|
|
|
Buying Equipment
For first time buyers or even seasoned pros, it can sometimes be tricky to determine what equipment is needed for your specific adventure.
Below is a recommended list of brands to assist you in this task and some thoughts about how to figure out what is right for you.
Please feel free to contact the Camp Director if you have any questions, and many of the retailers suggested below have willing and able clerks to assist you with your needs (don't hesitate to ask!).
It is important that the participant actually go to an outdoor or camping store to try on the gear and get advice (you can then go online and buy the gear if you like) from the knowledgeable sales associates.
|
| |
Bring your lists/mention Camp Echo to receive 10% off non-sale items at any of these retailers.
- Uncle Dan's (847-475-7100, 700 Church Street)
- Use the coupon code MOOSE at any Moosejaw retailer or online at Moosejaw
REI and Campmor websites do not offer a discount specifically for Camp Echo, but often have merchandise that is disounted or on sale.
|
| |
Remember that layering clothing helps keep you warm and cuts down on the amount of clothing needed.
For example: lightweight long underwear, a loose fitting wool or fleece jacket, and rain gear will keep you warm in the mountain cold.
We encourage you to buy wool clothing products.
Wool may be a little higher in price, but it is an entirely renewable resource (other synthetics are made from oil byproduct) and is odor resistant.
Cotton is also discouraged because it will lose almost all of its insulating value when it gets wet and will remain wet and heave for extended periods of time.
|
| |
Choose a lightweight, synthetic filled bag that is rated 20 degrees or lower.
Types of synthetic material to look for include: Quallofil, Hollofil, Polarguard.
Cotton-filled bags are too heavy and down, although less bulky and lighter, is too high maintenance. Both lose their ability to keep you warm if they get wet.
Recommended Brands: (only suggestions)
|
|
North Face - Cat's Meow (20¡)
Marmot - Fushion (15¡)
Sierra Designs - Kalahari (15¡)
REI - NookSack (10¡)
|
| |
Don't underestimate the importance of staying dry!
A lightweight, sturdy rain jacket and pants are best.
Expensive Gore-Tex is not necessary but thin plastic does not endure the rigors of trip use.
Coated nylon or rubberized coats will work well.
Do not bring ponchos.
Consider rain gear that is also wind proof (as stated on the tag.)
Recommended Brands: (only suggestions)
|
|
Marmot Precip
Patagonia Rain Shadow
Columbia-Sierra Madre
Rei-Ultra Light Jacket
|
|
A good backpack will offer many years of travel enjoyment!
Be sure to have your pack adjusted to your body and try it on with weight in it.
It needs to be big enough to carry your own gear as well as a portion of the group's equipment.
The pack can either be an internal or external frame - the size of the pack you should carry depends on your height and weight, but should be no larger than 5500 cubic inches.
Trailblazers, being younger and smaller, should go with 3500-4800 cubic inches.
Female participants should consider buying a pack that is specifically designed for women.
Recommended Brands: (only suggestions)
|
|
Osprey - Aether, Ariel
Gregory -Shasta, Palisade
Arc Teryx - Bora, Bryza
Lowe Alpine - Sirocco Lowe
Alpine - Contour
Dana Designs - most models
|
| |
Boots should be waterproof and fit while wearing a pair of wool socks and sock liners.
They should be suitable for all terrain, while carrying a 50 lb pack.
Choose high quality boots to ensure they can withstand the wear and tear of your trip.
The boot you select must also offer a great deal of ankle support (leather boots offer great support.)
Super feet or other after market insoles will greatly increase the comfort and cushion of your boots.
Recommended Brands: (only suggestions)
|
|
Salomon - Authentic St.
Garmont - Odyssey
Mojave
Scarpa - Delta, SL, M3
Merrell - all-leather models
Vasque - Sundowner
Lowa - Scout
Asolo - 520, 535
LaSportiva - Aurora, TRK
|
| |
When choosing a tour bike, you should stay away from ultra light racing frames.
These do not have the required features for touring (i.e. ability to handle a rack plus panniers nor durable enough to handle the abuse inherent to the trip.)
Most 10-speed bikes are suitable for touring, but when choosing between a 10-speed bike and a mountain bike, give careful consideration to what use you will have for the bike after the trip is over.
10-speed bikes are not suitable for off-roading.
However, both types are suitable for Echo trips, except TSW, as are hybrid bikes.
If you are planning on using a fat tire bike, you may want to consider buying slicks.
Most fat tire bikes come with thick, knobby tires.
Slicks are thinner tires that have little or no knobs.
They give you less resistance when touring.
Handlebars should be taped or padded.
Your seat is very important, it's your main contact point with the bike.
A padded seat is good, but too much padding is uncomfortable to ride with.
A simple leather saddle will also work but it should be well broken in before the trip.
|
Use your browser's back button to return to previous page.
|
|
