Alpengirl Summer Camp Packing List & Gear Info

General Information About Packing and Gear for Alpengirl

  • By packing the multi-functional gear and clothing layers on the packing list, you'll be comfortable in any weather.
  • Items you bring will be used throughout the adventure and will get dirty; avoid bringing special items you don't want damaged. We typically do laundry on sessions that are longer than 10 days.
  • Label all of your gear including sleeping pad, headlamp, socks, etc. You are responsible for keeping track of your personal gear. Alpengirl is not responsible for lost, stolen, or damaged gear or personal belongings.
  • Essential clothing and gear will be inspected upon arrival as a safety precaution; you are the only person allowed to use the gear you bring.
  • Limit cotton. It is comfortable and breathable, but it absorbs and retains water, is difficult to dry, and will not keep you very warm if it gets wet. Cotton t-shirts and underwear are fine; heavy cotton clothes are not allowed.
  • Always opt for smaller, lighter weight gear and clothing, especially if backpacking occurs at camp.
  • If you are unsure about anything on the packing list, please call for clarification. Inadequate gear or clothing upon arrival may require last minute borrowing or renting from Alpengirl, or replacement at a local outdoor store using your credit card information. 
  • The most important gear pieces are your hooded rain jacket and worn-in, comfortable hiking boots.
  • Campers and staff engaged in horseback riding and rock climbing are required to wear activity-specific helmets provided.
  • Gear should not be cost prohibitive. Please call Alpengirl if you need to borrow or rent gear. If you are having a difficult time finding gear in your area for a good price, we suggest purchasing gear from secondhand stores, borrowing from friends, and if Alpengirl has what you need you may borrow it (first come first served). Alpengirl rental of an internal frame backpack is $50; rental of a sleeping pad with sleeping bag is $75.

Packing Tips

  • When you pack your big backpack for camp, don't waste empty space. Put your sleeping bag in your compression sack and squeeze it down to a small ball with the compression straps, then shove it in the very bottom of your pack (or outside on the very bottom if your pack is designed that way). Then, make a fist and cram every nook from bottom to top with something - no need to fold. If you need to strap your sleeping pad to the outside of your pack, secure it so it doesn't get disconnected from your bag during travel.
  • Don’t worry: campers don't go backpacking with all of the gear they bring to camp. Campers will carry a limited and select number of items (sleeping bag, pad, essential clothing, and a portion of tent and food) during the backpacking days of the itinerary. All extra gear is left behind in the locked camp vehicle during backpacking.
  • If traveling by plane to camp, it’s a good idea to pack your big backpack in a large soft-sided duffel bag to protect your backpack and its contents (especially important if gear is attached to the outside).