Backpacking Trip this Weekend

Parents & Scouts:

 

Please don’t forget about our backpacking trip this weekend.  We will leave Friday night at 7 PMSHARP – to Camp Oyo for the night and  then on the Shawnee Forest trail.  We will be hiking about 5 miles total.  I have fsome basic items for you to consider for backpacking – [below].  We will have discussion tomorrow night as to what to bring and if you have any questions please ask. 

 

I will have some transportation needs for parents that would also like to go.  You may or may not need to hike the trail – your choice. 

 

 

Kirk Bohanan
Scoutmaster Troop 136

Things to think about when Back-packing this month:

Key items to think about on the trip when it involves hiking with a backpack.

Read your Scout Handbook about the hiking, cooking, and camping gear it calls for while backpacking.  Also the Boy Scout Field Book is a good source for information.  You can get this at the Scout Store.

1. Pack everything inside your pack.  No dangling items that will catch on the trail or hit against you while you hike.  You should be able to turn your backpack upside down and shake it without loosing anything. Pack a couple of large trash bags for keeping your gear dry.  If you need a backpack, the troop has a couple of one that can be borrowed.  See Kirk Bohanan for these – first come first serve.

2. Your backpack as a rule should only weigh 25% of your body weight fully loaded.

[75 lb. boy = 19 lb. pack; 100 lb. boy = 25 lb. pack; 130 lb. boy = 33 lb. pack]

This includes water, food, cook gear and anything else you need to make the trip.  You pack in what you need. Pack out everything, including trash. Don’t forget a 20-30 foot ¼ inch rope for your food bag to keep the animals out of your food.

3. Fill your water bottles BEFORE you leave HOME.  There islimited water available on the trail and will have to be treated.  We will have plenty of filters to treat the water.

4. Bring rain gear.  Include extra Kroger / Wal-mart type plastic bags for putting on your feet  if you are down to your last pair of socks. This will keep your feet dry in wet boots.

5. Plan to have hiking boots on the trail. This will help keep you from twisting your ankle and the boots go farther in wet grass and on muddy trails. Remember extra shoes are extra weight.  Wear two pairs of socks with your boots.  This will go along way to keep any blisters from forming.  Tennis shoes are not a wise choice to wear on this camp-out. DON’T BRING THEM

6. Tents- If you want to use the troop tents you are welcome to do so. If you have a tent or tarp of your own please feel free to bring them on this campout.  We have a few Small two-man tents that are available.  If you have your own tent or want to just use a tarp for cover please plan accordingly.  The big troop tents are heavy, but could be split between 2-3 boys to carry.  Plan who you will camp with and work this out before the campout.

7. Sleeping bag or blanket - please plan accordingly.  A ground cloth and foam pad should also be included in your gear.

8. Food- you will be cooking by patrol on this campout. Any cooking gear needed is to be brought, or shared with others.  Your food will be your choice and menu.  Please start to plan for this and if you want to buy at a local store, or get a backpack type food, you can get it from Gander Mountain, Dicks Sporting goods, or Sabos.  On-line at Campmor.com is good source that I use. You will need all your own eating gear; plate, cup, and eating utensils.

9. Stove – we have some Troop back-pack type stove that can be shared.  You will need to confirm we have fuel for them. They are the small LP type fuel sources.  Note:  LP fuel in small tanks is not a good choice for trips when the outside temps are less than 30 degrees.  Butane type fuel/stoves are best.

10. Bring a small first aid kit that you can use for yourself on the trail if necessary.  See your scout book to see what should be in this kit.  It is also a requirement for Second Class.