 |
Personal
Equipment for Backpacking (Source: 2004 Philmont Guidebook to Adventure) |
|
Personal
Equipment for Backpacking (Source: 2004 Philmont Guidebook to Adventure) |
| Packing Pack with padded hip belt (rental available) Capacity: external frame - 4000 cubic inches, Internal frame - 4800 cubic inches Pack Cover - waterproof nylon 6-12 1-gallon zip-lock bags to pack clothes in Sleeping Hiking/Camp Clothes Cool/Evening Clothes Cold Weather Clothes Wet Weather Clothes |
Eating Deep bowl (small, plastic) Cup Spoon 2 or 3 one quart water bottles Personal/Miscellaneous Optional NO RADIOS, TAPE/CD PLAYERS OR CELLULAR TELEPHONES |
Purchasing Backpacking Equipment
| There are many stores
locally and on the internet that sell quality backpacking
gear at a reasonable price. With all the makes, models,
and styles on the market it can be a daunting task to
shop for your equipment. One of the first steps you
should take is to determine what gear you already have
and what you really need. If it is your first time
backpacking don't go out and buy the best of everything.
You may find that backpacking is not your cup of tea and
then have all this great gear that never gets used. In
some cases you can make do with what you already have.
For example, you may be able to use your trusty foam pad
($10) rather than buying a Therm-a-Rest pad ($30-$60). At
the same time, if you plan to do a lot of backpacking and
enjoy a good nights sleep a Therm-a-Rest pad is an
excellent investment. You might also decide on a full
length Therm-a-Rest rather three-quarter length because
you do more car camping and are willing to tote those
extra ounces on the trail. Once you have an idea of what you really need it is time to take a look around. It is recommended that you don't just go to the first store you see and buy everything you need. Take your time, if you see something you really like, compare that item to similar items at other stores and on the internet. Chances are you will run across a bargain and be much happier with the deal you found. Don't be afraid to ask other experienced scouts and leaders for advice. Gander Mountain and Appalachian Outfitters both have knowledgable sales people to help you decide on the right gear. You will be able to find bargains by shopping at local stores and on the internet. Always ask if there is a scout discount. For example, Dick's Sporting Goods, Gander Mountain, Appalachian Outfitters all offer 10% discounts to scouts and scouters. All you have to do is show your BSA membership card at time of purchase. There are also internet stores that offer discounts. Alps Mountaineering offers a 45% discount off regular prices and often runs other specials just for scouts. These are just a few and it never hurts to ask. |
Local Stores and the Internet
| Alps Mountaineering - has excellent deals for scouts. The alpsmountaineering site gives full product descriptions and the scoutdirect site gives details on their scout discounts. Sells good quality packs, tents, sleeping bags, and a few other items. | http://www.alpsmountaineering.com http://www.scoutdirect.com |
| Appalachian Outfitters - 10% scout discount, knowledgable sales staff, high quality products. | Stores in Penninsula and Canton, http://www.appalachianoutfitters.com |
| *Bass Pro Shops - great site for outdoor clothing like zip leg pants, rain suit, and thermal underwear. | http://www.basspro.com |
| Campmor - has a wide range of outdoor products. Good web site for browsing and picking up hard to find items. | http://www.campmor.com |
| *Dicks Sporting Goods - 10% scout discount, good place to get last minute items | Stores locally and http://www.dickssportinggoods.com |
| REI - has a wide range of outdoor products. Good web site for browsing and picking up hard to find items. | http://www.rei.com |
| *Sportsman's Guide - good prices, sell their own Guide Gear brand, army surplus, and other manufacturers. | http://www.sportsmansguide.com |
| *Target - not sure on scout discount, good place to get last minute items, most equipment is made for car camping. | Stores locally and http://www.target.com |
| * - When buying over the internet these merchants will contribute a percentage of sales to our parish as well as other parishes in the Cleveland Diocese. Follow the Shopping Village link on the Assumption Church web site or go directly to http://assumption-44147.onecause.com/. Then locate the store you are interested in and make your purchases. The rest is automatic. | |