What’s in your daypack?

A sturdy day pack is a key to success! Your pack should have a minimum of 2,000 cubic inch (30 liter) capacity. You will need this big of a pack because you will carry many things to the project site each day. Test your pack for its capacity to hold your lunch, two water bottles/a water bladder, extra clothes, rain gear, and other items you keep on your person.

EVERYONE needs to pack the following items every project day!

• Personal Protective Equipment (helmet, glasses, gloves and ear protection)
  
  
• Water – You should have a water carrying capacity of somewhere between 3 to 5 liters (FYI: A gallon of water is 3.78 liters). A dromedary is a great addition to your day pack but is not a requirement. Many of our participants carry multiple nalgene bottles and others carry a simple reused gallon container.
  
  
  • Adding a fun drink concentrate mix is great way to spruce up your afternoon warm water!
    
    
• Lunch & Snacks – Plan on eating everytime your crew takes a break! 1-2 bars, 1-2 pieces of fruit, 1-2 salty snack and a bigger lunch items. Start with more than you think and taper back as you get more used to the program. WisCorps provides tupperware in every standard cook set.
  
  
  • Make sure you have at least one or two salty snacks! These items will help your body retain and absorb water.
    
    
• Rain Gear – Even if the forecast is clear, you need to always bring your rain jacket and rain pants. Weather can change. This is a package deal! One without the other does not do a whole lot of good.
  
  
• Extra Clothes – Dressing in layers is a great way to approach the service day. We also recommend a bandana.
  
  
• Pack Cover – This is your pack’s rain gear! Some packs come with built in covers and some do not. An easy fix is to throw a few trash bags in a ziploc. On a rainy day, you pack can say relatively dry in a trash bag.
  
  
• Bug Net – WisCorps issues all of its participants simple bug nets. Be sure to have this nearby and available. They can go over your helmets or can be used during crew breaks.
  
  
• Ziploc Bags – We recommend that you carry a ziploc of ziplocs in your pack. You never know what they might come in handy for! They’ll keeping your phone dry or can carry your food waste.
  
  
• Toilet Paper – Not a whole role of TP! Just a little bit in case you find yourself needing to go to the bathroom while on project and a restroom is not near by. Used toilet paper can be buried in cat holes or can be packed out in one of your many Ziploc bags.
  
  
• Eating Utencil – Be sure to pack a small eating utencil, spoon or fork. Most participants utilize left over dinner for the next day’s lunch.
  
  
• Hand Sanitizer– A small bottle of hand sanitizer goes a long way. Large bottles are located within the crew vehicle and can be used to refill your personal bottle.
  
  

CREW LEADERS – In addition to items mentioned above, you will need to make sure the follow items are with the crew at all times.

• Vehicle Key(s) – The key is to stay with a leader at all times. If two vehicle keys are assigned, each leader is to carry one vehicle key.
  
  
• Crew Phone – This means the WisCorps issued phone. If there is no service at your site, or you are trying to save battery like, you can turn your phone off but it still needs to be carried.
  
  
• First Aid Kit – This needs to stay with a crew leader at all times. If your crew is hiking along a trail the first aid kit is to bump along with the crew.
  
  
• Sun Screen & Bug Spray – Both are part of the vehicle kit. Like the first aid kit, these items need to bump with the crew. Any member can carry these items!