Troop 222 Backpacking Equipment Backgrounder

Troop 222 Backpacking Equipment Overview for New Scouts

6/1/09

Troop 222 Boy Scouts have the best experience on outdoor outings when they are adequately equipped. This document highlights key gear and select equipment considerations for Troop 222 Boy Scouts.

There is no need to go out and spend a lot of money to buy everything for your very first weekend outing. Generally you can get by with a borrowed pack, a sleeping bag, a spoon, lexan cup, warm clothes and rain gear. After an outing or two with Troop 222, you and your scout will have seen what everyone else is using, will have a better ideas of the alternatives and can get exactly what you need.

Most importantly - THINK LIGHT! Economize on weight and bulk every chance you have. Aim for about a 15-18 lb. pack before you add food (4-7 lbs in bear cans) and water (3-4 lbs.) Potential sources of weight and bulk that you don't need: heavy all purpose pocket knives, bulky mess kits, heavy flashlights (with 'D' batteries), too many extra clothes, heavy sleeping bags, extra food, heavy water bottles.

Backpack

Usually the younger boys purchase a backpack for a smaller frame boy, then after a couple of years in the troop as they grow, may upgrade to a larger pack. Smaller frame backpacks fit the boys better than an adult pack, yet still offer enough capacity for our weekend and weeklong outings. Also, smaller packs weigh less. Backpacks are like shoes - they need to be fitted, so going to a local retailer like Redwood Trading Post or REI is probably best for those who are not certain what to buy.

Our scouts have a mix of internal and external frame backpacks on our trips. Generally, the internal frame packs have a few more comfort features, but the external frame packs are a little easier to pack. REI has a nice article titled How to Choose a Backpack, for more information on pack selection. It is a good idea “test drive” a pack with weight inside. The stores mentioned above have “weights” just for that purpose. Put on the weighted back and walk around for a few minutes. It will give you a better sense of how the pack will feel on a backpack trip.

The best local selection of external frame packs is at Redwood Trading Post. Kelty is the most popular brand of external frame backpacks. The best selection for internal frame packs is REI (in San Carlos and Mountain View). One of the most popular packs for our youngest scouts is the REI Meteor (only available at REI), shown above. Here’s a link to some other of the kids internal frame packs at REI.

REI also has a good article on How to Pack Your Backpack, however most scouts figure out how to optimize their individual packing within the first few outings.

Kid’s backpacks cost between $80-$140, but are regularly on sale at REI and Redwood Trading Post for 10-20% off retail prices.

Ducks Back (or Waterproof Backpack Cover)

Each boy will need a waterproof cover for their backpack, in the event we are out in the rain. The REI brand of backpack cover, shown to the left, is called a Ducks Back. The cover can be easily attached to most packs and is key to keeping gear and clothing dry and staying warm. Pack covers come in different sizes to match the size of the pack.

Backpack Hydration

When we are on the trail, staying adequately hydrated by drinking water frequently is important. As such, many of boys have internal hydration reservoirs like the one shown to the right. These can be purchased for ~$25, but should fit into the backpack. If the reservoir does not fit into the backpack (frequently an issue for smaller packs), a nalgene bottle, made by Camelbak, can be purchased with a hydration tube attachment. The hydration tube makes it easy for scouts to drink water without removing their pack to access their water bottle. Scouts should carry at least one nalgene hard plastic bottle, even if they have a reservoir.

Sleeping Bag

Your Scout will need a sleeping bag for backpacking. This is typically not the same type of sleeping bag used for sleepovers. The sleeping bag should be lightweight and rated to 20^o F. There are two types of insulation for backpacking sleeping bags, down and synthetic. We suggest getting a synthetic bag instead of down. Synthetic sleeping bags dry quickly if they get wet and they last longer than down. If you maintain the sleeping bag properly by removing it from a stuff sack between trips and storing on a hanger or in loose bag, one sleeping bag will last for a decade or more. Keep in mind sleeping bags come in sizes, like clothing, and are warmest if they are not too big for the person inside.

Many boys and adults in the troop have purchased the North Face Cat’s Meow sleeping bag and been very happy with it. Here’s a listing of REI synthetic sleeping bags – most of which are also available at Redwood Trading Post.

Scouts may stuff their sleeping bag into the lower compartment of their backpack directly or may use a stuff sack. Stuffing directly into the lower compartment of a backpack saves weight and is easier that getting the sleeping bag into a stuff sack and then attached to a backpack.

For a more information, REI has an article on How to Choose a Sleeping Bag for Backpacking.

Insulation Pad

These are important (for insulation and comfort), but can be very simple for boys. I would not recommend an inflatable pad for the boys, as the inflatable pads can be punctured and become useless. Here are some of the REI choices for simple pads. If you choose an inflatable pad it should be stored unrolled with the valve open to allow air-flow as mildew prevention inside the pad.

Boots

Each boy will need a solid pair of boots for most hikes and backpacking outings. The key features to look for in hiking boots are good ankle and sole support. Locally, we’ve found that Redwood Trading Post has the best selection. Given the rate at which boys’ feet are growing (they may need a new pair annually), most boys will purchase a more reasonably priced pair of boots. Prices range from $40-$120. Hi-Tec is a very solid brand for boys’ boots, available at Redwood Trading Post.

The REI article on How to Choose Hiking Footwear, might be helpful, too. Quality hiking socks are important too. Wool or synthetic socks are best, as described below.

The Ten Essentials Plus

The 10 essentials is a list of items every scout should have with him at all times during outings. Following is information on the ten essentials:

1) Pocket Knife - Once a scout earns Totin' Chip, we would like the scout to carry a knife. A knife is an essential tool. Knives are personal, so recommending one is hard. We want folding knives (no fixed blade in a sheaf). Troop policy is a blade no longer than the width of the scout's hand. Victorinox ("Swiss Army Knife") and Leatherman are popular, but watch out for the temptation to get one with "everything", as these are heavy.

2) First Aid Kit - There is a lot of value in the boys putting together and updating their "ouch" kit as they learn more first aid. However, some may want to buy one already put together. Adventure Medial Kits makes some great kits. While the ability to carry one's kit on their hip is preferred, most boys don't regularly wear a belt, so putting ones 1st aid supplies in a freezer, quart size ziploc bag, which is stored in the 10 essentials pack, works very well. Also, it is valuable for the boys to supplement the typical kit with moleskin and a few extra very large bandaids for cuts and scrapes they may encounter.

3) Extra Clothing – Think lightweight, quick drying warmth without adding a lot of bulk. Cotton clothing should be avoided, especially socks. Layering should be used for warmth at night and during inclement weather. Suggestions: synthetic long sleeved tee shirt, extra socks. Unlike packing for a vacation holiday, it is NOT necessary to carry lots of changes of clothes. You essentially wear the same clothes every day (with a few changes of underwear and socks) and rinse lightweight synthetic items in lakes or streams at night. They dry very quickly in the sunshine and ultra dry mountain air. See more below.

4) Rain Gear - a lightweight rain jacket and rain pants for hiking in the rain. Both can be used as an extra layer when it is cold. REI has good compact rubberized nylon ponchos (hooded, "blanket" coverings that you can drape over yourself and your pack.) They do a fairly good job of keeping you dry, but can lose their effectiveness if it's very windy. Cost is about $20. A good second alternative is the Sierra Designs rain suit for around $40. It consists of a jacket and pants that pack compactly into two small pouches. The rain suit is only water repellent (not completely waterproof, so in a drenching downpour you will get a little damp underneath. Also, condensation will add to your dampness.) Gore Tex materials are the best of all, as long as you can limit the bulkiness. Every scout MUST be prepared for rain. The risk of hypothermia (from exposure to cold, wind and wetness) in the wilderness MUST be taken seriously.

5) Headlamp - and spare set of batteries. Because most of the times a scout needs light they need their hands too, a headlamp is convenient. LED is superior light compared to incandescent (incandescent bulbs are fragile, use batteries much faster than LEDs, and have a life measured in hundreds of hours verses 1000's or 10,000's for LEDs), and it costs slightly more. We need each scout to have a reliable light. Again, if incandescent is what you have, use it until there is a reason to buy. Princeton and Pretzl are both good brands of headlamps. Boys should get headlamps using either AA or AAA batteries, which can be easily replaced.

6) Trailfood - Often provided by the troop on backpack trips.

7) Water - Even if you get a hydration pack or day pack, we want each boy to have an unbreakable water bottle. Nalgene is the brand most people know; however, there are plenty of knock offs to choose from. A scout needs two 32 oz bottles (1 bottle if they have a hydration pack).

8) Matches, Small Candle - Once a scout earns Firem'n Chit, we would like them to carry matches, in a waterproof container, and tinder. Scouts are not allowed to carry lighters. A ziploc of dryer lint or cotton balls, with a coating of Vaseline, is a good, readily available tender. Firestarter and waterproof match containers can be purchased at REI and Redwood Trading Post.

9) Sunblock, Lip Balm with sun protection, Sunglasses,

10) Map(s) and Compass - A basic baseplate compass with declination scale is fine. As the scout gets older and does more orienteering, a mirrored/sighting compass may be useful. When starting out, keep it simple. Brunton, Silva, and Suunto are common brands of handheld compasses.

11) Bandana/kerchief – multipurpose item for cleaning glasses, wiping your brow, first aid, etc.

12) Whistle

13) Parachute Cord and/or Nylon Cord

14) Duct Tape

15) Photo ID

Clothing

Cold, wet scouts do not have as much fun as they do when they are warm and dry. The flexibility of layers cannot be beat. However, at the rate scouts grow, spending a lot on outerwear they will soon outgrow is hard to justify. Here’s a few of our clothing recommendations for scouts…

A good fleece jacket that is windproof, such as this one to the right from REI. Fleece is warm and dries quickly when it gets wet. This one from REI is also wind proof. At $30 sale price, you can afford to purchase one every time your boy moves to the next size. It slides over a short sleeve shirt or turtleneck and under a rain jacket, such as the one below.

A waterproof jacket is critical when we’re hiking in the rain. Fortunately, during the summer months in California, we don’t experience much rain. Nonetheless, Scouts should carry wet weather gear for spring outings and the unexpected shower.

For the best footwear warmth and protection from blisters, Scouts should have two pair each of liners and wool socks. The liners, from polyester or silk, stick to the Scouts feet and move any friction within the boot to between the liner and the wool outer sock. A heavy wool outer sock provides comfort and protection inside of hiking boots. Liners and Wool socks dry quickly when they get wet. Having two pair even enables Scouts to periodically (J) wash their socks! Boots should be broken in for a few days by wearing around for a few days or taking them out on short hikes before a weeklong trip.

Boys should wear zip-off pants that can quickly convert from long-pants to shorts. These pants are useful for hiking on- and off-trail and are convenient for converting from warm pants when we start out hiking in the morning to shorts, when the day starts to heat up. Most of these pants are made from polyester/nylon, so they dry very quickly when wet and offer warmth in cooler weather. Most Scouts purchase the actual Boy Scout Pants as part of their scout uniform, but similar pants can also be found at REI and Redwood Trading Post.

Another valuable item for Scouts is a wide-brim hat. We are frequently hiking out in the sun for long period. A simple wide-brim had provides shade, keeps Scouts heads cool, and gives boys added duration for a day of hiking.

Dining Items

Your scout can eat quite well during our outings with just a few dining items (shown below): a cup for drinking, a bowl for our meals, and a spork.

Don’t Forget Items

Mosquito spray – it seems so simple… Get the pump spray, so you can see how much liquid is left. Don’t worry about bringing too much.

Hiking Poles

For adults, collapsible hiking poles, such as Leki, are a great help for long back pack trips especially if there is much elevation change in the trip. These provide stability and allow the back packer to distribute the weight of the pack to the arms as well as the legs.

Troop 222 Shared Items

Here are pictures of the shared troop items. These items are checked out in advance of trips by Troop 222 Quartermasters. Individual scouts are responsible for returning items in the same condition in which they checked them out.

Our REI Halfdome tents each hold two and include rainfly. Scouts learn how to assemble, disassemble, and pack these tents quickly. They need to be returned dry.

We use the MSR Dragonfly stoves, which are good at all elevations and consume many types of fuels efficiently while heating quickly. The Quartermaster provides filled fuel bottles for each outing.

Our bear canisters, shown here, will fit into most packs. They fit vertically into the REI Meteor, but will slide horizontally into adult internal frame packs. They may also be strapped on external frame packs easily.

The patrol leaders coordinate meals for each patrol. We generally take freeze dried foods (such as those shown below), but on request patrol leaders can supplement with a broad range of desserts and other popular foods. Usually, patrol leaders will purchase the food in advance and put into bear canisters so as to distribute the weight for shared food and gear evenly among the participating scouts for an outing.