TROOP 851 Clothing and Gear for New Scouts
Troop 851 The troop provides the following: 3-4 Person Tents Tarps Cooking Stoves Cooking Equipment (ie. Pots, Pans, etc.) Woods Tools (ie. Axes, Hatches, Saws, etc.) Backpacks for backpacking, NOT packs for day hikes Backpack Stoves and Cookware Water Purifiers
Most Important Personal Gear Good Hiking Shoes and Hiking Sox Warm Sleeping Bag (Synthetic Material with Minimum rating of 15-20 ) and Stuff Sack Comfortable Sleeping Pad Warm Jacket (Remember to Layer Clothing) Waterproof Parka or Poncho Warm Watch Cap Warm Gloves (fleece v. waterproof gloves)
Layering Clothing Layering traps warm air between the layers of clothing to keep you warm. Allows you to remove or add layers as temperature changes. Base Layer Wicking Thermal Underwear Middle Layer Turtleneck, fleece sweater, sweatshirt, etc. Top Layer Wind Resistant Jacket Rain Gear Poncho or Water Proof Parka
Places to Shop REI 1800 Rosecrans Avenue, Manhattan Beach Good Equipment, More Expensive, Great Return Policy, Annual Dividend ADVENTURE 16 Rolling Hills Plaza, 2533 Pacific Coast Hwy., Torrance Good Equipment, More Expensive, 10% off for all Boy Scouts w/ ID Card SPORT CHALET 21305 Hawthorne Blvd., Torrance Good Equipment, Less Expensive, Seasonal Inventory SPORT S AUTHORITY 3610 Torrance Blvd., Torrance Fair Equipment, Less Expensive, Seasonal Inventory Big 5 Good for boots like Nevados and Tahoes when on sale TARGET STORES Torrance, Redondo Beach Fair Equipment, Less Expensive, Seasonal Inventory GARDENA DEPT. STORE 1106 West Gardena Blvd., Gardena MAJOR SURPLUS 435 West Alondra Blvd., Gardena Second Hand Stores Goodwill, Thrift Stores, etc.
When Purchasing Gear HIGHER PRICE BETTER GEAR
Hiking Shoes High Tops for backpacking when carrying heavy loads and need the ankle support. Mid Tops for shorter hikes and ankle support Low Tops for day hikes when ankle support not as critical.
All hiking shoes should have treads on the soles to avoid slipping during a hike. High Top Boot Mid Top Boot Low Top Boot
Fanny Pack for Wilderness Essentials Approximate Cost: $19.00
If the waist packs are too big, the boys will not wear them.
Day Packs Used only for day hikes Carries water, sack lunch, snacks, Wilderness Survival Fanny Pack Jacket, and Poncho or Parka
With Daypacks and Backpacks, you can spend as much as you want, depending upon size, brand names, and features. Note: Packs with hip belts help reduce the weight on shoulders. Approx. Cost $100.00 Approx. Cost $65.00 Approx. Cost $25.00
Sleeping Bags Minimum 15-20 Rating Mummy Bag Style. If you already have a rectangular sleeping bag, it is okay for car camps, provided it has the required rating. Synthetic fill material NO Down Sleeping Bag Liner (Optional) can add up to 5 of additional warmth to a sleeping bag.
The North Face Cat's Meow, Approximate Cost $159.00
Inflatable Foam Pad More Comfortable Sleeping Pads More Insulation from cold ground More difficult to pack and store Generally good for adults, but not scouts Closed Cell Foam Pad Lighter Easier to fold and pack Not as comfortable and less insulation from cold ground
Inflatable Foam Pad Approx. Cost $65.00
Closed Cell Foam Pad Approximate Cost $35.00
Standard Closed Cell Foam Pad Estimated Cost $16.00
Miscellaneous Gear Compass to be used for mapwork. Knife for general utility use. Flashlight (2) for EPK and general use. Mess Kit for patrol meals. Water Bottles for hikes.
A Polaris Base Plate Compass is a good choice for map and compass work for scouting.
Compass v. GPS If you drop your GPS, or your batteries die, you are going to need a map and compass, and know how to use them.
Swiss Army Knife Knives with too many tools are heavy, and eventually end up in a drawer. Knife to the left is about all you need for camping and hiking. Knives should have a blade at least 3 to 4 long for whittling wood.
Flashlight uses AA Batteries Not the larger D Cells
Large flashlights are too heavy and bulky.
Headlamps Approx. Cost $29.95 Approximate Cost: $29.95 Approx. Cost $19.99 Very useful because it frees up your hands, but not absolutely necessary.
Approx. Cost $27.95 Aluminum mess kits are heavy, and are not practical for backpacking. Approx. Cost $16.95 Plastic mess kits are less expensive, lighter, and can be used for car camps and backpacking.
Small mouth water bottles don t work well with backpacking water filters. Sport water bottles don t carry enough liquid for longer hikes, and are too fragile for hiking, and will crack and leak.
Water Bladders Water Bladders are convenient, but cost more.
Water Bottle Holsters that attach and detach from a Fanny Pack are very useful.
Recommendations Shop and compare prices. Talk to people who actually hike and backpack for recommendations and suggestions. Only buy gear that you will use. Don t always go with the name brands. Remember, there is no fashion merit badge in Boy Scouts. Consider used equipment and clothing if available. Have fun with your son!!