UPDATES: 5 / 15 / 2014
SCHEDULE: Week 1
Coming soon.
SCHEDULE: Week 2-3
Coming soon.
WHAT TO BRING
Please read carefully. Due to space limitations, luggage will be limited to one large bag (preferably something flexible like a duffel bag) and one daypack.
Field Equipment:
Field notebook – we have a specific type in mind so please ask (similar to Marble Composition notebooks by Scholar, the kind with sewn in pages - don't worry, they're cheap)
Micron pen / Rapidograph / Write-in-rain pen
Binoculars – definitely, but don't break the bank. It will be possible to borrow a few older pairs of binoculars from Dr. Robins, but he doesn't have enough for everyone.
Camera – not required, but most of you will want to take a picture at some point. Modern smart phones may have enough resolution (probably need 3x or better).
Compass/GPS – not required, but if you have a decent GPS, we will put it to good use.
Daypack – you'll need to have a small backpack that can hold water, sack lunch/snacks, field notebook, binoculars, a field guide or two, chapstick, rain jacket, etc.
Clothing:
In the field we have encountered snow, sleet, rain, mud, sharp rocks and branches, 90+deg. heat, steep terrain, and bright sun. You should dress in fairly loose comfortable layers that can be taken on and off and packed easily. This will allow you to adjust to meet the changing weather. Shorts are strongly discouraged! You're asking for scrapes and cuts from the vegetation and rocks without some protection for your legs.
Plenty of students do fine with cotton – after all, we won't be out overnight. However, some of you have, or can easily acquire some items that may increase your comfort. Please note, where we are going, a light synthetic or synthetic/wool blend t-shirt and underwear worn under sturdy cotton pants or jeans and a loose shirt will do more for you than high-end, expensive fleece/wool jackets and pants.
Rain gear (jacket and pants) these should be lightweight and easily packable; they will also serve as a windbreaker (Gore-tex is not certainly not required, but nice if you already have it).
Boots (hiking /sturdy) – some students have done okay with tennis shoes, but be aware that you will need ankle support, tread for slippery terrain, and that tennis shoes might not survive the rocks and rough treatment encountered in the field.
Jacket – Warm (but not bulky), that you can wear by itself and as a layer under your rain jacket.
Sock hat and gloves – lightweight and easily packable
"Regular clothes" - When travelling to and from Missouri, it will be hot and humid. Additionally, the town of Spearfish is at a lower elevation than the field sites and will be warmer. So, you might want to pack some shorts or light pants for comfort around town.
Miscellaneous:
Sun screen – yes! We will be at higher elevation with less humidity = more burn than in MO.
Sun glasses and hat – wide brim and/or baseball cap, to protect your face and eyes from the sun.
Canteen / Nalgene water bottle – mandatory!
Personal Toiletries (please)
Sleeping bag and small pillow – please don't bring large blankets, comforters, or giant pillows we won't have room for them in the vans!
Our lodging facilities will have fully functioning bathrooms with showers (think college dorms), and the kitchens will have basic utensils (forks, knives, spoons, skillets, plates, bowls, etc.). We will purchase food from grocery stores when we arrive in the West. We envision several opportunities do laundry while we are out there – probably every 4-5 days, so you won't need to pack an outfit for each day of the trip.
What Not To Bring: Any illegal substance; Firearms / weapons; Pets, friends, spouses, or problems (especially problems).
SCHEDULE: Week 1
Coming soon.
SCHEDULE: Week 2-3
Coming soon.
WHAT TO BRING
Please read carefully. Due to space limitations, luggage will be limited to one large bag (preferably something flexible like a duffel bag) and one daypack.
Field Equipment:
Field notebook – we have a specific type in mind so please ask (similar to Marble Composition notebooks by Scholar, the kind with sewn in pages - don't worry, they're cheap)
Micron pen / Rapidograph / Write-in-rain pen
Binoculars – definitely, but don't break the bank. It will be possible to borrow a few older pairs of binoculars from Dr. Robins, but he doesn't have enough for everyone.
Camera – not required, but most of you will want to take a picture at some point. Modern smart phones may have enough resolution (probably need 3x or better).
Compass/GPS – not required, but if you have a decent GPS, we will put it to good use.
Daypack – you'll need to have a small backpack that can hold water, sack lunch/snacks, field notebook, binoculars, a field guide or two, chapstick, rain jacket, etc.
Clothing:
In the field we have encountered snow, sleet, rain, mud, sharp rocks and branches, 90+deg. heat, steep terrain, and bright sun. You should dress in fairly loose comfortable layers that can be taken on and off and packed easily. This will allow you to adjust to meet the changing weather. Shorts are strongly discouraged! You're asking for scrapes and cuts from the vegetation and rocks without some protection for your legs.
Plenty of students do fine with cotton – after all, we won't be out overnight. However, some of you have, or can easily acquire some items that may increase your comfort. Please note, where we are going, a light synthetic or synthetic/wool blend t-shirt and underwear worn under sturdy cotton pants or jeans and a loose shirt will do more for you than high-end, expensive fleece/wool jackets and pants.
Rain gear (jacket and pants) these should be lightweight and easily packable; they will also serve as a windbreaker (Gore-tex is not certainly not required, but nice if you already have it).
Boots (hiking /sturdy) – some students have done okay with tennis shoes, but be aware that you will need ankle support, tread for slippery terrain, and that tennis shoes might not survive the rocks and rough treatment encountered in the field.
Jacket – Warm (but not bulky), that you can wear by itself and as a layer under your rain jacket.
Sock hat and gloves – lightweight and easily packable
"Regular clothes" - When travelling to and from Missouri, it will be hot and humid. Additionally, the town of Spearfish is at a lower elevation than the field sites and will be warmer. So, you might want to pack some shorts or light pants for comfort around town.
Miscellaneous:
Sun screen – yes! We will be at higher elevation with less humidity = more burn than in MO.
Sun glasses and hat – wide brim and/or baseball cap, to protect your face and eyes from the sun.
Canteen / Nalgene water bottle – mandatory!
Personal Toiletries (please)
Sleeping bag and small pillow – please don't bring large blankets, comforters, or giant pillows we won't have room for them in the vans!
Our lodging facilities will have fully functioning bathrooms with showers (think college dorms), and the kitchens will have basic utensils (forks, knives, spoons, skillets, plates, bowls, etc.). We will purchase food from grocery stores when we arrive in the West. We envision several opportunities do laundry while we are out there – probably every 4-5 days, so you won't need to pack an outfit for each day of the trip.
What Not To Bring: Any illegal substance; Firearms / weapons; Pets, friends, spouses, or problems (especially problems).