The Troop has been taking more of these types of trips.  The Scouts enjoy them due to the need to rely more on themselves and because they can make individual food choices.  This article was posted last year and has been moved to the Guide book.  We have added it back to the Troop news section for the convenience of our newest members and parents.  We will be adding a menu guide in the very near future.


The following is a list of suggested equipment for most backpacking trips the Troop will take.  Scouts and parents should carefully evaluate the necessity of each item and if there are other possible uses.  The less weight a Scout carries, the less likely he will become fatigued and decrease the possibility of injury.  Troop leadership will inspect all equipment prior to leaving for the trip to assure the appropriate equipment is carried.  If you plan to purchase equipment, please do not buy the most expensive items available.  Each entry below will offer suggestions to reduce cost and weight (even a few ounces can make a big difference when you add them up).  Each Scout will be responsible for their food.  We will create menus and post them as we get closer to each trip.  www.campmor.com  is a good on-line source for equipment.  Shop around for equipment, and look for items that may have multiple uses.  Keep it simple and use your imagination.  We recommend each Scout read and review Chapters 8 & 9 in the Boy Scout handbook.  The Boy Scout "Field Guide" also has some good information.

Backpacks

• Internal Frame – Very popular and versatile, these packs may be referred to as “Technical packs”.  They hold the weight close to the body and can carry more weight.  They tend to hold heat during summer treks as the pack is against the body.  Metal stays can be removed and bent to conform to the shape of the body.  May have lots of extra features.  Look for one with load adjusting straps.  Tents and sleeping gear may fit inside the pack.

• External Frame – Metal frame outside of pack.  Due to construction, they distribute weight better but need to be loaded well.  Cooler in summer as the frame holds equipment away from the body.  More expensive ones will have load adjusting straps and adjust for torso length.  Tents and sleeping gear are typically strapped or tied to the frame outside of the pack.

One is not better than the other.  It is personal choice for comfort, cost, and features.  Size should be based on torso length (distance between top of shoulders to center of back at the top of pelvic wings).  Some packs are adjustable (suggested).  BSA now offers a “Technical Pack – 50” for @ $100 that is adjustable.  Comes with sleeping bag harness and pack cover.  The BSA store has other packs available, but can be more expensive than other vendors.  This equipment has been tested by Scouts for Scouts, so they make good choices.  REI in Greensboro offers a free fitting service to help select a proper fitting pack.  Pack size may also be given as cubic inches or volume.  The larger the capacity, the more expensive they will be.  Volumes of about 3000 to 4000 cu inches are appropriate for our purposes.  The total weight carried should be no more than 25% of the Scouts body weight.  Even with this as a guide, this may be to much for him to carry.

Tents

• We will be looking to pair up Scouts when possible.  By sharing a tent, the weight of the tent can be shared.

• When purchasing a tent look at the floor space and the weight.  Size should be such that the scout can stretch out

• Weight should be under 5 lbs for a two man, 4 lbs for a 1 man tent

• Prices vary – can be expensive so shop around

• A ground cloth is needed to decrease moisture from the ground and may help protect tent floor from damage.

• A small plastic tarp adds weight - $$$

• Tyvec house wrap is light and strong.  May be able to find scraps at a construction site.  Ask before taking – Free

• Large Construction grade trash bag is also an option

• Shower curtain liner ($1 at Dollar Tree)

• Can double as temporary shelter or pack cover

• A 6’x9’ tarp, 3 sections of cord and 4 tent stakes can be used to make a simple “A” frame tube tent or Adirondack shelter.  For our purposes, a good choice for fair weather and is cheaper than a tent.

Cooking Stove

• Each Scout will need his own stove.  DO NOT BUY ONE! We will be making them and teaching how to use them.  A good site with easy to follow directions for making your own stove is    Zen Backpacking Stoves - Home of the Alcohol Stove

• Leaders will provide the fuel.

Cooking/Eating

• Single ½ qt cooking pot

• “Grease pot” from Wal-mart is good size

• Pot from mess kit may be a little small but don’t buy something else if you have one

• Doubles as bowl/plate

• Plastic/Lexan Utensils

  • A set of 4 “Sporks” is @ $1 (only need 1)

  • Metal sets or “multi-tools” add weight

  • Wendy’s spoon is free

• Plastic Cup, needs to be able to hold hot liquids.  The one found in most mess kits have a measuring cup marks.

Water Bottles

• Scout’s will need to carry 2-1 Liter bottles of water

• There has been a lot in the literature suggesting finding “PBA free” bottles.

• Most Nalgene bottles have PBA, however leaching can be slowed by not using/washing in hot water/dishwasher.

• Opaque white bottles by Nalgene and others are a good alternate, but pickup and transfer odors and taste (including drink mixes).

• We will teach water purification, but Leaders will take responsibility to get it done.  That said, it is not necessary to purchase purification systems for now (expensive).

Flash Lights

• Headlamps allow hands to be free to cook, set up tent, etc.

• Small flashlight or battery mini lantern are OK but will be heavier than a headlamp and tie up a hand

Rain Cover for Pack

• Commercial made ($10-15)

• Large Construction weight trash bag,

• Can be used for ground cloth

• Doubles as Rain poncho

Sleeping Gear

• Sleeping bags

• Note weight and temperature rating

• Selection based on ambient temperature of trip

• Decent multi-season bags (range of 20° - 70°) can be found at Wal-Mart for under $40.

• Sleeping pads

• Foam or self-inflatable foam center best insulating

• Air mattress or inflatable pads may increase heat loss

Clothing

• Dress in layers based on the weather

• Significant heat is lost when wet, plan for weather

• Heat is lost easily through the top of your head – knit cap suggested

• Heavy hiking socks

• Hiking boots

• Work boots may not provide enough insulation

• Treat leather with saddle soap

• Should be tall enough to help support ankles

• Sneakers are not a good choice, but can be carried for camp site shoes (add weight)

• Extra pair of socks, t-shirt, underwear

• Multiple sets of clothing only add weight.  For most short trips, a change of outer clothing is not needed.  Gallon sized zip-lock bags can be used to keep extra clothing clean and dry until needed.

Other

• Pocket Knife-no sheath knives (if Totin’ Chip earned)

• Personal First Aid Kit

• Whistle

• Matches and fire starter

• Fishing hook with length of mono-filament line

• Toilet paper (may double as fire starter)

• Walking stick or Trekking poles

• Trail finder Compass

• 10' – 20’ cord/rope

• Travel size hand sanitizer or waterless soap.

• Travel tooth brush and tooth paste