Here’s a list of items to consider as you get ready for your AHSP weekend — not all of these will apply to everyone.

Get familiar with your equipment before you arrive. At a minimum, set it up and run through it somewhere familiar first — learn the buttons, knobs, and controls, set your adjustments, and route your cables so they don’t bind or become a tripping hazard. The better you know your gear, the more you’ll enjoy it in the dark, when you’re more tired than at previous outings.

The same goes for camping equipment, especially tents. Wind on the open, ridgetop field can get strong, so pitch your tent at home first if it’s been a while. Check pole assembly, make sure the rainfly fully attaches to the frame, and confirm no poles are missing or broken. Bring enough stakes for every guyline and every stake loop on the tent floor — don’t rely on the flimsy “fair-weather” stakes that came with your tent, they’re rarely enough for strong gusts.

Telescope

• Tripod
• Power supply, batteries, charger
• Eyepieces, filters
• Dew shield, lens caps
• Dew heaters
• Solar filter
• Telescope rain/wind/sun cover; guy lines & stakes
• Zero-power (LED spot) finder & battery; finder scope; guide scope
• Assembly, adjustment, and alignment tools

Observing Accessories

• Observing chair, stool, ladder
• Accessory table
• Dew-proof containers
• Control computer, software, cables
• Computer screen light shield
• Star charts, observing list
• Guide books, instruction manuals
• Observing plan, observing logbook
• Cleaning materials (blower, lens brush)
• Ground cover
• Red flashlights, batteries
• No laser pointer — not permitted
• Spares for your setup
• Duct tape, tie wraps, velcro wraps, bungee cords
• Cases, wheeled carrier
• Watch or clock for observing use
• Luminous or LED markers on tripod legs and anything you must find (or avoid) in the dark
• Wide, dark tape to mask bright indicator lights or car lights that can’t be switched off

Camera

• Batteries, charger
• Memory card
• Remote release, intervalometer, computer control interface
• Lenses, telescope adapters
• Filters, holders
• Tripod, piggyback bracket
• Dew shield, lens warmer
• Non-electronic film camera for Green Bank (disposables are also available on site at GBO)

Camping

• Tent, rainfly, and a complete set of poles, ground stakes, and guylines for every guyout point — guyline tensioner adjusters are handy too
• Extra, stronger ground stakes for wind: the short metal pins that come with most tents pull out easily. Widely-available 10″ steel stakes (poundable top, plastic gizmo underneath) or thick channeled 9″ stakes work better. Bring enough for every guyline, plus a hammer or rubber mallet — wind-proof stakes can’t be driven in without one
• Tent pole repair kit (aluminum and fiberglass poles need different kits — they’re not interchangeable)
• Luminous or LED markers on guy lines and pegs
• Reflective, opaque tarp to cover your tent during the day
• Tent footprint or ground cover sheet (cut slightly smaller than your tent’s base if using a tarp)
• Sleeping bag, bed, or pad (inflatable beats foam)
• Dust pan and brush to keep the tent clean
• Microfiber cloth to wipe dew off the tent
• Red-filtered lamp
• Bulk water containers, travel cup
• Cooler & ice
• Food for meals and observing snacks; drinks other than water
• Dishware
• Camp stove — enclosed only, no open fires
• Trash bags (you’ll take your trash home with you)
• Generator — quiet models only, limited use

Clothing & Personal Items

• Sturdy shoes, plus a spare pair
• Hat, sunscreen
• Bug and tick spray
• Hiking or walking stick
• Clothing layers for a range of roughly 40–85°F
• Rain gear — umbrella, hooded slicker
• Backpack
• Water bottle or bladder
• FRS radio
• Personal first aid kit
• Medicines — prescription and over-the-counter
• Towels, shower shoes
• Toiletries
• No pets — strictly enforced, sorry!

Travel

• Directions to SKMC
• Cell phone (likely won’t have signal at SKMC)