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Equipment Needed at Field Camp

Before camp begins you need to decide what supplies you lack and/or purchase them. There are several outdoor/camping supply stores in Pocatello (e.g., Sportsman's Warehouse, Element Outfitters) if you wish to purchase items just before you head out.

Lost River Field Station is located near Mackay, Idaho which only has a small grocery store with limited selection. However, Amazon will deliver to the field station, so it is possible to order things on-line and get them delivered at field camp within the next few days, but it is easier to just bring them.

The weather in Idaho will vary from below freezing, cold rain and snow in the first weeks, to 80 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit, a dry heat during the last weeks, and sometimes a 50o F temperature change within a few hours. Since I have been field camp director there has been a snowstorm during field camp every year.

We will map in all weather, so bring the appropriate clothing and field gear. The terrain will vary from rolling sage- and cactus-covered hills to angle-of-repose slopes with pine trees. We will begin some days by wading across cold mountain streams.

Lodging Options

There are several options for you to choose from for your sleeping arrangements. We provide a cot and foam sleeping mat for everyone.

Cabins --There are two 16' by 24' student cabins. The cabins are insulated, have wall plenty of outlets, overhead lights, and an electric wall heater. The cabins can comfortably sleep ~8 people each. 

Canvas Wall Tents -- We have several canvas wall tents. Canvas wall tents are not insulated and do not have heat. But each tent site has a post with electrical outlets. Canvas wall tents can comfortably sleep ~4 people.

Personal Tents -- If you like your personal space, you are welcome to bring your own personal tent. There are several gravel tent pad sites that you can set up on. Each tent site has a post with electrical outlets. Be warned, the wind can blow very hard during storms and low quality tents have a history of collapsing at LRFS. 

Camper or Vehicle -- There are also gravel parking spaces, each with post that has electrical outlets. If you have a personal trailer, camper, van, or vehicle outfitted for sleeping you are welcome to bring it as your sleeping accommodation. 

Camp Essentials

Sleeping bag -- You will use your sleeping bag every night.  A light fleece blanket to put inside your sleeping bag if you think you might need it. The temperature will not be below 25 degrees F. However, nights and early mornings are chilly well into June in central Idaho.

A top sheet--We provide foam pads and cots, but I recommend a top sheet to cover the foam pad. A cheap twin size sheet is sufficient. 

Towels and toiletries --sunscreen (you burn fast at high elevations!), toothpaste, deodorant, bug repellent, medications, etc. Basic toiletries are supplied for bathrooms and showers (e.g., hand soap, body wash, shampoo, conditioner, lotion, toilet paper, etc.,) and some over the counter meds are also supplied (e.g., ibuprofen, acetaminophen, Benadryl, Zyrtec). 

Headlamp or Flashlight --for those nighttime walks to the bathroom. Many use a headlamp. I prefer a USB rechargeable headlamp so that I don't need to worry about batteries.

Mapping Kit Essentials (provided to you with the class)

I have found over the years that it is much easier to provide students with a mapping kit of high quality pencils, pens, field books, and map boards, so we are all working with the same fundamental equipment. Dull pencil, dull mind.

The mapping kit provided to you as part of the course includes:

If you want extras of any of these items, you will need to pay out of pocket for them. Note, I have linked to where you can purchase these items, except HCl.

Essential Field Gear

Day pack --  A daily back pack to hold mapping gear, snacks, rain jacket or other clothing, first aid kit, and enough water to last you the entire day in the field.  A hip belt helps distribute the weight. I personally use the REI Trail 25 backpack, and would recommend similar or slightly larger (REI Trail 40) backpack. Can be any brand. The key things you want are accessible side pouches for Nalgene water bottles and/or space for a hydration bladder.

Extra drafting tape (painters) --  We usually have drafting tape, but you may want your own tape to hold your map in your map board during field days with high winds.

Field Belt -- I strongly recommend a field belt that can hold your compass, hammer, and field book. You need these items at every stop, so you want them accessible. If you have to dig through your back pack every time you stop you waste precious field time, or you are inclined to be lazy and not collect necessary data. I recommend a belt that you don't have to loop through your belt loops every time you use it. These 5.11 belts work well, or something similar.

Rock hammer (with belt holster) -- I recommend the Estwing 22 oz. rock hammer (do not get the 14 oz.). You can find them online or sometimes at your local hardware store, or an off brand hammer at places like Harbor Freight. If you want to break rock with ease, get the long handle version.

Hand lens – 5x or 10x magnification. You can find a hand lens on Amazon for CHEAP. But be warned about 30% of students in the 2024 class had their hand lens fall apart. I have had the same the Bausch and Lomb Hastings Triplet Magnifier:  10x since 2009, so paying a little more might be worthwhile.

Lanyard for hand lens -- You cannot correctly identify the rocks in many of our field areas unless you are looking at them with your hand lens. You will lose your hand lens if it is in your pocket, or you will not use your hand lens if it is packed away your backpack. If you have it around your neck on a lanyard you WILL use it every time. I also keep my mapping pencil clipped to my lanyard.

Swiss Army Knife or Leatherman -- just don't put it in your carryon luggage.

Extra Field book -- about 5"x 7".  Hardback books are best.  You are likely to fill up the field notebook you are provided. I recommend the waterproof paper, but it is not necessary. I have seen field notebooks dropped in the river in the exact same spot two years in a row....

Brunton compass -- we have some that we can loan out, but please bring your own if you can or borrow from your school. I recommend azimuth (not quadrant)

Water bottles or Camelback -- smaller folks need at least 2 quart capacity, larger folks 3-4 quarts. For water bottle, you will want bottles that can fit in water bottle holders on your daypack. I would avoid heavy insulated Hydro Flask, unless you MUST drink ice cold water.

Extra Drafting Supplies

Protractor/Ruler combination (metric & English units). I provide all student with a Brunton Map Tool, which is a ruler, protractor, and UTM grid all in one. But, I recommend you have one or two extra 6" Westcott protractors. Here is a link to purchase a Westcott Protractor from Forestry Suppliers.

Mechanical pencil with hard lead I recommend the Pentel Graphgear 1000 Mechanical Drafting Pencil with 0.3 mm lead. Find it here on amazon or here on Blick Art Supply. The fine lead will help you be neater in your mapwork. This pencil was a game changer for me because the tip retracts, so you don't waste so much lead and stab yourself. Bring lots of extra lead! Yes, this pencil is $10+, and yes you'll probably be careless and lose this pencil the first week, and yes you will think it is no problem to use your 0.7 mm 15 cent pencil, and yes your work will consequently look like slop. So, buy at least one extra. You'll thank me when all of your peers are getting docked for having sloppy map work.

Eraser -- several to fit your mechanical pencil, or cartridge-style. This Pentel Clic eraser works great.

Colored pencils (about a dozen). A communal supply of colored pencils is provided for the class to use, but you may want your own set so you don't have to worry about finding the color you want.

Sharpie marker --The standard sharpie marker so that you can label samples

2 black Sakura Pigma micron pens (1 coarse tip--.5mm) and 1 fine tip .25 mm). You will need these to draft your final maps. Please get them in advance, as they are at a premium at camp. You can find similar pens for a cheaper price, but Sakura pens are the gold standard. You find them at Blick Art Supply.

First Aid

There is a complete first aid kit supplied at camp, but a compact, basic first aid kit for yourself is nice. [Band-Aids, painkillers/fever reducers (aspirin, ibuprofen, acetaminophen, etc.), ace bandage, adhesive tape, allergy medications if needed, diarrhea medication, wet wipes, elastic bandage, tweezers, Neosporin (antibiotic cream), hydrocortisone/anti-itch cream

Vet wrap --Adhesive bandage wrap, worth its weight in gold when you really need it. You can purchase vet wrap at this link on Amazon.

Moleskin -- A personal sheet of moleskin is worth having. You might get unexpected hot-spots. If not treated, they will become blisters, and it will be miserable

Knee or ankle brace -- If you have had knee or ankle issues in the past, you may want to bring a knee or ankle brace as protection against overuse. Lightweight enough to fit in your boot, but enough support that it is effective.

Other Items You May Want To Have

Flashdrive --  Just in case you need to transfer files or save your field camp assignments.

Camera --  Your cell camera takes great picture. But, if you are into landscape photography you might want to bring your high quality camera.

Laptop  -- Communal laptops and desktop computers are provided for the class for digital mapping exercises and report writing. But, you may prefer your computer set up. here is high speed Wi-Fi with good signal throughout the field station property. Be aware that it probably will get dusty and that the tents have been known to blow over in thunderstorms. If you bring it you will want a case that you can store it even in your tent or in the Barn. 

Cell Phone -- Lost River Field station has mostly ok cell coverage. Signal is provider dependent. I have Verizon, which works fine. Fast Wi-Fi works throughout the Field Station property.

Blue tooth car transmitter -nothing worse than driving to the field with no music...be prepared to add you top 5 songs to the field camp Spotify playlist. 

Fishing gear -- the rivers are cold and turbid during snowmelt but several are excellent trout streams after they clear. Students have had fishing success at nearby Mackay Reservoir on days off.

Trekking Pole -- As I approach 40, I have come to greatly appreciate having a trekking pole when my knees are feeling a little creaky. A retractable kind is highly recommended, as you can pack it away until you need it. If you have had knee or ankle issues in the past, I highly recommend it.

Cash -- You will need some cash for personal beverages, food or entertainment in town. Many people also use Venmo.

Musical instruments -- Sharing and making music at Field Camp is one of the best things we do. Bring fiddles, guitars, harmonicas, etc.

Music -- We discourage headphone use in the public study areas, and strongly discourage it during field mapping. Field camp is a communal experience. We do have a blue tooth PA in the barn, and music is usually playing in the barn. This is in fact a highlight of camp.

Trailers or Vans -- If you want to bring a trailer or van to live in during field camp, that is fine. Normally we have several spaces available in trailers for those who don’t want to sleep in the tents.

Clothing

The field station has a standard washer and dryer. But it is shared between everyone, so you may want to bring extra essential items (underwear, socks, shirts) so you don't have to frequently do laundry.

Layers of synthetic fabric for warmth. Bring three layers of insulating clothing plus a shell. (The key is to have layers, with a windproof jacket and pants and gaiters over your boots. We walk through a lot of moist sagebrush and willows).

Moisture wicking shirt or sun hoody.  Cotton is the worst thing to have next to your skin when you are cold, so get at least one of these. In recent years, I have preferred to wear long sleeve sun hoodies. They reduce the need to apply sunscreen to your neck and arms, and they do a good job of keeping you cool during hot days. 

Workout pants or long underwear  running pants or lightweight nylon wind pants. Check that the fabric does not trap moisture.

Wool sweaters or work shirts are also fine. Two midweight layers are better than one heavy-weight layer.

Rain gear -- A Gore-tex (or similar rain-proof) coat and rain pants are essential. If you can afford both, a nylon wind shell (or workout shell) and a waterproof rain jacket are ideal. It WILL RAIN on you (also snow).

Hats -- necessary to protect you from sun and rain. Some people use baseball caps, others prefer straw or felt cowboy hats. Something to cover those ears from the sun!  You will also need a fleece hat for those frosty mornings.

Gloves -- ditto on the frosty mornings, lightweight gloves are useful for warmth and protection from sharp rocks. Cotton or leather, or fleece gloves are fine. I like Head: Multisport Synthetic Gloves. They are warm enough, and tight fitting so you can still write in cold or wet weather. You can buy them at Costco or at this link on Amazon.

Socks -- changing socks often keeps feet healthy and happy. Wool or polyester hiking socks - at least 4 pairs.  Personally, I am a fan of Darn Tough socks. They might be a little more expensive (~$25 per pair), but they have a lifetime warranty and are very high quality for the price. I prefer the lightweight hiking or running socks, micro crew height. You may want wet-suit socks—if you have some, they sure make the cold stream crossings less painful, but are not necessary. Some people like to use light weight under-socks (polypro or silk). These prevent blisters. Know your body and what works best for you personally.

Boots -- Everyone's feet are different, so it is hard to make specific recommendations but here is some helpful advice:

  • Use hiking boots, not logger's boots with heels.
  • One pair is ok, but using two pair will make each last longer, allow wet boots to dry, and be more comfortable in the long run.
  • Boots with a minimum of exposed stitching will survive longest.
  • The moderately priced composite boots (Asolo, etc.) will work for lighter weight folks, but will almost certainly be worn by the end of camp.
  • Heavier weight leather boots will last longer, provide more support, and are well suited for heavier people.
  • Know your feet and ankles. If you have had ankle issues in the past or you haven't hiked much in the past, you want good ankle support. Some companies like Altra have started to make high ankle "hiking boots", but these don't really have strong structural ankle support, and are just high top versions of their trail running shoes.
  • I used to wear heavier Asolo boot that were more rigid, but now wear lighter weight La Sportiva Ultra Raptor II Mid GTX that have very good traction. This is what works for me.
  • Most important: Break-in and waterproof the boots before coming to camp. Don't find out that your boots don't fit your feet very good on the first day of field camp!

Note: every year at field camp someone experiences boot failure --many boots blow apart at the seams. We hike off-trail on rocks, so that we constantly scuff the uppers and rip the stitching. Most hiking boots are designed for on trail hiking. Former students unanimously recommend that you bring boots with as little exposed stitching as possible. If you are buying new boots, for your own sake, break them in for 2 weeks before you arrive.

Gaiters -- some people prefer a pair of hiking gaiters to keep sticks and stones from falling into your boots. Gaiters come in various weights and sizes from heavy weight snow gaiters to ultra light weight trail running gaiters. Probably snow gaiters are overkill.

Sneakers or trail running shoes (for around camp and light hiking) and/or Chaco-like sandals -- bring a pair to wear while wading rivers.

Underwear -- synthetic moisture wicking underwear are preferable.

Pants -- baggy, cotton or nylon pants work well. I prefer Carhartt (or similar) rugged flex pants. Again, most our hiking is off trail, and I tend to charge forward with reckless abandon to the outcrop at all costs. You can find men's version of the Carhartt I recommend at this link, and women's version at this link. Costco sometimes caries a similar work pant that is also pretty good, but Carhartt tend to last many years.

Shorts -- I tend to wear pants in all weather for field work. I don't like my legs getting scratched up by brush. But, some people prefer to wear shorts once the weather breaks in mid June.

Shirts -- whatever you like. Real desert rats bring a couple of long-sleeve, button-down, baggy, polyester long-sleeve shirts to protect from the sun.  As noted above, the new synthetic sun hoodies are pretty great. Strongly recommended.

Belt -- strong enough to hold hammer and Brunton compass. As noted above

Swimsuit -- by late June you'll be basking in the sun. The Big Lost River runs through the field station property, and there are many nearby hot springs and alpine lakes you might want to visit on a day off.

Bandanas -- many uses for a couple of these.

Sunglasses -- it is bright at these high elevations. Be wary of cheap gas station sunglasses or sunglasses that are given away free at events. Your sun glasses Sunglasses should provide 100% protection from UVA and UVB rays. Some cheap sunglasses do not, and will do more damage to your eyes than not wearing sunglasses at all.

Camp and going to town clothes -- whatever is comfortable for lounging and going to town on days off. Sun Valley (a fancy resort town) is only 40 minutes away. We can't have the Ketchum folks thinking we are scrubs.