[Troop139] Thank you so very much & Scout Equipment

[J. Gordon Beattie, Jr., W2TTT]

Hi Folks!

First, I would like to thank the Scouts and families of the Troop for the
nice card and present at the Court of Honor this past Tuesday.  It is truly
a pleasure to serve as the Scoutmaster of this Troop!  :)

 

Second, a number of parents and Scouts have inquired about some of the
details related to equipment selection for Scouting in Troop 139.  The first
thing to remember is that everything should be purchased in the order of
need, vs. want.  Second, every Scout wants everything and now!   They need
to adjust and earn it by showing commitment over time.  Third, once the
expense has been made, the parents need to require that their sons not waste
the investment of both money on the equipment and time in Scouting and keep
with the program.  Finally, there are some technical elements that can make
a significant difference in a Scout's experience if they have the right
gear, and conversely, a significant difference (read: they can be miserable)
if they have the wrong gear.  :)

 

These notes are designed to help Scouts and parents alike in their choice of
equipment.

It should be noted, that Mrs. Valencia has a really nice equipment chart
which will be resent soon, but these notes are designed to emphasize key
points and explain the items on the chart a bit more.

 

1.       Sleeping bags - generally if a Scout only has one, it should be a
-10 degree F bag.  No down, some form of synthetic is best.  It should also
be a "mummy" bag.  The outside of the bag should not be cotton, but some
form of synthetic.  They generally run around $100 or so.   Don't let the
salesman sell you something for a warmer temperature.  They can always get a
30 degree F summer bag for $40 later when they go backpacking.

2.       There needs to be a compression stuff bag to carry it on his
backpack in a compact manner.  Waterproofing can be either a garbage bag
inside the stuff bag or a dry bag which can get pricy.   Once home, the
sleeping bag should be hung up in a closet and not compressed between trips.
NEVER wash a sleeping bag without calling Mr. Beattie first.  There is
special handling required.  It is not like a household quilt.

3.       The Scout should have a foam or Therm-a-Rest sleeping pad for
underneath the sleeping bag to keep the Scout warm, dry and comfortable.

4.       Rain gear should be a nylon jacket and pants.  NEVER plastic or
rubber.

5.       Boots should be Gore-Tex to keep feet dry.

6.       Winter hats should be wooly and loose enough to not compress the
head, especially at night when sleeping.

7.       Fleeces can be layered for warmth as the temperature changes.
Cotton against the body will create wet and cold bodies which will get
hypothermic creating a dangerous health issue.  No cotton t-shirts or socks
in particular.  

8.       Winter gloves should never wooly, but water resistant.  

9.       The water bottle can be anything from home initially, but 32 oz
Nalgene bottles are the best.  No canteens, wine skins or metal bottles
where we can't see the content level or cleanliness of the insides.  Later
on we can discuss water bladders for the older Scouts.

10.   A pocket knife is OK, but a multitool is better.  Look for sales
online.  Leatherman and Gerber are best, but anything of that quality is
fine.

11.   A small 5x7 tarp is always a good idea for inside or under the tent to
keep your gear dry should there be a leak.

12.   Tents should be as follows:  7000-series aluminum poles and full fly
to the ground ALL the way around.  A tent can be bought later when funds
allow and commitment is secure on the part of the Scout.  

13.   Tent stakes should be small aluminum V or Y stakes and not plastic,
wooden or heavy steel.

14.   Dry bags are wonderful for keeping gear dry, but 1 and 2 gallon zip
lock bags and garbage bags work just fine.

15.   Backpacks should be of a frame type with adjustable room to grow.
Pockets help the Scout stay organized.  

16.   Straps are used to put things onto a pack.  WE NEVER USE BUNGIES -
NEVER!  This is a SAFETY issue.

 

Sources online, Wal-mart, Kmart, Target and of course the local camping
places including Campmor, REI, L. L. Bean, etc. are all fine, but look in
all sorts of places and you'll find deals if you follow these basic ideas.

 

If you have any questions, please give me a call.

 

Merry Christmas!

 

Gordon Beattie, W2TTT

Scoutmaster, Troop 139

201.314.6964