Backpacking 101

What you need to know about what to carry, wear and eat when out camping

Stay safe – Have fun!

Backpacking 101 Getting outdoors

– Self-sufficient– Great exercise– Great fun– Explore the world outside– See nature and your friends in a different

light– Stay safe!

Planning – before we startRESOURCESRESOURCES National Camping School, Trek Leader Passport to High Adventure BSA, Venture Backpacking Boy Scout Handbook Guide to Safe Scouting Okpik: Cold Weather Camping

Other people’s experience!

Now Start to plan Where do we want to go

–Why (what will we do when we get there)?–What do we need to know about the area?–When will we go?–How much will it cost?–Who will we take?

Make sure you have the necessary permits – from Council and the camp, park, authority you plan to visit. Allow plenty of time! Any High adventure needs parental permission!

Preparation

PPRECISE RECISE PPLANNING LANNING

PPREVENTS REVENTS PPOOR OOR

PPERFORMANCEERFORMANCE

Fitness What do we expect of our Scouts (and

ourselves) on the trail Shakedown hikes Gym sessions Regular Patrol organized activity Medical advice (for strenuous activity,

high adventure, Philmont etc.)

Equipment Clothing Backpack, pack fly Tent Sleeping bag/mat Mess kit Cook kit Stoves Tools & accessories

Clothing, Winter Wear layers, it is easier to keep a good core

temperature Avoid cotton/denim, man made fabrics will

keep out the wind and dry quickly. Wool is nature’s insulator. High-tech materials are lighter and more efficient –at a price!

Top layer must offer snow, rain and wind protection. Protect head and ears - HAT

Chap sticks, moisturizer

Clothing, Summer Just like winter, layering clothing keeps

the wearer comfortable and allows rapid changes through the day.

Wear gaiters or other protection against ticks, nettles and thorny plants.

Long sleeves and hats and/or sun creams are essential for fair skinned trekkers

Sun screen and after-sun treatments

Backpack Internal frame

From $90.00

External frameFrom $75.00

How much can you carry– Adults 25% body weight– Boys 25% body weight

Camper’s LoadTop CompartmentTent, equipmentCrew 1st aid kitGround cloth, Frisbee

Flashlight, personal kit, Foot-tape, moleskin

Nalgene #2, pliers, compass

O/S pocketRain gear, pack cover, plastic

bags, repair items,

Sleeping bag and pad

Sneakers, paper towels

Nalgene

Cup, bowl, fork, spoon, toilet paper, KP equipment

Map pocketWhistle, plastic bags

Lower CompartmentRope segments, towel, warm hat & gloves, socks, t-shirt, shorts, pants, bandanna, insect netting

Leader’s LoadTop CompartmentTent, equipmentCrew 1st aid kitFolding saw, Field guidesCampfire materialGround cloth, Frisbee

Flashlight, personal kit, Foot-tape, moleskin, 50’ rope

Nalgene #2, pliers, compass

O/S pocketRain gear, plastic bags, sewing kit, contact lens, repair items,

aquapure, camping hints, religious books

Sleeping bag and pad

Sneakers, fire-starters, paper towels

Nalgene

Cups, bowl, fork, spoon, toilet paper, KP equipment

Map pocketWhistle, plastic bags, song sheets

Lower CompartmentPack cover, rope segments, towel, warm hat & gloves, socks, t-shirt, shorts, pants, bandanna, insect netting

Tent – from around $130

Your troop or crew will have tents and they will work well for most occasions. There are new high-tech designs that can save weight and space but the traditional 2 or 3 man 3 season type is fine for most events

Remember – you have to carry it!

Sleeping bag, mat Like tents and other gear there are

small gains to be made by spending more money.

I recommend a 20° bag for the winter and, for added warmth on cold nights or used alone for summer camping, a fleece bag liner – from $40 to $$$

Spend as much money as you can afford on a mat, being comfortable is worth it ($40 gets a good one)

Mess kit There is no need to spend heavily on mess

kit, I recommend (less than $10 to buy) Spoon or spork (knife & fork are optional) Plastic bowl or dish (does solid and liquid) Drinking mug (plastic travel mugs are light

and will keep temperatures hot or cold)

Cooking kit Most troops have aluminum cook kits, they

are perfectly OK unless you have a big budget. You will need (size of crew varies)

Big for pasta, rice, stews and water

Middle size for veggies etc

Shallow or Fry pan, tools and spatulas

Secure handles for all pots and pans

Wash soap and scourers, & MATCHES!

Cooking stoves Propane/Butane – from $25.95 Liquid Fuels – from $49.95

There are a great number of options ranging that will meet your needs, see a website like www.msrcorp.com or maybe look at www.rei.com or visit your favorite store to get some ideas

Tools, accessories Compass – clear base map compass $9 Pocket knife ($15.95) v. multi-tool ($60.00) LED headlamp ($20.00) v. flashlight ($6.00) Rope, nylon cord Matches (waterproof 2 for $3) & kindling Fanny pack ($7.95) very handy on the trail Hydration system – from $60.00 v. Nalgene

bottles – 2 for $16.00

Scout Leader stuff Songbooks Rope for activities Cord for running repairs Safety pins Religious material Games, leisure material Wildlife, birding, tree books

Food Specialist v. Supermarket Plan the diet Enjoy the food Water, water, water

– Water filters– Treatment tablets

Remember, you have to carry it!

Food ideasPowdered drink mixChocolate MixTea

Canned meatsCheese of all kindsCrackersPeanut butterRaisinsSoup MixChinese noodle soupPower barsInstant OatmealInstant Cream of Wheat

RicePancake mix (no eggs needed)Hash brown potatoesGranola bars"Cold" Cereal with fruit

CookiesJello NO BAKE Cheesecake mixGraham Cracker crust Many pre-made dinners work wellBeef does not  spoil quicklyPrecooked chicken does not spoilShish-kebab works:meat, onions, tomatoes, bell peppersFlatbread or Pita bread

1st Aid Kit At least 2 members of your crew should

carry a first aid kit. The contents will vary according to your activity but should include as many as you can of the items listed on the next page

Before you go, Consult & take a copy of the 1st Aid

Merit Badge pamphlet

1st Aid Kit (suggestion)

Ass. bandages & pads, 2x3", 3x3" & others2 Ace Bandages 2" x 4"2 Roll BandagesTriangular bandageAlcohol SwabsTape for bandagesWide tapeScissorsGood TweezersBurns cream Triple antibioticCortaid for bites

Tylenol, AdvilSteak tenderizer for bites Pepto BismolDi-Gel Ant-acidExlaxThroat LozengesPins: Safety assortedPlastic GlovesThermometerSoapPaper & Pencil1st Aid Instructions (MB pamphlet)LighterMicro-shield for mouth-to-mouthPractice mouth-to-mouth shield

Trek Safely Qualified Supervision Keep fit Plan ahead Gear Up Communicate, clearly and clearly Monitor conditions Discipline

Qualified Supervision Leader #1 – min. 21 years of age, trained to understand risks,BSA policy & procedure Leader # 2 – min 18 years of age.

I recommend at least three adults for any high adventure activity with minimum 2 trained in BSA policy & procedure.

Leader # 1 is responsible for inclusion of min. 1 person with activity appropriate 1st aid training

Keep fit It is vital that your trekkers should be “fit

for the activity” you are planning. Consider and plan an appropriate

training regime for your troop’s needs. BSA Personal Health & Medical Record Start slowly and build carefully Train with friends – it is more fun!

Plan ahead This is covered in many different books,

pamphlets and web sites throughout Scouting in the U.S. and worldwide, it is important–Local Tour permit – 30 days notice–National Tour permit – 90 days notice

Always remember to have an alternative plan – just in

case!

Gear Up Get maps, road books & topographics

to cover your route Have a troop inspection of ALL

equipment to be used Demonstrate and train in the use of

new, unfamiliar equipment Plan & conduct at least one shakedown

to ensure all trekkers are properly equipped

Communicate Publish (e-mail or printed handouts) all your

plans and activities Keep all parties aware of new developments

or changes in your plans Ensure the leader has ALL contact details for

trekkers Leader should carry a cell phone in case of

having to make emergency contact Ensure everyone knows what is expected of

them, youths AND adults!

Monitor Conditions Keep an eye on the weather, roads etc

to make sure you are able to make good decisions

Avoid dangerous/doubtful conditions Use your advance planning to provide

the best experience, as safely as possible, for your trekkers.

Discipline Publish your troop policies Get ALL participants to read, agree

and sign to troop policy Be strict – take no chances with safety Be fair – You will not keep respect

unless everyone sees your fairness Be clear in your instructions, avoid any

misunderstanding

Trail discipline Set a lead and tail trekker ALWAYS stop at any change, break,

change in direction on the trail The leader MUST check with the tail trekker

BEFORE starting out again – at every stop in the trail

Formulate your own routines for what to do if any trekker is separated, for both trekker and crew. Follow BSA policy wherever possible.

All the information and help you need can be found in Scouting and outdoor

activities publications but the best source of knowledge and help is to be found among your fellow volunteers, scout leaders and the scouts themselves.

Be prepared!