Equipment Notes

 Equipment expense should not prevent anyone from camping.  The troop has spare backpacks.  REI provides a rental program that is reasonable.  Let us know if you need something! 

 Weight is a critical factor in backpacking.   Your enjoyment of the experience will be directly related to the effort you have to expend in getting to the campsite.   Take a critical look at everything to see if you can either eliminate it, ask to share it with the crew, or find a lighter weight option.

 Cotton is a poor material for backpacking.  It absorbs moisture and quickly looses the ability to insulate.  Look for synthetic materials like nylon.

 If it is on the crew gear list then you should not plan on a personal item.  For example there will be a crew first aid kit.  You will not need to prepare a personal first aid kit.  The crew gear will be shared with the entire crew.  This will reduce the amount of weight you need to carry.  I know you are very proud of your new scout knife but one per crew will get the job done and will reduce your load. 

The “Big Three” items for backpacking are your pack, sleeping gear, and tent.  The troop will provide a lightweight tent that you can share with another scout.  Your portion of this will be about 2 pounds. 

 Pack - Your pack should be four pounds or less if possible.  It must have a hip belt so you can distribute the weight of the pack onto your hips.  We have several spare packs like this available.  Please seek guidance on a pack purchase before you buy!

 Sleeping Bag – This should be your largest initial investment.  The most desirable bag for camping in Texas is a mummy bag that is rated to 30 degrees.  You will want one that weighs 4 pounds or less.  The lighter the bag the more you will usually have to pay.  If you have a sleeping bag that does not go into a stuff sack or weighs more than 4 pounds please consider the Slumberjack for about $40.00. 

Pillow – You will notice that there is not a pillow listed for sleeping gear.  You should use your clothing as a pillow.

 Boots – There is no need to spend a great deal for hiking boots.  We will be using existing trails that are in fairly good condition.  A good sneaker that fits right will be sufficient.  Scouts usually outgrow shoes rapidly and unless they are going to a long term outing like Philmont in the near future it is not worth the investment.

 Socks – The best sock for backpacking is a light wool sock with a separate liner.  An inexpensive liner is a woman’s knee high hose or a dress sock.  The primary purpose of the liner is to reduce friction that creates blisters.  Clean socks on a daily basis will help prevent foot problems. 

Pants – There should not be a reason to have an extra pair of pants for a weekend outing.  A lightweight synthetic pant will be better for backpacking than jeans.   High tech pants with zippered legs that convert to shorts are best.  Jeans will work if that is all you have.  Just don’t bring an extra pair! 

Sweater or Jacket – A lightweight fleece is best.  Long johns may be the best choice for weight and expense.  Please keep in mind that multiple light layers are better than a heavy layer.  Your raincoat can provide significant warmth.

 Stocking Cap – This item is critical to have in cold weather camping.  A lightweight comfortable cap at night will help you to retain your body heat.  The majority of your body heat escapes through your head and you should have your head out of your sleeping bag at night to keep the moisture content of your bag low. 

Rain suit or Poncho – For our weekend outings a lightweight emergency poncho should be sufficient.   The troop has several hundred that were donated.  A rain suit is always a much better option than a poncho.  Ponchos are not very effective over an extended period of time because they do not protect you from multiple angles and they usually do not breathe.  A good rain suit should breathe.  Plastic suits will retain the moisture that escapes from your body and you will quickly be as wet from your perspiration as you would have been from the rain.

 Eating utensils – Eating utensils should be simple and plastic.  Most personal camping mess kits are metal and are too heavy to be a good backpacking choice.  The backpacking food will be served in a bowl and eaten with a spoon.  For a backpacking weekend consider a one pound butter dish or cool whip container and a plastic spoon.   The plastic cup that comes with most mess kits will be adequate for any drinks that are prepared. 

Water Bottle – The normal canteen and nalgene bottles are heavier than desired for backpacking.  The common water bottle with a large mouth like the 32 oz. Aquafina is a great choice.  The reason for the large mouth is to make it easier to refill with a purification system.

Flashlight – The new LED lights can be found for as little as a dollar.  These are adequate for what we will be doing at night and weigh almost nothing.  If you feel you must have a more traditional light then look for one that operates on a single AAA battery. 

Toothbrush – Bring the smallest toothbrush you can find.  Put it in a zip lock bag for cover.  Bring the smallest tube of toothpaste you can find.

 Sleeping Pad – Make sure you get a closed cell pad if you use one.  Open cell pads will retain moisture.  If you choose to invest in a thermarest self inflating pad I would recommend the 3/4 length ultralight that weighs only  one pound.  Pads are not required for scouts.  One of the reasons for a pad is additional protection from the cold.  An emergency blanket weighs only a fraction of a pad, costs only a couple of dollars, and provides good insulation.

 Total Weight – Your pack should be no more than 25 percent of your body weight.  If you weigh 100 pounds then your total pack weight should be 25 pounds or less.  You will be expected to carry a minimum of 2 quarts of water (4 pounds), your share of your tent (2 pounds), your share of other crew gear (about 2 pounds), your share of food (about 2 pounds).  This is about 10 pounds.  This means that the personal gear listed above should not weigh more than 15 pounds.