High Sierra Singer-Songwriters' Workshop - Gear List

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• Sleeping Bag: Down or synthetic fill, rated to 20 degrees or less. Stuff sack should be included. Flannel sleeping bag liner optional. Sleeping bags available from SYMG w/ liners.
• Ground Pad: Inflatable thermarest style or foam pad at least 48" long.
• Tent: Lightweight 3 or 4 season tent under 5lbs per person. Tents are optional. On longer trips SYMG provides, and they are available upon request, or you're welcome to bring your own.
• **Note: SYMG provides all of the above as indicated on your registration form.
• Boots: At the minimum you'll need a sturdy pair of court shoes with a built in plastic heel cup. High top basketball shoes would be better. Lightweight hiking boots are preferred, low or high tops, on shorter hikes as they provide reasonable support, add traction, and are more durable than a general athletic shoe. Heavyweight leather boots should be broken in prior to trip.
• Socks: Two or three pairs of wool blend socks with liners are recommended. Or Thorlo makes excellent hiking/backpacking/trekking socks which are generally worn without a liner as they do not have the itchy texture of traditional wool socks. One or two pairs of cottons socks (optional).
• Camp Shoes: Many people like to bring along slippers, thongs, or Teva style sandals. Aqua socks can double as your camp shoe. Optional, but convenient.
• Pants: It can get cool in the evenings and mornings. Bring one or two pair comfortable cotton pants, sweats, or jeans, and a pair of long underwear.
• Shorts / Swimsuit: Bring one pair of nylon swim trunk style shorts which can be used as a swimsuit for men, or in conjunction with a sports bra as a swimsuit for women, and one pair of comfortable cotton shorts for hiking.
• Underwear: 2 or 3 pair are generally sufficient.
• Shirts: Bring one or two cotton T-shirts, and a long sleeve T-shirt.
• Sweater / Jacket: Wool used to be the best, now it's fleece, or pile. We recommend a fleece or wool sweater/jacket, and a waterproof shell jacket.
• Sweater / Jacket: These are optional but can make the cool nights a bit more comfortable.
• Gloves: Bring a bandanna to be used as a hand towel, wash cloth, sweatband, or bring a small hand towel to dry off with, wash your hands/face, etc.
• Baseball Cap / Hat: Bring a baseball cap to keep the sun off your face and a wool cap for the evening.
• Sunglasses: A must if you are planning on summiting a peak. Preferable for all trips.
• Cup, Plate, Bowl, Spoon & Fork.: SYMG provides group cooking gear, you provide your own eating utensils.
• Swiss Army Knife: Not necessary but very useful. All guides generally carry at least one.
• Personal Toiletries and Bud Repellent: Sunscreen, chapstick, toothbrush, etc...
• Medications and First Aid: Bring any special meds, vitamins, bee sting kit, allergy medicine, etc. Bring a small personal first aid kit with the basics: Moleskin, Advil, Band aids, etc. Go light as the guide carries a more thorough kit in case of emergencies.
• Flashlight or Headlamp: LED Headlamps are best, flashlight should be lightweight (mini-mag). Extra batteries.
• Water Bottle: Carry at least one, one liter plastic water bottle. Two is preferable. Nalgene makes the best. Wide mouth preferred. Camel backs work well too.
• Fishing Gear and License: Kids under 16 fish free. Otherwise you need a CA license to fish. (Available at The Pines Resort).
• Book / Journal: Not necessary, but you may be able to enjoy some quiet time prior to sleep or during the day.
• Whistle: If lost, louder than a voice and we require that all kids carry one.
• Camera: Don't forget extra film/cards and batteries!
• Day Pack / Fanny Pack
• Camp Chair: Optional. Adds to the comfort of your trip. Must be small, lightweight, and made specifically for backpacking.
• Duffel Bag: For your gear going in on horses. You should be able to pack everything in your duffel.

The above is by no means a complete or exhaustive list. If you have questions, call SYMG and ask. Remember, SYMG brings all group cooking gear, stoves, water filters, maps, matches, compasses, emergency/first aid gear, and toilet paper.

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