So You Want to Go Backpacking?! What About a Gift Idea?

Got Your Gear?Know What to Buy?

What Do You Really Need?

First, You Need a BackpackInternal

Compression strapsExternal

Tie on extra gear

Backpacks 101Pack Issues Internal External

Torso adjustment Yes Not typically

Cost 70-100’s 70-100’s

Brand* (or similar) Kelty-Coyote/Red Cloud

Kelty-Tioga

Biggest issue Lack of pockets Frame too big

Hip belt Needs to fit Typically too big

Recommendation Get fitted at REI* Throw away Dad’s old one from 70’s

Capacity Goal 4000-4500cu Don’t need bigger

Backpacks 101Get fitted at REI.Shop around (Campmor, Academy, Gander Mtn)

If external frame: purchase straps for sleeping bag/tent

Don’t use bungies (lost, need strength, only 1 use)Slice/melt and attach to frame to prevent loss.

Backpacks 101Brands?

Top rated are: Gregory Kelty Dana Designs Toughest pack: Arc’Teryx Bora (Backpacker 2/2005)

I recommend: External: Kelty Tioga/Super Tioga Internal: Kelty: Coyote/Red Cloud

Backpacks 101Top rated are:

Gregory (Forrester or Shasta: Tough. Top sellers. Wt 5 lb 8oz $249.95)

Kelty (Red cloud/Coyote 4750.. Wt 5 lb 6 oz. $119.99) Dana Designs. Toughest pack: Arc’Teryx Bora (Backpacker 2/2005)

• Waterproof zippers. Wt. 6 lb 9oz. Padding, adjustments. $375.00

I recommend: External: Kelty Tioga/Super Tioga Internal: Kelty: Coyote/Red Cloud

Backpacks 101Adult backpack recommendation

Kelty Shadow 4750 Weight 3 pounds 10 oz.

• 2 pounds less than most

$160 rangeScouts

Kelty Coyote Weight 5 pounds, 6 ounces $119 3700 and 4700 cu inches

Backpacks 101Adult backpack recommendation

Purchase name brand. Kelty sells smaller hip belts

Get a women’s as exchange

ScoutsKelty Coyote

Weight 5 pounds, 6 ounces $119 3700 and 4700 cu inches

Loading the Pack- Bottom to TopSleeping bags

Critical elementLeave summer camp bag at home

Weight Bulk Warmth

A bargain might not be a bargain- do your research and get what you need/want the first time.

What Do You Really Need?Rating of 15-20 degreesLess than 4 poundsMummy (hood) style2-way zipperFull length draft tube (zipper cover)Offset quilting (inside/outside)

Stuffing- go with hollowHollofil IIQuallofilThermolitePolarguard 3D is bestNOT down

Cold when wet. Expensive

Cost $35-50 for starters

What Does It All Look Like? Both rated to 20 degrees

Note offset quilting (although parallel)Mummy bag has stuff holder pouch for pillow underneath (cool feature in some Sierra Designs*)Note yellow zipper tube for warmth

Recommendations:Favorite Companies:

The North FaceSierra DesignsKeltyMarmot

54% prefer down46% prefer synthetics

Source: Backpacker magazine Feb 2005

Get the ONE you will use forever the first time….

How Do You Store It?Expanded. Unstuffed.Inside backpack.Bigger the better

Get a compression sack $15-25.00 Hard for young scouts-have to teach it (crush between knees and chest

How Do You Carry It?

What About a Sleeping Pad?Therm-a-rest is best. Self inflatingLight weightSave up and get what you really wantEasy to repair-duct tapeGift idea - patch kit $8.00

$35.00 and 15 oz

$30.00 and 24 oz

What About a Sleeping Pad?Full length for Alaska¾ Length good-stuff clothes under feetThinner is lighter ¾”Some models fold in ½ lengthwise and can be rolled to 4”x10”Get the chair!Store unrolled/inflated

Valve open

Roll cover/Pillow stuff $17 4 oz.

Avoid mesh (punctures)

Fits 20” wide

$30.00 10 oz.

What About a Sleeping Pad?So what do you buy?

Therm-a-Rest¾ length Prolight series ($59)

Rolls 11 x 3.5 11oz

Stuff sack or pillow/roll coverChair (when older/experienced)

Get what you want first time

Roll cover/Pillow stuff $17 4 oz.

Buy what you want the first time$59 too much? Willing to carry something a little bulkier? Tip:

Campmor has seconds. ¾ length pad, 1” about $25-$35Web deals only.

Tents- Weight Against Body2-man2-vestibuleSkip the footprint (use plastic)Stay under 6 lbsAluminum polesGet a vented rainfly3 season works well$110 on sale- $129 regularKelty Gunnison or REI half-dome (outsells all other tents REI sells 3:1)

Carry trash bag for wet tent

What Is the Goal of the Big Three?Pack, sleeping bag and tent portion Target goal

Less than 10 pounds COMBINED.

Control what you can when purchasing.Not always possible to reach this goal.

Clothing Goes in NextPack for the season-but remember the BSA motto—Be prepared!

Photo taken in Colorado on June 21 (first day of summer) Temp 20. Note bare feet.

Clothing Goes in Next-against BackPack for the season-but remember the BSA motto—Be prepared!

Photo taken in Colorado on June 21 (first day of summer)

Clothing From the Feet Up

SocksLiners

Polypropylene

Wool Avoid Wool blends with cotton Smartwool* best (particularly “Expedition”)

• Can be expensive

How many?3 liners and 2 Wool for a 2 week trip.

Underwear

Yes wear it.

Boxer type helps reduce chaffing. Avoid cotton but pricey.

$7-$50

Long UnderwearPolypropylene pants

For 20-40 degrees price $10

SilkFor 20-30oF -hard to care for- $22

Expedition weight-usually with a wool inner layer

(For 0-20 degrees)$30 (a great bargain in April)

I own these, to hot in them.

Hot chili’s

Pants

Zip offs greatBring two uppers?1 pair of lowers

Note cargo pocketsZip off over boots

Buy quality “soft” nylonTreat with Scotchguard*

                                                              

                                                                      

T-shirtUnder armor typeShort sleeve/long sleeveWicking is keyBright colors

RED (hunting season)

Need 2 for a week long trek and a 3rd just to sleep in

Torso Layers

Lightweight polypropylene is perfect for any moderate activity in cold weather. 100 percent polypropylene with Transpor movement technology. Flatlock seam construction. Avg. Wt. 6 oz.Single layer$10.00 now ($7.00 in spring)

                        

Torso Layers 2Expedition weight (0-20 degrees) polypropylene is best suited for low to moderate aerobic activities in very cold weather. 100 percent Innova polyolefin. Smooth outer surface with fleeced inner. Flatlock seam construction for comfort. Avg. Wt. 12oz. 2 layers. $30.00 now ($10 in spring)

                         

Light Wind LayerNylon LS Shirt (Magellan type)

Avg. Wt. 9 oz. Can be pricey ($25-50)

Beware venting in back (not mosquito proof)

Good choice, reduces wind, gives sun protection, some mosquito resistance

                                                     

Warm Outer Layer- VestPolartek 200 (hollow fiber)

6 oz. Not the 100 count fleece

Cost $14.99 (sale)

A sweater is the traditional layer, but heavier than vest.

Most people warm enough with out the vest layer.

Outer Layer for Warmth- FleeceGet a fleece with pockets.Pull over warmer than one with a full zipper

Polartek 200+. Wt 12 oz. $21.00

Don’t bring cotton hoddie

Windproof LayerSuggest a windbreaker/rain jacket to do double dutyGet one big enough for layering

Can be expensiveBest: Marmot Precip $80

Windproof LayerMed: Red ledge $50

Breathable fabricArm pit zipsPockets inside chest

Folds into side pocket- very compact

Get breathable pants

Windproof Layer- Buy the Pants TooMed: Red ledge $50

Breathable fabricArm pit zips-nicePockets inside chest

Note Pack coverGet one that fitsGreat gift itemCheaper-Trash bag works too

Get the pants that zip all the way on/off (avoid this)

Windproof LayerCompeting brands- Frog skins (note mottled coloring)

Cheaper than others, might not be a durable?

Windproof LayerLow: Vinyl

Can tearNot really durableHeavyNonbreathable

Cost: $10Get Frog Skins instead of vinyl-or spend a little more for Red Ledge.

Rainproof LayerLow: Poncho

Can tearNot really durableHeavyNonbreathableNot really wind top layerCost: $10

Does it work? Yes, note the length and trash bag pack cover. Cheapest, but not as many uses… personal choice.

Use it at home first.

How Cold Is This System Good To?About 20 degrees

Additional items- all would make good giftsGloves

Fleece or Poly. work- light weight but hard to find• Consider a “fishing glove”

Hat Knit/ Wool/ Poly Baklava (face/ neck/ hair cover)

Sun/ Rain Hat Beyond the ball cap, should protect ears Vented Not cotton

How Cold Is This System Good To?

Gloves Fleece or Poly. work-

• light weight but hard to find

Get ones with a waterproof cover.For some treks, cotton work gloves (spray treated)Simpler solution (wear socks on hands)

How Cold Is This System Good To?Warm Hat

Knit/ Wool/ PolyBaklava (face/ neck/ hair cover)

Open face more comfortable than just eye slit

                   

How Cold Is This System Good To?Can do some double duty (little warm, sun and rain protection

Sun/ Rain Hat Beyond the ball cap, should protect ears Vented Not cotton

What Goes on Top of Pack?FoodPotsStoveFuel (wrap in plastic if liquid)Troop gear (rain tarp, rope)

What About Water?Nalgene bottles-*****

Don’t wrap with duct tape (Philmont x)Get 2- use 1 for powdered drinks

Platypus- tough, but small mouthCamelback- nice, but not a must haveUse a bottled water bottle-lighter and free (mark it for cups)

Carry against body

Water Recommendations

49% use bottles51% use bladders

Carry against body

You Need LightBuy what you really want the first timeConsider micro lights for weight/backup

$20 (2 AAA)$10 (2 AA)$5$8 (1 AAA)$3 (watch)

What I Don’t Carry- What I Do Carry

Great gift ideaA micro leatherman –

Leatherman tool (already put in crew first aid kit)

What I Don’t Carry- What I Do Carry

Great gift ideaA micro leatherman –

Leatherman tool (already put in crew first aid kit)

More Needed ItemsPump mosquito spray Personal first aid kit

More Needed ItemsBowl/Cup/Spoon Waterproof matches

No plateNo forkNo knife

More Needed Items 50-100’ of Parachute cord (woven better than poly- can unravel it and use for thread)

Nice Gift Items Backpacking towel (nice to have) ThermometerA Bandana works too

Other Items/gift ideas?Disposable cameraHandkerchiefTP with TrowelBiodegradable soapChap stickLotrimine Second skin

Hand cream?Sun screen

Bullfrog spray

Contact lens fluidCompass w/ Mirror

Carry items with multiple usesUse mirror with contacts

Any Other Ideas?Water Treatment tablets

Yes- Filters work but weigh 1 lb.+

Campmor catalog (read and use as a fire starter)

Still need a gift idea?Backpacker MagazineBook: A Walk in the WoodsBook: Into Thin AirBook: The Complete WalkerDVD: Into the Void

Where Can You Get All This?www.campmor.com 1-800-226-7667

(hiking & camping equip.) www.rei.com New store- near Willowbrook Mall

17717 Tomball Parkway (290) (just S of 1960)

(hiking & camping equip.)Gander Mountain (I-45 and 2920)

Offer a Scout discount (10%, bring your card/uniform shirt)

Now That You Have It—How Do You Pack It?

Heavy items against backPay special attention to where you are carrying water.Tricks for a pack that does not fit (yet)

Duct tape a towel around the hip beltContact company, trade for Women’s hip belt

The most important item: Boots Scout: Coleman seem to be boot of choice, around $40-AcademyAdult: Spend the money, go to REI and get fitted.

Vasque Sundowner-1 piece leather upper top seller since 1984

What Else Do We Need?There are many good lists available. Check your Scout Handbook for good ideas

How Much Is Too Much?25% of your weight. For a 100 pound Scout, the Most he can comfortably carry is 25 pounds1/3 is the Maximum he should have at anytime

What About Troop Backpacking Gear?Stove

Liquid fuelMSR Whisperlite

Canister MSR Pocket Rocket

• Only fits MSR tanks Superfly (fits all canisters)

• Both are top sellers

                                                              

                                                                      

                                                              

                                                                      

What About Trekking Poles?Nice on mountains, otherwise save the $100

More of an Adult item

Most Important- Have fun the first time so you will do it again!

Remember the key is funWe want you to go more than once

Don’t buy everything at onceBorrow items firstMake do a few times