Why a mummy bag you may ask?  If you have never used one of these bags, you may be skeptical at first by its design.  Why so narrow?  Why a hood?  Both of these features will help trap the warm air you create inside the bag and fill the space between you and the bag.  This results in a much warmer sleep and minimizes cold spots in your bag.    You will come to appreciate this on  those nights when the temperature dips below freezing.  

Mummy bags with down or synthetic fill are both appropriate for the climate you will be living in Yosemite.  Just remember, a down bag will not insulate when wet, a synthetic one will.  Down is usually lighter in weight, more compressible and has a higher price tag than synthetic. You will also need to take extra precaution from tearing a down bag, it only takes a small hole before the feathers begin to fall out.  

Synthetic fill bags will get the job done.  Heavier in weight and larger in compression size are the trade offs to  a lower price tag and more durable material.  These make great first-time mummy bag owners!

YCC Equipment List

Employment Packets were mailed out over the weekend. When you receive them, please take to time to review and forms and note important dates and times as well.  

Tioga Pass and HWY 120 are now open.  Snow is melting quickly and the waterfalls are surging.  Don't be fooled though by these warmer temperatures, you will still want to bring plenty of warm clothes and bedding for your summer nights in Tuolumne Meadows and when hiking through the high country passes.   Temperatures will fall below freezing several nights.

YCC Equipment List - 2013
*	Backpacking Pack-at least 2,800 cubic inches							All Leather work boots
*	Sleeping Bag-25 degrees or cooler rating							Sneakers
	Sleeping Pad-YCC will provide if you don't have one							Shower Shoes
	Pillow							Extra boot laces
	Daypack							Small flashlight/Headlamp
	Duffel/Laundry Bag							Water Bottles, 32 oz. or larger-2
	Denim Blue Jeans - 4-5 pairs							Sunglasses
	Casual Clothes - See YCC Dress Code							Mosquito Repellent
	Warm jacket/fleece/sweatshirt/sweater - at least 2							Sunscreen
	Long Underwear, non-cotton preferred- 1 set							Chapstick
	Sleepwear - 2 sets							Moleskin-for blisters
	Underwear-7-10 pairs							Nail Clippers, Razor
	Socks - 7-10 pairs							Shampoo ,Conditioner, Soap
	(Cotton for casual wear, synthetic or wool for work and hiking)							Toothbrush, Toothpaste, Floss
	Liner Socks-2 pairs							Feminine Hygiene Items
	Poncho/Rain jacket							Camera
	Stocking cap							Watch w/alarm
	Hat or Visor							Padlock for footlocker
	Swimsuit							Stationery & Stamps
	Towel and washcloth							Medications
**	All Leather work gloves							Fishing gear (optional)
Notes:  Include a variety of natural and synthetic fabrics when packing.  Cotton breathes best but doesn't insulate when wet.  Synthetic will dry faster and wool will keep you warmer when wet.
* These items can be rented for the summer as an Equipment Package for $20
** Work Gloves can be purchased from YCC for $6 per pair

Good Boots Make A Difference

Thank you to all for returning your Acceptance Forms.  Employment Packets are being sent out this week.  This will include a packing list of everything that you will need for the summer. 

Please note, a pair of sturdy, good-fitting boots will make a difference in your comfort this summer. Take the time to find something that is all or mostly leather with a sturdy sole and hearty tread, steel toe is not required.  You can use one pair for both work days and weekend backpacking or bring one for each.  This is the one item that we stress you invest in.

All other large ticket items can be rented for a small fee from YCC for the summer.  Those items include an overnight backpack (~3000-4000 cubic inches) and a mummy bag (35 degree rating or lower).  

YCC will provide all crew gear including cooking kits, mess kits, tents/tarps, basic sleeping pads and cots.  YCC will also provide all Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) with the exception of work gloves. 



 Pictures of recommended boot styles are below - waterproof and steel-toe are not required