wide brimmed hat will do just fine.

  • Glove Liners AND Shells

    REQUIRED Glove Liners AND Shells - You can buy these as separate pieces if you like. The liner should allow your fingers maximum dexterity while the shells will keep your hands dry and warm. No cheap cotton gloves!

  • Sunglasses

    REQUIRED Look for something that is polarized and that will hug your face to help block wind and snow

  • Sunscreen

    REQUIRED Something small and portable will work best. You don't need to lug a huge bottle of sunscreen everywhere you go. Avoid the spray stuff. It doesn't do well at altitude.

  • Lip Balm

    REQUIRED Minimum SPF 30. When it comes to high winds and snow, the thicker the stuff you put on your face the better!

  • Digital Watch with Alarm

    REQUIRED Watch must have an alarm function and you should know how to use it before ELC 1. A travel alarm clock is another option if you need something louder.

  • Food/Drink Vessel

    REQUIRED A lightweight insulated mug with a lid can work as a bowl and a drinking cup. Add a lexan bowl to your set if you want to be able to eat and drink at the same time.

  • Eating Utensil(s)

    REQUIRED Bring whatever you like to get food from mug to mouth. Keep in mind that plastic can melt and metal can freeze.

  • Water Bottles

    REQUIRED You must have 2 one liter wide mouth water bottles or 1 bottle and 1 hydration bladder. If you have a bladder you must have a patch kit or duct tape!

  • Water Treatment

    REQUIRED You must have one form of chemical water treatment (Aquamira, Iodine tablets, bleach, chlorine tablets). Pump filters are not required and do not replace emergency chemical water treatment.

  • Headlamp

    REQUIRED LED lights will last longer and be more compact. Expect to pay $30+ for a headlamp that will last the semester. Make sure you have backup batteries.

  • Compass

    REQUIRED Must have rotating bezel. Glow in the dark points and directional arrow a plus.

  • Pocket Knife

    REQUIRED A simple utility knife with a partially serrated edge will do fine. No sheath knives. Multi-tools are handy but also heavy if you don't drop a lot of money on one. Consider buying a portable knife sharpener as well.

  • Camp Chair

    REQUIRED Something light and packable for you to put your bum on when we're sitting around camp in the snow.

  • Fire Starter

    REQUIRED A clear Bic lighter or waterproof matches.

  • Emergency Whistle

    REQUIRED Please no gym whistles with floating balls

  • Signal Mirror

    REQUIRED - Must have a sighting circle in the center

  • Bandana

    REQUIRED Feel free to get creative. Hobby Lobby has about a hundred designs. You will want one or two for the semester.

  • Heavy Trash Bags

    REQUIRED You will use these to line your pack, hold gear in bad weather, and as emergency ground sheets. Suggestion - buy a few boxes as a class and split the cost.

  • Personal First Aid Kit

    REQUIRED Buy one pre made or build your own and keep it in a ziplock bag or stuff sack. CORE will supply group first aid kits for trips.

  • Field Notebook

    REQUIRED Waterproof paper is a plus. Suggestion - place group order at start of semester.

  • 25ft of 1" Tubular Webbing

    REQUIRED Can buy by the foot at local outfitters

  • Carabiners

    REQUIRED Must have 2 locking pear shaped carabiners. Can be screw gate or twist lock.

  • Belay Device

    REQUIRED Standard ATC or modified ATC is acceptable. Should be able to take 11mm static rope.

  • 5mm Cord

    REQUIRED Must have two 6ft sections. Have them cut the rope at the store if possible so you don't have to finish the ends.

  • Parachute Cord

    REQUIRED 50ft for personal use throughout the semester.

  • Emergency Shelter Tarp

    REQUIRED A cheap 6x8 poly tarp from Walmart will work fine. If you want to drop the money, poly coated nylon is much lighter weight.

  • Gear Repair Kit

    REQUIRED Build your own and through it in with your first aid kit or buy one pre-made.

  • Small LED Light

    REQUIRED Any simple keychain light will work. This is a backup light that you will be required to carry on you at all times.

  • Heavy Plastic Sheeting

    REQUIRED To be used as a ground cloth under your camp chair and equipment in camp. Suggestion - buy a roll from your local hardware store as a class and split the cost. You will probably want 4-6mil thick.

  • Down Booties

    OPTIONAL These will save your feet on cold nights in the field and double as cozy house slippers!

  • Trekking Poles

    OPTIONAL These will save your knees, back, and ankles from a lot of strain on the trail and make good emergency splints and tent poles.

  • Stuff Sacks

    OPTIONAL You can find good cheap versions of these at Walmart or Target. They help you keep stuff organized in your pack.

  • Backpacking Tent

    OPTIONAL Every student will need tent space on ELC 1 and Expedition. Tents should be 3-4 season backpacking tents. They can be rented from IUOA if not purchased.

  • Climbing Harness

    OPTIONAL CORE supplies basic climbing harnesses to all students who need them. Personal harnesses will only be allowed on a select few climbing days in CORE.

  • Climbing Helmet

    OPTIONAL CORE provides helmets for all students in the program. Students can choose to wear personal climbing helmets instead.

  • Climbing Shoes

    OPTIONAL We will have very little use for climbing shoes in CORE. Most climbs can be done in tennis shoes or approach shoes but personal climbing shoes are allowed if desired. CORE will not supply climbing shoes.

  • Cookware

    OPTIONAL CORE has a limited supply of pots and pans for use on course, but students may want to supplement with personal cook kits.

  • Flint and Steel

    OPTIONAL: This is the fancy version, but any flint and steel will do. You can pick them up for a few bucks at your local army surplus store.