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Last active July 15, 2019 23:08
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Backpacking for Parents
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bpforp.md

Backpacking for Parents

Why do Scouts backpack?

  • Fitness
  • Team work
  • confidence
  • adventure
  • leadership
  • mental toughness

Why this class for parents?

  • Education on gear for buying decisions
  • Backpacking takes a lot of practice to learn how to make it comfortable
  • Parent's fears, concerns and lack of knowledge are contagious
  • We want to help you, help your scout (prepare and pack for a trek)
  • Increase the pool of parents willing to attend backpacking camp-outs

Backpacking Resume

Gear

The cost of any piece of gear is directly inverse to it's weight - Kip Higby

General Characteristics

  • If your scout has a miserable experience the first time, it will be nearly impossible to get him back out
  • Shop around - Try gear at stores, then compare online
  • Sales staff vary from store to store
    • REI is very knowledgable
    • Cabelas and Sportsmans - Hunters/anglers == Hit and miss on backpacking
    • Brand stores sometimes hit and miss e.g. North Face
    • Sierra - usually pretty knowledgable and good prices. Get on the email list

Avoid Military equipment

  • for war not recreation
  • Made to be carried by adults in great shape
  • usually VERY heavy
  • a lot of militar switch to civilian gear if possible

Doesn't have to be expensive

  • Spend money where you need to (boots), and scrimp where you don't (raingear, clothing)
  • Spend money where you get the biggest weight reduction for price (sleeping bag)
  • used gear is great
  • borrowed gear is even better
  • look for gear that will grow with your scout
  • start with quality gear that you won't have to replace after the first trek
  • Shared gear (troop)
  • Stuff you don't need
    • Stool
    • pillow
    • lantern/flashlights
    • electronics
    • fork

Backpacks

  • Store, organize
  • transfer weight to hipos
  • keeping gear dry

FIT is the most important factor

  • Try them on with weight, no weight, no buy
  • womens packs are great for smaller scouts (narrow shoulder straps, shorter torso)
  • NO fixed shoulders
  • SHould be easily adjustable

Sleeping Gear

  • MANDATORY: Bag and Pad
  • Down vs Synthetic
  • Weight
  • Pads (foam, thermarest, inflatable)
  • Sleep System
    • Bag
    • Pad
    • Liners
    • Outer bags
    • sleep wear
    • hand warmers

Sleeping Bag Temp Rating

  • Not a comfort rating, it's a keep you alive rating
  • Each manufacturer is different

Look for a 0 to 25 degree synthetic mummy bag, that weighs less than 4-5 lbs

Try it on in store, spend money on a waterproof sack (down)

Care and Maintenance

Water and Food

  • Bladder and Nalgene (wide mouth)
  • Mess Kit
    • Mug
    • Spork
    • Folding plate

Clothing and Rainwear

  • Avoid Cotton
  • No Jeans
  • BSA synthetic are pretty good

Boots and Socks

  • Most important piece of equipment
  • Ankle Support mandatory
  • Waterproof if possible
  • Wear backpacking socks when shopping
  • Test on incline, uneven surface
  • have scout tie them

Longevity Tips

  • Thicker liner
  • after market Insole
  • Check used gear stores

Miscellaneous Gear

  • Headlamp w/ batteries
  • Toilet Kit
  • Knife
  • Map and Compass
  • Sunscreen
  • First Aid Kit
  • Gloves
  • Matches (waterproof)
  • camp shoes
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