Here
are a few pointers to follow when outfitting your scout for the great outdoors:
Basics: Gear should be lightweight
and functional. Avoid cotton in clothing as it wicks up water and robs you of
body heat; select clothing made of wool or synthetics instead. Avoid steel in
cookware and eating utensils. Avoid the temptation of gadgets. Keep it simple. Keep
pack weight (complete with individual gear) to a minimum
as each person also has to carry their fair share of patrol gear, food, and at
least four pounds of water. Total pack weight shouldn't
exceed 30% to 35% of your body weight.
Sleeping Bags: Select a
bag that is rated around 15 to 20 degrees for general
use. This bag should be good for three-season use here in New
Mexico
Backpacks: Shop at a store where the sales folks are actually backpackers. The store should fit the pack to the scout and make all adjustments necessary for the pack to ride comfortably with proper weight distribution. The choice of internal vs. external frame is a matter of personal taste but most scouts opt for external frame packs because of their lower cost.
Packs can be rented (REI has an excellent program) so that you can try them out before buying. Since a pack is a big investment we recommend that it not be taken lightly. Ask a troop leader for advice. The troop also has a few loaners that can help you stay off a decision to buy too quickly. A good backpack will cost from $70 on up.
Tents: Tents are also quite an investment. The troop has a number of tents that the scouts can borrow. These are quality tents that should be quite comfortable even in downpours. We do require the scouts to check them out, care for them properly, and return them in the same condition in which they received them.
Should you decide to buy your scout a tent you should take the time to do your homework. Tents come in many varieties and the leadership of the troop has horror stories to tell. If you are not knowledgeable about tents please ask one of the leaders for advice before committing to make this investment. A good tent will cost from $100 on up.
Eating Gear: Resist the temptation to
buy an elaborate mess kit. Most of the meals that we eat while backpacking are planned so that a bowl, a spoon, and a cup are all that
the scout will need. I prefer that each scout have a Lexan
soup spoon, a plastic cereal bowl (standard size), and
a plastic or Lexan cup. It is best if they store
these items in a baggy or a small stuff sack (ditty bag).
Hiking Boots: Hiking boots are only required
on long treks (50 mile hikes and the like). The fitting of hiking boots should only be done by someone who
knows what they are doing. Hiking boots are not fitted
the same way that shoes are fitted and each manufacturer has its own fitting
peculiarities. Improperly fitted boots will cause great pain to body and spirit
so please ask for advice. Good boots will cost from $45 and up.
Rain Gear: If the boy has a poncho we prefer that it be made of quality coated nylon
oxford cloth. These ponchos can serve several purposes in addition to keeping
you scout dry in the rain. A quality poncho will cost between $18 and $35.
The
best way of keeping dry and comfortable is with a good quality, breathable
waterproof Rain Suit. While Gortex garments are still
very expensive there are now other breathable waterproof rain suits that will serve well from $30-$50. A good rain jacket will also serve
as the required windbreaker.
The Gear List: A gear list should be distributed before each campout. Each scout should
review this list and ensure that he packs every required item. If the weight of
the pack becomes an issue the troop leadership can
help to cull some of the extra gear out of the scout's pack and redistribute
the load among the scout's patrol.
Bargain Hunting: There are many sources of
inexpensive gear. Try looking at Goodwill or other thrift stores for wool or
synthetic clothing. You might also find scout uniforms, pots, pans, camping
books, and other goodies while you are there.
Resale
shops have become popular in our area. Play It Again Sports is one such store
that occasionally has some very good used gear. Yard sales are also a good
place to look for quality gear that someone has just gotten tired of.
REI
has a bargain table that can save you a fair amount. Usually it has scratched,
dented, or used gear that is still serviceable. I like
this table a lot!
Stores: There are many places to
buy equipment. Here are a few that I like…
REI,
1550 Mercantile
Mountains
and Rivers, 2320 Central, 268-4876
Popular
Outdoor Outfitters, I40 & San Mateo, 875-9645
Gart Sports, 4720 Alexander NE, 344-9001
Campmor, Mail Order, 1-800-226-7667 or http://www.campmor.com/
A Final Note: I have spent many dollars
on gear over the years and have found that some of it just isn't
worth carrying on the trail. Think hard about all your purchases and, when in
doubt, ask a reformed "gear head."