Join Us For a Trip or Clinic!

• MSU Student, faculty/staff and university affiliates are eligible to participate in Outdoor Recreation Program trips, classes, and clinics. An MSU ID is required for verification.  
  • No affiliation with MSU: Cannot access our programs.

• Student Pricing is available to those who have paid the ASMSU activity fee for the current semester. This includes students taking at least 7 credits or those taking fewer credits that have opted to pay these fees separately (at the cashier's windows in Montana Hall). 

• Faculty, Staff, and Members of the Alumni Association are eligible to participate at the non-student rate.

• All prices include instruction, gear and transportation.

• Payment is due in full at the time of registration to secure your spot.
• You may sign up through our online portal or by coming by or calling the Outdoor Recreation Center during open hours. 

• Cancellations made 7 days or more prior to course start date will receive a 100% refund.
• Cancellations made between six and two days of course start date will receive a 75% refund.
• A direct transfer from one program to another during the same semester will receive no penalty.  
• No refunds for cancellation less than 48 hours before course start date.
• If a trip is cancelled due to unsafe weather conditions or lack of enrollment, participants will receive a full refund.
• Long-term programs (Spring Break trips, Expeditions MSU programming) will have their own cancellation policy.  Details available on the registration page for these programs.  
  • Expeditions MSU Refund Policy can be found on the Expeditions MSU Frequently Asked Questions List.  

• Refunds will be given in the form of payment you initially paid in. If you paid in cash, you are eligible for a cash refund, etc. 
• Participants also have the option to take a refund in the form of “shop credit,” which can be used to pay for any Outdoor Recreation Program rental, class, or clinic.   
• Refunds via check take between 4-8 weeks to process.

•  It can feel intimidating to sign up for a group trip, but we strive to accommodate and encourage a range of participants, knowing that such trips are growth experiences where we can all learn from each other. That said, group and individual safety is essential, which means that there are criteria that can help you assess whether or not a particular trip is right for you at this time. For more information on physical requirements for specific trips, please visit this page.

MSU provides alltechnical gear,shelters, navigation tools, first aid equipment, water treatment, andcooking gear. We ask you to provide, if possible, the clothing and personal items listed below.  Getting your hands on all of this gear might feel overwhelming, and we’re here to help.  We have the ability to rentmany of the items on this list. Items available for rent are marked with an asterisk *  

Top Layers: 

• Sports Bra x 1-2: Synthetic and quick drying
• Base Layer (T-shirt/Long sleeve) x1-2: Poly-pro/synthetic or technical wool 

• Mid Layer (Sweater, wool, fleece, etc) x1*: Poly-pro/synthetic or technical wool 
• Puffy Layer (or additional warm mid layer) x1*: Down or synthetic, hood recommended 
• Rain Layer x1*: 100% waterproof, Gore-Tex or similar fabric recommended 

Bottom Layers:  

• Underwear x2-5: cotton or synthetic, depending on personal preference 
• Base Layer (long underwear) x1: Poly-pro/synthetic, technical wool, or silk 
• Active Layer (Hiking pants or shorts) x2: synthetic, sturdy, and quick-drying 
• Rain Layer (Rain pants) x1*: 100% waterproof, should fit over your other layers.

 

Feet: 

• Hiking Boots*: We recommend a pair of sturdy, waterproof, above the ankle boots.  
• Camp shoes: either water shoes with a heel strap and/or comfortable closed-toes shoes for around camp and cooking. 
• Wool socks x2-3 (1-2 pair for hiking, 1 pair for sleeping) 

 

Head and Hands: 

• Sun Hat 
• Warm Hat: wool or synthetic 
• Thin Gloves: wool or synthetic  

• Sunglasses: with retainer strap such as Croakies so you don’t lose them. good quality, with 100% UV protection recommended. 

 

Other: 

• Sleeping Bag*: Down or synthetic, ~15 °F recommended. 
• Sleeping Pad*: Closed cell foam or inflatable 

• Backpack (approx. 75L capacity)* 
• Water Bottles or water bladder (Camelbak style): 2L minimum carrying capacity.If bringing a bladder-style device, you must also bring one rigid bottle as a backup.
  • Pro tip: Use a 16oz Nalgene bottle as a mug/backup combo!
• Headlamp plus extra batteries* 

 

Personal Hygiene and Toiletries: 

• Sunscreen 
• Chapstick  
• Bandana 
• Toothbrush and Paste 
• Medications you may be taking 

• Menstrual products: and a bag to dispose of them in—a Ziploc bag with duct tape around the outside works great
• Glasses/contacts case and travel size solution: If you wear contact lenses, plan to bring a backup pair of glasses and plenty of lens solution. If you wear glasses, consider bringing a neck strap for them and/or an extra pair.  

***For all participants who squat when they pee, we also provide a bandana to use as a “pee bandana.” For more information on this and backcountry menstruation options check out: 

https://andrewskurka.com/2013/female-hygiene-guide-tips/   

 

Optional Items:  

• Trekking poles (we highly recommend at least one)*
• Watch(highly recommended) 
• Mask (recommended per CDC and MSU guidelines)*
• Gaiters x1*
• Long sleeve sun shirt (can serve as your base layer!)

• camera 
• Buffor bandana 
• Liner socks (thin dress socks work great for this) 
• Mug for tea/coffee
• Book 

• Small notebook and pen/pencil (we recommend Rite In The Rain waterproof notebooks) 
• Camp chair (Crazy creek or equivalent)* 

MSU provides alltechnical gear,shelters, navigation tools, first aid equipment, water treatment, andcooking gear. We ask you to provide, if possible, the clothing and personal items listed below.  Getting your hands on all of this gear might feel overwhelming, and we’re here to help.  We have the ability to rentmany of the items on this list. Items available for rent are marked with an asterisk *  

Top Layers: 

• Sports Bra x 2-3: Synthetic and quick drying
• Base Layer (T-shirt/Long sleeve) x1-2: Poly-pro/synthetic or technical wool 

• Mid Layer (Sweater, wool, fleece, etc) x1*: Poly-pro/synthetic or technical wool 
• Puffy Layer (or additional warm mid layer) x1: Down or synthetic, hood recommended 
• Rain Layer x1*: 100% waterproof, Gore-Tex or similar fabric recommended 

 

Bottom Layers:  

• Underwear x2: cotton or synthetic, depending on personal preference 
• Base Layer (long underwear) x1: Poly-pro/synthetic, technical wool, or silk 
• Active Layer (Hiking pants or shorts) x2: synthetic, sturdy, and quick-drying 
• Rain Layer (Rain pants) x1*: 100% waterproof, should fit over your other layers. 

 

Feet: 

• Hiking Boots*: We recommend a pair of sturdy, waterproof boots.  
• Closed-toed camp shoes: something cheap and comfortable. Crocs without holes (kitchen or hospital style), or old running shoes are great options.  
• Wool socks x2-3  
• Water shoes*: Sandals or old running shoes for swimming 

 

Head and Hands: 

• Sun Hat 
• Warm Hat: wool or synthetic 
• Thin Gloves: wool or synthetic  

• Sunglasses: with retainer strap such as Croakies so you don’t lose them. good quality, with 100% UV protection recommended. 

 

Other: 

• Bathing Suit and Quickdry Towel: Or clothing you can swim in 
• Sleeping Bag*: Down or synthetic, ~15 °F recommended. 

• Sleeping Pad*: Closed cell foam or inflatable 
• Day Pack*: Approximately 20L capacity 
• Water Bottles or water bladder (Camelbak style): 2L minimum carry capacity.  If bringing a bladder-style device, you must also bring one rigid bottle as a backup. 
• Headlamp plus extra batteries* 

 

Personal Hygiene and Toiletries:   

• Sunscreen + Chapstick    
• Bandana  
• Toothbrush and Paste   

• Medications you may be taking   
• Menstrual products: and a bag to dispose of them in—a ziploc bag with duct tape around the outside works great   
• Glasses/contacts case and travel size solution: If you wear contact lenses and cannot see without them, plan to bring a backup pair of glasses and plenty of lens solution. If you wear glasses, consider bringing a neck strap for them and/or an extra pair.   

***For all participants who wipe when they pee, we also provide a bandana to use as a “pee bandana.” For more information on this check out:    

https://andrewskurka.com/2013/female-hygiene-guide-tips/     

Optional Items:    

• Watch (highly recommended) 
• Sarong or towel large enough to change under (highly recommended) 
• Long sleeve sun shirt   
• Cotton camp clothes (shirt and/or pants) 

• camera   
• Buff/bandana 
• Liner socks (thin dress socks work great for this)   
• Personal mug for tea/coffee   
• Book 
• Small notebook and pen/pencil (we recommend rite in the rain waterproof notebooks)   

MSU provides alltechnical fishing gear (rods, reels, net, etc). We ask you to provide the clothing and personal items listed below. Items available for rent are marked with an asterisk (*). If you are participating in an ORP Trip or Course the rental is free.

Top Layers: 

• Mid layer top of fleece or wool*
• Waterproof Rain Jacket*: 100% waterproof, Gore-Tex or similar fabric recommended

Bottom Layers:  

• Base Layer (long underwear) x1: Poly-pro/synthetic, technical wool, or silk
• Waders*: Fishing-specific, with attached feet

Head: 

• Mask*
• Sun Hat 

• Sunglasses: with retainer strap such as Croakies so you don’t lose them. good quality, with 100% UV protection recommended.

Feet: 

• Wading Boots*: We recommend a pair of sturdy, waterproof, above the ankle wading boots.  
• Wool socks

Other: 

• Small backpack (approx. 20L)*
• 1L of water in a durable bottle

• Lunch and snacks (granola bars, trail mix, PwerBars® , Cliff Bars® , bagels w/peanut butter)

• Small notebook and pen/pencil (we recommend Rite In The Rain waterproof notebooks)

• A bag to leave in the car with a warm change of clothes

Self-Care: 

• Sunscreen 
• Chapstick  
• Medications you may be taking

• Day pack (10-20 Liters)*
• 1 Liter of water in a durable bottle
• Sturdy closed-toe shoes*
• Base Layer (T-shirt/Long sleeve): synthetic or wool 
• Active Layer (Hiking pants or shorts): synthetic, sturdy, and quick-drying
• Mid layer top of fleece or wool*
• Waterproof rain jacket*
• Sunglasses
• Lunch and snacks (granola bars, trail mix, PwerBars® , Cliff Bars® , bagels w/peanut butter)
• Any medications you may need
• Sunscreen
• Positive attitude
• Optional items: Camera

*These items are available through the Outdoor Recreation Program (ORP). If you are participating in an ORP Trip or Course rental is free.

• 1-2 Liters of water in a durable bottle
• Bathing suit (or other clothes you can swim in)
• Sunglasses with retaining straps (we can make some out of tape the morning of your trip if you need it!)
• Packable lunch and snacks 
• Any medications you may need
• A bag to leave in the car with a warm change of clothes, a rain jacket, and a towel)
• Sunscreen and sun hat
• Optional items: Camera, etc.

*The morning of your trip, youwill receive insulating wet suits or splash jackets, water shoes, life jackets, helmets. Please let your trip leader know if you need to borrow any warm layers or a rain jacket as well!

The morning of your trip, you'll also watch our pre-trip moving water safety orientation video. This is a great chance to ask any remaining questions you might have!

• Day pack (25-35 Liters)*
• Climbing helmet, shoes, harness*
• 2 Liters of water in a durable bottle (2 large mouth Nalgenes® recommended)
• Sturdy closed-toe shoes*
• Base layer top and bottom of synthetic clothing or wool
• Mid layer top of fleece or wool*
• Waterproof rain jacket*
• Sunglasses
• Lunch and snacks (granola bars, trail mix, PwerBars® , Cliff Bars® , bagels w/peanut butter)
• Any medications you may need
• Sunscreen
• Positive attitude
• Optional items: Camera, chalk bag etc.

*These items are available through the Outdoor Recreation Program (ORP). If you are participating in an ORP Trip or Course rental is free.

• Day pack (25-35 Liters)*
• 2 Liters of water in a durable bottle (2 large mouth Nalgenes® recommended)
• Sturdy closed-toe shoes or mountaineering boots (winter-specific courses only)*
• Base layer top and bottom of synthetic clothing or wool
• Mid layer top of fleece or wool*
• Puffy Layer (or additional warm mid layer): Down or synthetic, hood recommended*
• Waterproof rain jacket*
• Active Layer (Hiking pants or shorts): synthetic, sturdy, and quick-drying 
• Rain pants: 100% waterproof, should fit over your other layers.*
• Headlamp plus extra batteries* 
• Sunglasses, Sunscreen and Sun Hat
• Lunch and snacks (granola bars, trail mix, PwerBars® , Cliff Bars® , bagels w/peanut butter)
• Any medications you may need
• Warm Hat: wool or synthetic 
• Thin Gloves: wool or synthetic 
• Thick gloves or mittens (winter-specific courses only)
• Trekking Poles (optional)

*These items are available through the Outdoor Recreation Program (ORP). If you are participating in an ORP Trip or Course rental is free.

• 1 Liters of water in a durable bottle
• Secure, closed-toe shoes that can get wet (old running shoes work great)*
• Base layer top and bottoms
• Mid layer top of fleece or wool*
• Puffy jacket (sythethic or down)*
• Sunglasses (we have retaining straps available to borrow)
• Lunch and snacks (granola bars, trail mix, PwerBars® , Cliff Bars® , bagels w/peanut butter)
• Any medications you may need
• A bag to leave in the car with a warm change of clothes, a rain jacket, and a towel)
• Sunscreen and sun hat

*These items are available through the Outdoor Recreation Program (ORP). If you are participating in an ORP Trip or Course rental is free.

**We will provide dry suits, rescue life jackets, neoprene gloves, and helmets during the course. You are also welcome to bring your own equipment**

• Day pack (20 Liters)*
• Climbing shoes*
• 1 Liter of water in a durable bottle
• Sturdy closed-toe shoes*
• Base layer top and bottom of synthetic clothing or wool
• Mid layer top of fleece or wool*
• Waterproof rain jacket*
• Sunglasses
• Lunch and snacks (granola bars, trail mix, PwerBars® , Cliff Bars® , bagels w/peanut butter)
• Any medications you may need
• Sunscreen
• Positive attitude
• Optional items: Camera, chalk bag etc.

*These items are available through the Outdoor Recreation Program (ORP). If you are participating in an ORP Trip or Course rental is free.

• Day pack (25-35 Liters)*
• 2 Liters of water in a durable bottle (2 large mouth Nalgenes® recommended)
• Cross country skis and boots*
• Ski poles*
• Base layer top and bottom of synthetic clothing or wool
• Mid layer top of fleece or wool*
• Waterproof jacket*
• Waterproof or synthetic softshell pants*
• Down/synthetic puffy jacket*
• 2 Pair of waterproof mittens or gloves
• Warm hat
• Neck gaiter or balaclava
• Wool socks
• Sunglasses
• Sunscreen
• Lunch and snacks (granola bars, trail mix, PwerBars® , Cliff Bars® , bagels w/peanut butter)
• Any medications you may need
• Positive attitude
• Optional items: Camera, etc.

*These items are available through the Outdoor Recreation Program (ORP). If you are participating in an ORP Trip or Course rental is free.

**Wondering about how to pee and poop in the winter backcountry? Take a look through this website and ask your trip leader for additional information.

Cross Country Ski Packing List for download

• Large day pack (2000-3000 cu.)*
• 1-2 Liters of water in a durable bottle (large mouth Nalgenes® recommended) AND/OR tea in a thermos
• Mountaineering boots*
• Mountain clothing (think warm and dry, remember layering) NO COTTON!
• Base layer top and bottom of synthetic clothing or wool
• Mid layer top and bottom of fleece or wool*
• Waterproof jacket*
• Waterproof or synthetic softshell pants*
• Down/synthetic puffy jacket*
• 2 Pair of mittens of gloves (1 thin pair for dexterity, 1 thick pair for warmth)
• 1 Warm hat
• Neck gaiter or balaclava
• Wool socks
• Eye protection (sunglasses and/or ski goggles)
• Sunscreen
• Lunch and snacks (granola bars, trail mix, PwerBars® , Cliff Bars® , bagels w/peanut butter)
• Any medications you may need
• Optional items: 
  • Gaiters*-Recommended for anyone with baggy pants so you don't catch your crampons!

*These items are available through the Outdoor Recreation Program (ORP). If you are participating in an ORP Trip or Course rental is free.

All technical gear (harnesses, crampons, helmets, and ice tools) will be provided the morning of your trip. We also have eye protection available to borrow: some sort of eye protection is required while climbing. 

**Wondering about how to pee and poop in the winter backcountry? Take a look through this website and ask your trip leader for additional information.

•  Large day pack (2000-3000 cu.)*
• 2 Liters of water in a durable bottle (2 large mouth Nalgenes® recommended)
• Board or skis, Boots, Touring Bindings, Climbing Skins* (NOTE: For avalanche courses, all skis must have brakes or leashes in order to ride the lifts at Bridger Bowl)
• Helmet*
• Trekking poles*
• Headlamp w/batteries*
• Avalanche beacon, shovel, probe*
• Base layer top and bottom of synthetic clothing or wool
• Mid layer top and bottom of fleece or wool*
• Waterproof top and bottom*
• Down/synthetic puffy jacket*
• 2 Pair of waterproof mittens of gloves
• 2 Warm hats
• Wool socks
• Synthetic or wool sock liners (optional)
• Eye protection (sunglasses an/or ski goggles)
• Sunscreen
• Lunch and snacks (granola bars, trail mix, PwerBars® , Cliff Bars® , bagels w/peanut butter)
• Any medications you may need
• Positive attitude
• Optional items: camera, etc

*These items are available through the Outdoor Recreation Program (ORP). If you are participating in an ORP Trip or Course rental is free.

Video showing all gear items: https://youtu.be/7gXdeT6hImY

**Wondering about how to pee and poop in the winter backcountry? Take a look through this website and ask your trip leader for additional information.

• Day pack (25-35 Liters)*
• 2 Liters of water in a durable bottle
• Hiking boots (well broken in, waterproof)*
• Base layer top and bottom of synthetic clothing or wool
• Mid layer top and bottom of fleece or wool*
• Waterproof top and bottom*
• Down/synthetic puffy jacket*
• 1 - 2 Pair of waterproof mittens of gloves
• Warm hat or balaclava
• Wool socks
• Sunglasses and/or ski goggles
• Sunscreen
• Lunch and snacks (granola bars, trail mix, PwerBars® , Cliff Bars® , bagels w/peanut butter, etc)
• Any medications you may need
• Optional items: Camera, etc.

*These items are available through the Outdoor Recreation Program (ORP). If you are participating in an ORP Trip or Course rental is free. 

**Snowshoes and Poles with powder baskets will be provided the morning of your trip. 

**Wondering about how to pee and poop in the winter backcountry? Take a look through this website and ask your trip leader for additional information.