It costs HOW much???
The "Rental Costs" chart in the link to
the left is from the Main Chapter course. Most of it should apply to us as
well. But I haven't checked it, and can't vouch for it.
Okay, this will cost you some money. But,
especially when you're first starting out, try to borrow first, rent second, and
buy third. By trying out some different options, internal versus external frame
packs for instance, you can figure out what makes the most sense for YOU! You
can also save money by sharing gear on the outings. It's pretty easy to
share a tent, stove, water filter, etc., and it makes your pack lighter too!
If you do decide to buy, you should try to
wait until we talk about the equipment so you know better how to shop for good
gear. You can see what gear we'll be covering each night by going to
"Course details". Once you have the basic stuff, back packing is one of the
most inexpensive hobbies around. You may have to pay a few bucks for a permit,
but often they're free. So then you can enjoy a weekend in the mountains, for
free.
The fee we charge for the course is $100. This covers the cost of the room, your book, your
compass, and whatever topo maps you need for each weekend. In addition, there
will be a charge of about $20 for the tram to take you to snow camp. All of the
staff members, lectures, leaders and assistants are unpaid volunteers.
As for equipment, there are a few exceptions to the borrow/rent advice -
some things you may want to consider buying after we discuss them in class.
CONSIDER BUYING THIS STUFF
1. Ten essentials. This is the stuff you need to survive an unexpected night out
in the wilderness. You need this stuff, and it's cheap. Just buy it if you don't
already have it.
2. Boots. If you don't already have some good hiking boots with a lugged sole,
wait for the boot lecture then go buy yourself some. You can spend anywhere from
around $70 to way over $250 on boots. Make sure you have some good socks too.
Synthetic or wool, not cotton. Many people wear a thin liner sock with a heavier
outer sock to help fight blisters. You might want to have an extra set. Your
hiking partners might want you to have an extra set.
3. A stove. This is my personal bias. Instead of trying to rent something, I
recommend buying the GAZ Turbo Bleuet 270 stove, or a similar canister stove.
This one is about $30, plus another $5
for a canister of fuel. It's easy to light, easy to adjust, and is fine for all
4 outings.
4. Sleeping bag. If your sure you want to do back packing for a while, you may
want to go ahead and get a bag now and save the rental expense. Expect to spend
$100 - $200 for a synthetic fill bag. I recommend a 20 degree bag for the
packing you'll do around here. It's warm enough for the desert and local
mountains, and, with a liner, it can be used for snow camp. But you know you. If
you sleep cold, you may want a warmer bag, or you may want to try renting first.
But before you buy, put a pad down on the floor of the store and get in the
thing. If you're not use to mummy bags (tapered at the foot), it may feel a
little funny. But they all really do fit differently. So, try them out.
5. Sleeping pad(s). A self inflating pad costs about $50, is very comfy, but a
little on the heavy side. A plain foam pad costs about $10, is lighter, but
doesn't provide much cushion. I take both, which is a killer combination.
6. Some type of rain gear. A nice Gore-Tex top and bottom could run $400 - $500.
A good, breathable, waterproof top and bottom (like Gore-Tex, but without the
name), could run $200 - $250. A decent, non-breathable suit could go for around
$70 - $100. A cheap suit that would keep you alive but not very happy might be
$10 - $20.
7. Ski Poles. You'll need at least one ski pole for snow camp, so start looking
around at garage sales and used sporting goods stores for a deal.
RENT THIS STUFF
Costs I'm quoting assume you pick it up Friday, use it Saturday and Sunday, and
return it on Monday. If you can hurry the stuff back Sunday night you can save
some money. I only checked A-16 and REI, but you can also rent equipment from
Outback Adventures
at UCSD.
1. Back pack. Try both an internal frame and an external frame and see what you
like before you buy. Have them fit it to you in the store. This should really be
done with some weight in the pack. Approximate cost: $14 - $21 for the weekend.
2. Sleeping bag. If you don't buy/borrow one, expect to pay about $20 to rent
one. You might want to go ahead and reserve a 0 degree bag for snow camp.
3. Sleeping pad. Thermarest about $10, or buy a closed cell pad for the same
amount.
4. Tent, 2 person. About $20 to rent for the weekend. Share it and split
the cost!
5. Stove: About $8 to rent, or just buy one (plus fuel cost).
6. Snowshoes: $15 - $20 to rent (only needed for snow camp - reserve
early!)
CONTACT INFORMATION:
Adventure 16 Rentals - on-line rates and locations.
REI Rentals - call for rates, 858-279-4400
Nomad Adventures - 405 West Grand, Escondido, 760-747-8223, or
2835 Roosevelt, Carlsbad,
760-434-2445
Outback Adventures (UCSD) -
858-534-0684, hours Monday - Friday 11:30 to 6pm,
http://www-rec.ucsd.edu/outb/
