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| Comments concerning this site may be addressed to the webmaster. webmaster@troop965.us |
Boy Scout Troop 965
Troop 965 would like to provide you with some suggestions about camping
equipment for Boy Scouts. The most frequent questions we hear from parents are:
- What does my son need? - What's good? - Where can I buy it?
First - Buying equipment can get expensive and should be carefully thought out.
Camping gear is like tools - you get what you pay for! Resist the temptation to save
money by getting bargain-basement equipment. You'll end up throwing it away after
a couple of trips and buying the better stuff anyway. Conversely, it's not necessary
to get top-of-the-line equipment either. The leaders are always happy to help you
make gear decsions.
Second – A detailed list will be given to the new Scouts on what they should bring
on their first camp out. This list will cover clothing, toiletries, gear, etc.
The first four items can be costly, and before making a big investment you may want
to consider borrowing until your son has an idea of what gear works for him It also
helps to spread your purchases out, which is why starting now may be a good idea.
Some of this gear can find its way onto a birthday or Christmas list.
Please keep in mind that the gear you buy should be durable and light-weight when
possible - weight and size DO matter.
1) Sleeping Bag and Stuff Sack
Probably the single most important piece of gear you take out is a warm sleeping
bag. Get a synthetic fiber bag (Hollofil, Polarguard, Quallofil, etc.), not a down bag.
A down bag is expensive, and if it gets wet, you'll have trouble getting it dry again
any time soon! Consider a mummy bag (modified mummy bags and rectangular
bags tend to be heavier and are not as warm). You want a nylon outer shell and
inner liner, NOT cotton or flannel. The bag should come with a stuff sack or
compression bag with the maximum bag weight about 3 to 4 lbs. Don't confuse this
with fill weight, which is just the insulation. The bag should be temperature rated
down to at least 30 degrees F. The scouts should practice getting the bag out of
the stuff sack and getting the bag back into the stuff sack. There’s nothing more
frustrating than trying to get the bag back where it belongs, the first time.
Reasonable cost $65 - $75. Common brands: Kelty, Slumberjack, Marmot, Sierra
Designs, North Face
We also recommend buying a fleece liner for the bag (approximate cost - $25.00)
It makes the bag warmer and is easily cleaned between trips.
2) Boots/Hiking Shoes
The key here is for sturdy footwear that provides traction and ankle support. Scouts
can get by on most outings in high top sneakers unless it rains. There are some
inexpensive hiking boots/shoes by Hi-Tec, Timberland and others. Don't buy the
really good/expensive boots unless you have cash to burn, or have lots of boys to
hand them down to - they out grow them much too quickly. We suggest boots with a
leather/synthetic combination upper. All leather uppers are more expensive and
harder to break in. Your son should wear a pair of thick hiking socks, or two
pairs of normal cotton socks, when getting fitted. Make sure boots are fitted at
a store where they know what they're doing (Dick’s, REI). For longer hikes (four
miles or more and for cold weather camping) we recommend a good pair of hiking
socks. Cost for boots is $40-$75.
3) Rain Gear
This is an absolute must for every trip. It is also the area where many Scouts and
Leaders have been known to skimp. Avoid the temptation to get a cheap
plastic poncho or rain suit; they are a waste of money. In high winds, the
poncho is mostly useless. They're also clumsy to work in. Consider a low-cost rain
suit that has a jacket and pants or a better quality poncho. This may seem to be a
pricey investment but they are good for any outdoor activity, all year long. Look for
waterproof, NOT water repellent. Don't buy rubber or PVC, its too heavy and hot.
Polyurethane coated nylon is a good, inexpensive material. Rain gear with vents
improves breathability and comfort. As a parent you might re-consider getting rain
pants - most boys just won’t wear them. If you get pants, they should have zippers
or Velcro at the ankle to allow putting on over hiking boots. Decent rain gear will
cost $40-70.
4) Sleeping Pad
Another important item is a sleeping pad. A sleeping pad provides insulation from
the cold ground, acts as a barrier to ground moisture, and adds to comfort. Self-
inflating mattresses, like Therm-A-Rest, are good, but NOT for young scouts. They
are too heavy and expensive. An air mattress is also too heavy and undependable.
A good sleeping pad for a young scout is a "closed cell" foam pad (like Z-Rest). You
should buy a sleeping pad that is at least as tall as your scout. ½ or ¾ pads can be
uncomfortable. These are very light, inexpensive and provide excellent insulation.
A typical closed cell pad will run about $15.
5) Personal Mess Kit
The Troop will supply an aluminum mess and silverware kit and a plastic thermal cup
with lid to every Scout before their first weekend camping trip. The Scout should
bring this gear on every trip. The Troop supplies all of their other cooking
equipment (stoves, pots/pans, utensils, cleaning supplies, etc.)
6) Flashlight
Small, lightweight and inexpensive. I recommend a Mag or Mini-Mag, knowing they
may very well lose it. A good alternative is a solid plastic flashlight that will take a
beating. In either case, bright colors are easier to find in the leaves and/or mud.
Part of their gear should include a set of back up batteries in case they should leave
the flash light on.
7) Water Bottle
It’s a good idea to get in the habit of carrying a personal water bottle. The bottle
should hold at least a quart and be able to be slung over a shoulder or incorporated
into day pack pockets. As the scouts become more experienced they may want to
consider a “platypus” type water bag that can be incorporated into a day pack and
uses a hose for the water delivery. While hanging around camp, a wide-mouth
Nalgene bottle ($10) is great - they come in a variety of colors and are practically
indestructible, although...
8) Pocket Knife
Boy Scout or Victorinox knives with a blade less than 4 inches are fine. Don't get
too fancy or expensive. Consider a bright key chain to attach to it to make it easier
to find in the dark and the leaves. They will have a chance to earn their Scout
“Totin Chip” Card on their first Troop camp-out or at summer camp in July. Until
they earn the card they are not allowed to carry a knife or use other wood tools.
This is for their safety. No switchblades or fixed blade knives are allowed.
9) Tents
The troop maintains a supply of tents for all Scouts. They do not need to
purchase their own tent. Some boys do have their own tents and occasionally
bring them on camp-outs. Hold off on this for now. If they really get to like the
camping, they will start identifying the gear they want next.
10) Pack
Your son will need something to carry the gear and clothes. Our campsites are
generally just a short walk from where we park. In the beginning a school backpack
will be all they need. Just make sure it’s water proof or lined with plastic. If their
books don’t get wet, then their clothes won’t get wet. If you can attach a few straps
for their sleeping bag and pad, all the better. A small duffel bag is also a good way
to start.
Where to Buy
Camping gear is easy to find and purchase. We recommend the following places:
- Dick’s at Village Crossing (Touhy Ave. in Skokie) or in Glenview (The Glen) They
offer a 10% discount on all non-Coleman camping gear to Scouts who show their
BSA card. They usually have knowledgeable sales people.
- REI in Northbrook - They are more expensive, but have very good gear and very
knowledgeable sales people.
- Sports Authority at Harlem and Dempster in Niles - They have gear, but not the
selection or expertise compared to Dick’s or REI.
- Campmor: A catalog outlet source. (800) 226-7667 or www.campmor.com. They
have everything a Scout needs at reasonable prices. They are a great price
reference when shopping locally. We often check the Campmor price against Dick’s
and find that the Dick’s price is usually the same with the added benefit of not
paying shipping and getting the Boy Scout discount.
March, 2007
Troop 965 would like to provide you with some suggestions about camping
equipment for Boy Scouts. The most frequent questions we hear from parents are:
- What does my son need? - What's good? - Where can I buy it?
First - Buying equipment can get expensive and should be carefully thought out.
Camping gear is like tools - you get what you pay for! Resist the temptation to save
money by getting bargain-basement equipment. You'll end up throwing it away after
a couple of trips and buying the better stuff anyway. Conversely, it's not necessary
to get top-of-the-line equipment either. The leaders are always happy to help you
make gear decsions.
Second – A detailed list will be given to the new Scouts on what they should bring
on their first camp out. This list will cover clothing, toiletries, gear, etc.
The first four items can be costly, and before making a big investment you may want
to consider borrowing until your son has an idea of what gear works for him It also
helps to spread your purchases out, which is why starting now may be a good idea.
Some of this gear can find its way onto a birthday or Christmas list.
Please keep in mind that the gear you buy should be durable and light-weight when
possible - weight and size DO matter.
1) Sleeping Bag and Stuff Sack
Probably the single most important piece of gear you take out is a warm sleeping
bag. Get a synthetic fiber bag (Hollofil, Polarguard, Quallofil, etc.), not a down bag.
A down bag is expensive, and if it gets wet, you'll have trouble getting it dry again
any time soon! Consider a mummy bag (modified mummy bags and rectangular
bags tend to be heavier and are not as warm). You want a nylon outer shell and
inner liner, NOT cotton or flannel. The bag should come with a stuff sack or
compression bag with the maximum bag weight about 3 to 4 lbs. Don't confuse this
with fill weight, which is just the insulation. The bag should be temperature rated
down to at least 30 degrees F. The scouts should practice getting the bag out of
the stuff sack and getting the bag back into the stuff sack. There’s nothing more
frustrating than trying to get the bag back where it belongs, the first time.
Reasonable cost $65 - $75. Common brands: Kelty, Slumberjack, Marmot, Sierra
Designs, North Face
We also recommend buying a fleece liner for the bag (approximate cost - $25.00)
It makes the bag warmer and is easily cleaned between trips.
2) Boots/Hiking Shoes
The key here is for sturdy footwear that provides traction and ankle support. Scouts
can get by on most outings in high top sneakers unless it rains. There are some
inexpensive hiking boots/shoes by Hi-Tec, Timberland and others. Don't buy the
really good/expensive boots unless you have cash to burn, or have lots of boys to
hand them down to - they out grow them much too quickly. We suggest boots with a
leather/synthetic combination upper. All leather uppers are more expensive and
harder to break in. Your son should wear a pair of thick hiking socks, or two
pairs of normal cotton socks, when getting fitted. Make sure boots are fitted at
a store where they know what they're doing (Dick’s, REI). For longer hikes (four
miles or more and for cold weather camping) we recommend a good pair of hiking
socks. Cost for boots is $40-$75.
3) Rain Gear
This is an absolute must for every trip. It is also the area where many Scouts and
Leaders have been known to skimp. Avoid the temptation to get a cheap
plastic poncho or rain suit; they are a waste of money. In high winds, the
poncho is mostly useless. They're also clumsy to work in. Consider a low-cost rain
suit that has a jacket and pants or a better quality poncho. This may seem to be a
pricey investment but they are good for any outdoor activity, all year long. Look for
waterproof, NOT water repellent. Don't buy rubber or PVC, its too heavy and hot.
Polyurethane coated nylon is a good, inexpensive material. Rain gear with vents
improves breathability and comfort. As a parent you might re-consider getting rain
pants - most boys just won’t wear them. If you get pants, they should have zippers
or Velcro at the ankle to allow putting on over hiking boots. Decent rain gear will
cost $40-70.
4) Sleeping Pad
Another important item is a sleeping pad. A sleeping pad provides insulation from
the cold ground, acts as a barrier to ground moisture, and adds to comfort. Self-
inflating mattresses, like Therm-A-Rest, are good, but NOT for young scouts. They
are too heavy and expensive. An air mattress is also too heavy and undependable.
A good sleeping pad for a young scout is a "closed cell" foam pad (like Z-Rest). You
should buy a sleeping pad that is at least as tall as your scout. ½ or ¾ pads can be
uncomfortable. These are very light, inexpensive and provide excellent insulation.
A typical closed cell pad will run about $15.
5) Personal Mess Kit
The Troop will supply an aluminum mess and silverware kit and a plastic thermal cup
with lid to every Scout before their first weekend camping trip. The Scout should
bring this gear on every trip. The Troop supplies all of their other cooking
equipment (stoves, pots/pans, utensils, cleaning supplies, etc.)
6) Flashlight
Small, lightweight and inexpensive. I recommend a Mag or Mini-Mag, knowing they
may very well lose it. A good alternative is a solid plastic flashlight that will take a
beating. In either case, bright colors are easier to find in the leaves and/or mud.
Part of their gear should include a set of back up batteries in case they should leave
the flash light on.
7) Water Bottle
It’s a good idea to get in the habit of carrying a personal water bottle. The bottle
should hold at least a quart and be able to be slung over a shoulder or incorporated
into day pack pockets. As the scouts become more experienced they may want to
consider a “platypus” type water bag that can be incorporated into a day pack and
uses a hose for the water delivery. While hanging around camp, a wide-mouth
Nalgene bottle ($10) is great - they come in a variety of colors and are practically
indestructible, although...
8) Pocket Knife
Boy Scout or Victorinox knives with a blade less than 4 inches are fine. Don't get
too fancy or expensive. Consider a bright key chain to attach to it to make it easier
to find in the dark and the leaves. They will have a chance to earn their Scout
“Totin Chip” Card on their first Troop camp-out or at summer camp in July. Until
they earn the card they are not allowed to carry a knife or use other wood tools.
This is for their safety. No switchblades or fixed blade knives are allowed.
9) Tents
The troop maintains a supply of tents for all Scouts. They do not need to
purchase their own tent. Some boys do have their own tents and occasionally
bring them on camp-outs. Hold off on this for now. If they really get to like the
camping, they will start identifying the gear they want next.
10) Pack
Your son will need something to carry the gear and clothes. Our campsites are
generally just a short walk from where we park. In the beginning a school backpack
will be all they need. Just make sure it’s water proof or lined with plastic. If their
books don’t get wet, then their clothes won’t get wet. If you can attach a few straps
for their sleeping bag and pad, all the better. A small duffel bag is also a good way
to start.
Where to Buy
Camping gear is easy to find and purchase. We recommend the following places:
- Dick’s at Village Crossing (Touhy Ave. in Skokie) or in Glenview (The Glen) They
offer a 10% discount on all non-Coleman camping gear to Scouts who show their
BSA card. They usually have knowledgeable sales people.
- REI in Northbrook - They are more expensive, but have very good gear and very
knowledgeable sales people.
- Sports Authority at Harlem and Dempster in Niles - They have gear, but not the
selection or expertise compared to Dick’s or REI.
- Campmor: A catalog outlet source. (800) 226-7667 or www.campmor.com. They
have everything a Scout needs at reasonable prices. They are a great price
reference when shopping locally. We often check the Campmor price against Dick’s
and find that the Dick’s price is usually the same with the added benefit of not
paying shipping and getting the Boy Scout discount.
March, 2007