For the Girls

Fun Facts about Gear!
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Ok so now that you are a part of the Outdoor Group you know that we spend time outside all year long! So what does that mean for you? You could decide that you only want to participate during certain times of the year, and no we won't tease you too badly for that, or you could participate all year with us. This means that you may need to acquire a few pieces of gear that you wouldn't normally have! First things first! DON'T BUY ANYTHING until you know for sure you will like the activity you are trying!!! This is really important!!! The Outdoor group does many things that you may or may not like as you try them you will figure out what you like and what you don't. If you spend lots of money on gear for an activity that you think you'll like and end up hating then you are out of a lot of money! SO BORROW FIRST! Your best bet is to ask family members, especially ones who ski, fish, hunt, or camp!
Specific gear Lists and Guides:	Winter Gear List Three Season Gear List Sleeping Bag Check List Boot Check List Tent Check List
Things COG Has: * Tents!!! we have both 4 and 3 season, backpacking light tents and heavy duty winter expedition tents so don't worry about tents! Dining flies and tarps. We have lots of tarps and dining flies that you will get to learn how to best set up depending on the trip Stoves!! Not only do we have propane family camping stoves but me have a myriad (vocab word look it up) of backpacking stoves. All of which you will learn to use! *Cooking gear. We've got pots, pans, plates, bowls, cups, utensils you name it!
Things you will need: *Framed Backpack. Could be both an internal or an external Sleeping bag rated to AT LEAST 30°F or better yet a 0°F rated bag! Synthetic long underwear. Yep you heard me NON COTTON! try Poly-pro which can be found at any ski/camping shop or dept. **RAIN GEAR! This one is really important! No matter what we are doing at what time of year it is important that you have serious rain gear! This means NO flimsy ponchos from Disney world! Your best bet is to find a decent priced rain suit or backpacking poncho.** Try Outdoor World in Southington. They have good prices and carry what you need not all the expensive mountaineering suits!
A Little Lecture On Rain Gear!
This is one of the most important pieces of gear you either borrow or buy! Yes Breathability is BEST but NOT ALWAYS NECESSARY! What is necessary is that you stay dry during our trips. One of the cheapest workable options is a Backpackers Poncho. What's different about a Backpacking poncho is the length and the ability to snap together the poncho around your arms in different spots depending on whether or not you are carrying a pack. These ponchos are longer in back than they are in front to cover a pack. They also snap up to be shorter in back if you are not carrying a pack. Look for one that has grommets as well. These can be used as a tarp for a backcountry shelter, tied to gear to cover...and just about anything else you can think of. Usually these ponchos are a little more expensive than a regular poncho but well worth it! Breathable Waterproof material is the best for rain gear. The reason for this is if you sweat the material lets it out by "breathing". This means you don't end up wet from sweat! The most recognizable material is Gor-Tex© however many companies are coming out with Breathable Laminates daily. Some are good some aren't DO YOUR RESEARCH! Gor-Tex© is expensive! and we don't expect you to have it! If you really want breathable water proof material something you might want to look at is Frogg Toggs
Froggtoggs are a new breathable fabric rain suit that is affordable! You could buy a normally priced plastic suit for the same price. These suits can be found for about 55$. They are not terribly rugged so you will have to be careful not to rip them if you are out running about in the woods but they are really waterproof AND are very light! which is great for backpacking. They are reported to be more breathable than Gor-Tex© however they are NO WHERE NEAR as durable.

Winter Gear List! Back
Outerwear waterproof/ preferably breathable jacket waterproof/ preferably breathable pants insulated parka fleece jacket or wool sweater corduroy, fleece or wool pants synthetic pants	Base Layer expedition-weight long john top expedition-weight long john bottoms midweight long john top midweight long john bottoms long sleeve T-shirt synthetic briefs synthetic sports bra	Accessories wool or fleece hat balaclava midweight wool or fleece gloves heavyweight wool or fleece mittens synthetic liner gloves waterproof overmitts
Footwear waterproof hiking boots wool or synthetic socks liner socks insulated camp booties "duck" boots for snowflake	Extras sun hat bandanna waterproof gaiters 32 oz. water bottles (2) water bottle parkas (2) sunglasses chemical heat packs	Personal Gear Internal or external frame backpack convertible or four-season tent sleeping bag (30° to 0°F or below) inflatable sleeping pad closed-cell foam sleeping pad lighter and waterproof matches eating utensils, bowl, and insulated mug headlamp w/extra batteries and bulb pocket knife or multitool compass first-aid kit with personal medications stuff sacks assorted zipper-lock bags sunscreen (SPF 15+) lip balm (SPF 15+)
Three Season Gear List Back
Outerwear waterproof/breathable jacket waterproof/breathable pants fleece jacket or wool sweater waterproof gaiters synthetic hiking pants synthetic shorts	Base Layer midweight long john top midweight long john bottoms long sleeve T-shirt synthetic briefs synthetic sports bra synthetic T-shirt	Accessories wool or fleece hat midweight wool or fleece gloves
Footwear waterproof hiking boots camp footwear wool or synthetic socks (3) liner socks (2)	Extras sun hat bandanna compass sunglasses insect repellent mesh head net or suit	Gear Internal or external frame backpack sleeping bag (15° to 30°F) inflatable sleeping pad lighter and waterproof matches eating utensils, bowl, and insulated mug headlamp w/extra batteries and bulb 32 oz. water bottles (2) water treatment (filter, tablets, or drops) pocket knife or multitool first-aid kit with personal medications stuff sacks assorted zipper-lock bags bear-bagging rope (or canister) sunscreen (SPF 15+) lip balm (SPF 15+) toilet paper and trowel
Sleeping Bag Check List! Back
For This Condition Choose This	Temp. Rating	Look For These Features
Summer/ desert	40°F	Brushed or fleece lining for no-stick comfort, minimal features (hood and draft collar optional), wraparound zipper to open for blanket use
Rainforest	-	Synthetic fill, water-resistant shell
Winter	0°F	Adjustable draft collar, contoured hood, 6" of extra length for storing water bottles, clothes, and cold-sensitive gear
High mountain/ arctic	20°F or lower	Down fill for compressibility, extra length for water-bottle storage, extra girth (optional) for layering Snow cave/ tentless - Water-resistant/windproof shell or bivy sack
For This Sleep Style	Look For These Features
Thrasher	Elastic seams (for stretch), semirectangular shape or big-guy girth (for more space), or expansion panels (for adjustable space)
Snuggler	Mating zippers on same-length bags so you can cozy up with a significant other
Perspirer	Brushed or fleece lining (or bag liner), synthetic fill, breathable shell (no laminates or special coatings), two-way zipper
Boots Back
For This Temperature	Look For These Features
Hot	Fabric/leather upper, mesh panels
Cold	All-leather upper with fleece or Thinsulate insulation
Extreme cold	Plastic double boots or felt-lined pac boots
For This Moisture	Look For These Features
Wet	Waterproof/breathable liner, leather upper with few seams, ankle-high or above-ankle cut
Dry	Non waterproof fabric/leather upper, mesh panels, low cut
For This Pack Weight	Look For These Features
50+ pounds	Stiff midsole and upper, ankle-high or above-ankle cut
25 pounds or less	Below-ankle or ankle-high cut, flexible forefoot, grippy tread
For This Terrain	Look For These Features
Rugged, rocky off trail	Above-ankle cut, stiff shank and midsole, rockered (or curved) sole for long treks
Steep, icy	Very stiff soles and treads, crampon compatible, high cut with substantial leather or synthetic uppers
Flat and fast	Below-ankle or ankle-high cut, moderately stiff sole with good forefoot spring, grippy tread
Snow	Insulation, aggressive lug pattern for traction
Slickrock	scrambling Sticky rubber tread, high toe rand, flexible forefoot
For These Ankles	Look For These Features
Strong	Low cut, flexible fabric or leather upper
Weak	High cut, stiff leather upper, moderate to stiff midsole
Tents Back
For This Weather	Look For These Features
Hot	Plentiful mesh, a rainfly with vents or a venting system, light colors to reflect solar heat
Wet	Mesh walls, a large vestibule, a light-colored rainfly to brighten the interior, ample ceiling height for all-day card games, simple setup
Cold	No mesh (unless windows zip closed), dark floor for sunny-day drying, mitten-friendly setup
High Mountain or Winter	Dome or hoop design, three or more poles for stability, numerous or winter guypoints and ski-ready stake loops, large vestibule, dark floor
Windy	Dome or hoop, three or more poles, numerous guypoints, an adjustable rainfly (cinch tight to reduce flapping)
All Conditions	Sealable mesh windows, pole and/or rainfly options for three-season or winter use
For This Terrain	Look For These Features
Sand	Freestanding dome or A-frame to handle poor staking conditions, ultrafine mesh to keep out blowing sand
Snow	Freestanding design preferable, floor should be seamless or factory taped
For This Comfort	Look For These Features
Less pack weight	Hoop design or tarp, lots of mesh, minimal vestibule and pole structure, tapered floor plan
Fast pitch	One-way pole sleeves, quick-clip buckles at corners of rainfly, freestanding design (requires fewer stakes), no separate setup for vestibule
Quick escapes	Double doors, hip-high vestibule or entryway, easy-to-reach zipper pulls Easy living Steep side walls, high ceiling, double doors and vestibules, clear plastic windows in rainfly, sealable windows
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