Category Archives: Gear

The Sleeping Bag

Posted on by

Mountain Hardware +20 for
under $90 as of 4/3/2013

Of all your new Scout’s backpacking equipment, the sleeping bag will be one of the most important investments. Do your research and shop around online for deals. I suggest the following minimum criteria when looking:

  • Synthetic
  • +20°
  • 3 lbs max total weigh (Not fill weight)

I have found the 20° to be the best all-season rating for Troop 4 base camp outings. I personally own a +20° synthetic bag for base camping.

My preference for backpacking, however, is a goose down 800-fill bag due to its ability to compact down to nearly the size of a Nalgene bottle and it’s weight of 19oz. Down bags come with a higher price tag but they ultimately cost less due to the fact they wear much longer than synthetic.

Is Less Better?

Posted on by

Proper planning helps avoid heavy loads

When I first started as an Assistance Scout Master (ASM) with our Troop, there wasn’t a strong emphasis on backpacking. Backpacking was one of many events the boys participated in; some Scouts embraced backpacking while others dreaded it.

Not that there wasn’t an interest in backpacking, there simply was not an emphasis on decentralized, self-sufficient camping.

Recently, however, a few enthusiastic leaders among the Troop surfaced which has seemed to kick-start the backpacking program into a higher gear.

In the last few months, over 25 Boy Scouts have gone on at least one of the backpack trips I’ve led and show interest of going again. Out of the 25 boys, at least half of the group want to explore ways to reduce their pack base weight Continue reading →

Shakedown and Cozy Building

Posted on by

Here I am explaining to the Scouts and parents the advantages of freezer bag cooking and cozy

We had a full house of scouts and parents as  we picked through each pack to help determine what gear is best for the upcoming backpack trip. I tell each Scout that I only make suggestions and leave it up to them to decide to take my advice or not.

I was proud to see that no scout showed up with more than 16 pounds of base weight. Granted, no shelters were handed out as of tonight, but weather permitting, we plan on bringing a few tarps and calling them “home” and “shelter.” Continue reading →

Nalgene: Best for Base Camping

Posted on by

Did you know that your Nalgene bottle weighs over 6oz and costs about $9.00?

An empty Gatorade bottle weighs 3-times less at 2oz and costs nothing. If it gets lost, drink another Gatorade and you have a new water bottle!

Another good choice for water bottles are SmartWater and PowerAde. These are the preferred bottles of thru hikers walking the Appalachian Trail and Pacific Crest Trail due to their light weight and ease of use.