Some things to consider (from Jay Downs, ASM High Adventure):
- I am a fan of buying good quality equipment and using it for a long time.
- Having good quality equipment can mean the difference between having a good time and being miserable and never wanting to do go again.
- Bear in mind that the younger boys will be growing and changing sizes. So you have to temper my “buy good equipment” advice with that reality. Use common sense here.
Tip: Go to a store that specializes in outdoor equipment, like REI. They will have people who can advise you. You can try things on for size, even if you don't purchase there.
Note: REI is holding a Lightweight Backpacking Basics class on Thursday, April 13th from 6:30 - 8:00 pm. You can register HERE.
Backpack
An external frame pack or internal frame pack that fits your body with enough capacity to take your stuff along. A proper fitting backpack will fit in both the torso length and hip size. Both should be adjustable so the pack can grow a bit with the Scout. Here is a link to an article on ScoutmasterCG about backpacks.
Note: The guy who is going to be wearing the pack needs to be there for the fitting!
For younger Scouts and shorter trips (2-4 days), a pack with a volume of 65L should be enough. A few examples:
- REI Tarn 65 Pack - Kids, Torso 14-19", Waist 25-40", $159
- Alps Mountaineering Wasatch 65, Torso 16-20, $94 @ HikerDirect.com
- TETON Sports Explorer 4000, Torso 16-23", Waist 28-70", $64/$80 @ Amazon
Older Scouts and longer trips will require something bigger, in the 75L range or more, so it can be used also for our high adventure treks. A couple of examples:
- Kelty Catalyst 80, Torso 15.5-21", Waist 30-46", $143 @ REI Garage
- Alps Mountaineering Red Tail 80, Torso 14-20.5", $99 @ HikerDirect.com
BTW, I highly recommend that scouts also use their backpacks on regular camp-outs. They’ll get used to packing it, and it’s just one bag with everything... very handy!
If you want to go backpacking, but are not quite ready to commit to buying a backpack, that’s ok too! Let me know ASAP (latest April 10th) and we’ll look for backpacks to borrow. We have a few in the Scout hut, and other scout families have offered theirs for loan as well.
Sleeping Pad
Examples are:
Sleeping Bag
They need a synthetic, mummy style sleeping bag rated down to 20 degrees. Some people will call it a three season bag—one that’s designed for all but the coldest of temperatures.
Synthetic material is a must. If it gets wet it will still function, and it will dry much faster than the natural fiber bag. It is also lighter and more compressible.
Sleeping bags come in sizes, too. Think about how tall your Scout will be at adult height and plan for that.
Examples:
- Mountain Hardwear Lamina Z Flame, $179 at REI
- REI Co-op Lumen 20, $159 at REI
- Kelty Tuck 22, $90 at Amazon
- Marmot Trestles 15, $89 at SunnySports
- Alps Mountaineering Crescent Lake, $42 at HikerDirect.com
For colder weather you’ll also want a sleeping bag liner, but for this camp-out that won’t be necessary.
Rain Gear
They will need a top and pants. These guys are going to grow so don’t buy an expensive set until they are closer to their adult size. Buy an affordable set now .A top and pants.
Absolute minimum for this camp-out: A rain jacket (rain pants are OK too, but optional).
Examples:
Water Bottles
Four wide mouth 1L Nalgene water bottles:
- Yes 4 of them!
- Wide mouth so they can be used for water purification
This may seem like a lot, but it is not, the water is not just for drinking, but also for cooking & cleaning.
A few examples:
Clothing
Cotton holds moisture and moisture saps body heat. When the body loses heat faster than it can produce heat hypothermia sets in. At first, this is merely uncomfortable; but it can become serious quickly... and can happen at temperatures well above freezing.
Three Layers (The 3 W's):
- Wicking - Base layer. Synthetic materials wick moisture from the skin and dry quickly.
- Top: A long sleeve synthetic t-shirt and a short sleeve synthetic t-shirt. Again, if it gets wet, it will dry faster than natural fibers (Our Troop t-shirts are a great way to go here!).
- Bottom: Synthetic underwear (no cotton!) and Scout switchback pants that are convertible to shorts.
- Warmth - A fleece pullover or jacket. Fleece will keep you warm, it even does a pretty good job when wet, and it dries fast.
- Weather - See Rain Gear, above.
Footwear
If you are going to Philmont or an extended backpacking trip, buy a good pair of hiking boots at REI or from another specialized store. Don’t try to do it through a catalog unless you really know what you are doing. Tell the salesman exactly what kind of trip you are taking and ask for him or her to help you select a boot that will be right for your needs.
Do not try to save money on the boots if you are going on an extended trip. They are the most important piece of equipment you will have. On an extended trip, good boots will let you enjoy yourself. Having ill-fitting boots that aren’t up to the job on an extended trip is asking for a real bad time that is slow and excruciating.
Other
- Sierra cup (they have them at REI) and a plain metal spoon
- A headlamp flashlight with extra batteries
- A compass would be a good thing for each boy to have. A real one. It needs to be made of plastic with a rectangular base plate and movable housing. Available at REI and the Scout Store.
- A small, simple pocket knife
- A small box of kitchen matches in a zip lock bag
- A sun hat that covers your ears. A baseball cap can work, in conjunction with sunscreen and a bandana (to cover your neck).
- Sunglasses
- Small bottles. Not an aerosol can. The liquid type that you spread on:
- Sunscreen
- Insect repellent
- Hand sanitizer
- Toothbrush and tiny tube of toothpaste
- A square of moleskin (to ward off blisters)
- A trash compactor bag to keep the stuff in your pack dry
- A bandana
Let us know if you have questions (e-mail by clicking our name below).
Thanks,
Mello Elout
ASM, Trail to Eagle
Jay Downs
ASM, High Adventure