Holiday and Birthday Gift Ideas for Scouts Each year, I get asked for ideas and suggestions for gifts that Scouts can use for camping. Please note that the discussion of backpacking gear can be as personal as religion and politics. Here are just some general thoughts and ramblings, not meant to be the only answer when it comes to gear. We also have a wide range of economic situations within the troop. There are items on this list that run the range from stocking stuffers to the top end. Hopefully this list is helpful. v Cozumel Adventure – The trip this summer will have a very specific equipment list and contains some new gear. COMING SOON - I will post a copy of the gear list specific for Cozumel. v Troop Adventure Checklists – The Mini and High Adventure Packing Checklists are posted on the front page of the troop Website v ABOVE ALL: SYNTHETIC and LAYERS – it doesn't matter if it is summer or winter. We are pushing for clothing and gear that is synthetic, not cotton! v NOTE – if you find “Smokin’ Hot Deals” out there or have other ideas to add to the list, please let me know so I can send it to others. v Get Good Gear - This troop camps out year round in challenging conditions. When gear fails, Scouts can be at risk miles from vehicles. Generally speaking, gear from Wal-Mart or Target stores work ok for weekend summer trips, but does not meet the standards of the wilderness Mini or High Adventure trips we take. Avoid military surplus gear, including camo as well. v Get Light Gear - Most of our multi-day wilderness trips involve backpacking, with a Scout carrying his gear AND multiple meals for his crew AND crew gear such as a stove or first aid kit. Don't go to extremes--the lightest gear is the most expensive--but don't have your Scout show up for a weeklong backpacking trip with a massive sleeping bag more suited for slumber parties. v Major Camping gear - sleeping bag, foam pad, waterproof jacket, winter boots (Sorels), hiking boots. o Foam pad should be closed-cell pad. Note – Therma-Rest pads are popular and some swear by them. Others, swear at them. However, they do require extra care that is sometimes a challenge for Scouts. Also, they are difficult/impossible to field repair. o Sleeping bags should “backpackable”. Should be 10 or 0 degree rated mummy bags. They can have either down or synthetic stuffing. See the discussions on the Backpacker and REI links about synthetic versus down. In Colorado and the west, we rarely have a problem with wet down bags. We do tend to have a problem with cold-rated synthetic bags being too large for Scouts to stuff or carry. There are lots of combinations of clothes, liners, and multiple sleeping bags can work for a range of temperatures. o Good rain gear with Gore-Tex or the breathable fabric equivalent. Avoid heavy rubberized rain jackets. Quality raingear can be the difference to avoid hypothermia on a serious trip. o Multi-tool pocket knife. o Tents--get two-man backpacking tent, with a rain fly. Ideally should be rated for three-seasons. Must be good in rain and snow. v Other Camping Gear Ideas o compass o pocket knife or multi-tool o wool socks o synthetic liner socks o wide-mouth water bottle (two needed for desert trips); BPA-free recommended. Ideally with ounces marked on side for cooking. o camping cord o ski hat o polypro long underwear (tops and bottoms) - Needed for winter trips, spring break trips and most high adventure trips! o booties – great for winter camping REI Booties or the ultimate warm ($70): 40 Below Company. o Items to avoid: sheath knives, hatchets, bivvy sacks for younger Scouts, metal cups and bowls--they freeze to lips. Don't purchase four-man or family-style tents. Do not buy "water resistant" rain gear--it will not keep the wearer dry. o Anything from the troop camping checklists http://bsa171.org o Other items and Stocking Stuffers:
§ Other thoughts:
§ Weakest Links in Gear:
§ For the Scout Who Has All the Gear:
§ Suppliers and Information Sources: § Recreational Equipment Incorporated (REI) – 28th street in Boulder and on-line. Great source of how-to-buy information: § Altrec § Sierra TradingPost. Great prices and good customer service <-- ONE OF THE BEST PLACES FOR GOOD PRICES! § Campmor. Another great mail order company with great prices § Used Gear Boulder is a wonderful used gear town. Look on Craigslist: § Boulder SportsRecycler 4949 N. Broadway #113 § Play It AgainSports 653 South Broadway |
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