2025 Winter Semester Packing List

Hello Winter Semester Students and Families, 

Choosing what to bring on an expedition can be a daunting and exciting task. We have created this packing list to ensure that everyone can warm, dry, and clean throughout the semester while keeping in mind the financial and ecological implications of new gear and clothing.  As you begin to acquire gear for Semester, please reach out to Rebecca (rebecca.walton@kroka.org or (603) 835-9087) with any questions and photos of the items you are considering. Remember that the best piece of gear is often the one you already own!

At Kroka we value the reuse and resale of outdoor gear when possible and appropriate. Please consider scouring Wornwear, GearTrade, Poshmark, Ebay,ThreadUp, and Outdoor Gear Exchange for gently used clothing and gear. And finally, start hitting the thrift stores! They are a great place to find wool and many of the items on this packing list, but it may take a couple trips of sifting and digging to find the gold.  Before you buy something new, send us a photo of what you have, or what you’re thinking of purchasing.

As consumers we vote with our spending habits. Sometimes our choices are limited due to budget constrictions, but when possible please reduce your footprint by choosing socially and environmentally responsible companies.  (For example: when choosing clothing, we prefer Patagonia and Wool Power, because they are two of the most responsible manufacturers.)

Each item on the list is marked as an item that you can: 

* BRING  (You need to acquire–buy or borrow–this item on your own.  Need help or advice? Feel free to call us!)

* 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)

* BRING OR BORROW FROM KROKA (bring it if you have it; do NOT purchase this; you can borrow this item from Kroka if you do not already own it)

* REQUIRED PURCHASE THROUGH KROKA (no need for you to do anything; we will automatically add this item to your invoice)

* REQUIRED RENTAL THROUGH KROKA (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).  

For items that you can PURCHASE or RENT from Kroka, use the SHOP button on your portal to place your order or contact our store manager Linda, at 603-835-9087 office@kroka.org  Please note that supplies are limited - do not wait until the last minute!

Please let us know your purchase and rental requests as early as possible so we can make sure we have them for you on day 1.

Thank you!

___  Short-sleeve shirts (2) BRING
2 cotton short sleeve shirts that will get very well worn. Please choose graphics and logos mindfully! 

___  Lightweight long-sleeve sun-shirt (1) BRING
       For the spring expedition sun and bug protection. Light colors are best. Button-up collared shirts and cotton work fine. 

___  Long-sleeve wool/thermal shirt (2) BRING OR PURCHASE FROM KROKA

___  Sweaters (2) BRING OR PURCHASE FROM KROKA
One packable for expedition; one optional for basecamp. Expedition mid-weight fleece, lightweight wool sweater, or button-down wool shirt is appropriate. Kroka Store offers 400-weight wool by Woolpower. 

___  Insulated Jacket (1) BRING
Warm, mountaineering-style down or synthetic with hood, and some bum covering. Should fit OVER your sweater and layers. This is more than a down sweater! If you run cold, add a down or wool vest. If you have something that you think may work, send us a photo! Examples: DAS parka or the Fitz Roy Down Hoody. 

___  Shorts (1) BRING
        Quick-dry, synthetic shorts for running, biking, etc.

___  Long underwear wool/thermal bottoms (2) BRING OR PURCHASE FROM KROKA
1 mid-weight (200), and 1 light-weight (100). 1 must be wool; 1 can be fleece or synthetic, but NOT thin spandex leggings. Wool is still best & least stinky!! Refer to wool tops for brand recommendations. Kroka Store carries 200-weight wool by Woolpower.

___  Work Pants (1) BRING
Durable and able to layer over thin long-underwear. Examples: old jeans or overalls that can get beat up, Dovetails, Carharts, or Patagonia Canvas Double Knee Pants

___  Rain or shell pants (1) BRING
Must be waterproof, packable and durable. Example: Patagonia Torrentshell Pants. Snow pants are not part of the winter equipment layering system: no insulated shells please.

___  Dress clothes (1) BRING
A nice all-season set of clothing for events, presentations, contra dances, and other more formal dress up occasions. Button-down shirt, dress pants, cardigans, dress or skirt, nice shoes. No jeans or work pants.

___  Bathing Suit (1) BRING
Shorts and sports bras can double as bathing suits, as appropriate.

___  Wool Socks (6) BRING OR PURCHASE FROM KROKA
        Wool, various thicknesses. Example: Darn Tough, available from Kroka’s Camp Store

___  Underwear (4-8) BRING
Eight pairs recommended for menstruating bodies. At least half need to be wool or quick dry (but wool is still better and still less stinky).  Underwear and socks are our most important hygiene supports!

___  Sports Bra (2-3) BRING
If applicable. Quick-dry, wool or synthetic.

___  Sun hat (1) BRING OR PURCHASE FROM KROKA
If you sunburn easily, it should be wide-brimmed. Otherwise, a baseball cap will suffice. Kroka camp store carries a US-made cotton baseball cap.

___  Winter hat (2) BRING

        One mid-weight, warm hat; one lightweight. Wool or synthetic. Should be able to layer both together. 

___  Neck warmer (1) BRING

        Wool neck warmer. Example: Buff Merino Wool Neckwarmer

___  Insulated leather work gloves (1) BRING OR PURCHASE FROM KROKA

These are used rigorously, so it is important that they are in good condition or that you bring a replacement pair for the spring. Example:  Kinko lined winter leather gloves, or consider purchasing Vermont Glove work gloves from Kroka’s Camp Store. These can be worn with glove liners (below). 

___  Glove liners (1) BRING

        Thin, lightweight wool/fleece/nylon glove for ski practice. 

___  Mittens (1) BRING OR PURCHASE FROM KROKA

Knitted wool or wool blend mittens. These will be used with mitten shells (provided) on expedition. Handknits are great! So are old, repurposed sweater mittens (think Bernie Sanders’ iconic mittens). Kroka Store offers 400- weight Woolpower mittens and is working on sourcing a US-made version (stay tuned!). 

___  Running Shoes (1) BRING

___  Water Sport Sandals (1) BRING

Must be secure on your feet, with closed toes preferred. Example: Chacos, Keens, or Crocs. Old sneakers also work.  These will be used for flat-water paddling and as “camp shoes”.  In addition, you may bring neoprene water shoes and/or socks for early spring and white-water paddling if you already own them.

___  Lightweight rubber boots (1)  BRING 

For wet weather on spring expeditions and spring farm chores. Knee-high, flexible, lightweight, & compact (No neoprene boots). Example: Kamik Miranda.

___  Kamik Icebreaker, Forester, Tundra, or Baffin Storm or Hunter (1) BRING

You MUST have one of the models listed above. The Kamik SnoBuster and Tundra Jr are “children’s” boots, but are the same type of boot as the men’s version, and will fit students with smaller feet. Please call or email with questions.  

___  Steger Mukluks Wool Boot Liners (1)  OPTIONAL 

As a replacement for the synthetic liners in your Kamik or Baffin boots, you may order a pair of wool liners. 

___ Cycling Helmet (1) BRING

       No prior accidents, no cracks, and less than 7 years old. Must fit your head.

___ Sleeping bag (1) BRING

Synthetic or down, rated 15-25 degrees F (depending on how warm you sleep). Mummy style bag that weighs less than 4 LBS. Examples: Big Agnes Anvil Horn (men's) or Daisy Mae (woman's) bags.

 

___ Insulated sleeping pad (1) BRING, RENT OR PURCHASE FROM KROKA

The r-value (an indicator of warmth) for your sleeping pad must be at least 4.  You may rent a Thermarest XTherm from Kroka (lightweight and very warm, with an r-value of 7.4), or purchase a Thermarest Trail Pro or a Thermarest XTherm from the Kroka Camp Store.  We recommend Thermarest pads because they are made in the United States and have an excellent warranty policy. 

___  Petzl Actik Core USB-rechargeable headlamp  (1) BRING OR PURCHASE FROM KROKA. 

This specific item is required and carried by the Kroka Camp Store. We bring extra, interchangeable, rechargeable batteries in our group gear, ensuring our lights last for the duration of our expeditions.

___ 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. Check to see if your headlamp comes with one battery, in which case you'll need to purchase one more. Available through the Kroka store.

___  Orienteering/field Compass (1) BRING OR PURCHASE FROM KROKA

Not fancy; should be priced under $30.

___  Watch (1) BRING
        Digital or analog, but no smart watches, PLEASE!

___  Insulated Water bottle (1) BRING

        Wide-mouth, insulated 32-oz stainless steel water bottle.  Example: The Liquid Savvy. 

___  Water bottle (1) OPTIONAL

        Non-insulated water bottle for spring time. For example, Nalgene or squeeze-able bike water bottle.

___  Sunglasses (1) BRING

Polarized is recommended for snow and water. Please do not spend lots of money on expensive sunglasses! Goodr makes inexpensive, durable, polarized glasses. Consider also bringing a retention strap. 

___  Ski Goggles (1) OPTIONAL

___  Match container (1) BRING

        A screw-top pill bottle works well. 

___  Cross-country skate skiing gear BRING OR BORROW FROM KROKA

Skate skis, boots, and poles for practice at basecamp.  Please do NOT go out and buy this if you don't already own them. 

___  Ice Skates (1) BRING or BORROW FROM KROKA

         For training in January. Please do NOT go out and buy this if you don't already own them. 

___  Small day pack (20-40 liters) (1) BRING

This pack will be used to carry your belongings around campus, and may also be used while bikepacking and on day-trips while at basecamp.. Make sure it is comfortable to wear for days at a time and is a minimum 20 liters; consider a bag with a hip and/or chest strap.

You may notice that this list does not include hygiene supplies such as soap, shampoo, conditioner, lotion or salve, or sunscreen.  Kroka supplies these and you do not need to bring your own.  If you have particular hygiene needs, please reach out and we can discuss what will work for you.

___  Toothbrush (2) BRING

___  Hairbrush or comb (1) BRING

         Compact/ lightweight

___  Bath towel or Sarong (1) BRING
Bath towel; a sarong is a versatile alternative.

___  Glasses (2) BRING

         If you need them, please bring your glasses (not contacts), a spare pair, a case, and safety strap.

___  Menstrual supplies (5 months worth) BRING if applicable

Consider re-usable options, but not menstrual underwear (difficult to dry). Examples: Diva Cup, reusable cloth pads. 

___  Bandana (2) BRING OR PURCHASE FROM KROKA

       For many uses. Kroka Store offers a variety, all US-made.

___  Mug (1) BRING

A tea mug for use at the Kroka farmhouse during basecamp. Maybe not your most favorite… just in case!

___ 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).

___  Pencils to share (6) BRING

___  Pens to share (6) BRING

___  Colored pencils to share (1 set of no more than 12) BRING

___  Eraser to share (1) BRING

        Drawing pencil quality

___  Letter writing supplies to share (15+) BRING

___  Watercolors to share OPTIONAL

___ Small Pencil Case (1) OPTIONAL

___  Instrument OPTIONAL

        Let’s play music! Bring whatever you play!

There are two required purchases, as stated in your financial acceptance form. These range from educational supplies and travel fees to craft supplies. There is no need for you to do anything about these items (except give us your s!) as they are automatically added to your invoice. 

Relevant to the packing list, the following items of clothing are required purchases, will be given to each student during January basecamp, and are embroidered with the Kroka logo. Please be sure you've filled out the Clothing Size form in your portal to ensure the correct size is available for you!

The following packages are Required Rentals. There is no need for you to do anything about these items as they are automatically added to your invoice. This gear is expedition specific, which is why Kroka insists on providing it. The rental cost covers the cost of the depreciation and repair of the equipment.