8. When you aren’t wet, get dry. Loose airy clothing and footwear lets your skin dry out. Make sure your
feet get some air!
9. If you have long hair make sure you can get it up off your neck & keep it from blowing around. If you are
planning a hair cut, get it short. Long or short works better than mid-range. Remember no dryers & curling
irons will be available.
10. If you are going to shave, do so daily; hair stubble is a pathway for infection into the pores. Shave
AFTER washing with soap & water to minimize skin bugs into the pores. Or let it grow, either is acceptable.
11. If the following offends you, I apologize, but you should know this: military medical hygiene studies and
years of practical experience by those working in hot/humid environments has shown with out a doubt that
short pit & pubic hair is significantly more hygienic than au natural’. I am saying SHORT, not OFF. Guys this
means you too. Yes, I mean everywhere. Just FYI, it’s your call.
12. Shaving paste, oil, or powder is much better than shaving cream, lighter, compact, needs little water. I
am having good luck with Roffler “Gentle Shave” paste and Shick Quatro blades changed once/week. Or
battery powered shavers. Or, wind up shavers were quite popular in the 50’s-70’s and they show up on E-Bay
often.
13. We will have barber scissors & tools for hair trims, at your own risk!
14. Wash all cuts and scrapes with soap and water, get some antibiotic ointment on them, and cover.
Inspect twice daily for signs of infection. And don’t scratch your bug bites - that’s the number 1 source of skin
infections!!!!!!
15. Tampons work better than pads in the field, as pads trend to get water soaked.
16. Ladies may wish to consider using either a modified birth control pill plan or the Seasonale BCP’s to
stop your cycle during the trip.
17. Some prefer not to wear underwear at all to minimize chaffing. That’s fine if it works for you, but
remember the consequences if you take a major rip in your pants. Have some handy. A guy last year didn’t…
18. The best underwear is Underarmor, Terramar, MTS, Duofold, or similar synthetics as they wash & dry
quick, don’t hold stink, and have little chaffing. Sports bras are the way to go. Baby powder/cornstarch helps
prevent chaffing - dispose of before returning to the States!
19. Have a designated pee bottle for use in the tent. Make it a different shape than your water bottles. This
will save trips out of the tent or into the water, etc. Ladies WILL want a “Lady J” available from camping supply
places, to better manage this. Note both sexes want a wide mouth bottle. An important reason not to use
Lemon-Lime color sports drink also…
20. There may be areas that are “No Dump” zones for various reasons. Camps will have established
latrine pits/sites, but the trails may not. The traditional toss into the crevasse technique is not acceptable.
Digging a cat hole & burying will require one small spade per two-person team. There may be times this is not
feasible and you will need to make an “expedition burrito” with aluminum foil and seal it in a zip lock bag…so
freezer type gallon size zip locks become necessary. All waste WILL be disposed of properly and toilet paper
will NOT be left exposed…
21. Sleeping bag liners, either a cotton sheet or fleece blanket sewn together or a lightweight commercial
one keep your bag much cleaner, add a bit of warmth, and can be used as a simple cover during hot weather.
22. Synthetic towels are the way to go. You can buy very expensive “travel towels” or you can go to Dollar
General and get synthetic car towels for $1 a piece that are the SAME THING, orange color. Wash them once
to get rid of lint before using though…mark one end “head” and don’t use that on your crotch…can get several
days between towel washings this way. You will want at least two. Plus a hand full of bandanas.
23. Brush your teeth at least twice per day. Dental brushing powder or paste works equally well. Avoid
white baking soda, due to its appearance, or at least leave it sealed in the boxes until after you enter the
country and throw away before returning to the States. Bring dental floss, lots of the local food likes to stick
between your teeth.
24. Bring nail clippers and a nail file. Cut your nails off straight across, past the point of contact between
the nail and skin. Round off the corners a bit to prevent snagging but do not do so to the point where the nail
can take a dive into the skin – ingrown nails are a misery when hiking! Foot/baby powder/cornstarch is
recommended – dispose of before returning to the States.
25. Hygiene kit: Biodegradable soap, comb, razor + blades + shave paste, toothbrush + paste + dental
floss, nail clippers + file, baby powder, deodorant, pocket mirror, wet wipes, hand wash gel, hair ties, synthetic
towels + bandanas, tampons, pee bottle, gallon size zip lock bags + aluminum foil, sleeping bag liner, contact
lens solutions. Small spade per 2-person team. Consider a solar shower unit in conjunction with a few others.
Get enough supplies for the entire trip!
Rotation Gear List
NO repeat NO camo gear! Plain OD green, coyote brown, tan, gray, blue, white, black military style gear is fine
but no camo anything please!
Total personal gear not to exceed 70 lbs. When packed in one duffle bag (load to 35 lbs max to meet foreign
airline requirements) and one backpack!
Anything you save money on WILL fail at the worst possible time! Bite the bullet and get better quality technical
gear!
Personal – Standard Minimum List
Footwear
Hiking boots – medium weight or greater, 1 pair
River shoes – sneakers or closed toe water shoes, 1 pair
Camp shoes – sneakers or insulated hard sole booties or sandals, 1 pair
Socks – hiking, 4 pair, inner/outer or as you prefer
Lowers
Underwear – synthetic wicking, 3 pair
Long underwear – synthetic wicking, medium-weight, 1 pair
Fleece pants – 1 pair
Field pants – BDU style suggested 2 pair
Shell pants – Gore-Tex or semi-breathable, reinforced knees/seat, semi or full side zips, 1
Shorts – swimming/bathing, 1 or 2
Uppers
Bras – sports type, 3 pair
Long underwear – synthetic wicking, medium- weight, 1 pair
Fleece or micro-fiber jacket – Nice if it can zip into shell but that is not required, 1
Shell jacket – Gore-Tex or semi-breathable, attached hood, pit zips, 1
T-shirts – 2
Head
Sun hat – with brim, 1
Fleece stocking cap – low profile to get under helmet, 1
Ball caps/ Shemagh /Balaclava, etc. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
Hands
Rock/water/rope gloves – reinforced palms, synthetic, 1 pair
Lightweight/liners – 1 pair (2 suggested, 1 pair windproof)
Heavy weight mitts or shells – 1 pair
Idiot cord (glove leash) highly suggested!
Field Gear
Sleeping bag - 0-20°F comfortable or dual bag system for greater flexibility
Sleeping bag liner or sewn sheet – keep bag cleaner, 1
Sleeping pad – Thermarest type (bring a patch kit!) or solid foam type, 1
Pillow or stuff bag – 1
Backpack – 3000cc or larger internal frame type approach pack, 1
Headlamps – LED type, bright, 2
Flashlight – 1
Batteries/bulbs – lots
Sun glasses & leash – 2
Fast drying synthetic towel – 1
Bandanas – lots
Camelback type water system – 1
Water bottles – 1 liter size or better, 1 or 2
Pee bottle & funnel – different shape than water bottles!
Plate, cup, bowel, utensils as desired – plastic, metal cools too fast
Personal spices
1 Gallon zip-lock freezer bags – 1 box
15 gallon trash bags – 1 box
Field notebook – 8 x 11, waterproof paper or waterproof cover, pens etc.
Money/passport pouch – 1
Dust goggles – 1
Water purifier – 1 & coffee filters to pre-filter sediment
Solar shower – small, 1- 2.5 gallon size
Stethoscope
OPTIONAL BUT WORTH CAREFUL CONSIDERATION
I-pod & earphones
Snivel gear du jur
Trekking poles – 1 pair
Cameras & film
Dry bags and compression sacks
Solar battery charger & batteries
Clothes line/pins
Favorite snack & comfort foods
Fanny pack, man-purse, etc.
Tents & Higher Camp Supplies, etc.
This will depend on final arrangements in Askole. If you are assigned above Askole you will need a 3+ season
wind stable tent, as well as additional warm clothing and some safety gear. This will be discussed if/when
needed.
Rotation Standard Individual Repair Kit
1. Leatherman type tool
2. Eyeglasses repair kit with screws (sunglasses even if you don’t wear RX glasses)
3. Duct tape
4. Zip/Cable/Wire ties, longer = better
5. Heavy sewing needles
6. Heavy thread or Kevlar type fishing line
7. Superglue
8. Braided wire, such as for hanging pictures
9. Safety pins, large diaper type
10. Odd pins, buckles, etc. that your gear depends on
11. Bic lighters x 2
12. Anything else that floats your boat
Rotation Standard Personal Aid/Med Kit
Substitute to suit yourself but we will expect you to be able to provide treatment for minor problems without
unpacking the expedition medical kit.
1. RX meds you need
2. Multivitamin of choice
3. Ibuprofen 200 mg #200 and/or Tylenol ES #200
4. Benadryl 25 mg, or antihistamine of choice #100 (less if using long acting)
5. Sudafed or decongestant of choice #100
6. Cough drops/med of choice, lots
7. Imodium Advanced #100 (well, 96 if you get 2 48 tab boxes)
8. Prilosec, Axid, Zantac, etc. of choice
9. Ex Lax or laxative of choice #50
10. Antibiotic ointment
11. Hydrocortisone ointment
12. Bandaids, lots
13. Moleskin, Second Skin, or blister treatment of choice
14. Eye wash solution
15. ACE wrap 4” x 2
16. Alcohol hand cleaner
17. Povidone cleaning pads or solution
18. Anything else that floats your boat
IF YOU ARE STILL INTERESTED, YOU MUST CONTACT US ASAP TO BEGIN THE SCREENING
PROCESS!!!!! GO HERE & PUT 'K-2 2008' IN THE COMMENTS SECTION: K-2 2008
feet get some air!
9. If you have long hair make sure you can get it up off your neck & keep it from blowing around. If you are
planning a hair cut, get it short. Long or short works better than mid-range. Remember no dryers & curling
irons will be available.
10. If you are going to shave, do so daily; hair stubble is a pathway for infection into the pores. Shave
AFTER washing with soap & water to minimize skin bugs into the pores. Or let it grow, either is acceptable.
11. If the following offends you, I apologize, but you should know this: military medical hygiene studies and
years of practical experience by those working in hot/humid environments has shown with out a doubt that
short pit & pubic hair is significantly more hygienic than au natural’. I am saying SHORT, not OFF. Guys this
means you too. Yes, I mean everywhere. Just FYI, it’s your call.
12. Shaving paste, oil, or powder is much better than shaving cream, lighter, compact, needs little water. I
am having good luck with Roffler “Gentle Shave” paste and Shick Quatro blades changed once/week. Or
battery powered shavers. Or, wind up shavers were quite popular in the 50’s-70’s and they show up on E-Bay
often.
13. We will have barber scissors & tools for hair trims, at your own risk!
14. Wash all cuts and scrapes with soap and water, get some antibiotic ointment on them, and cover.
Inspect twice daily for signs of infection. And don’t scratch your bug bites - that’s the number 1 source of skin
infections!!!!!!
15. Tampons work better than pads in the field, as pads trend to get water soaked.
16. Ladies may wish to consider using either a modified birth control pill plan or the Seasonale BCP’s to
stop your cycle during the trip.
17. Some prefer not to wear underwear at all to minimize chaffing. That’s fine if it works for you, but
remember the consequences if you take a major rip in your pants. Have some handy. A guy last year didn’t…
18. The best underwear is Underarmor, Terramar, MTS, Duofold, or similar synthetics as they wash & dry
quick, don’t hold stink, and have little chaffing. Sports bras are the way to go. Baby powder/cornstarch helps
prevent chaffing - dispose of before returning to the States!
19. Have a designated pee bottle for use in the tent. Make it a different shape than your water bottles. This
will save trips out of the tent or into the water, etc. Ladies WILL want a “Lady J” available from camping supply
places, to better manage this. Note both sexes want a wide mouth bottle. An important reason not to use
Lemon-Lime color sports drink also…
20. There may be areas that are “No Dump” zones for various reasons. Camps will have established
latrine pits/sites, but the trails may not. The traditional toss into the crevasse technique is not acceptable.
Digging a cat hole & burying will require one small spade per two-person team. There may be times this is not
feasible and you will need to make an “expedition burrito” with aluminum foil and seal it in a zip lock bag…so
freezer type gallon size zip locks become necessary. All waste WILL be disposed of properly and toilet paper
will NOT be left exposed…
21. Sleeping bag liners, either a cotton sheet or fleece blanket sewn together or a lightweight commercial
one keep your bag much cleaner, add a bit of warmth, and can be used as a simple cover during hot weather.
22. Synthetic towels are the way to go. You can buy very expensive “travel towels” or you can go to Dollar
General and get synthetic car towels for $1 a piece that are the SAME THING, orange color. Wash them once
to get rid of lint before using though…mark one end “head” and don’t use that on your crotch…can get several
days between towel washings this way. You will want at least two. Plus a hand full of bandanas.
23. Brush your teeth at least twice per day. Dental brushing powder or paste works equally well. Avoid
white baking soda, due to its appearance, or at least leave it sealed in the boxes until after you enter the
country and throw away before returning to the States. Bring dental floss, lots of the local food likes to stick
between your teeth.
24. Bring nail clippers and a nail file. Cut your nails off straight across, past the point of contact between
the nail and skin. Round off the corners a bit to prevent snagging but do not do so to the point where the nail
can take a dive into the skin – ingrown nails are a misery when hiking! Foot/baby powder/cornstarch is
recommended – dispose of before returning to the States.
25. Hygiene kit: Biodegradable soap, comb, razor + blades + shave paste, toothbrush + paste + dental
floss, nail clippers + file, baby powder, deodorant, pocket mirror, wet wipes, hand wash gel, hair ties, synthetic
towels + bandanas, tampons, pee bottle, gallon size zip lock bags + aluminum foil, sleeping bag liner, contact
lens solutions. Small spade per 2-person team. Consider a solar shower unit in conjunction with a few others.
Get enough supplies for the entire trip!
Rotation Gear List
NO repeat NO camo gear! Plain OD green, coyote brown, tan, gray, blue, white, black military style gear is fine
but no camo anything please!
Total personal gear not to exceed 70 lbs. When packed in one duffle bag (load to 35 lbs max to meet foreign
airline requirements) and one backpack!
Anything you save money on WILL fail at the worst possible time! Bite the bullet and get better quality technical
gear!
Personal – Standard Minimum List
Footwear
Hiking boots – medium weight or greater, 1 pair
River shoes – sneakers or closed toe water shoes, 1 pair
Camp shoes – sneakers or insulated hard sole booties or sandals, 1 pair
Socks – hiking, 4 pair, inner/outer or as you prefer
Lowers
Underwear – synthetic wicking, 3 pair
Long underwear – synthetic wicking, medium-weight, 1 pair
Fleece pants – 1 pair
Field pants – BDU style suggested 2 pair
Shell pants – Gore-Tex or semi-breathable, reinforced knees/seat, semi or full side zips, 1
Shorts – swimming/bathing, 1 or 2
Uppers
Bras – sports type, 3 pair
Long underwear – synthetic wicking, medium- weight, 1 pair
Fleece or micro-fiber jacket – Nice if it can zip into shell but that is not required, 1
Shell jacket – Gore-Tex or semi-breathable, attached hood, pit zips, 1
T-shirts – 2
Head
Sun hat – with brim, 1
Fleece stocking cap – low profile to get under helmet, 1
Ball caps/ Shemagh /Balaclava, etc. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
Hands
Rock/water/rope gloves – reinforced palms, synthetic, 1 pair
Lightweight/liners – 1 pair (2 suggested, 1 pair windproof)
Heavy weight mitts or shells – 1 pair
Idiot cord (glove leash) highly suggested!
Field Gear
Sleeping bag - 0-20°F comfortable or dual bag system for greater flexibility
Sleeping bag liner or sewn sheet – keep bag cleaner, 1
Sleeping pad – Thermarest type (bring a patch kit!) or solid foam type, 1
Pillow or stuff bag – 1
Backpack – 3000cc or larger internal frame type approach pack, 1
Headlamps – LED type, bright, 2
Flashlight – 1
Batteries/bulbs – lots
Sun glasses & leash – 2
Fast drying synthetic towel – 1
Bandanas – lots
Camelback type water system – 1
Water bottles – 1 liter size or better, 1 or 2
Pee bottle & funnel – different shape than water bottles!
Plate, cup, bowel, utensils as desired – plastic, metal cools too fast
Personal spices
1 Gallon zip-lock freezer bags – 1 box
15 gallon trash bags – 1 box
Field notebook – 8 x 11, waterproof paper or waterproof cover, pens etc.
Money/passport pouch – 1
Dust goggles – 1
Water purifier – 1 & coffee filters to pre-filter sediment
Solar shower – small, 1- 2.5 gallon size
Stethoscope
OPTIONAL BUT WORTH CAREFUL CONSIDERATION
I-pod & earphones
Snivel gear du jur
Trekking poles – 1 pair
Cameras & film
Dry bags and compression sacks
Solar battery charger & batteries
Clothes line/pins
Favorite snack & comfort foods
Fanny pack, man-purse, etc.
Tents & Higher Camp Supplies, etc.
This will depend on final arrangements in Askole. If you are assigned above Askole you will need a 3+ season
wind stable tent, as well as additional warm clothing and some safety gear. This will be discussed if/when
needed.
Rotation Standard Individual Repair Kit
1. Leatherman type tool
2. Eyeglasses repair kit with screws (sunglasses even if you don’t wear RX glasses)
3. Duct tape
4. Zip/Cable/Wire ties, longer = better
5. Heavy sewing needles
6. Heavy thread or Kevlar type fishing line
7. Superglue
8. Braided wire, such as for hanging pictures
9. Safety pins, large diaper type
10. Odd pins, buckles, etc. that your gear depends on
11. Bic lighters x 2
12. Anything else that floats your boat
Rotation Standard Personal Aid/Med Kit
Substitute to suit yourself but we will expect you to be able to provide treatment for minor problems without
unpacking the expedition medical kit.
1. RX meds you need
2. Multivitamin of choice
3. Ibuprofen 200 mg #200 and/or Tylenol ES #200
4. Benadryl 25 mg, or antihistamine of choice #100 (less if using long acting)
5. Sudafed or decongestant of choice #100
6. Cough drops/med of choice, lots
7. Imodium Advanced #100 (well, 96 if you get 2 48 tab boxes)
8. Prilosec, Axid, Zantac, etc. of choice
9. Ex Lax or laxative of choice #50
10. Antibiotic ointment
11. Hydrocortisone ointment
12. Bandaids, lots
13. Moleskin, Second Skin, or blister treatment of choice
14. Eye wash solution
15. ACE wrap 4” x 2
16. Alcohol hand cleaner
17. Povidone cleaning pads or solution
18. Anything else that floats your boat
IF YOU ARE STILL INTERESTED, YOU MUST CONTACT US ASAP TO BEGIN THE SCREENING
PROCESS!!!!! GO HERE & PUT 'K-2 2008' IN THE COMMENTS SECTION: K-2 2008
| Wilderness Medicine - Expedition Medicine - Wilderness Rescue - Expedition Rescue - International Health & Medical Training |
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