Troop 503

Submitted by Mr. Jackson

Clothing

Outdoor enthusiasts have long recognized that multiple layers of clothing keep them warm in winter and from overheating in summer. Adding or removing garments is a practical way to adapt quickly to different activity levels and temperature changes during your time outside.

Many winter campers wear a system of underwear, a midlayer of polyester fleece (pants and top), followed by a windproof, water-resistant outer layer (windpants with full zips down the side for easy on/off and a high-performance wind shell with zippers under the arms for ventilation during active sports).

Underwear

While cotton was once the mainstay of long underwear and cold-weather clothing, it is no longer recommended for strenuous winter activities because it soaks up moisture. Damp clothes are heavier and, if next to your skin, can pose a chilling hazard.

Modern performance underwear, made from polyester or polypropylene, is most effective in moving moisture away from your skin and into outer layers of clothing where it can evaporate.

In addition to traditional shirts and “long johns,” many other garments, including short-sleeve tops, bras, boxer shorts and briefs, are now made with polyester fabrics to wick away chilling perspiration.

Midlayer

If you are performing an active sport such as skiing, or hiking in spring or fall, a polyester fabric, such as fleece, is an ideal second layer over your long underwear. It continues to trap your body warmth while wicking away moisture. Even in warmer seasons, a midlayer is useful to have handy in your pack for those times you begin to chill (particularly during rest stops.)

Outerwear

Depending on weather conditions, you may want to wear wind-resistant, water-resistant pants and an anorak over your other clothes. How many layers you need depends on your level of exertion, personal preference and weather conditions.

Rainwear

Be prepared for severe weather. Carry a waterproof rain jacket and pants with you, even if the forecast is for sunshine.

Carry extra plastic bags (trash, large and small ziplock) – pack all clothes & sleeping bags in bags, trash bags double as pack cover.

Hat/Sunscreen

These are especially important if you plan to hike in open terrain or mountain regions above treeline. In addition to shielding your face from the sun, a hat will help prevent heat loss if the sun slips behind some clouds and the temperature suddenly drops.

Up to 80% of your body heat can be lost through your neck and head. Carry a hat with you for added warmth or protection from the sun.

For overnight trips, carry a lightweight polypropylene hat. It stores compactly in your pack pocket and doubles nicely as a comfortable sleeping hat in cool weather.
Winter campers often carry a hat system consisting of a lightweight polypropylene liner and a nylon shell to adjust to changing winter temperatures.

 Socks

For maximum comfort and blister prevention, many hikers wear two layers of socks, a thin polyester sock liner with a thicker outer sock. On overnight or extended trips, be sure to carry enough socks to be able to change into a fresh set each day.

Packing Your Pack

There’s no one right answer to this question: It depends on what kind of pack you have and where you’re going to hike. The general principle is that lighter-weight items go at the bottom, heavier items are at the top and close to your body. However, if you are going to be scrambling or hiking off-trail on rough terrain or snow, you might want to pack some of the heavier items a little lower to bring down your center of gravity.

Sleeping bag. Most packs are designed with a compartment at the bottom for your sleeping bag. If your pack has dividers that separate the sleeping bag from the rest of your gear, use them to take some of the weight off your sleeping bag. (Overly compressing a down sleeping bag can damage the down, resulting in less loft and, thus, less warmth.)

Clothes go in next. But it’s a good idea to stash a few of your warm clothes—hat, gloves, and an insulating layer—and your rain gear in an outside pocket where you can easily get them.

Tents and tarps. There are a couple of choices for your tent or tarp. Most packs have a separate compartment (where the sleeping bag goes) that is accessible via a zipper. If your pack has such a compartment, see if you can stuff the tent under your sleeping bag. That way, you don’t have to unpack everything to get your tent out if it’s raining when you want to make camp. This placement also works for packing a wet tent because it won’t drip on everything. Be sure, however, that the tent and sleeping bag are in waterproof stuffsacks. Tent poles go strapped to the outside: Tie them on tight!

Food, fuel, and cooking utensils. Store the fuel upright and away from your food, in case of an accidental spill. Many hikers put their bottles in an outside compartment. Some utensils can have hard or sharp edges, so be sure they’re not poking at your pack.

Personal items. Squeeze these in wherever they fit.

Outside compartments. Use these for items you’ll need during the day: rain gear, a few warm clothes, pack-cover, water filter, water, lunch, snacks, TP, sunscreen, mosquito goop, and your camera.

Mattresses. Most hikers roll up their sleeping pads and strap them to the outside of the packs. Some smaller mattresses fit inside a backpack, where they are better protected from accidental encounters with cactus needles and barbed wire fences.

Footwear

Hiking boots are probably the most important part of the day hiker’s essential gear list. What type of hiking boot you should wear depends greatly on the type of terrain you plan to hike most. If you plan to hike aggressively and often on demanding trails, a classic type of hiking boot is what you’ll need. But if you plan to hike mainly flat trails with occasional gentle inclines, a good pair of trail-walking shoes will do just fine..

Hiking Staffs / Poles

Even if you are hiking only a short distance, a hiking pole (or two) will make the trip easier and more enjoyable. They offer added security on wet, slippery trails and more stability when crossing streams. They are especially helpful, and take a lot of the strain off the knees and thighs, when you are descending steep slopes or when you hit sharp downturns in the trail. Unlike hiking sticks of the past, modern hiking poles are lightweight and collapsible so they are easy to pack.

 Food/Energy Snacks

Carry more food than you think you will need on any hike. It’s better to bring extra snacks home with you than to go hungry. Carbohydrate-rich energy bars, granola, trail mix and fruit provide an instant pick-me-up on the trail.

Map. A map not only tells you where you are and how far you have to go, it can help you find campsites, water, and an emergency exit route in case of an accident.

Compass. A compass can help you find your way through unfamiliar terrain—especially in bad weather where you can’t see the landmarks.

Water and a way to purify it. Without enough water, your body’s muscles and organs simply can’t perform as well: You’ll be susceptible to hypothermia and altitude sickness. not to mention the abject misery of raging thirst.

Extra Food. Any number of things could keep you out longer than expected: a lengthy detour, getting lost, an injury, difficult terrain. A few ounces of extra food will help keep up energy and morale.

Rain Gear and extra clothing. Because the weatherman is not always right. Especially above treeline, bring along extra layers. Two rules: Avoid cotton (it keeps moisture close to your skin), and always carry a hat.

Firestarter and matches. The warmth of a fire and a hot drink can help prevent an encounter with hypothermia. And fires are a great way to signal for help if you get lost.

First aid kit. Prepackaged first aid kits for hikers are available at outfitters. Double your effectiveness with knowledge: Take a basic first aid class with the American Red Cross or a Wilderness First Aid class, offered by many hiking organizations.

Army knife or multi-purpose tool. These enable you to cut strips of cloth into bandages, remove splinters, fix broken eyeglasses, and perform a whole host of repairs on malfunctioning gear—not to mention cut cheese and open cans.

Flashlight and extra bulbs. For finding your way in the dark and signaling for help.

FOOD

Breakfast Backpacking Foods

· MaltOMeal® (bulk cereals – add raisins and dried milk)
· rice (add raisins and dried milk)
· granola (with dried milk)
· fruit cocktail (small cans)
· pancakes (need small pan,spatula, low-heat option on stove, lots of fuel, syrup in small container)

Lunch Backpacking Foods (many of these items are great for quick no-cook breakfasts)

· bagels (cream cheese)
· Pita bread
· Logan Bread
· granola bars
· candy bars
· dried fruit
· GORP (nuts, M&M’s raisins, yogurt peanuts, crackers, dried fruit, etc)
· Pringles
· crackers (the dense kinds at health food stores)
· Wheat Thins
· Cheeses (string cheese, blocks of mozarella, etc)
· Tuna (sold in pouches now)
· lunch meat / jerkey

Dinner Backpacking Foods

· Cup O Soup
· Cup Noodles/Ramen
· Lipton Rice or Noodles
· vegetable soup
· instant potatoes and gravy (3-5 minute gravy mix)
· instant potatoes and peas
· couscous with dried veggies
· ramen with dried veggies
· spaghetti with dried veggies(use 6oz
· can of tomato paste to make sauce)
· burritos(toritillas, refried beans, cheese, peppers, salsa, onions)
· canned soups, etc (if you don’t mind the weight)

Liquids

· hot cocoa (add marshmallows)
· apple cider
· teas
· powdered lemonade or Crystal Lite (masks bad-tasting and/or iodine-treated water)

Others & Miscellaneous

Small stuff sack & rope for bear bag