Loaner Gear Program
Thanks to the generosity of EARTH donors, we can provide required major gear, including high quality sleeping bags (with liners), tents, and backpacks. These are high-quality items from brands like Marmot, The North Face, and Mountain Hardwear. To reserve gear, please complete the gear request form.
For those who prefer to buy their own gear, we recommend these vendors.
Used Gear
- Patagonia Worn Wear
- REI Co-Op Used Gear and in the “Garage Sale” area of REI brick-and-mortar stores
- Out & Back Outdoor
- Geartrade
New Gear
- Bivouac Outfitters: *15% discount for Camp Davis students.* 336 S. State, Ann Arbor
- REI Co-op: 970 W Eisenhower Pkwy, Ann Arbor
- Dick’s Sporting Goods: 3120 Lohr Rd, Ann Arbor
- Sierra Trading Post: discounted gear up to 50% off retail. 215 N Maple Rd, Ann Arbor
- Dunham’s Sports: 217 N Maple Rd, Ann Arbor
Gear Required for All Courses
Provided by the EARTH department:
- Hiking pack
- Sleeping bag and liner
- Tent
Provided by students:
- One pair of hiking boots (low cut or high cut). This is the most important item on this list. Good, well-worn hiking boots are essential for a successful summer at Camp Davis. Good ankle support, Vibram soles, and water proof inners are all recommended features. New boots will cause blisters, so break ’em in!
- Several sets of field clothes. These include:
- Loose-fitting blue jeans or khakis, shorts, long-sleeved and short-sleeved shirts, and socks suitable for hiking/climbing. Merino wool socks with a polyestern-nylon or polyester-lycra liner are recommended. Cotton socks are not recommended, as they often cause blisters.
- Warm sweater or sweatshirt to fit under a jacket, and wool or fleece hat and gloves.Warm, wind-resistant and waterproof coat or jacket for cool mornings/evenings.
- A field hat with a broad brim.
- Sunglasses
- Clothes for free time, including comfortable shoes or sandals.
- Swimming suit and sport sandals for swimming. River and lake bottoms have sharp rocks and currents are swift.
- Two or three water bottles or large hydration bladder (you should plan on drinking at least two to three liters of water/day)
- A headlamp or flashlight.
- 30+ SPF sunscreen and insect repellent.
- One mess kit, that includes a plate, bowl, cup, knife, fork, spoon.
- Pillow, single bed sheet set optional but recommended. Camp bunks are twin (single) size. Towels, bath and hand.
If students choose to provide their own pack, sleeping bag/liner, and tent, please consider the following:
- Packs should have good hip support and between 20-40 liters of storage. An integrated hydration bladder is a plus.
- Tents should be 1-3 person with a rainfly. External poles make setup quick and easy. A small 6′ x 6′ tarp or groundcloth is also helpful.
In addition to the above, students in specific classes need the items indicated below.
EARTH 116
- 6″ flat ruler
- Celluloid protractor 6″
- Set of colored pencils
- Pens with waterproof ink
EARTH 202
- Waterproof rain pants
- Pens with waterproof ink
- Set of colored pencils
EARTH 440
- 6″ flat ruler
- 6″ celluloid protractor
- Set of colored pencils
- Waterproof ink pens
EARTH 450
- 6″ flat ruler
- Set of colored pencils
- Pens with waterproof ink
- Water shoes, old tennis shoes for stream work. No Crocks or flip-flops please.