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Boy Scout Troop 68
(Farmington, Connecticut)
 
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Camping


 
Attachments
Icon File Name Comment  
Troop 68 Overnight Camping Gear Check List.pdf Camping Equipement List for Warmer Months  
Troop 68 Winter Camping Gear Check List.pdf Camp Equipment List for Winter  

Misc Scout Skills


 

Attachments
Icon File Name Comment  
Back Packing Day Hike Food.pdf Food for a hike  
Coleman Propane Stove Instruction Manual.pdf Coleman Propane Stove Instruction Manual  
cooking_philmont_001.pdf Philmont Country Cookbook - inlcudes a lot of great information  
Eureka Tent Assembly Instructions.pdf  
msr_windpro_instructions_08_EN_r1.pdf Windpro Stove Instruction Manual  
The EDGE Method.pdf The Edge Method  
Use and Care of Tents.pdf  

Back Packing


Suggestions As To What To Pack And Where To Pack It

This check list is offered as a near minimum for a safe and comfortable backpack outing. Using an adequate pack and sleeping bag the weight should be under 20 lbs. You will need to add 1 1/2 to 2 lbs. per man per day for dehydrated food and 2 lbs. per quart of water. You should be able to pack in for a week carrying under 30 lbs.

When buying ANYTHING for camping or backpacking, wait until you can afford quality equipment, buying something "for now" will only cost you allot more in the long run. Don't buy just for camping if you ever plan on backpacking, camping equipment is no good on a backpack trip, but backpacking equipment is perfectly fine for a camp out.

The lighter the equipment and the less room it takes up, the more it will cost. However, the quality usually is much, much better and you can have it a lifetime if taken care of properly.

NOTE: This list is not intended to be considered the best or only way to pack a bag. As you gain experience you can shift around to suit your own idea.

  • A - FLAP POCKET: Maps, fire permit, notebook, pen, fishing license, identification, guide book.
  • B - UPPER LEFT POCKET: Canteen, stove fuel, rain gear.
  • C - UPPER RIGHT POCKET: Plastic bowl, matches, plastic bags, cup, lunch, sun glasses, rubber bands, tablespoon, trail snacks, nylon cord 30 ft., toilet kit: toothbrush & paste, soap, dish cloth, toilet paper.
  • D - UPPER COMPARTMENT: Cook kit, pot tongs, food, stove, water bag, tent or tarp, ground cloth, sleeping pad, condiment kit: salt, pepper, milk, sugar, coffee or tea (adults only), flavorings.
  • E - LOWER COMPARTMENT: Cap, underwear, trousers, windbreaker, wool shirt or down jacket, socks, shirts, gloves, swim suit, bandanna, food (if not in D).
  • F - LOWER LEFT POCKET: Sun screen, lip balm, water purifier, bug repellent, pack & tent repair kit, extra pack pins & rings, needles, thread, buttons, flash light & batteries.
  • G - LOWER RIGHT POCKET: First aid kit.
  • H - STUFF SACK: Stuff in your sleeping bag and small pillow. Sleeping pad if not in D.
Labeled Sections of a Backpack

CARRY ON YOUR PERSON: Compass, pocket knife, Medic Alert bracelet or pendant (if used), waterproof matches.

PACK ITEMS IN SMALL STUFF BAGS: For easy access to your gear, pack all your gear in small stuff bags then pack the backpack. Plastic zip lock bags make excellent small and medium stuff bags especially to keep items dry. Large zip lock bags can be used to pack clothing.


 

Zone Method Of Packing A Backpack

Backpack divided into Zones

The Zone Method of packing a backpack can make the difference between drudgery and enjoyment during the time spent on the trail.

A few simple principles which are often overlooked can make a difference. Technically speaking the body has a center of gravity located directly over the ankles. When standing normally there is very little forward of the body. However, when a pack is placed on the back, the body leans forward to bring the pack's center of gravity directly over the ankles. Consequently, it is advantageous to keep the pack's center of gravity as close to your back as possible to prevent unnecessary forward lean. As a result the following method is recommended to load a backpack.

ZONE A: This area is the closest to the back and should carry equipment of the greatest density like stoves, tent hardware, water, etc

ZONE B: This middle area should be packed with medium density objects.

ZONE C: The area farthest away from the body's center of gravity should be filled with the lightest equipment.

HEAVY - HIGHER and LIGHT LOWER

There is also a benefit in placing the densest weight high in the pack as it will be more directly over the center of gravity. A tent should be either distributed in Zone A of the pack or strapped on top. The sleeping bag can be stuffed in the bottom toward Zone C or strapped to the bottom of the pack.

Graphic of backpacking checklist