1978 Ahwahnee Survival Camp
Equipment List

"I went into the woods because I wished to live deliberately, to confront only the essential facts of life, and see if I could learn what it had to teach, and not when I came to die, discover that I had not lived." - H.D. Thoreau

You are required to bring all of the following: no more, no less.

The clothes you wear to camp should be included in the count for the following list. (For example, you will bring 1 extra pair of wool socks in addition to the pair you wear to camp.)

  • 1 pair of sturdy pants (i.e. levis, fatigues) These should not be tight fitting.
  • 1 long sleeved shirt (i.e. flannel, cotton work shirt, pendleton, sweat shirt)
  • 1 jacket. Down jackets are not allowed. Bring a jacket that is sturdy enough not to be ruined from sleeping on the ground. Levi jackets work nicely, particularly if lined.
  • 1 T-shirt
  • 2 large cotton bandanas
  • 2 pair wool socks. Do not bring cotton socks as they lose their shape quickly when wet.
  • 3 pair underwear
  • 1 stocking cap, "beanie" type
  • 1 set thermal (long) underwear
  • 1 belt
  • 1 rain poncho
  • 1 pair broken-in, comfortable, lace-up hiking boots. These should provide adequate ankle support. DO NOT bring cowboy boots. Jungle or Nam-style boots are acceptable. Vibram soles are recommended but not required. DO NOT bring brand-new boots, you will be living in these all week. NO TENNIS SHOES ALLOWED.
  • 1 wool blanket (i.e. army blanket, Hudson Bay blanket)
  • 1 pair heavy leather gloves for rappeling and retrieving cans from fire. DO NOT bring expensive skiing or winter-type gloves. These are for utility, not warmth.
  • 1 knife. May be either pocket or sheath type. Scout pocketknife or Scout whittling knife will work just fine. Multi-bladed "swiss army" type knives are not recommended as they are often impractical and of poor quality.
  • 1 canteen
  • 1 day-hike bag. Use it to carry everything except your blanket. No backpacks are needed or allowed.
  • 1 toilet articles, including chapstick, soap, toothpaste, toothbrush, towel, personal items. Sorry leaders, no razors allowed!
  • 1 repair kit, including needle, thread, patching material, buttons, etc.
  • 1 12oz can (i.e. empty cola can) VERY IMPORTANT - for use in cooking.
  • 1 dental floss (important!)
  • 1 pocket sharpening stone (optional)
  • 1 compass
  • 1 extra pair shoe laces
  • 1 pencil
  • 1 sunglasses (optional)

In addition to theabove you may bring the following if you like:

  • Any books you desire, including religious references.
  • A watch. Expensive watches are not recommended.
  • Any musical instruments you desire, such as a guitar, harmonica, jew's harp.
  • A camera and extra film.
  • Paper and stamped envelopes.
  • Money. Our trading post will be open Friday evenings and will offer camp souvenirs such as patches and neckerchiefs, along with several books.
  • Any prescribed medicine. MUST be reported to camp doctor.
  • You may bring an entire change of clean clothes to wear when going home on Saturday. These should be kept separate in a waterproof bag. The staff will return these to you on Saturday morning.

DO NOT BRING cigarettes (adults included), sleeping bags, food, survival kits, tube tents, radios, sleeping pads, air mattresses, flashlights, or matches.

Please clearly mark your name on all items.

In choosing your equipment, remember that we are trying to create a real-life survival situation in so far as is practical. This is the reason for a strict equipment list.

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Copyright © 1978, 2000 by Bill Qualls. Last updated March 9, 2000.