Although there are enough gadgets and super “cool” items for producing amazing films, what do you really need to bring? Here are some lists that we suggest to making your Adventure Film experience successful and memorable.

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As a participant on the Adventure Film School you will receive a full in-depth participant packet that will be specific toward the school you are attending, but will look similar to the following information! Check out our How it Works page!

The following lists are a generalized and may not apply toward all of our Adventure Film Schools, as our schools run all over the world in varied locations, temperatures, climates, and itineraries!

    •  Bringing extra small bills and change with you!
      • AFS suggests having extra cash for utilizing public transportation systems such as buses, shuttles, trams, monorail or taxi’s.  This is helpful for getting yourself to the schools main location without having to rent a car. Once you have arrived on the course, transportation will be provided.
    • Don’t forget your ID or passport
      • For international schools, making a copy or two of your passport can help secure that you always have photo ID available in worst case scenarios that you lose or have the real passport stolen!

Tips on transporting gear while flying: http://www.rpphoto.com/howto/news/traveltips.asp
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The Adventure Film School typically hosts all participants and staff under one roof for a period of time during the course. Most likely the time spent at a house, group campsite, cabin or lodge.

  • Bring lounge clothes to wear around the house to be as comfortable during the days you are editing! There will be a concentrated amount of time sitting and staring at your computer!
  • Some people can sleep better with their own pillow, it will be nice to return from the mountains after sleeping on the hard ground for a period of time, and get to sleep in a bed with yor own pillow.

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Adventure Film School provides the first night group dinner, all in-field meals, and snack during the film screening. Snacks and additional meals during editing days will be up to the participants.

  • Bring snacks for the in-field days. Think lightweight because traveling efficiently while in the backcountry can save you time, energy & your back! To reduce pack weight, measure out your snacks for each day. A good rule of thumb/ example of great snack choices include:
    • (2) Bars per day
    • (1-2) Fist full of trail mix per day
    • (1-2) Fruit leather/dried fruit per day
    • 1 Cliff shot block or similar gummy electrolyte packet
    • Candy bar or favorite candy rationed for each day
  • Meals during editing days:
    • Bring snacks/meals/drinks for the editing days. Most schools meet up the first night for orientation dinner, at the same location for our editing after the “adventure” days. This is a perfect way for you to either bring food/snacks that first night and store in the fridge, or stock up on your food/snacks prior to editing your footage.
    • Some of our schools you will be adventuring at an event. We suggest that you prep lunches and dinners prior to embarking on your days of adventure/shooting. An example is the GoPro Mountain Games, you have access to a refrigerator and ability to prep & cook meals during your stay at a lodge.*Check with each school, as the food/eating situation will vary depending on the location of the school & the scenario of the editing place.

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    [tab title=”Backcountry Gear”]

    • Taking inventory of all your gear prior to traveling is very important.
      • Going through your bins, suitcases, and travel gear is important. Write down or type out ever single item you are bringing with you.
      • Make a copy of that inventory and keep one with you during the adventure and one for returning back to the homestead. You can inventory in stages to help reduce the risk of loosing or misplacing your gear.
    • We realize that camera & outdoor equipment can be expensive. We prefer you borrow from friends or use our gear before purchasing something new! Here is a great opportunity to rent, borrow, and test out potential filmmaking essentials prior to making the commitment of owning it yourself.
    Individual Gear

    • Sleeping Bag (rated to 0F degrees)
    • Sleeping Pad (4-season)
    • Cup, Bowl, & Spoon
    • Extra snacks
    • Two 1L water bottles or 2L bladder (minimum)
    • Lighter
    • Lip Balm
    • Toiletries
    • Sunscreen (SPF 30+)
    • Personal foot/first aid – (moleskin and tape)
    • Personal medications
    Miscellaneous Items

    • Heavy duty plastic trash / yard waste bags (for waterproofing)
    • Bandana (optional)
    • Notepad & pencil (small size)
    • Small pocket knife
    • Small supply of Duct Tape (optional)
    • Watch with alarm (optional)
    • Hat with brim or visor (optional)
    Winter Backcountry Equipment

    • Beacon, Probe, Shovel
    • Expedition pack (~50-60 liters)
    • Skis/Splitboard/Snowshoes
    • Trekking poles (optional)
    • Headlamp with 1 set extra batteries
    Clothing

    • Long underwear – top & bottom (synthetic or wool)
    • Insulating pants (fleece or wool)
    • Mid layer sweater (fleece or wool)
    • Parka style warm jacket (down or synthetic)
    • Wind/Rain jacket with hood & pant
    • Warm Hat that covers your ears
    • 2 gloves/mittens (1 waterproof & 1 insulating)
    • 2-3 socks (synthetic or wool)
    • Gaiters
    • Stiff snow or ski boots
    • Sunglasses or Goggles (important!)
    • T-shirt (optional)
    • Neck Gaiter / Scarf (optional but highly recommended!)

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    [tab title=”Camera/Editing Equipment”]

    Be prepared for adverse weather, and shooting for multiple hours at a time. Bring sufficient cards/batteries to last for a full days worth of shooting, though you will have access to recharging at the end of the day. Careful planning of your shots prior to getting into the field, will help you conserve battery and be efficient in the editing suite!

    • Taking inventory of all your gear prior to traveling is very important.
    • Going through your bins, suitcases, and travel gear and write down or type out ever single item you are bringing with you.
    • Make a copy of that inventory and keep one with you during the adventure and one for returning back to the homestead.
      • Label your gear, where possible. You can use gaff or painters tape & write on it with your initials!
      • Editing equipment can be stored in the group editing house while out for the days you’ll be in the field
    Camera Gear

    • Camera &Lenses
    • Camera Batteriesc  Cards / Media (no more than 6 hours worth)
    • Chargers
    • Camera Bag
    • Rain covers/Housing – Plastic bags work fine
    Accessories

    • Light tripod &rigs
    • Camera Cleaning supplies (lens cloth, lens solution,squeezable blower)
    • Cables / Card Readers
    • Small supply of gaff tape (optional)
    • Camera light with extra batteries (optional)
      Sound Equipment

    • External microphone with wind softie (optional)
    • Radio microphone set with extra batteries (optional)
    • External recorder (optional)
    Editing Gear

    • External Hard Drive w/ at least 300GB of space & cables. Avoid USB 2.0.Suitable computer with editing software (FCP or Premiere Pro)
    • Comfortable headphones

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