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Troop 91 Camping Guide
A
parent's guide to the vagaries of camping equipment
(With special thanks to Troop 24 –
Rule 1: DO NOT
MORTGAGE THE HOUSE.
Although it appears you can spend
$1,000 on equipment, you don't need to.
Rule 2: Use what you have until it proves itself
unusable or unsuitable.
What's Important:
Sleeping Bag:
Use what you have
until it proves itself unsuitable. A wool blanket (Army & Navy store for
less
than $10) can make a 40°F sleeping bag suitable for most trips. The blanket
would be
too
heavy for backpacking.
If you buy:
Stuff-ability:
Be sure the bag can be stuffed into a "stuff sack". Have the sales
people
demonstrate
and buy the sack with the sleeping bag.
Temperature rating: Pay attention to
temperature ratings. If a bag is not rated, it probably is 40°F or higher and
not advisable for a new purchase (remember rule #2) Buy a bag you can afford
with a rating of 20°F or lower. 0°F or -5°F (or less) is recommended.
Goose down vs. synthetic filling
(such as holofill, qualfill,
loft lite, etc.) Goose down is usually warmer
pound-for-pound, but loses insulating value when wet. The synthetics are
usually slightly heavier but do not lose as much insulating value when
wet.
This is a personal (i.e. $) choice. Either is good as long as it is properly
temperature rated, sized adequately, and "stuffable".
Note: To promote longevity, do not store the bag
stuffed in the sack. Hang it up.
Weight:
Remember your son may have to carry this a few miles at times. Try to keep the
weight less than 5 lbs. Less than 4 lbs. is best.
Mummy
vs. rectangular:
Mummy bags are tapered and thus weigh less. They come with and without
hoods. It is possible to buy a bag which is so snug that it is uncomfortable,
so "try it on" for size prior to purchasing. Different models have
different fits. Rectangular bags are roomier but weigh more.
Sleeping Pad:
Sleeping bag
temperature ratings usually assume you are sleeping on a pad. There are several
types of pads which can be divided into two major categories -foam, and self -
inflatable. Although air mattresses may seem to be another alternative, they
are difficult to use in the woods and do not stand the abuse. When buying a
pad, be careful of the length. Full length pads are best for our purposes.
Foam
pads: Make sure the pad is closed cell (i.e. won't
absorb water). Ribbed pads are better than non-ribbed. These type pads are
really all you need for weekend outings and are relatively inexpensive.
Self-inflating:
These are the "Cadillacs" and the price
reflects it. They are not necessary .If you buy one,
buy the storage sack that goes with it. The type that folds in half for storage
is easier to pack. Note: For longevity , don't store
the pad in the bag. Lay it out, perhaps under a bed. .A pad that is full body
length gives more protection from wet tent floors than a shorter pad.
Dining Gear:
Troop 91 provides cooking utensils and pots and
pans for each Patrol. The basic essentials each camper needs are a plate, cup,
knife, fork, and spoon. A small camper's pot can also useful (and a necessity
on backpacking trips) for boiling water, cereal, etc. These can be obtained
individually or as kits. The basic requirement is that they are unbreakable,
washable, lightweight, and packable.
Silverware is
available as metal snap-together kits or individual pieces made of "lexan" (i.e. unbreakable plastic). The lexan utensils are durable, inexpensive, and available as a
knife, fork, spoon, and soup spoon. Either the metal or plastic utensils are
functional, although the plastic utensils can be replaced individually if lost.
A ziploc bag is a simple method of organizing/storing
the plastic utensils. Zip lock bags are useful universally for organizing gear
in simple, waterproof containers.
Clothing:
Troop 91 prides itself
in camping once a month (there are few exceptions to this) despite the weather
unless conditions are deemed dangerous. For this reason, it is imperative that
each scout comes prepared for any conditions he may face that weekend.
Remember; there is no bad weather, only bad choices in clothing. Plan on the worse case scenario. Believe me,
your son does not want to be the one that causes the troop to bail out of a
campout.
Hiking Boots: It is preferable
that Scouts have hiking boots for our camping trips. Sneakers
simply
do not offer enough protection to the foot from penetration of the sole or
support to the ankle. The boots can be either leather or synthetic outer
material. Although leather is best, for a Scout with growing feet, it is a bit
expensive. Various lining materials are available. "Gore-tex" is often the most talked about. Gore-tex is a lining material and not the manufacturer of the
boot. Gore-tex will definitely waterproof a boot (or
anything else ) while allowing your feet to breathe
properly. It also adds 50% to 100% to the price of boots. Unless you expect to
have and use the boots for an extended period of time, Gore-tex
is probably not worth the investment.
Socks: Scouts must also wear socks. A light sock
with a heavier over-sock is ok. In most cases a
simple
heavy sock is sufficient. Multiple pairs ofheavy socks are not recommended. Spare socks are a
necessity. (packed in ziplock
bag)
Long Pants: When in the woods,
it is important that Scouts wear long pants. Shorts do not protect the lower
leg from insects and scratches. Shorts are allowed however when conditions
allow.
Rain Gear: Rain gear is a
necessity on all camping trips. A poncho is relatively inexpensive rain gear.
If it is the really inexpensive (i.e. $3) version, be thankful if it comes back
from a trip in one piece, if it comes back at all. As a backup, send a large
garbage bag in which slits can be cut for the head and arms. Rain suits (with
and without Gore-tex linings) are also available.
They cost significantly more than a poncho however.
Hat: Every scout should pack a hat. A cap can
protect him from the sun in the summer and a warmer hat can keep him warm in
the cooler months. I have found that wearing a hat when sleeping can help keep a
scout warm. Like they say: “If your feet are cold, put a hat
on”. Most of the body’s heat is lost through the head.
Layering: It is far more comfortable and warmer
to layer clothes for the cold weather than
to
use a single heavily-insulated winter coat.
Important
Accessories:
Flashlight: Each Scout should
have his own flashlight on all camping trips. A small inexpensive pocket model
is sufficient. Larger flashlights are fine also, but will add more weight to
the pack.
Water bottle -Each Scout must carry
a water bottle (yes, with water in it). Whether this is a canteen or a plastic
soda bottle with re-sealable lid is unimportant. He must be able to carry the
bottle without the use of his hands, and it must be accessible. Shoulder straps
or carriers with belt loops
are
fine.
First Aid Kit: The troop has first
aid supplies at all outings. Each Scout should carry some minor first aid
supplies, such as bandages, moleskin, etc. Nothing elaborate or expensive is
required. Each Scout is required to assemble a sample kit as part of his Second
Class requirements.
Backpacks:
A backpack is
desirable and a necessity on some trips where we carry our gear to remote
sites. However, many of our trips involve practically driving up to the front
door of our campsite. On these trips, a soft suitcase or preferably a duffel
bag will suffice. The basic requirement is that a Scout can fit all his
clothes, equipment, and food (excluding the sleeping bag and pad) into one bag
which can be stored outside the tent ( covered with a large garbage bag)
overnight. Eventually, every Scout should have a backpack. The troop has a
steady flow of donated backpacks on a regular basis, so don’t be shy. Ask one
of the leaders if there is a pack available.
Backpacks are
available in two different types; External frame, and internal frame.
External frame packs
have external metal (or plastic) frames from which the actual pack can be
detached. Internal frame packs have metal (or plastic) pieces built into the
pack for structure. On all modem overnight packs, the majority of the loaded
pack's weight is carried on the hips via a padded waist belt. Packs without
this feature should not be considered for a new purchase (remember rule #2).
They are probably daypacks, which put all the weight on the shoulders. Weight
on the shoulders is extremely fatiguing, even for day hikes.
External frame packs:
These are available as fixed frames or
adjustable frames. Adjustable frames allow adjustment of the frame to the body
and are better. Avoid plastic frames. .Multiple pockets are useful to keep
food, clothing, toiletry articles, etc. separate. Two main compartments with
three to four side pockets is ideal although not
necessary.
Top loading versus panel loading is a totally
personal preference. Although top loading may seem preferable, if the top
pocket is deep, it is hard to keep things organized. If a panel loaded pack is
laid flat, unzipping the panel reveals everything in the pack. Both have their
proponents.
Capacity of all serious backpacks is rated in
cubic inches. A pack rated between 4,000 and 5,000 cubic inches is ideal for
all Boy Scout trips (including high adventure camping as your son gets older).
A pack this size may be unwieldy for younger Scouts, so consider one about
3,300 cubic inches first. Bungee cords (sold separately) may be used to attach
sleeping bags and pads to the frame.
Internal frame packs:
The major advantage of
internal frame packs is they do not have a frame to get in the way when
cross-country skiing, bushwhacking through unused trails or virgin country , rock climbing, etc. This is such a small part of
our program, that an internal frame pack offers no real advantage in our
program. .They are also generally lighter than
external frame packs, and more comfortable. However, you must know how to pack
and how to properly adjust the backpack for this to be a significant advantage.
These advantages are so significant to serious backpackers that you will find
more manufacturers and models of internal frame packs than external frame
packs. The actual advantage for Boy Scout outings is questionable.
The disadvantages of
internal frame packs are:
Cost.
They are significantly more expensive than external frame packs. .You will not
find as many pockets on internal frame packs. This is not a disadvantage to
serious backpackers who often use ziploc bags ( or other type bags) to separate items into compartments
Additional
Gear:
Knife: Scouts may carry pocket knives on
camping trips after they receive their "Tote-n- Chip", which instructs
them on the proper care and use off knives. Sheathed knives, switchblades, etc.
are not permitted. A simple knife such as the standard Boy Scout knife or the
"Tinker" model of the Swiss Army knife is all that is needed.
Compass: Compass work is part of the Second
Class and First Class requirements. Since the troop does some orienteering each
year, it would be nice for each Scout to have his own compass. It is best if
the compass has a plastic base plate. A simple compass, such as the Boy Scout
"Polaris" is all that is needed.
Stoves
Tents, and Lanterns: Troop 91
provides each patrol with these items. The operation of stoves and lanterns is
limited to those scouts who have demonstrated the proper use and care of them.
Pillow: Scouts can make pillows by stuffmg clothes into their sleeping bag stuffsacks.
Some Scouts bring small pillows with them when we go to convenient camps such
as
Rope It is a good idea for each Scout to
bring some lightweight cord or twine with him (25 ft.or
so). It can be used for a variety of things including a clothesline. 550 Cord
(white or olive drab) is very strong, lightweight, and doesn't unravel.
Military stores and catalogs carry this.
Sources for Equipment:
(obviously
, this is not a promotion of any of these outlets and surely there are
others)
Stores such as Walmart,
Kmart,
Mail order is not always the least expensive
place to purchase camping equipment. Also, if you need to "try it
on", it's difficult to do with mail order. The best source is field-tested
(i.e. used) merchandise that your friends, neighbors, family no longer need.
The above information is provided based on the
type of camping we do in the troop. We recognize there are points and
counterpoints to each of the above statements. If confused, abide by Rules #1
and #2 or ask us. If you plan on doing camping outside the troop, such as
climbing
Winter Camping List
CLOTHING:
Poncho or rain gear
1-2 sweatshirt- 1 with
hood
1 Heavy jacket
1 Snow pants
1 pair of waterproof boots
1 pair of sneakers
1-2 pair of gloves
2-3 pair of long pants or jeans
1-2 pair of thermal underwear or sweat pants
2-3 underwear
3-4 pair of socks
EQUIPMENT:
Boy Scout Handbook
1 pillow
Cold Weather sleeping bag
flashlight
and extra batteries
waterproof
matches and tinder
1-2 Large garbage bags
Cup, spoon, fork, bowl or plate
Toilet paper
Towel, washcloth,
soap, comb, toothbrush, toothpaste, small plastic bag for wet stuff, and mess
kit. knife (ONLY if you
have earned and are carrying your totin' chit)
OPTIONAL EQUIPMENT:
Safety pins, Needle and thread, clothes pins,
small rope, canteen,
Kleenex, compass,
wicks for fire starters or dryer lint, insect repellent, 2-3 hand hot packs.
RADIOS, CD PLAYERS, AND ELECTRONIC GAMES, AND
EXTRA CANDY/SODA ARE NOT ALLOWED.
Summer Camping List
CLOTHING:
Poncho or rain gear
1-2 sweatshirt- 1 with
hood
1 Light jacket
1 pair of boots
1 pair of sneakers
2-3 pair of long pants or jeans or sweat pants
2-3 underwear
3-4 pair of socks
EQUIPMENT:
Boy Scout Handbook
pillow
Sleeping bag
flashlight
and extra batteries
waterproof
matches and tinder
1-2 Large garbage bags
Cup, spoon, fork, bowl or plate
Toilet paper
Towel, washcloth,
soap, comb, toothbrush, toothpaste, small plastic bag for wet stuff, and mess
kit. knife (ONLY if you
have earned and are carrying your totin' chit)
OPTIONAL EQUIPMENT:
safety
pins, Needle and thread, clothes pins, small rope, canteen, Kleenex, compass,
wicks for fire starters or dryer lint, insect repellent, 2-3 hand hot packs.
RADIOS, CD PLAYERS, AND ELECTRONIC GAMES, AND
EXTRA CANDY/SODA ARE NOT ALLOWED.
Additional Notes
Troop 91 will go on a camping trip once a month
if possible. The third weekend of each month will be our regularly scheduled
camping trip. Exceptions and details will be announced by the Senior Patrol
Leader. The Troop will camp under its own registered leadership, always using
the "two-deep" adult leadership policy of the BSA.
Troop 91 will have a variety of campouts, each a
little (or a lot) different from each other. We will pack accordingly.
Announcements will be made by the Senior Patrol Leader advising the boys of
considerations they need to make.
Scouts will cook by patrol on all camping trips
unless given other instructions by the Senior Patrol
Leader and
Scoutmaster. Cooking by patrol helps strengthen the
patrol and teaches teamwork.
Scouts carry their packs to the campsite instead
of riding because physical fitness and self-reliance are two of our objectives.
Scouts learn not only how to do things for themselves, but also how much they
can do. Troop 91's camping emphasis is on adventure rather than convenience.
Scout camping demands skill and know-how.
Use of gas stoves and lanterns are restricted to
adults and to scouts who have individually demonstrated their ability to use
them, and have special permission from the Scoutmaster. NO FLAMES IN TENTS! ! !
We will leave nothing behind anywhere. We will
bury no garbage or trash. Combustible material may be burned if local
regulations permit; otherwise, carry it back home along with cans, bottles, and
foil; or deposit trash in receptacles if available.
Parents are welcome on Troop 91 camping trips as
long as they agree to abide by the same rules as the boys, and have first
consulted with the Scoutmaster. We ask Adults to not smoke in the presence of
Scouts. Parents will prepare meals and camp where assigned by the Senior Patrol
Leader. You are along as an observer and, if asked, a helper. Adults are not
allowed to tent in the same areas as the boys. Parents will be asked to tent
with the adult leaders, and will not be allowed to tent with their son’s
patrol.
A scout’s misconduct on a Troop camping trip
will not be tolerated and may result in cancellation of the rest of the trip.
This applies to ALL who are participating on a Troop camping trip. The
Scoutmaster and/or designated Campmaster have final
say in all matters concerning Troop camping policy while on a camping trip.
Each Scout, in order to participate in a
specific trip, MUST have a permission slip for that activity
signed
by a parent or guardian, and turned in at the regular Scout meeting designated
(usually two meetings prior to the trip).