1. Backpacking 101 Tony Brock Troop 2 tbrock@virtualcash.biz 607-257-8776

2. Backpacking 101 Getting outdoors Self-sufficient Great exercise
Great fun
Explore the world outside
See nature and your friends in a different light
Stay safe

3. Covered elsewhere
Several of the topics I would like to cover are given their own courses, I would encourage you to attend
B/V-620 Cool Gear at 1:00
B/V-630 Planning at 2:00
G-420 Leave No Trace at 2:00
If you cannot be in both places at once then maybe you can split the attendance, they will all be useful courses to take.

4. Planning – before we start
National Camping School, Trek Leader
Passport to High Adventure
BSA, Venture Backpacking
Boy Scout Handbook
Guide to Safe Scouting
Okpik: Cold Weather Camping
Other people’s experience!

5. Now Start to plan Where do we want to go
Why (what will we do when we get there)?
What do we need to know about the area?
When will we go?
How much will it cost?
Who will we take?
Make sure you have the necessary permits – from Council and the camp, park, authority you plan to visit. Allow plenty of time! High adventure needs parental permission!

6. PRECISE PLANNING PREVENTS POOR PERFORMANCE
Preparation
PRECISE PLANNING PREVENTS POOR PERFORMANCE

7. Fitness What do we expect of our Scouts (and ourselves) on the trail
Shakedown hikes
Gym sessions
Regular Patrol organized activity
Medical advice (high adventure, Philmont etc.)

8. Equipment Clothing Backpack Tent Sleeping bag/mat Mess kit Cook kit
Stoves
Tools & accessories

9. Clothing, Winter
Wear layers, it is easier to keep a good core temperature
Avoid cotton/denim, man made fabrics will keep out the wind and dry quickly. Wool is nature’s insulator. High-tech materials are lighter and more efficient –at a price!
Top layer must offer snow, rain and wind protection.
Chap sticks, moisturizer

10. Clothing, Summer
Just like winter, layering clothing keeps the wearer comfortable and allows rapid changes through the day.
Wear gaiters or other protection against ticks, nettles and thorny plants.
Long sleeves and hats and/or sun creams are essential for fair skinned trekkers
Sun screen and after-sun treatments

11. Backpack Internal frame External frame How much can you carry
Adults 25% body weight
Boys 25% body weight

12. Tent Remember – you have to carry it!
Your troop or crew will have tents and they will work well for most occasions. There are new high-tech designs that can save weight and space but the traditional 2 or 3 man Coleman is fine for most events
Remember – you have to carry it!

13. Sleeping bag, mat
Like tents and other gear there are small gains to be made by spending more money.
I recommend a 20° bag for the winter and, for added warmth on cold nights or used alone for summer camping, a fleece bag liner.
Spend as much money as you can afford on a mat, being comfortable is worth it.

14. Mess kit There is no need to spend heavily on mess kit, I recommend
Spoon (knife and fork are optional)
Plastic bowl or dish (does solid and liquid)
Drinking mug (plastic travel mugs are light and will keep temperatures hot or cold)

15. Cooking kit
Most troops have aluminum cook kits, they are perfectly OK unless you have a big budget. You will need (size of crew varies)
Big for pasta, rice, stews and water
Middle size for veggies etc
Shallow or Fry pan, tools and spatulas
Secure handles for all pots and pans
Wash soap and scourers, matches

16. Cooking stoves Propane Whisperlite
There are a great number of options ranging that will meet your needs, see a website like or visit your favorite store to get some ideas

17. Tools, accessories Compass – clear base map compass $10
Pocket knife v. multi-tool
LED headlamp v. flashlight
Rope, nylon cord
Matches & kindling
Fanny pack
Platypus/Camelback v. Nalgene

18. Scout Leader stuff Songbooks Rope for activities
Cord for running repairs
Safety pins
Religious material
Games, leisure material
Wildlife, birding, tree books

19. Food Remember, you have to carry it! Specialist v. Supermarket
Plan the diet
Enjoy the food
Water, water, water
Water filters
Treatment tablets
Remember, you have to carry it!

20. Food
Powdered drink mix Chocolate Mix Tea Canned meats Cheese of all kinds Crackers Peanut butter Raisins Soup Mix Chinese noodle soup Power bars Instant Oatmeal Instant Cream of Wheat
Rice Pancake mix (no eggs needed) Hash brown potatoes Granola bars "Cold" Cereal with fruit Cookies Jello NO BAKE Cheesecake mix Graham Cracker crust Many pre-made dinners will work well Beef does not  spoil quickly Precook chicken if bring that Shish-kebab works: meat, onions, tomatoes, bell peppers

21. 1st Aid Kit
At least 2 members of your crew should carry a first aid kit. The contents will vary according to your activity but should include as many as you can of the items listed on the next page
Before you go Consult and then take a copy of the First Aid Merit Badge pamphlet

22. 1st Aid Kit Assorted bandages & pads, 2x3", 3x3" & other sizes
2 Ace Bandages 2" x 4" 2 Roll Bandages Triangular bandage Alcohol Swabs Tape for bandages Johnson & Johnson wide tape Scissors Good Tweezers First aid cream for burns Triple antibiotic Cortaid for bites
Tylenol Advil Steak tenderizor for bites
Pepto Bismol
Di-Gel Ant-acid Exlax Throat Lozenges Pins: Safety assorted Plastic Gloves Thermometer Soap Paper & Pencil 1st Aid Instructions (MB pamphlet) Lighter Microshield for mouth-to-mouth Practice mouth-to-mouth shield

23. Trek Safely Qualified Supervision Keep fit Plan ahead Gear Up
Communicate, clearly and clearly
Monitor conditions
Discipline

24. Qualified Supervision
Leader #1 – min. 21 years of age, trained to understand risks,BSA policy & procedure
Leader # 2 – min 18 years of age.
I recommend at least three adults for any high adventure activity with minimum 2 trained in BSA policy & procedure.
Leader # 1 is responsible for inclusion of min. 1 person with activity appropriate 1st aid training

25. Keep fit
It is vital that your trekkers should be “fit for the activity” you are planning.
Consider and plan an appropriate training regime for your troop’s needs.
BSA Personal Health & Medical Record
Start slowly and build carefully
Passport to High Adventure # 4310

26. Plan ahead Always remember to have an alternative plan – just in case
I am not going to spend a great deal of time on this, it will be covered in greater depth in B/V-630, Planning at 2:00 this afternoon
Local Tour permit – 30 days notice
National Tour permit – 90 days notice
Always remember to have an alternative plan – just in case

27. Gear Up Get maps, road books & topographics to cover your route
Have a troop inspection of ALL equipment to be used
Demonstrate and train in the use of new, unfamiliar equipment
Plan & conduct at least one shakedown to ensure all trekkers are properly equipped

28. Communicate
Publish ( or printed handouts) all your plans and activities
Keep all parties aware of new developments or changes in your plans
Ensure the leader has ALL contact details for trekkers
Leader should carry a cell phone in case of having to make emergency contact
Ensure everyone knows what is expected of them, youths AND adults

29. Monitor Conditions
Keep an eye on the weather, roads etc to make sure you are able to make good decisions
Avoid dangerous/doubtful conditions
Use your advance planning to provide the best experience, as safely as possible, for your trekkers.

30. Discipline Publish your troop policies
Get ALL participants to read, agree and sign to troop policy
Be strict – take no chances with safety on the trek
Be fair – You will not keep respect unless everyone sees your fairness
Be clear in your instructions, avoid any misunderstanding

31. Trail discipline Set a lead and tail trekker
ALWAYS stop at any change, break, change in direction on the trail
The leader MUST check with the tail trekker BEFORE starting out again – at every stop in the trail
Formulate your own routines for what to do if any trekkers is separated, for both trekker and crew. Follow BSA policy wherever possible.

32. All the information and help you need can be found in Scouting and outdoor activities publications but the best source of knowledge and help is to be found among your fellow volunteers, scout leaders and the scouts themselves.
Be prepared