Several boys of Troop 287 are getting ready to head out for a 15-mile, 3-day, 2-night backpacking trip up in the hills near Terryall.
Boys going should make sure to bring their own food … for Friday lunch, dinner, Saturday breakfast, lunch, dinner, and Sunday breakfast and lunch (just in case). Also, plan for wet weather, low 40s and one night in a make shift shelter!
We’re meeting at Wilson Church at 9:30 a.m. on Friday and trying to shove off at 10 a.m.
Don’t forget: BSA Parent Permission Form
Backpacking Checklist:
MANDATORY INDIVIDUAL BACKPACKING EQUIPMENT:
– Backpack, 3,000-5,000 cu in. or so, with good hip pad
– Boots, waterproof (or running shoes with good grip) … NO FLAT-BOTTOMED SHOES – Extra boot/shoe laces
– Wool/nylon socks (2 or 3 pair) … NO ALL-COTTON SOCKS
– Shorts (2 pair)
– Pants (zip away legs are good) … NO JEANS
– Short-sleeved shirts (2 or 3) … moisture-wicking is better than cotton
– Long-sleeved shirt (hoodie, sweater)
– Broad-brimmed hat or baseball cap
– Stocking cap … you’ll want to sleep with this on!
– Pajama bottoms … and tops, if you like
– Sleeping bag (rated 20-degrees or better)
– Sleeping bag stuff sack
– Sleep pad (foam or air)
– Bowl (preferably with a handle) … needs to be able to hold hot water
– Drinking cup … needs to be able to hold hot water
– Spoon … don’t need fork or knife
Have these easy to get to (outside pocket):
– Rain poncho … GARBAGE BAGS ARE NOT PONCHOS!
– Flashlight or headlamp (with extra batteries)
– Compass
– Whistle
– Pocketknife
– Water bottles, 1-liter (2) or CamelBak
Put inside zip-loc bag with name on it (these go in bear bag at night):
– Toilet paper, non-scented (1 roll) … THIS IS A MUST!!!
– Personal first aid kit (sterile gauze pads, antiseptic, 2″ gauze roll, moleskin, tweezers, triangular bandage, personal medication)
– Chapstick
– Sunscreen (lotion is better than spray)
– Insect repellant (lotion is better than spray)
– Matches
– Tooth brush & tooth paste (small)
– Deodorant
OPTIONAL ITEMS:
– loafers (optional) … NO FLIP-FLOPS or OPEN-TOED SHOES! – small pillow, 10 x 10″ max (optional)
– sunglasses (optional) … straps are a good idea
– hiking staff (optional)
– bandana or handkerchief (optional)
– camera (optional)
– duct tape (optional)
– rope/cord (optional) … 50 feet is good
– binoculars (optional)
– sit pad (optional) … can be used as a camp pillow, too
– playing cards (optional)
– hacky sack (optional)
– backpack rain cover
– personal hand sanitizer, small bottle
– underwear
DO NOT BRING!!!:
– electronic games or music – large pillows
– phones
– bad attitude
NOTE: For the boys, total backpack and contents should weigh no more than 30 pounds. That includes food and water. Everything should be ‘inside’ the backpack, not hanging outside. The scout shop or REI have a good selection of wool/nylon blend hiking socks. You can also put your clothing in large zip-loc bags … helps keep things organized and keeps it dry. Waterproof boots or shoes are HIGHLY recommended. We cross little streams and feet can get wet. If you send your boy with running shoes, make sure he has an extra pair to change into at camp. You may also want to try to apply water-proofing silicon spray to your boy’s shoes or boots.
HOW TO PACK:
Inner frame pack:
– lightest at bottom (sleeping bag, sleeping pad)
– heaviest in the middle (food and water, tent, gear) – medium at top (clothes)
Outer frame pack:
– lightest at bottom (sleeping bag, sleeping pad) – medium in the middle (clothes)
– heaviest at top (food and water, tent, gear)
Put your poncho, snacks, and water in a easy-to-reach location
