Gear:
When working and living outdoors it is important to have gear that will keep you safe and comfortable. Although you are going to work in the desert, remember that it does get cold and wet here! Temperatures can fluctuate widely between day and night and depending on the elevation of your project.
**Note that some of the required gear may vary depending on your specific crew. Contact the AZCC office that you will be working out of if you have any questions about what you need to bring.
**Note that some of the required gear may vary depending on your specific crew. Contact the AZCC office that you will be working out of if you have any questions about what you need to bring.
Required Gear:
Required for some crews, but not all:
Recommended Gear:
Fun Items:
DO NOT BRING:
Required Gear:
- Boots: a good pair of solid work boots or hiking boots. They should, have a solid toe (does not have to be steel toe), a high traction sole, and cover your ankles. Break in your boots as much as possible before the first day! Please note that the boot requirements for chainsaw crews is different (see below).
- Rain Gear: Both a waterproof jacket and waterproof pants that fit over your normal work cloths.
- Jacket or Fleece: something that you can wear over your clothes at work during chilly mornings.
- Long Underwear: Both tops and bottoms. Wool or synthetic materials are recommended. Cotton will not keep you warm if it gets wet.
- Pants: One or two pairs of sturdy work pants. Carhartts, uniform pants, or sturdy denim work well.
- Socks: Multiple pairs of wool, wool blend or synthetic socks that are comfortable with your hiking boots. Cotton socks are not recommended.
- Daypack: Must be large enough to hold all of your gear, food, water, and clothing layers for the day.
- Alarm: watch or small clock to wake yourself up in the morning.
- Water Containers: you must have enough containers to hold 6 liters, or just over 1 ½ gallons of water.
- Tupperware or lunch container. Should be large enough to hold 2 sandwiches.
- Headlamp or small flashlight with spare batteries.
- Sleeping Bag: Rated to 13-30 degrees F if on a Tucson Crew. Rated 0 degrees F if on a Flagstaff/White Mountains crew.
- Sleeping Pad: Therm-a-Rest or other insulating mat.
- Chapstick
- Sunscreen/bug spray
- Toiletries: Keep it simple! Small supply of biodegradable soap, toothbrush, toothpaste, hand sanitizer, feminine hygiene products (bring extra just in case and at all times of the month!), comb, wet wipes or bandanna. Do not bring overly scented items, perfumes, make-up or electrical appliances.
- Medications: If you are on a Youth Conservation Corps crew be prepared to hand any medications that you take over to your crew leaders. Medications must be handed off in original packaging with prescription information. The program staff will ensure that medication is administered as prescribed.
Required for some crews, but not all:
- Personal Camp Stove and Fuel: Not required for all crews. Only needed for backcountry projects. Check with your office.
- Cooking Pot and Utensil: Not required for all crews. Check with your office.
- Tent: Provided for some crews, check with your office. 1-3 person tent with a 3 season rating is recommended.
- Backcountry Pack: at least 4500 cubic inches. Not required for all crews, check with your office.
- Chainsaw Boots: must be all leather, lace-up, and be at least 8 inches high. See gear purchasing guide below for illustration.
Recommended Gear:
- Camp cloths: clothing to keep you warm, and to change into at the end of the work day.
- Warm Hat
- Warm Gloves
- Camp Shoes: Highly recommended! A pair sandals or comfy shoes to change into at the end of the workday.
- T-shirts: an extra shirt to wear when not at work. No offensive graphics please.
- Shorts and/or bathing suit
- Long Sleeve Work Shirt: to protect you from the sun.
- Hat with a brim: baseball hat, visor, or other brimmed hat for shade.
- Sunglasses
- Bandana or Washcloth
- Small Pocket Knife or multi tool
- Ziploc Bags: for food storage and for keeping personal items dry and organized.
- Sewing kit or patch kit
- Personal First Aid Kit: Small kit of personal supplies to supplement the crew first aid kit provided by AZCC.
- Sleeping Bag Liner: A liner for your sleeping bag can boost the warmth rating by a few degrees. Some people also like to have a sleeping bag liner as they are easier to wash than the sleeping bag itself, and can help keep your bag clean.
Fun Items:
- Books or other reading material
- Cards or small games
- Camera
- Journal, pens and pencils, postage stamps
- Musical instruments
DO NOT BRING:
- Valuables: if you do bring things of value, be sure to store them in a vehicle or a safe place to prevent theft.
- Drugs and Alcohol
- Firearms, fireworks or explosives
- Pets
- Knifes with blades over 3” long
- Clothing with inappropriate or offensive graphics
- Portable electronic games
- Tobacco products (if on a Youth Conservation Corps crew)