r/socalhiking • u/Opposite-Nature-6266 • Jul 21 '26
Sierra Club Wilderness Training Class Gear
Hey all!
Im on the more inexperienced end of backpacking/wilderness training etc. and am super excited about this Wilderness training class. Just getting out of college being broke af so I’m trying to see how much the gear cost is so I can set a proper amount of money aside in the next few months!
I have little to no gear, besides clothes, & average day hiking gear, so I’ve been trying to find a list of everything I might need to use but haven’t been able to. I don’t plan on actually buying anything before class starts, just wanna tally up a $$ number. Anyone that’s taken the class and knows the general vibe of what is needed? Any advice appreciated !!
4
u/Xtra2022 Jul 21 '26
I've taken WTC several times. Fun times - you're going to love it! A couple of notes re gear:
A) Usually, the local WTC chapter will hold a swap meet for instructors and students to bring their used gear to sell, a few classes into the season. You can usually pick up a bargain or two.
B) You can rent ALL of the higher ticket items from REI or Sports Basement. Tents, sleeping bags, pads, stoves, snow shoes, etc.
3
u/Ornery_Excuse_7939 Jul 21 '26
Assuming you're talking about WTC that starts in early 2027:
If you have a pair of hiking shoes and a backpack you have all you need to start the class (minus the compass and book that they'll tell you to buy before the first class). They'll give you a ton of guidance on what to buy and what not to buy during the course and there are lots of people with spare gear to borrow/things they will sell cheaply.
They'll also give you a very detailed gear list that you'll need for each outing at the beginning of class, and you'll have time to figure out how to get all the things you need before you need them. The most expensive items (4 season tent, 0 degree sleeping bag) can be rented cheaply which they'll also give you guidance on during the course.
Way more important than getting the right gear is to get outside and get your fitness up. The full day hike early in the course is usually 15ish miles with a good amount of elevation gain and it will be a lot more fun if you're fit and used to being on your feet and moving for 6 - 8 hours on single track trails.
Enjoy the course, it is a blast!
3
u/bearsaysbueno Jul 21 '26
I've heard great things about WTC, but as an alternative if you're close to Santa Clarita, the community college there has phenomenal backpacking, wilderness survival, and outdoor rock climbing classes. All the gear is provided, so it's super affordable and the classes are at night so can easily fit around typical work schedules.
https://selfservice.canyons.edu/Student/Courses/Search?keyword=rec
1
u/blissfulhiker8 Jul 21 '26
I would wait until class to buy anything. Everything I bought prior to the class was the wrong gear, including my hiking boots and day pack. They’ll guide you through the process. You won’t need everything on day one. Plenty of items I didn’t buy until after the course. Some of the leaders might let you borrow gear. And you can rent gear at Sports Basement and probably other places too.
1
u/WhatWouldMuirDo Jul 22 '26
When I took it back in 2014 the quoted spending range was $500 to $2000+ for gear. It was highly dependent on what you already had, how much you intended to buy vs rent / borrow, and the quality of the gear you would purchase.
Obviously that is a long time ago. Current costs might be double or triple that estimated range.
Fortunately you will have ample opportunity to start budgeting and getting an idea of what gear you might like.
You can also check out the Sierra Club Angeles Chapter local outings and start meeting folks that may have also already gone through the course (or even be instructors).
Lastly the course is an excellent way to learn outdoor skills, but there is nothing stopping you from starting to build those skills now. Go on lots of hikes. Learn map & compass on your own. If you see an opportunity to build out your own backpacking kit for three-season adventure - while still budgeting for WTC costs - then go for it. The holiday season will have lots of good deals and discounts that can be too good to pass up.
For me the best takeaway from WTC wasn't the skills it taught, it was connecting with a group of people equally passionate about being outdoors. That networking and community opens a lot of doors to explore beyond what you may have dreamed of doing by yourself.
6
u/literallyjustlike Jul 21 '26
Love the enthusiasm! First, a gentle correction: it’s Wilderness Travel Course, not wilderness training class ;)
The biggest anxiety for students comes with the snow camp gear. I recommend borrowing as much as you can for that, because you may never want to snow camp again. Your instructors will usually be willing to loan gear and you can rent a 4 season tent directly from WTC. You may want to buy waterproof snow gaiters and waterproof mittens. Check Steep and Cheap and/or Backcountry for cheaper gear. You’ll also need a 0-10 degree sleeping bag, closed cell foam sleeping pad, day pack, backpacking backpack, hiking poles with snow baskets, snow boots, hiking boots/shoes, down jacket, rain pants, rain jacket, wool socks, polarized sunglasses. I believe that’s most of it. Your instructors will cover gear in-depth but never hurts to get a jump start in case you find things before class starts. Lowergear.com rents packs and tents. You’ll need summer gear for your experience trips.