Introduction to Backpacking Troop 355
Lots of Opportunities to Backpack First - October 25-26 Henninger Flats 728-S-02 Philmont 2014
First, You Need a Backpack Internal External Compression straps Tie on extra gear
Types of Back Packs - External External Frame 1. Designed to hold a heavy load. It is stable & rigid for comfort. 2. The rigidity of the frame allows the weight of the load to be distributed evenly over the body. 3. Good choice to use for heavy loads over moderate terrain or existing trails due to the height of the load on the pack. 4. Some keep you cooler because of the space between the pack and the hikers back. 5. Tends to be less expensive and lighter in weight.
External Pack Components
Types of Back Packs - Internal Internal Pack 1. Ideal for activities such as: mountaineering, skiing, snowshoeing, offtrail hiking, & scrambling over rough terrain. 2. Is more flexible, rides closer to the body, is more responsive the packers movement but provides less ventilation. 3. The absence of a frame & lower profile make it more preferable in the heavy brush. 4. Its lower positioning on the back allows for a lower center of gravity for better balance. 5. More expensive due to design and construction.
Internal Components
Not all packs are created equal Packs at 5, 3, and 2 pounds
Backpacks 101 Get fitted at REI. Consider renting before you buy Shop around (Campmor, A16, MooseJaw.) Most Scouts prefer internal pack Used is a good choice.. Check with an older scout who may have a pack they have out grown
Loading the Pack- Bottom to Top Sleeping bag Critical element Weight Bulk Warmth A bargain might not be a bargain- do your research and get what you need/want the first time.
Sleeping Bags What Do You Really Need? Rating of 15-20 degrees Less than 4 pounds Mummy (hood) style 2-way zipper Full length draft tube (zipper cover) Offset quilting (inside/outside) Down vs. synthetic?
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 Note yellow zipper tube for warmth
How Do You Store It? Expanded. Unstuffed. Inside backpack. Bigger the better How Do You Carry It? Get a compression sack $15-25 If down get a Dry Sac compression sack
What About a Sleeping Pad? Closed foam or inflating Light weight Easy to repair Provides both comfort and warmth Should be paired to sleeping system
Tents- Weight Against Body 2-man 2-vestibule Skip the footprint (use plastic) Stay under 5 lbs Aluminum poles Get a vented rainfly 3 season works well Carry dry bag or trash bag for wet tent
What Is the Goal of the Big Three? Pack, sleeping bag and tent portion Target goal Less than 10-12 pounds COMBINED. Control what you can when purchasing. Not always possible to reach this goal.
Clothing Goes in Next-against Back Pack for the season-but remember the BSA motto Be prepared! Snowed on Kern campout in May a few years ago
Clothing From the Feet Up Socks Liners (optional) Polypropylene Wool Avoid Wool blends with cotton Example..Smartwool good socks avoid this How many? 2-3
Boots Over-the-ankle hiking boots have long been the go-to footwear for backpacking trips, with leather being the preferred boot material. Part of the appeal of a leather hiking boot is their durability; leather is both abrasion-resistant and water-resistant making them last longer than other materials. Another factor in the boot s popularity is height. Leather boots generally provide more ankle support than other footwear lowering the risk of ankle injury in uneven terrain. When backpacking, boots have less to do with the terrain and more to do with providing support for the weight you are carrying. Gortex for waterproofing
Underwear Yes wear it. Boxer type helps reduce chaffing. Avoid cotton but pricey.
Long Underwear Polypropylene pants Silk For 20-40 degrees For 20-30 o F -hard to care for Long underwear used to for winter sports ok
Pants Zip offs great Bring two uppers? 1 pair of lowers Note cargo pockets Zip off over boots Buy quality soft nylon Treat with Scotch guard*
T-shirt Tech-Shirts Get a Troop Shirt! Short sleeve/long sleeve Wicking is key
Torso Layers Lightweight polypropylene is perfect for any moderate activity in cold weather. 100 percent polypropylene with Transpor movement technology. Single layer
Light Wind Layer Nylon LS Shirt (Magellan type) Beware venting in back (not mosquito proof) Good choice, reduces wind, gives sun protection, some mosquito resistance
Outer Layer for Warmth- Fleece Get a fleece with pockets. Pull over warmer than one with a full zipper Polartek 200+. Don t bring cotton hoddie
Windproof/Waterproof Layer Features Breathable fabric Arm pit zips Pockets inside chest Folds into side pocket- very compact Get breathable pants
Buy the Pants Too Breathable fabric Leg zips-nice Pockets Note Pack cover Get one that fits Cheaper-Trash bag works too
How Cold Is This System Good To? About 20 degrees Additional items (optional) Gloves 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
What Goes on Top of Pack? Food Pots Stove Fuel (wrap in plastic if liquid) Troop gear (rain tarp, rope)
What About Water? Nalgene bottles-***** Get 2- use 1 for powdered drinks Platypus- tough, but small mouth Camelback- nice, but not a must have Use a bottled water bottle-lighter and free (mark it for cups) Carry against body
Water Purification Filters Share with a buddy Pump vs. Gravity Tablets Simple to use 30 mins to clean water
You Need Light Buy what you really want the first time Head Lamp Pocket Light Flashlight w/holder Personal preference bring one with extra batteries
Light other options Lighter, no batteries.
Don t Forget Your Ten Essentials
More Needed Items Bowl/Cup/Spork No plate No fork No knife
Other Items. Disposable camera Handkerchief TP with Trowel Biodegradable soap Chap stick Lotrimine Second skin Water Filter Chair Sun screen Bullfrog spray Contact lens fluid Compass w/ Mirror Carry items with multiple uses Use mirror with contacts
Don t Bring Smellables!
Where Can You Get All This? www.adventure16.com Offers Scout Discount www.rei.com Member Dividend / Rentals and Sales www.campmor.com online Discount Store 1-800-226-7667 (hiking & camping equip.)
Now That You Have It How Do You Pack It? Heavy items against back Pay special attention to where you are carrying water, leaks can ruin your trip if not prepared for them Tricks for a pack that does not fit (yet) Duct tape a towel around the hip belt Contact company, trade for Women s hip belt The most important item: Boots
What Else Do We Need? There are many good lists available. Troop suggestions are on the website How Much Is Too Much? 25% of your weight. For a 100 pound Scout, the Most he can comfortably carry is 25 pounds 1/3 is the Maximum he should have at anytime
What About Troop Backpacking Gear? Stove Pots Cleaning Gear Food
What About Trekking Poles? Helps to support your load, and saves you knees on the way down Most Important- Have fun the first time so you will do it again!
Remember the key is fun We want you to go more than once Don t buy everything at once Borrow items first Make do a few times