Troop 127

BSA Troop 127
Backpacking Quick-Start Guide

So you joined the troop Monday and you want to go backpacking this Saturday?

Why Not! But you're going to need the Quick start guide. This is a booklet that we've put together to get new backpackers up to speed in time to go on the next outing (wahoo!). But don't panic: we've taken hundreds of boys on their first backpacking trip, and we're pretty good at it. No one's ever sorry that they went on one of our outings.

Rule 1: Don't spend a lot of money!

Many of the high-dollar items such as pack, sleeping bag, tent and stove you can borrow or share. This gives you time to see what styles and types you like, then bargain-hunt at swap meets and garage sales. Check with our troop Quartermaster, Steve Fryman, for any equipment you may need to borrow. Share a stove and tent.

Rule 2: Stay away from backpacking stores!

Everything you need can be found at Wal-Mart, Trader Joe's or the Grocery Store.

Rule 3: When in doubt, ask!

All our Scouts and leaders are happy to answer any questions (they love to show off).

Rule 4: Pack your own stuff!

Your mom or dad may help with your menu or clothes, but it's you who are going on this hike, not them. If they forget something or give you unnecessary, heavy things, it's you who suffers, not them. You'll get very little sympathy from us if you complain about something your mom forgot to do.

You must be a registered scout with the troop and have your medical check-up in our possession before you can go on an outing.

You must also be signed up for the outing and have your medical release/permission slip turned in before you can go on the outing.

We wear class A uniforms going to and coming from an outing.

We meet at the church parking lot at 6:00AM Saturday and return 4:00PM Sunday. Cost: $7 gas money if your dad's not driving.

Questions? Call Mr. Hauser at 369-8787 or Mr. Getty at 943-5886

Lightweight Backpacking Checklist

For an overnight outing (for longer treks add more food): makes up about a 24 pound pack.

This list has been tested and is very complete. Weigh the benefits of any additions against the misery of carrying it.

*Backpack Nylon Jacket Suggested Menu:

Ground Sheet (1 mil plastic) Nylon Sweat Pants

*Sleeping Bag w/Stuff Sack Nylon Short Pants Dehydrated Potato Cup

*Tent, Tarp or Mosquito net Comfortable hiking shoes Dried Fruit

*Sleeping Pad Long Underwear Pants Beef Jerkey

Class B Shirt (Tee shirt) Burritos Consisting of:

*Small Aluminum Pot w/ Lid Sweater Tortillas

Cup (Tupperware) Sun Hat ("Boonie Hat") Black Bean Soup Mix

Spoon Knit Beanie Parmesan Cheese

*Stove Slippers or Booties Salsa or ketchup packet

Two Pair Extra Socks Trail Mix First Aid Kit (small) Change of Undershorts Dry Milk Packet

Bic Lighter and Firestarter (lint) Insect Head Net Vanilla Pudding Mix

Knife (tiny Swiss Army type) In a small Ditty Bag put: Tuna & Crackers Kit

Water Bottle (1qt sport bottle) Travel Size Deodorant Instant Apple Oatmeal

Water Purification Tablets ($8 type) Hotel Soap in Baggie Granola Bars

Flashlight with extra ½ Comb Pop-Tarts

Bulb and Batteries (AA plastic) Toothbrush (no toothpaste) Hard Candy

Map and Compass (optional) Bandana (acts as Washcloth) Tea or Hot Chocolate

50 Feet of ¼ " Rope or cord Washcloth (acts as a Towel) Inside used 35 mm Sunglasses and Sunscreen Orange Shovel and Toilet Paper Canisters put:

Rain Poncho or Umbrella Packframe Repair Kit Seasoning Salt

Large Trash Bag Blistex Lip Balm, Molly McButter

Small New Testament Dental Floss Parmesan Cheese

Whistle- plastic Sewing Needle (magnetized) Sugar

Disposable camera Hand Sanitizer (tiny bottle)

Notepad & Pencil Bug Repellent

*Can usually be shared or borrowed your first few trips.

Put all your food in a 1-gallon Zip-Lock Baggie to keep things neat. At night, put all your food, down to your last skittle, in a bear bag hung from a tree away from your sleeping area.