What do I need to bring to a single-day volunteer project?
Comfortable hiking boots (sturdy waterproof boots that rise above the ankle are recommended)
Long pants are required
Extra layers for warmth, gloves, warm hat
Rain gear– rain jacket and rain pants
Sun protection– hat with brim, sunglasses, sunscreen
Breakfast, Lunch and Snacks
3-4 liters of water
Any other personal items you’ll need.
• Pro tips: Bring more food/water than you think you’ll need. Wear durable pants (not leggings). Bring a pair of gloves that can fit under work gloves. Pack something to protect your face from wind. Leave dry clothes/shoes in your car to change into at the end of the work day.
• For more tips check out CFI’s Mountain Safety Videos about 14er Gear.
What will CFI provide during a single-day volunteer project?
Gloves, hard hats, safety glasses, first aid kit and technical leadership from CFI crew members.
• Pro tip: You are welcome to bring any of your own safety gear. Sunglasses may be worn instead of safety glasses, but without side shields (recommended by OSHA) there is a risk of shrapnel to the eyes. Sunglasses may also get scratched while working.
What do I need to bring to a multi-day backcountry project?
- Backpack- Large enough to carry your gear to the backcountry campsite and any additional equipment and food the group will need. Your pack can double as your daypack to use while working on the trail. Or, some people prefer bringing another lightweight daypack to be used during project days.
- Sturdy hiking boots- Waterproof boots that rise above the ankle are strongly recommended. Sandals or other shoes that expose the foot or ankle are not allowed for trail work.
- Breakfast, lunch, snacks– 3 breakfast meals and 3-4 lunches.
- Small nylon sack to keep food separate from others while packed in a provided bear cannister.
- Water and bottles/hydration bags- Bring enough bottles for at least 3-5 liters per day. Be prepared at the meet-up point with at least 2-3 liters for the hike in.
- Cooking/eating supplies- You will need to bring your own plate/bowl, eating utensils, and mug.
- Knife, or utility tool
- Work gloves– CFI will have some available for your use if you don’t have a durable pair.
- Pants and durable work clothes that will protect you from abrasion and that you won’t mind getting dirty/scuffed. Long pants are required. Non-cotton clothing is best for incremental weather.
- Warm clothing- Mountain weather is notoriously changeable, and it can snow any month of the summer. Include long underwear tops and bottoms, pants, warm hat, gloves, and several upper-body layers (wool, silk, or synthetic are best).
- Rain jacket and pants- Coated nylon or rubberized fabrics will work. Most people find waterproof-breathable clothing more comfortable.
- Sleeping bag and sleeping pad- Your sleeping bag should be rated to around 20 degrees F, depending on your physiology and/ or sleeping preferences. Night time temperatures can dip below freezing.
- Sun protection- Sunscreen and lip protection, hat or cap, and sunglasses. The intensity of ultraviolet (UV) radiation increases at high altitudes.
- Flashlight or headlamp with extra batteries.
- Tent with rainfly
- Alarm Clock– Wake up times come early – especially when trying to avoid afternoon thunderstorms.
- Small personal first-aid/toiletries kit- Small quantity of biodegradable soap, oral care items, aspirin/ibuprofen, insect repellent, band-aids, personal medications, hand sanitizer, personal hygiene products.
- Toilet paper
- Small plastic bag for trash, food waste
- Favorite camping items: Camp chair, camera, journal, book, bandana, handwarmers, small pillow, binoculars, chocolate, etc.
- For more tips check out CFI’s Mountain Safety Videos about 14er Gear.
What will CFI provide for a multi-day project?
Group first aid kit, satellite phone, spot device
Tools
Hard hats, gloves, safety glasses
How many people will be on my project?
Single-day projects typically have around 12-30 volunteers and 2-4 crew leaders, depending on wilderness regulations and group size limits.
Multi-day projects typically have 10-15 volunteers and 2-4 staff, depending on wilderness regulations and group size limits.
Can I bring my dog?
• Unfortunately, no. CFI practices a no dogs policy on all volunteer projects.
Why can’t I summit the peak during the project?
• This can be logistically difficult for CFI crew leaders. Some volunteers want to summit on the final day, leaving the group with their share of gear and tools to hike out with. Or volunteers want to summit the first day, meeting folks at the campsite, leaving the burden of tools on others. We suggest that those interested in summitting should plan to complete their climbs completely outside the time boundaries of the CFI trip, which starts and ends at the designated location. Thank you for understanding.
I’m not sure if I’m in good enough shape for this, what do you think?
• If you are fit enough to do a full-day hike or similar activity (such as a full day of skiing or snowshoeing), then you should be sufficiently fit to do a single-day CFI volunteer project. • For multi-day projects it is important to note the project difficulty to determine whether you are in good enough shape. Hike-in distances range from 1 to 6 miles, with work difficulty varying. • It’s important to be honest with yourself about your physical fitness level to prevent putting yourself and others at risk.
Watch this video below to get a better idea of what is involved in volunteering for CFI.
If you have concerns, please contact Hannah. hannah@14ers.org
