*You must register for an Orientation session before you will be given access to register for Expeditions MSU. Registration is now open.

2026 Trip Dates:

  • June 10th - 15th
  • June 24th - 30th
  • July 15th - 20th
  • August 17th - 22nd (early move-in option available)

If you have more questions about Expeditions MSU after reading the information below and the FAQs page, please reach out to trips@montana.edu.

 
Registration tips and sign up!

 

Expeditions is a backpacking based program. Included in the price is backpacking equipment, tents, sleeping bag, sleeping pad, and food. You may bring your own personal gear, food, and hygene products to use. Please refer to the packing list below if you have any questions about needed equipment.

You will arrive at 3pm the day your session begins and will be dismissed around 4pm the final day of the session.

Want to make new friends, build a community and explore the wild side of Montana? Jointhe Campus Recreation outdoor program on Expeditions MSU, a five-day, four-night immersive journey of self-discovery, all the while traveling through Montana’s amazing natural landscapes. You’ll spend time getting to know fellow first year students, learning more about how to be safe in the outdoors, cooking tasty meals, and appreciating the natural wonders that will soon be your backyard. Student trip leaders will share ways you can maximize your MSU and Bozeman experience, as well as on-campus resources available to you as a new student. You’ll get the chance to learn skills that will help you navigate both in the outdoors and the college environment through fun and challenging group experiences.

This program is catered specifically to incoming first-year students and is designed to be an incredible community-building outdoor experience. Groups are purposely kept small in order to create an engaging and trust-based community. No experience is necessary to participate, all you need is a positive attitude! 

Our Goals Are: 

  • Build connections with peers
  • Build a connection with MSU
  • Build and deepen a connection with Montana

 

EXPEDITIONS MSU BACKPACKING EQUIPMENT LIST

Welcome to Expeditions MSU! We’re excited for you to join us this summer. Please take the time to read through the following information before purchasing or borrowing equipment for your expedition.

MSU provides all technical gear, shelters, navigation tools, first aid equipment, water treatment, and cooking 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 rent many of the items on this list. Items available for rent are marked with an asterisk *

Clothing: Please do not bring cotton or cotton-blend items into the backcountry. This includes jeans and cotton hoodies, which are bulky and especially heavy when wet. In Bozeman, Goodwill and Second Wind Sports are great places to find high quality affordable poly-pro/synthetic or technical wool clothing.

Top Layers:

  • 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) x1-2: 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.
  • Closed-toed camp shoes: Something cheap and comfortable. Crocs without holes (kitchen or hospital style), or old running shoes are great options. Camp shoes must be closed toe for safety purposes while cooking.
  • Wool socks x3 (1 pair for hiking, 1 pair for camp, 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:

  • Watch (highly recommended)
  • 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 carry capacity. If bringing a bladder-style device, you must also bring one rigid bottle as a backup. We provide one 1L rigid bottle (Nalgene).
  • Headlamp plus extra batteries*

Personal Hygiene and Toiletries:

  • Sunscreen
  • Chapstick
  • Bandana
  • Toothbrush and toothpaste
  • Medications you may be taking
  • Menstrual products: And a bag to dispose of them in—a Ziploc bag with duct tape around the outside is a discreet and option convenient 
  • 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.

***We provide all materials needed for Leave No Trace bathroom hygiene. For participants who wipe when they pee, we provide a bandana to use as a “pee bandana.” For more information, check out the following resources:

https://www.rei.com/learn/expert-advice/hygiene-sanitation.html

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

Optional Items:

  • Trekking poles (highly recommended)*
  • Long sleeve sun shirt
  • Camera
  • Buff or 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)
  • Packable camp chair (Crazy creek or equivalent)*