* DRAFT * We will be refining this in coming weeks.

PATROL OUTING EQUIPMENT

Each Patrol has been provided:

• One fully stocked chuck box (including a propane stove for car camping and a “pocket rocket” for backpacking); •
  One dining fly;
• One larger patrol first aid kit;
• One water filtration device; and
• Tents (based on two Trailmen per tent).

Each Patrol is responsible for the care, cleaning and maintenance of these items. Each Patrol should report any concerns, questions or issues with its equipment to the Troop Quartermaster.

Lost or misplaced items are to be replaced by the Patrol at the Patrol’s expense.

Patrols are required to bring all of the above equipment on car camping trips. On backpacking trips, Patrols are not required to bring their chuck box, but they are required to bring equipment for preparing meals and cleaning after meals.

Each Patrol must prepare a menu for each outing which must be reviewed and approved by an adult Trail Guide or Advisor. Each Patrol must prepare a duty roster for each outing.

INDIVIDUAL TRAILMAN OUTING EQUIPMENT

Each Trailman should prepare for car camping trips and backpacking trips the same way. Please write the Trailman’s name on EVERYTHING. Many items look alike.

Please keep in mind when packing a backpack, the total weight the Trailman will be carrying should not exceed 20% of his ideal body weight for his height. A heavy backpack makes for a bad hiking experience.

Required Camping Equipment:

• Tent (The troop will provide a tent for two Trailmen to share. The Trailmen will take the tent home to clean it and return it at the next meeting.)
• Backpack (getting the right fit is essential for good backpacking. REI has a great article about this.)
• Sleeping Bag
  • Stuff or compression type
  • Use a synthetic fill rather than down, with a nylon shell and liner. Nylon is more durable, and when down gets wet it does not retain warmth.
  • Rated for temperatures down to 15 degrees. I’ve found I can find a warm sleeping bag by subtracting ~15 degrees from the rating. For example, if the outside temperature will be 0 degrees, I’m warm in a bag rated for -15 degrees or lower.
  • Sleeping bag liner for colder temperatures (fleece blanket can be used in place of sleeping bag liner). A liner allows you to get extra warmth in a bag rated for higher temperatures, up to a point.
• Personal Clothing (pack at least one complete change, appropriate for the weather)
  • Class A Uniforms are worn during travel to and from outings. Until each Trailman received his Class A Uniform, Trail Life T-shirts (Class B) or a red T-shirt are appropriate to wear to and from outings
  • No cotton clothing. Use a polyester base layer and wool outer layers including socks. Layering is a very important concept when backpacking to maintain a comfortable body temp without getting overheated or cold
  • For cold weather camping, it’s recommended to have two sets of each item listed below unless noted otherwise, for when you get wet or sweaty. Use good judgment as to what to bring based on expected weather conditions. A clean, dry change of wicking/warmth layers are required for a warm night’s sleep.
  • Head:
    • Wool/fleece head covering for day use
    • Silk/synthetic head covering for sleeping
• Upper Body:
  • Long undershirt – polypropylene wicking layer
  • Wool/polypropylene/fleece shirt – medium weight
  • Wool/ fleece sweater or jacket – heavy weight
  • Wind jacket with hood – 60/40, nylon, Goretex-will double as rain jacket
  • If appropriate, winter parka with hood – synthetic fill, nylon or Gore-tex outer
  • Shell Layer:
    • Waterproof/breathable jacket – nylon, Goretex – must fit over stacked layers
  • Rain pants – nylon, Goretex – must fit over stacked layers
• Hands:
  • Glove liners – synthetic, polypropylene
  • Wool gloves/snow gloves
• Lower Body:
  • Underwear
  • Long underwear – polypropylene – light to medium
  • Pants (wool or synthetic – no cotton) – heavy
• Feet:
  • Liner socks (thin) – polypropylene – 2+ pairs
  • Wool/pile Socks (heavy) – 4+ pairs
  • Rain Gear – Poncho, rain jacket, or optional full rain suit
  • Appropriate footgear (waterproof if possible) – must “break in” the shoes before hiking!!
  • Hat (toboggan for cold nights)
  • Toiletries
    • Tooth Brush
    • Tooth Paste (travel size)
    • Deodorant (travel size)
    • Soap (liquid travel size)
    • Towel (small)
    • Sunscreen Lotion
    • Chap stick or lip balm
    • Bug Repellent
    • Half-roll of toilet paper (in a plastic baggie)
    • Trowel/Latrine shovel (unless Patrol has provided it)
• Personal First Aid Kit
• Trailman’s Handbook
• Flashlight or Head Lamp with extra batteries
• Pocketknife (if he has one) – only allowed if the Trailman has demonstrated safe knife use and been signed off to carry a knife.
• Waterproof bag (optional use trash bag)
• 2 Trash bags (to be packed and used as needed)
• 2+ liter water bag such as Camelbak, etc. and a 1 liter water bottle such as a Nalgene, etc.
• Individual mess kit (durable plastic or metal plate, metal utensils)
• Compass
• Map of area to be hiked
• Matches or other fire starter
• Whistle (pea-less)

Recommended Camping Equipment List:

• Sleeping Pad guidance:
  • Packable (some roll up, some fold) closed cell foam recommended.
  • Inflatable type with foam enclosed adds another barrier against environment and temperatures (example: Thermarest) but are more expensive.
  • No air mattresses such as inflatable rafts. In cold weather the ground will cool the air inside, drawing heat away from the person.
  • Added comfort for sleeping
  • The sleeping mat insulates the Trailman from the ground temperature (cold), and provides a little extra padding. In winter months, this is particularly important as the ground can sap the heat from the Trailman’s sleeping bag if a mat is not used.
• Sleeping Bag Liner or Fleece blanket (as needed for cooler weather)
• Sheet (as needed for warmer weather)
• Pillow
• Stuff/Compression sack
• 100 feet of 550 paracord
• Watch
• Camera
• Extra snacks to keep energy up in between meals (protein bars, beef jerky, small cheeses – generally, you’re looking for protein and carbohydrates.

Personal Gear you may NOT bring camping:

• A “fixed blade” knife
• Any kind of propane or butane lighters – matches should be used
• An axe or hatchet – Troop leadership should bring a hatchet or axe as appropriate for the trip
• A propane or gas lantern or equipment – Troop leadership should bring this equipment as appropriate for the trip
• Any kind of fire accelerant
• Fireworks or firearms
• Electronics (leaders will have phones to call parents as needed, particularly on our return)