myTroop7.com: Boy Scouts of America, Troop 7, Ridgewood, NJ-myCalendar

« Waterproof Rain parka or Poncho: Rain gear is very important in the Adirondacks. Thunderstorms appear out of nowhere and thoroughly drench all exposed. These storms are usually followed by strong, cold winds. A wet body exposed to such wind chilled temperatures may become hypothermic.

« For canoe trips: Shoes, sneakers or sport sandals (e.g. tevas) that can get wet (to be worn in the canoe) and shoes or sneakers that must stay dry (to be worn in the campsite). It takes a long time for wet sneakers to dry out. Walking around in a campsite in cold, wet shoes is miserable.

« For backpacking trips: Good, sturdy hiking boots with ample ankle support will protect ankles from the rigors of Adirondack trails. When boots get wet or muddy, a pair of light sandals or sneakers, kept dry in the pack, are comfortable in the campsite. Wool or "Thorlo" type blend socks will prevent blisters.

« Long pants: To keep the skeeters off at night, for unusually cold mornings, and for hiking through prickly vegetation, long pants are a must!

« Scout wool Jac Shirt, warm parka or sweater: preferable with long sleeves, such a garment is important for chilly evenings and early mornings, and for retaining body heat after a cold rain.

Important: Cotton should, if possible, be avoided. Cotton T-shirts and underwear are okay. However, cotton blue jeans, sweatshirts and jackets are dangerous. Cotton absorbs water and takes a long time to dry out. A sweatshirt or pair of jeans soaked by a sudden rain makes the body over two hundred times colder than it would be in dry clothes. Wool, polyester and other nylon materials are strongly recommended. Scout pants are very good for trekking. The cotton-poly blend provides a durable, quick drying combination almost ideal for the outdoors.

Also: Although backpacks claim to be waterproof, water always finds a way into the tightest pack. Clothes should be packed in plastic bags. The heavy Zip-lock freezer bags are the easiest and most compact.

« Sleeping bag: Sleeping bag stuff sacks, though advertised as waterproofed, should be lined with a plastic garbage bag, especially if you are stuffing a down bag. Down gets wet and stays wet, for a long time. It is impossible to get a good night's sleep in a wet down sleeping bag, and rest is very important on the trail.

« Sleeping pad: A sleeping pad makes sleeping much more comfortable and insulates the body against the cold ground.

« Soup bowl and spoon: Enough to eat the average trail meal. Complex mess kits with multiple plates, bowls and utensils are good for in-camp use, but add unnecessary weight when on trail.

« Bar of soap: Wet soap has a tendency to get all over everything in a pack. Pack it in a zip-loc!

« Toothbrush & toothpaste: One or two small tubes of toothpaste may be shared by an entire patrol.

« Bandannas: Bandannas are lightweight, quick drying items that may be used as towels for swimming or bathing.

« Sunscreen: Sitting in a canoe for several hours at a stretch on a nice day exposes you to a lot of sun. Again, one or two tubes of sunscreen may be shared by an entire patrol.

« A small flashlight with new batteries: Great big mag lights are heavy and unnecessary. A small, pocket sized light is sufficient light to get around a campsite at night.

The list is suggested personal gear, proposed so that the individual Scout will remember those items that will keep him comfortable. Group equipment, such as tents, tarps and cooking gear should not be forgotten. Quantity, packing and use of such group gear should be at the discretion of the voyageur and the Unit Leaders.

And, most important, never forget your toilet paper!!!!!!

Suggested contents for First Aid Kit to be furnished by Troop for use on canoe and hiking trails:

Aromatic Spirits of Ammonia

Salt Tablets
Bicarbonate of Soda
Yellow Soap
Sunburn Ointment, Burn Ointment
Adhesive Bandage Strips, many, assorted
Snake Bite Kit
Thermometer (oral)
Merthiolate, Aqueus, 1:1000 to 1:2000 in dark bottle
Hydrogen Peroxide
Waterproof Box (e.g. Fishing Tackle Box)
"Q-Tips"
Aspirin/Tylenol
Halezone or Iodine Tablets
1 - 1/2-inch Adhesive Tape
1 - 2-inch Adhesive Tape
2 - 1-inch Roller Bandage
2 - 2-inch Roller Bandage
1 - Elastic Roller Bandage
2 - Triangular Bandages

my Backpack