Today was gear check day at ISDSI. We don’t require students to purchase lots of books for the semester (we provide readers once they are here), but they do need to be properly equipped for the Expedition Field Courses. Before coming on the program, students are given a gear list to know what they need to bring.

Taylor's ready to go.

Why gear like this for an academic program?

A favorite piece of gear -- NRS watershoes (with a strap). Comfortable, and stay on even knee deep in mangrove mud.

The ISDSI program in Thailand is based around “Expedition Field Courses” which are intensely experiential and hands on. While EFCs start with one week at the Institute in town, the remaining three weeks are in the field—living, learning and working with villagers, tribal people, and others.

Betsy checking her gear with Pi Carrie.

The academic courses require students to live and travel in often remote and challenging environments while engaged in academically rigorous studies. Thus, the academic requirements of the program necessitate strong expedition skills. As with any expedition into difficult conditions, appropriate equipment and clothing is often critical to success.

We've got a lot of gear available if students need it -- widemouth stainless steel water bottles, sleeping bags, backpacks, etc.

The focus of our program is on the experiential study of people, the environment and development. If you are properly equipped for the expedition field courses, you will better be able to focus on your studies.

Pi Aaron fitting Jill's backpack.

We’ve found that spending time getting students (and staff) equipped well pays of in lots of ways.  If you’re sore from an ill-fitting backpack, it is even harder to sleep on a bamboo floor.  If you don’t have quick-dry clothes, for example, you might still be wet from a river crossing when trying to listen to a field seminar.

Five key pieces of gear -- sunglasses, a wiregate 'biner, a sunhat, a headlamp and quick-dry pants.

ISDSI Expedition Field Courses are not easy — the demands of academic coursework, cross-cultural living, and backcountry travel are significant.  We don’t want shoddy equipment to get in the way of a student’s learning!

Nikki ready to hit the trail (after she puts the top of the backpack on correctly...)