Category — Outdoor Gear

Dressing for the outdoors can be summed up with one word – layering.  Rather than relying on a single garment to keep us warm and dry, we dress in layers with each layer of clothing serving a different function.

Layering allows us to adjust our clothing to the conditions by adding, removing or changing a layer of clothing.  Too hot?  Take off a layer!  Too cold?  Put on a layer! Starting to rain?  Change your windbreaker for your rain jacket!  But layering isn’t just about adjusting your temperature.  Each layer of clothing serves a specific purpose.  To help us remember the purpose of each layer, just think about the 3 W’s …

Wicking, Warmth and Weather.

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Every boy seems fascinated with knives and fire. When a new Scout finds out he needs to carry a knife and matches with him on hikes, he will immediately try and convince his parents that he needs a flamethrower and machete.

Parents and Scouts should know that a small “Swiss Army” knife or multi-tool with a 4″ blade is more than sufficient for use on a hike or campout.

Parents and Scouts should also know that the Troop discourages possession of disposable lighters, Zippo lighters or butane lighters.  Older Scouts may carry a lighter in place of matches, but anyone caught playing with a lighter will have it confiscated.  Fire is serious business and Scouts must demonstrate respect and understanding of the uses and dangers of fire.

Scouts are taught knife and fire safety. Scouts who earn the “Tot’n Chip” may carry and use a knife. Scouts who earn the “Firem’n Chit” may build and start fires and stoves.

Any Scout should know about the “10 Essentials” for any trip or hike. These are items that no hiker or camper should be without in the wilderness. They provide a foundation for safety in the wilderness and should be carried on every outing – no matter how close to home.

1. Map & Compass – Provides the tools to navigate in the wilderness.
2. Sunglasses & Sunscreen – Protection from the sun. Even in the winter, sunburn is possible and there is little to be done if you are sunburned.
3. Extra Clothing – Extra layers of clothing to protect you from elements and to keep you warm and dry. Depending on the season a fleece sweater, long sleeved t-shirt, jacket or insulated vest might be appropriate. Avoid cotton clothing if possible as cotton absorbs water and can actually make you colder if it’s wet.
4. Rain Jacket or Poncho – Protection from the weather
5. First Aid Kit – To treat common injuries such as blisters, cuts, insect bites, sprained ankles, etc. You should also carry aspirin or ibuprofen – both are anti-inflammatory pain relievers.
6. Flashlight or Headlamp – In spite of the best plans, you still may return after dark. A small LED flashlight slips right into your pocket and provides great illumination.
7. Matches & Firestarter – If you get lost, cold or wet a fire can save your life. A small amount of dryer lint makes great firestarter (tinder). Matches and firestarter should be in a waterproof container (a Ziploc bag works well).
8. Knife or Multitool – A “Swiss Army knife” or a Multi-tool with a knife blade are best as they provide many tools in one package. Small folding knives are OK as well, but not as versatile. Scouts are not allowed knives with blades over 6″ in length.
9. Extra Food – Always pack more food than you think you will need. Energy bars, beef jerky, GORP (Good Old Raisons and Peanuts) or Trail Mix keeps well, provides good energy and doesn’t take up much room.
10. Water – Dehydration is a serious problem and you should always drink plenty of water. A canteen, sports bottle or 1-qt Nalgene bottle are are suitable for hiking and camping. Scouts should carry at least 1 quart of water on short hikes and at least 2 quarts of water on longer hikes.

Most of our outings take place outdoors and Scouts should be equipped properly to enjoy these adventures. While it is possible to spend hundreds of dollars on quality outdoor equipment and apparel, if your son is new to camping and hiking you should consider purchasing only the necessities. The Troop will provide some of the equipment needed on outings such as tents, stoves and cook gear. Certain personal items – such as a backpack – can be rented or borrowed until such time as you are certain your son needs his own equipment.

Every Scout is expected to provide certain basic equipment items that will enable him to participate safely in the outdoor program.

• Sleeping Bag – Each Scout should own his own sleeping bag. The bag should be suitable for sleeping in a tent in a variety of weather conditions. This is one of the more critical items for enjoying the outdoors and we recommend purchasing a quality sleeping bag from an outdoor retailer. (See the sidebar for more information on choosing a sleeping bag)
• Sleeping Pad – A sleeping pad is basically a mattress for the tent. The proper pad is small, light-weight and provides suitable insulation when sleeping on the cold ground.
• Rain Gear – Scouts must be prepared for a variety of conditions when on a camping trip. A proper rain jacket or poncho with a hood is an essential for every trip.
• Shoes – Proper footgear should be worn at all times when outdoors. A pair of trail shoes or hiking boots are supportive and will keep your feet warm and dry.
• Mess Kit – Scouts adhere to the Leave No Trace wilderness policy and try to minimize waste on outings. Scouts are required to provide their own “mess kit” consisting of a plate, bowl, cup and utensils on each outing. (Plastic picnic dinnerware works great!)
• Daypack – A small backpack is required for many hikes and outings. It allows the Scout to carry essential gear, water and food while out-of-doors.

A warm and comfortable sleeping bag is the foundation for a good night’s rest. Sleeping bags come in many shapes, sizes and prices, but here’s what you should be looking for …

- Consider a mummy bag, which is warmer, smaller and lighter than square bag.

- A bag with a 20 degree rating will keep you warm on all but the coldest nights in New England. A liner or an extra blanket will add warmth on the colder nights.

- Goose down makes great insulation, it’s light and compresses really well. Down, however, suffers from two problems – it won’t insulate when wet and it’s more expensive that synthetic insulation. Most Scouts – particularly when starting out – should get a bag with synthetic insulation such as Polarguard or Thermolite.

- Don’t forget the sleeping pad! A pad provides comfort, but also insulation against cold from the ground. Therm-a-Rest makes both self-inflating pads (combo air and foam) and closed-cell foam pads for camping and backpacking. Avoid “air mattresses” as these are subject to punctures.

- Shop at the Scout store or a specialty outdoor retailer (you can find several online retailers in our Shop for Scouts section). WalMart may have great prices, but the sleeping bags you find there are more suited to backyard camping than to real wilderness camping.

- You can find a good quality bag for around $50-$75 through most specialty retailers.