Field session gear list.
What to bring to any NBSC field session. The base list below applies to every session; the seasonal sections layer on top.
Every session has a session-specific gear addendum sent to registered students 14 days before start. The list below is the baseline; the addendum is the controlling document.
New to certain gear (knife, stove, navigation tools)? Instructors will check your kit at the start. Bring it as-is — we'd rather know on day one.
NBSC does not require any particular brand. Quality outdoor gear from any reputable maker is fine.
Base Kit
Bring this to every session.
Sturdy, broken-in hiking boots
Waterproof preferred. No first-time-out-of-the-box footwear.
Three-layer clothing system
Base, mid, outer shell. Synthetic or wool — no cotton next to skin.
Rain jacket and rain pants
Waterproof, not water-resistant.
Backpack — 45–65 L
Comfortable hip belt, rain cover or pack liner.
Sleeping bag rated to forecast minimum
Bring a -5 °C bag if the forecast low is 0 °C. Margin matters.
Sleeping pad — closed cell or inflatable
R-value ≥ 3 for cool-weather sessions.
Personal water — 2 L capacity
Bottles, bladder, or both. Loops on the pack matter.
Headlamp + spare batteries
Red-light mode is useful. Test before you leave.
Personal first aid
Blister care, ibuprofen, any prescription meds. The instructor team carries group-scale first aid.
Knife — fixed blade, 90–110 mm
Full tang preferred. Carbon or stainless both fine.
Notebook + pencil
Pencils work when ink doesn't.
NBSC Level 1 credential ID
Bring it on paper or saved offline. It's the prerequisite check.
Seasonal Layers
Add these depending on when you train.
Spring
Cold rain is the threat. Mud is everywhere.
- Gaiters
- Insulated layer beyond the three-layer base (light puffy works)
- Tarp or bivy as a back-up shelter element
- Bug head net for the late-spring sessions
Summer
Sun, heat, hydration, and bugs.
- Sun hat with brim
- SPF 30+
- Bug head net + insect repellent
- Extra 1 L water capacity beyond the base list
Fall
Cold mornings, warm afternoons, freezing nights are possible.
- Insulated jacket (down or synthetic)
- Warm hat + light gloves
- Heavier sleeping bag if forecast trends cold
- Thermos for hot drinks
Winter
Cold-weather sessions require additional gear and pre-session screening.
- Insulated winter boots rated to forecast minimum
- Two pairs of warm gloves + liners
- Two warm hats (one always dry)
- Snow gaiters
- Sleeping bag rated 10 °C below forecast low
- Vacuum-insulated thermos
- Goggles for travel days
Questions about your kit?
Reach the council before your session. We'd rather answer a gear question now than have you arrive unprepared.