What to Pack for a Backcountry Response Team
Gear packing list for volunteers participating in backcountry response teams
Each backcountry response team volunteer must be equipped with and able to carry all gear required for multiple nights on the trail. As an experienced backpacker, you may already have your own preferred packing list - please make sure it includes the items listed below.
Backpacking Gear
- Backpack to carry all of your gear
- Tent, sleeping bag and sleeping pad
- Cooking gear and enough food (plus a little extra) for the entire trip
- At least two 1-liter water bottles and a way to purify your water
- Rain jacket and rain pants (should fit over your trail work clothing)
- Extra warm clothing
- Camp clothing such as shorts, shirt and sandals
- Headlamp and extra batteries
- Sunscreen and sunglasses
- Insect repellent and mosquito head net
- Personal items such as medication, hand sanitizer and toiletries
- First aid kit
- Bear can or other bear-resistant food storage method recommended
Trail Work Gear
- Boots
- Long pants
- Work gloves
- Long-sleeved shirt recommended
- Eye protection recommended (glasses, sunglasses or safety glasses)
- WTA hard hat (provided at the trailhead, unless you already have one)
More Info
Please check your gear at least four weeks in advance so that you can make any needed repairs or replacements.
Your crew leader will be happy to advise you with packing recommendations prior to your trip. Find additional suggestions on WTA’s backpacking planning page.