Packing Instructions

Packing for Wyoming Weather

A big part of TVRC is experiencing the backcountry of Wyoming, whether on a Backpack or Pack Trip. Wyoming weather can be unpredictable, and we are not able to reschedule trips due to rain or snow. Because of this, your campers’ equipment is extremely important. While summer days may be warm and sunny, mornings and nights will require a jacket, warm socks, a hat, and gloves! The key to success is LAYERS! Please ensure your camper comes with adequate, warm bedding for their time in camp. If they are warm and comfortable on the trail, they will enjoy their Backcountry experience so much more! Here are a few extra details on the most important Backcountry items on the Equipment list.

Rain Jacket and Rain Pants

Staying dry while on a multi-hour horseback ride or on a Backpacking Trip is essential! We recommend both a rain jacket and rain pants to be packed for each Backcountry Trip. Brand and style are a personal preference, but we recommend a GORE-TEX waterproof shell (unlined) with zipper vents under the arms and a hood on the jacket. The jacket should fit loose enough to layer over a puffy jacket or fleece layer. Rain pants should be large enough to pull over other pants. There is always the chance they are never used, but our experience is if you don’t have them with you, you will wish you did.

Hiking Boots

Following a Backpacking trip, campers flood the Infirmary for blister treatment the moment they return. Foot injuries are the most common injury we see at camp. Having proper hiking boots is crucial for comfortable feet on the trail. The hiking boots need to be waterproof with a good sole. We recommend GORE-TEX with a Vibram Sole. To prevent ankle rolling on uneven surfaces, please make sure the hiking boot goes above your campers’ ankle. Synthetic or wool hiking socks are also essential to pack with your camper. Make sure your camper wears and breaks in their hiking boots prior to arriving at camp.

Sleeping Bag

Being warm and dry is essential for a good night’s sleep on the trail and we feel it is the most important purchase you will make for your camper this summer. Typically, Boys’ Season can be cooler in the first two weeks, so we recommend a 0-degree rated sleeping bag. For Girls’ Season, a 20-degree is usually acceptable. The important thing to consider is how warm or cold your camper sleeps. If they are a hot sleeper and kick off their covers each night in the winter, they may not need the lowest-rated bag. However, if they like to snuggle under lots of blankets, the warmer sleeping bag is probably best. We would recommend synthetic over down fill since it tends to dry quicker if wet. The ideal weight for a sleeping bag generally falls between 2 to 4 pounds (0.9 to 1.8 kilograms) and compresses in a sack to maximize space in the backpack.

Packing for the Backcountry

TVRC provides sleeping pads, backpacks, and all group gear (tents, stoves, cooking utensils, etc.) for Backcountry trips. All items that your camper will need to provide are included in the camper equipment list, which can be found through your CampMinder account and on the previous page.

Lost and Found

At the Ranch we attempt to have as few lost items as possible. While we try our best to reconnect all lost items with their owner, please do not send anything irreplaceable with your camper to camp! Your Trading Post account will be billed for lost and found items sent home at the end of the summer.

To help us manage the lost and found, be sure to LABEL EVERY ITEM that your camper brings to camp (including headlamp, boots, sleeping bag, Crazy Creek® chair, etc.) with their full name. You can purchase labels through your CampMinder account.

Laundry

Laundry service is offered to campers weekly at the ranch. Counselors will help campers keep their clothing clean and ready for whatever adventure awaits! Because the laundry room is a very busy place, it is essential that you CLEARLY LABEL EVERY ITEM (including bedding) your child brings to camp. Camp is very rough on clothing and personal belongings. Please don’t pack clothes or things that you would be upset about being ruined at camp!

What Not to Bring

Campers MAY NOT bring electronic devices to camp. After many discussions with camp parents and careful consideration, we do not allow campers to have any electronic devices (with the exception of digital cameras, flashlights, and headlamps) at Teton Valley Ranch Camp. Please help us support this unique opportunity to disconnect! This includes but is not limited to:

• Music Players (iPods, MP3s, etc.)

• Handheld Games (Switch, PSP, etc.)

• Cell Phones

• Electronic Readers (Kindles, iPads, Nooks, etc.)

• Radios

• Go Pros

• Smart Watches and wearables (Fitbits, Apple Watches, etc.)

• Devices that require recharging to operate

As electronic devices have grown increasingly more complex (with features like video, internet access, etc.), we believe they disrupt the cabin environment and negatively impact the TVRC experience. If a camper brings a device for their travel to and from the Ranch, we will store these devices in the office, and they will be returned at the end of the camp session.