Back Packing Gear notes: See Sit. Rep. 43.
Your backpack should not weigh any more than 25% of your body weight. Ex: 100 pound Scout, 25-pound pack.
1- NO COTTON, No cotton socks, underwear, jeans, T-shirt. It can take a pair of jeans 14-24 hours to dry if they get wet. NO Cotton blankets!
- 1B- 2 Exceptions:
A- Cotton Bandana, I like a cotton one and a silk one.
B- Cotton blended 6 pocket (military style) pants. The cotton in these are treated to not absorb water.
2- Sleeping Bag: I prefer a synthetic fill over goose/duck down. It is usually heavier by about 1 pound. But it still insulates even when wet. Down does not.
I have 2 sleeping bags. One for summer, spring & fall. And one for winter camping. I have only owned 3 sleeping bags in my life. The last 2 are these 2. I try to take care of my equipment. It is toooooo expensive to trash & treat like dirt. I put mine in the dryer with NO HEAT after a trip to re-fluff and air out.
3- Shaving kit should have: Toothbrush & toothpaste, Baking soda in a waterproof container…1-2 tablespoons is all you need for a weekend, Body / Baby wipes (I don’t like – you must carry them out and they attract insects and animals), Moleskin for blisters. All you need for a weekend hike is about 4 drops of toothpaste. Don’t take the whole new tube.
4- Ground cover or ground cloth: I use the heavy-duty “Space Blanket”… sometimes called the Sportsman’s Blanket. Wintertime – bright reflective side up toward my sleeping pad. Summertime – dull side up to my sleeping pad. (Cost 15-20$ per – get the biggest that you can find – this is also your survival blanket)
5- Note pad: 3″ x 5″ – about 1$ each or a couple of 3×5 index cards. And a writing utensil.
6- Did I say CAR KEYS? There is a reason that I say that one twice. CAR KEYS…CAR KEYS…CAR KEYS…CAR KEYS…
7- I like Dawn Dish Washing Detergent. It cuts & breaks down the grease in the pots & pans. (All you need is 1-2 ounces or a small bottle for the whole troop.)
8- I sleep in gym shorts and a T-shirt (not cotton). I wash up (with baking soda n water) at the end of the day to get rid of food odors, body smell (B.O. / body odor – yuck), and to keep my sleeping bag clean (& odor-free). If you are sharing a tent —- yes it keeps the ragging conversation from happening. Washing up also minimizes pits, privates & foot rot. Make sure that you get dry, completely dry, before getting into your sleeping bag.
9- A broad-brimmed hat will keep you cooler and keep you from getting sunburned. Most Scouts are still growing – check out the 2nd hand stores for these.
10- You can take a 1 to 2.5-gallon zip lock baggie to blow up with air and use as a pillow. I wrap my jacket inside out over the baggie because of the soft feel. An airline-style or travel style pillows are good & light.
11- What are your questions, concerns, comments, & thoughts?
12- Over the ankle boots. Broken in a bit but not worn out. Teva-type sandals for water crossings & around camp if you can carry the weight. You must watch out for tree roots and stumps while wearing.
Ounces make pounds. Pounds make pain!
Gaither
A- They say that the mountain climber can’t improve anymore.
B- Yeah I heard. He reached his peak
The BIG Book of Campfire Jokes and Riddles by Thomas Mercaldo