Meals, Lodging, Transportation, and Equipment

While in Laramie or working out of Laramie , students are responsible for all their meals (including lunch) and lodging, but we will assist out-of-town students in locating suitable lodging in the Laramie area. Approximately 14 nights will be spent in Laramie; the rest of field camp will be spent in the field. While in the field, all lodging, food, and transportation will be provided.  On road trips we normally camp in primitive or developed campgrounds, but we occasionally take advantage of showers and laundry facilities.  While in the field, breakfast and dinner will be prepared by our camp cook; students will pack a lunch each morning from supplies stocked by the camp. 

Transportation to and from the field is provided. Recreational and personal use of University vehicles is not permitted. Major items such as Brunton compasses, GPS units, Jacob's staffs, and class materials (maps, photos, etc.) are supplied.  Shared tents are available for borrowing.  The students are asked to supply drafting equipment and personal gear. 

Estimated costs for non-UW students while in Laramie: lodging will be approximately $10-20 night in shared hotel rooms.  Local students might also offer to host non-UW students in return for a small compensation.  Food costs will be similar to those at home.  

Personal and Mapping Gear, Drafting Equipment

Required!

1. Appropriate clothing that will allow you to be comfortable in snow (yes, really!) as well as sunshine. The "layered" approach works well. Include rain gear. Laundry will be available approximately every 7-9 days.

2. Good field boots are essential; sandals are not allowed for field work. The boots must withstand several weeks of rough treatment and should be "broken in" so that you won't develop blisters. Your boots should protect against stone bruises, twisted ankles, and cactus spines. High-top boots are preferred and will help prevent rattlesnake bites.  

3. A substantial belt (for carrying your Brunton and other gear)

4. At least two water bottles and a daypack for field gear.  

5. Sleeping pad and a sleeping bag that is comfortable below freezing.  If your bag is rated to only 20 degrees, you should bring a liner or extra blanket because we often experience snow or frost conditions. We do not "pack-in" for our projects, so being comfortable is more important than portability.

6. You may bring your own tent, but it is not required.  If you do not bring a personal tent, you will be sharing a large tent with other students. 

7.  Personal hygiene items (including soap, washcloth, towel, shampoo, etc.).

8. Mapping and drafting equipment:

  1. Permanent ink pens that will write (and stay) on paper or acetate (the less expensive graduated felt tip pens, like Sharpies, are best). You will need at least two sizes in the range of 0.05mm to 0.8mm. A couple of colored ink pens (0.1mm to 0.5mm) are also recommended.
  2. Colored pencils (at least twelve colors) and pencil sharpener.  Please check the colored pencils: color an area heavily and try to write on it with a sharpie.  If you can’t write over the colored area with a sharpie, the instructor can’t write comments on your maps.   
  3. 6"-ruler (calibrated to mm and 10ths of inches)
  4. small protractor, 2 protractors if you tend to lose things (half circle is OK, can be part of ruler)
  5. calculator (small, inexpensive model)
  6. lined note pad for writing reports
  7. several mechanical pencils (extra fine lead)
  8. scissors and/or pocket knife
  9. drafting tape, small roll
  10. one or more large felt-tipped markers (Sharpies)
  11. a good quality, soft eraser

Other recommended items:

Athletic shoes
Bath/shower shoes

Binoculars
Brimmed hat
Belt pouch for field book (can be found/created at Atmosphere Mountain Works)
Camera & film
Chapstick
Dark glasses

Field guides (plants, minerals, etc.)
First-aid kit
Flashlight (with extra batteries)
Gloves (for warmth)
Insect repellant
Laundry detergent

Mp3 player

Reading material
Sandwich container (crush proof)
Sports equip. (i.e. Frisbee, ball glove, etc.)
Sunscreen 
Swim suit
Suggested texts
Small cooler for personal beverages

Thermal underwear for cold weather

Note: Space in the vehicles is generous, but limited, so please pack economically (don't expect to take a bike or kayak unless you are in training for a competitive event, and then please ask first).

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