What to Pack for a Backcountry Response Team
Each backcountry response team (BCRT) volunteer must be equipped with and able to carry all gear required for multiple nights on the trail. As an experienced backpacker, you may already have your own preferred packing list - please make sure it includes the items listed below.
Backpacking Gear
- Backpack to carry all of your gear
- Tent, sleeping bag and sleeping pad
- Cooking gear and enough food (plus a little extra) for the entire trip
- At least two 1-liter water bottles and a way to purify your water
- Rain jacket and rain pants (should fit over your trail work clothing)
- Extra warm clothing
- Camp clothing such as shorts, shirt and sandals
- Headlamp and extra batteries
- Sunscreen and sunglasses
- Insect repellent and mosquito head net
- Personal items such as medication, hand sanitizer and toiletries
- First aid kit
- Bear can or other bear-resistant food storage method recommended
Trail Work Gear For Standard BCRT
Required:
- Sturdy closed-toe shoes
- Work gloves (1-2 pairs)
- Long pants
Recommended:
- Sturdy work or hiking boots
- Long sleeved shirt
- Eye protection recommended (glasses, sunglasses or safety glasses)
- Bandanas (for hot and dusty conditions)
A hard hat will be provided by WTA. Additionally, work gloves and eye protection will be provided by WTA if you do not have your own, but when possible we recommend bringing you own. For safety reasons, certain tasks may be assigned based on the safety level of your footwear. Volunteers who do not have long pants, or sturdy closed-toe shoes, will not be able to participate in the work party.
Trail Work Gear For a bcrt designated as A logout
WTA classifies work parties with more than 80% crosscut sawyer work as logouts. Logouts require an extra level of PPE for the safety of the crew. For these work parties, the designation "logout" will be included in the work party title.
Required:
- Sturdy work or hiking boots (Logout Boot Example Guide)
- Work gloves (1-2 pairs)
- Eye protection (glasses, sunglasses or mesh "bug eyes". Glasses should have wrapping side shields. ANSI Z87.1+)
- Long pants
- Long sleeve shirt
Required for Chainsaw Use:
- Sturdy work or hiking boots that are "cut resistant" or leather, laced boots that provide ankle support and nonskid soles.
A hard hat will be provided by WTA. For chainsaw use, volunteers will be provided with additional PPE (eye protection, ear pro, work gloves and chainsaw chaps). For safety reasons, volunteers who do not have required gear will not be able to participate in the work party.
More Info
Please check your gear at least four weeks in advance so that you can make any needed repairs or replacements.
Your crew leader will be happy to advise you with packing recommendations prior to your trip. Find additional suggestions on WTA’s backpacking planning page.