FALL SEMESTER PACKING LIST
Kroka's fall semester includes whitewater paddling, canyoneering, and cultural expeditions from New Hampshire to Sonora, Mexico. Thriving in these varied environments inevitably requires purchasing some specialized clothing. At Kroka we emphasize care and repair of gear, so you'll have most of these items to use for years after graduation.
This packing list is designed to help you thrive in harsh conditions. Everyone learns better when they are warm and dry. There may be items here that you've never heard of, or that seem like overkill. For context, the average low temperature for November in the region of Utah where we'll be canoeing and canyoneering is 24 degrees.
Outdoor gear is expensive, so sometimes the best piece of gear is the one you already own. If you do need to purchase something new, remember that as consumers we vote with our spending habits. When possible, please reduce your footprint by choosing socially and environmentally responsible companies. For instance, Kroka recommends both Patagonia because they are one of the more responsible manufacturers. We acknowledge that their products are costly.
Another responsible way to acquire new-to-you gear is to buy it used. Look in thrift stores or shop for used items online. Wornwear, Ebay, ThreadUp, and Poshmark are all good options. You can also activate your community. Ask your family or friends if they have items they would gift or lend you.
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DIFFERENT CATEGORIES OF ITEMS
· BRING You need to acquire this item on your own. Feel free to call us if you need help or advice
· BRING You need to acquire this item on your own. Feel free to call us if you need help or advice
· BRING OR PURCHASE FROM KROKA You need to acquire this on your own OR you can purchase it from Kroka in advance.
· BRING OR RENT FROM KROKA You need to acquire this on your own OR you can rent it from Kroka in advance.
· REQUIRED PURCHASE No need for you to do anything; we will automatically add this item to your invoice
· REQUIRED RENTAL No need for you to do anything; we will automatically add this item to your invoice
· OPTIONAL This item is optional for you to bring if you want
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HOW DO I PURCHASE OR RENT FROM KROKA?
There are three options:
1. Use the SHOP button on your portal to place your order
2. Call Linda at 603.835.9087
3. Email Linda at office@kroka.org
1. Use the SHOP button on your portal to place your order
2. Call Linda at 603.835.9087
3. Email Linda at office@kroka.org
If you are planning to rent or purchase anything from Kroka, you must do so prior to August 1st.
________________________________________________________________________________________CLOTHING
___Cotton t-shirts (3) BRING
For everyday wear at Kroka and on the road. Please be mindful of the graphics you choose. Often less is more.
For everyday wear at Kroka and on the road. Please be mindful of the graphics you choose. Often less is more.
___Long underwear tops (2) BRING
One pair can be synthetic, but at least one pair should be wool. Recommended brands of wool base layers include Ridge and Minus 33.
One pair can be synthetic, but at least one pair should be wool. Recommended brands of wool base layers include Ridge and Minus 33.
___Long underwear bottoms (2) BRING
1 mid-weight (200), and 1 light-weight (100). One pair can be synthetic, but at least one pair should be wool.
1 mid-weight (200), and 1 light-weight (100). One pair can be synthetic, but at least one pair should be wool.
___Insulated jacket (1) BRING
Lightweight, warm, down or synthetic puffy jacket with a hood. Synthetic insulation is less expensive than down. If shopping for a used jacket, synthetic is probably a better bet. Example of a high quality new down jacket: Patagonia Down Sweater Hoody
Lightweight, warm, down or synthetic puffy jacket with a hood. Synthetic insulation is less expensive than down. If shopping for a used jacket, synthetic is probably a better bet. Example of a high quality new down jacket: Patagonia Down Sweater Hoody
___Insulated vest (1) BRING OR PURCHASE FROM KROKA
A lightweight, synthetic or down puffy vest. A wool or fleece vest also works well. Example of a high quality new synthetic vest: Patagonia Nano Puff
___ Mid-weight upper body layer (2) BRING OR PURCHASE FROM KROKA
One for expedition; one for basecamp. For expedition, a mid-weight fleece, wool sweater, or wool shirt is appropriate. Most thrift stores will have a large selection of vintage wool sweaters at very reasonable prices. The Kroka store offers 400-weight wool sweater by Woolpower. Smaller students or anyone who knows that they tend to run cold are advised to bring a second puffy jacket. If your first puffy is down, your second should be synthetic.
One for expedition; one for basecamp. For expedition, a mid-weight fleece, wool sweater, or wool shirt is appropriate. Most thrift stores will have a large selection of vintage wool sweaters at very reasonable prices. The Kroka store offers 400-weight wool sweater by Woolpower. Smaller students or anyone who knows that they tend to run cold are advised to bring a second puffy jacket. If your first puffy is down, your second should be synthetic.
___Shorts (1) BRING
Quick-dry synthetic shorts. Examples: Patagonia Baggies or Patagonia Quandary Shorts. Columbia also offers a wide variety of less expensive quick dry shorts.
Quick-dry synthetic shorts. Examples: Patagonia Baggies or Patagonia Quandary Shorts. Columbia also offers a wide variety of less expensive quick dry shorts.
___Insulated pants (1) BRING
Puffy pants, such as the Patagonia Das Light Pants that fit over your quick dry hiking pants are best, fleece pants are harder to layer with, but can work as a less expensive option.
Puffy pants, such as the Patagonia Das Light Pants that fit over your quick dry hiking pants are best, fleece pants are harder to layer with, but can work as a less expensive option.
___Work pants (1) BRING
A durable layer that you don't mind getting dirty during chores. Carhartt or Arborwear are nice; a pair of old jeans works fine. These should be loose enough to layer over a pair of long underwear.
A durable layer that you don't mind getting dirty during chores. Carhartt or Arborwear are nice; a pair of old jeans works fine. These should be loose enough to layer over a pair of long underwear.
___Uninsulated rain pants (1) BRING
Must be waterproof, durable, and breathable. Example: Patagonia Torrentshell Pants. Columbia also offers a wide variety of less expensive rain pants. No bibs, please.
Must be waterproof, durable, and breathable. Example: Patagonia Torrentshell Pants. Columbia also offers a wide variety of less expensive rain pants. No bibs, please.
___Dress clothes (2) BRING
Two nice sets of clothes for presentations, dances, and other formal occasions, e.g. a button-down shirt, dress pants, and dress shoes. You may substitute a skirt or dress for pants. Jeans or work pants don't count.
Two nice sets of clothes for presentations, dances, and other formal occasions, e.g. a button-down shirt, dress pants, and dress shoes. You may substitute a skirt or dress for pants. Jeans or work pants don't count.
___ Bathing suit (1) BRING
Athletic-style suit that stays on effortlessly while swimming, jumping and doing cartwheels.
___Thin wool socks (3) BRING
Desert days are hot. It is important to have thin wool socks so as not to overheat while biking. Darn Tough makes many great options (and are guaranteed for life!).
Desert days are hot. It is important to have thin wool socks so as not to overheat while biking. Darn Tough makes many great options (and are guaranteed for life!).
___Medium wool socks (3) BRING OR PURCHASE FROM KROKA
Desert nights are cold. It is important to have thick warm wool socks for cold water days and staying warm at night. Darn Tough makes many great options. If you struggle with cold feet, you can substitute a pair of down booties for one pair of socks.
Desert nights are cold. It is important to have thick warm wool socks for cold water days and staying warm at night. Darn Tough makes many great options. If you struggle with cold feet, you can substitute a pair of down booties for one pair of socks.
___Underwear (4-8) BRING
Four pairs recommended for men; eight for women. Quick dry are preferred. Example: fruit of the loom getaway collection. At least one pair needs to be wool.
Four pairs recommended for men; eight for women. Quick dry are preferred. Example: fruit of the loom getaway collection. At least one pair needs to be wool.
___Sports bra (2-3) BRING
(If applicable) Quick-dry wool or synthetic.
___Sun hat (1) BRING OR PURCHASE FROM KROKA
___Sun hat (1) BRING OR PURCHASE FROM KROKA
Small, packable. A trucker's hat or baseball cap is fine. Chose one that's comfortable; you'll be wearing it every day in the desert. The Kroka store carries a US made baseball cap.
___Winter hat (1) BRING OR PURCHASE FROM KROKA
A wool beanie or ski hat works well.
___Light weight warm hat (1) BRING
A thin wool or poly skull cap that fits under your bike helmet. Example: Icebreaker Beanie
___Buff neck warmer (1) BRING
For sun protection and warmth; wool avoids odors. Example: Buff Merino Wool Neck Warmer
___Wool gloves (1) BRING
For chilly mornings and evening in the canyons. Showers Pass makes an excellent version, you can also find something at your local hardware store at a friendlier price point.
___Insulated leather work gloves (1) BRING
Rigorous use during the semester will likely wear them out. Example: Kinko Lined Winter Leather Gloves
FOOTWEAR
___Approach shoes (1) BRING
We'll use these for hiking, canyoneering, and while padding whitewater. Examples: Scarpa Crux II Approach Shoes or La Sportiva TX Approach Shoes. Approach shoes are the best option for the activities we do on semester, however it is also possible to use running shoes or sneakers if you already own them and are looking to economize. The important part is the tread, which should offer traction on the slick rock of the Utah desert.
___Sandals (1) BRING
For casual wear around camp, on the road, and at Kroka. Example: Chacos with a toe loop. Flip flops are also acceptable.
___Rubber boots (1) BRING OR RENT FROM KROKA
Required for basecamp and farm chores. Example: Kamik Rain Boots
GEAR
___Sleeping bag (1) BRING OR PURCHASE FROM KROKA
November nights in the desert are cold. You'll need a lightweight, compressible, mummy-style, down sleeping bag rated to 15 degrees F. Examples: Big Agnes Anvil Horn (men's) or Daisy Mae (woman's) bags.
___Inflatable sleeping pad (1) BRING OR PURCHASE FROM KROKA
Lightweight, must be compact. Inflatable sleeping pads are required because they are much warmer than foam pads. The Kroka store carries the US made Thermarest Prolite Plus AND Thermarest NeoAir XTherm. The Prolite Plus is a great option for fall, while the NeoAir XTherm is the pad you should purchase if you are interested in winter camping in the future, including on our Winter Semester. If you are planning on buying one of the Big Agnes sleeping bags recommended above, then we recommend that you also purchase your sleeping pad from Big Agnes to ensure that it fits in the sleeve built into the back of the sleeping bag.
___Petzl Actik Core USB-rechargeable headlamp (1) BRING OR PURCHASE FROM KROKA
This specific item is required. The Kroka store carries them.
___Extra Petzl Core rechargeable headlamp batteries (2) BRING OR PURCHASE FROM KROKA
You will need a total of 2 Petzl Core rechargeable batteries for Semester. Please write your name on them with a sharpie marker. Your headlamp may come with one battery, in which case you'll only need to purchase one more. ___Watch (1) BRING
A simple, inexpensive waterproof watch is best. Please don't bring a watch that needs to be charged (e.g. Apple or Garmin). ___Water bottle (1) BRING
___Small Thermos (1) BRING
For hot drinks at camp and additional water carrying capacity in the desert. Wide-mouth, insulated 16-20 oz stainless steel bottle. Klean Kanteen, Stanley, and Hydroflask offer a variety of options.
___Sunglasses (1) BRING
You don't need expensive sunglasses! Sunglasses have a way of getting lost or crushed. An inexpensive pair is perfectly fine.
___Sunglasses retention strap (1) BRING
This is a required item. Example: Croakies
___Waterproof match container (1) BRING
You don't necessarily need to buy one of these. A re-purposed screw-top pill bottle works well.
___Small, Lightweight day pack (1) BRING
For day hikes and technical canyoneering. Example: REI Flash 22
___ Locking carabiner (1) BRING OR PURCHASE FROM KROKA
For attaching your water bottle to your canoe in whitewater. If you're making a trip to REI or EMS, these are a great place to get one of these.
PERSONAL SUPPLIES
___Toothbrush (2) BRING
Wooden handles preferred. Please don't bring an electric toothbrush.
___Toothpaste (1) BRING
All natural, please. This will be shared with others.
___Skin salve (1) BRING
For dry desert conditions. Example: Badger Balm This will be shared with others.
___Hairbrush or comb (1) BRING
(If applicable)
___Quickdry Towel (1) BRING
We have normal front country towels for use at basecamp. A quick dry towel is better for use on the road and at layovers. If you're making a trip to REI or EMS, these are a great place to get one of these.
___Glasses (2) BRING
(If applicable) If you need them, please bring glasses, not contact lenses. Contact solution will free overnight in the desert. You will need a case and retention strap. Please bring a spare pair.
___Menstrual supplies (4 months worth) BRING
(If applicable) Environmentally friendly. Re-usable. We ask you to try the following alternatives, available in natural health stores and Co-ops as well as online. Examples: Diva Cup, menstrual underwear, and reusable cloth pads. Cloth pads and period underwear work fine at basecamp but are not appropriate for expedition. These are all environmentally friendly products that not only lower our ecological impact but also connect us with a special and important process with our bodies.
___Bandana (2) BRING OR PURCHASE FROM KROKA
For sun protection and as a hygiene aide.
___Dehydrated food BRING
(See Food Dehydration Letter on your Portal)
(See Food Dehydration Letter on your Portal)
___Academic Journal (2) BRING OR PURCHASE FROM KROKA
Journals will be used every day for academic class and personal journaling. You will be writing, drawing, and recording observations in this journal; for this reason, we recommend blank journals, however, if lines or a grid would help you be more organized, make the choice that works for you! Journals need to have a hard cover (easy to write on without any external support), be well-bound and sturdy, and be between 8.5" x 9" - 9" x 9" (approximately).
___VALID passport & ID (1) BRING
Driver’s License or other government issued ID, plus your passport.
WRITING SUPPLIES: These supplies are shared by the entire group throughout Semester! Please be ready to contribute what you bring to the group supplies, and know that most will get used up or lost along the way.
___Pencils (10) BRING
___Pens (10) BRING
5 felt-tip & 5 ball-point.
___Envelopes (20) and Stamps (20)
For sending letters to friends and family over the course of the Semester. Students are required to write home at least once per week.
___Watercolors OPTIONAL
Bring supplies if you paint!
LABELING YOUR ITEMS
During semester programs laundry is done communally. You must be able to tell all of your items apart from every other student's. Please be sure to label every single item of clothing you bring, either with a sharpie marker or, better yet, by embroidering a small unique design into it with colored thread.
PROVIDED ITEMS
Group gear such as tents, life jackets and paddles, stoves and cookware, canyoneering harnesses and helmets, etc. will be issued to you by Kroka with no additional charge.
REQUIRED PURCHASES (no need for you to do anything; we will automatically add this item to your invoice)
There are numerous required purchases, as stated in your financial acceptance form. These range from educational supplies and travel fees to craft supplies. Relevant to the packing list, the following items of clothing are Required Purchases, will be given to each student on arrival day, and are all embroidered with the Kroka logo. Please be sure you've filled out the Clothing Size form in your portal.
- Rain jacket
- Long sleeved lightweight sun shirt
- Quick-dry pants
2024 LEGENDS OF THE SOUTHWEST SEMESTER PACKING LIST
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