Whether you’re bunking inside, pitching a tent, or setting up your crashpad beneath the pines, here’s everything you should bring for a smooth, cozy, and send-filled stay.
Packing for a climbing trip in Rumney doesn’t need to be a chaotic “throw everything in the car and hope for the best” situation — especially if you’re arriving by Ridj-It, Concord Coach, or carpool and need to keep things streamlined. Barn Door Hostel is designed for climbers, hikers, and dirtbags of all varieties, but spending a little time prep-packing makes your stay way easier, warmer, and more fun.
Below is a comprehensive, long-format packing guide tailored specifically for stays at Barn Door Hostel — whether you’re booking a bunk inside, camping on-site, or combining both with long days climbing at Rumney Rocks.
🛏️ 1. Lodging Essentials (Bunks, Bus, or Camping)
If you’re staying in a bunk room:
Barn Door provides the basics, but you’ll be happiest if you bring:
Snacks!— bring some grub from the nearby supermarket. BDH has a full kitchen and all the utensils to show off your inner chef.
Sleep mask — if you’re light-sensitive or bunking with early risers.
Personal towel for showers.
Slippers or comfy socks for padding around the lodge.
Laptop — work remote with our fast WiFi, cozy work stations, and all day coffee.
Barn door provides the linens, pillows, earplugs, towels upon request
If you’re camping:
The campground is peaceful and great for stargazing, but Rumney weather can swing fast. Pack:
Tent with full rain fly
Ground tarp / footprint
Sleeping pad (insulated for spring/fall)
Sleeping bag rated for 20–30°F depending on season
Camp pillow
Headlamp (with extra batteries!)
Camp chair (nice for around the fire)
Carabiner clothesline for drying chalky or sweaty gear
Extra guy lines & stakes — windy nights happen!
Towel for our outdoor shower
Laptop-work from hostel with fast WiFi and charging outlets
Bug spray — black fly season is brutal if you’re unprepared.
If you’re staying in the glamping bus:
The Barn Door Bus is adorable and cozy; still, bring:
Towel for our outdoor shower
Slippers or crocs for hopping in/out
Small lantern or headlamp for nighttime ambiance
Earplugs (though the bus is quieter than bunks)
🍳 2. Kitchen & Food Essentials
Whether you’re making morning coffee, heating up a post-climb feast, or blending into the communal kitchen scene, pack:
Reusable mug & water bottle
Lightweight camp stove (for the camping)
Fuel canister (if bringing a stove)
Personal utensils / spork
One small food container for leftovers
Your snacks:
Protein bars
Trail mix
Fruit
Pre-made sandwiches/wraps
Meal ingredients if you want to cook
Coffee/tea stash if you’re particular
Cooler (for campers; not essential but helpful)
Small trash bags for campsite waste
Reusable grocery bag for moving things in/out of the kitchen
Pro tip: Barn Door often has a great community vibe around dinner time — be ready to share stove space , campfires, and meet people.
🧗 3. Climbing Gear Checklist (Rumney-Specific)
Rumney is steep, sharp, crimpy, and juggy. Pack everything you’d want for sport cragging, and a few extras for projecting harder lines:
Core gear:
Harness
Climbing shoes (sometimes two pairs — edging + comfy)
Helmet
Belay device (ATC or assisted-braking)
Chalk bag + chalk
Tape (especially for fresh Rumney edges that slice fingertips)
Rope & draws:
60–70m rope — most Rumney routes are fine with 60m, but a 70m is awesome for overhanging walls and wandering lines
12–18 quickdraws
Longer draws / extendable draws (great for reducing drag on wandering lines)
Rope tarp
Extras & niceties:
Crag pack (30–45L)
Belay glasses if you’re projecting slabs at Waimea or Techno Wall
Finger care kit: nail clippers, file, liquid bandage, superglue (classic climber fix), tweezers
Brush + handle for cleaning holds respectfully
Stick clip — STRONGLY recommended at Rumney
Leave the Portable speakers at home use
Small first-aid kit
Guidebook or Mountain Project offline
Cold weather climbing gear (Oct–April patrol):
Puffy jacket
Wind shell
Belay parka
Hand warmers
Nalgene with warm liquids
🧭 4. Hiking & Adventure Gear
Many guests mix climbing with sightseeing, trail runs, or AT hikes. Pack:
Daypack
Trail shoes
Layers
Map or downloaded offline routes
Snacks + 2L water capacity
Microspikes (shoulder season)
Camera or phone tripod for fire towers and summits (Stinson is a nearby favorite)
🧼 5. Shower, Toiletries & Personal Care
Towel
Biodegradable soap (for campers)
Shampoo & conditioner
Toothbrush + toothpaste
Deodorant
Face wipes (great for post-crag cleanup)
Sunscreen
Lip balm with SPF
Pain relief / anti-inflammatory
Blister pads
Nail clippers
🔌 6. Electronics & Power Stuff
Phone charger
Battery bank / power brick (nice to have as a backup, camping has charging outlets)
Headlamp (yes, listing it twice — it’s THAT important)
Camera gear (if you’re documenting your sends)
AirTag / Tile for bags if traveling by bus or Ridj-It
E-reader for cozy bunk nights
🧥 7. Clothing: the Rumney Uniform
Pack for all conditions. Rumney can be 75°F at the parking lot and 45°F in the shade of the crag.
Essentials:
Comfortable climbing pants/shorts
Moisture-wicking shirts
Warm layer (fleece or light puffy)
Windbreaker or softshell
Comfy camp clothes (sweatpants + hoodie life)
Wool socks
Extra underwear
Sports bra(s)
Beanie + gloves (October–May)
Rain jacket
Footwear:
Approach shoes
Climbing shoes
Flip flops / crocs for around the hostel
Camp shoes (if camping in cold weather)
📜 8. Important Papers & Money
ID
Credit/debit card
Bus ticket or Ridj-It ride confirmation
Cash (handy for shuttles, firewood, and local pizza)
Insurance card
Passport for our Canadian friends!
🔥 9. Optional but Awesome Extras
Crash pad (for Rumney bouldering)
Notebook for logging climbs
Cards or board games for the barn lounge
Yoga mat — morning stretch sessions hit different here
Tiny spice kit (if you like your camp meals gourmet)
Hammock
Stuff sack for dirty clothes
Portable coffee setup (Aeropress, etc.)
Polaroid or film camera for memory-making
Tupperware of homemade brownies – trust me, you’ll make instant friends
💛 Final Tips for Packing Smart
Pack light but thorough — if you’re arriving by bus or Ridj-It, don’t overload yourself.
Plan for variable weather — Rumney is known for its microclimates.
Don’t forget creature comforts — cozy clothes, a good book, snacks.
Leave space for souvenirs — the Barn Door merch wall has some bangers.
And remember: at Barn Door Hostel, anything you forgot you can probably borrow, buy, or trade for with the friendly crowd that hangs around the barn.