Backpacking 101

1
Backpacking 101

• What you need to know about what to carry, wear
  and eat when out camping
• Stay safe Have fun!

2
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!

3
Planning before we start

• RESOURCES
• National Camping School, Trek Leader
• Passport to High Adventure
• BSA, Venture Backpacking
• Boy Scout Handbook
• Guide to Safe Scouting
• Okpik Cold Weather Camping
• Other peoples experience!

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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!

5
Preparation

• PRECISE PLANNING PREVENTS POOR PERFORMANCE

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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.)

7
Equipment

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

8
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 natures
  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

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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

10
Backpack

• Internal frame
• From 90.00
• External frame
• From 75.00
• How much can you carry
• Adults 25 body weight
• Boys 25 body weight

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Campers Load
Map pocket Whistle, plastic bags

• Top Compartment
• Tent, equipment
• Crew 1st aid kit
• Ground cloth, Frisbee

O/S pocket Rain gear, pack cover, plastic bags,
repair items,
Nalgene
Nalgene 2, pliers, compass
Cup, bowl, fork, spoon, toilet paper, KP equipment
Sneakers, paper towels
Flashlight, personal kit, Foot-tape, moleskin
Lower Compartment Rope segments, towel, warm hat
gloves, socks, t-shirt, shorts, pants,
bandanna, insect netting
Sleeping bag and pad
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Leaders Load

• Top Compartment
• Tent, equipment
• Crew 1st aid kit
• Folding saw, Field guides
• Campfire material
• Ground cloth, Frisbee

Map pocket Whistle, plastic bags, song sheets
O/S pocket Rain gear, plastic bags, sewing kit,
contact lens, repair items, aquapure, camping
hints, religious books
Nalgene
Nalgene 2, pliers, compass
Cups, bowl, fork, spoon, toilet paper, KP
equipment
Sneakers, fire-starters, paper towels
Flashlight, personal kit, Foot-tape, moleskin,
50 rope
Lower Compartment Pack cover, rope segments,
towel, warm hat gloves, socks, t-shirt, shorts,
pants, bandanna, insect netting
Sleeping bag and pad
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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!

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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)

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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)

16
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!

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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

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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

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Scout Leader stuff

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

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Food

• Specialist v. Supermarket
• Plan the diet
• Enjoy the food
• Water, water, water
• Water filters
• Treatment tablets
• Remember, you have to carry it!

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Food ideas

• Powdered drink mixChocolate MixTeaCanned
  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
fruitCookiesJello NO BAKE Cheesecake
mixGraham Cracker crust Many pre-made dinners
work wellBeef does not  spoil quicklyPrecooked
chicken does not spoilShish-kebab worksmeat,
onions, tomatoes, bell peppers Flatbread or Pita
bread
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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

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1st Aid Kit (suggestion)

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

Tylenol, AdvilSteak tenderizer for bites Pepto
Bismol Di-Gel Ant-acidExlaxThroat
LozengesPins Safety assortedPlastic
GlovesThermometerSoapPaper Pencil1st Aid
Instructions (MB pamphlet)LighterMicro-shield
for mouth-to-mouthPractice mouth-to-mouth shield
24
Trek Safely

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

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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

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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 troops needs.
• BSA Personal Health Medical Record
• Start slowly and build carefully
• Train with friends it is more fun!

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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!

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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

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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!

30
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.

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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

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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.

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• 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!