Gear Recommendation
Post date: Sep 06, 2017 5:14:40 AM
I got a great question from a parent tonight - what camping gear would you buy for a scout?
My first pointer was to our winter packing list: https://docs.google.com/viewer?a=v&pid=sites&srcid=ZHVuYmFyMjVzY291dHMub3JnfHdlYnxneDpjNWExNzBhYmY2OTZlMDY
I think that Mattress, Sleeping bag, mess kit, sleeping bag, non-cotton clothes are the essentials.
But I thought I'd pause to comment on the gear that I have bought and makes the basis of my kits, swapping various pieces depending on the trip or the season. I'll also throw in a few I have recommended in the past.
My normal kit would be a -7 Perseus sythentic bag, Klymit v5 mattress, 85L pack, Klymit pillow, mess kit, 2 pair nylon pants (BC clothing from costco), rain pants, merino long underwear, an athletic t-shirt per day, sports underwear (non cotton) per day, a merino shirt, and a second merino shirt one size up, a fleece, a light weight rain jacket, toque, athletic shorts to sleep in, crocs, hiking boots, headlamp.
For winter I'd add a winter jacket, gloves, 2nd togue, 2nd long underwear.
Thats pretty similar for a 2 day camp or a 7 day camp.... 2 day I'd probably leave the 2nd pair of pants in the car. :)
Sleeping Bags
For winter camp:
$$$ - Down bag, Pro is this is light weight for high warmth. Con is price and there are a pain if they get damp. Don't have one but I'd check out https://www.taigaworks.ca/cart.php?m=product_detail&p=1122
$$ - Synthentic winter bag - this is what I use; I have a Perseus -7 degree. This is a big bag (15L, 19kg) but great bag for winter. https://www.mec.ca/en/product/5025-635/Perseus-Sleeping-Bag--7C
Looks like it is discontinued, if I was looking today I'd probably check out https://www.mec.ca/en/product/5041-035/Centaurus--9C-Sleeping-Bag. Buying again, I'd probably consider the extra money for the down; but I've been happy with this bag.
For summer camps I prefer a lighter bag; I have a Eureka 3 degree I got from the Scout shop. http://boutiquescout.ca/Item?item=083826990250 I think I paid $40 on-sale. This is a 2#5oz bag. Anything in that range and price point would be equiv.
If I could only buy one bag and had a big budget, I'd get the down bag. With a moderate budget, I'd probably get a 0 degree bag and on the odd winter camp, bring a second cheap bag as an over bag. Something like: https://www.mec.ca/en/product/5041-029/Centaurus-0C-Sleeping-Bag.
For a budget buy, I'd check the sales at Canadian tire, for example http://www.canadiantire.ca/en/pdp/woods-expedition-robson-mummy-7-c-sleeping-bag-0766060p.html#srp is currently $80 for a -7 bag.
Mattress
$$ - I have bought several of these: Klymit v5 lightweight https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B00BZ3C900/ ~$65
It is about the size of a 1L water bottle and very comfy. There is also a more insulated version for 4 season camping, but I haven't needed it. For winter camp I actually put this inside a summer sleeping bag and lie on top with my winter bag, though I have also placed a $5 survival blanket on top of this and that has worked as well.
$ - I don't use one, but often recommend the Alaska pad. ~$22 https://www.scoutshop.ca/Item?item=069808000148
I believe 3vets carries one that folds for around the same price which can be easier for some to pack. Don't forget to mention your are a Scout. Well recommended for winter camp by many.
$ - I have a couple of Costco thermarest knock-offs; best reserved for car camping; quite comfy but very large. Since getting the Klymits I've never used this.
Backpack
I used an 80L long Ibex in green. https://www.mec.ca/en/product/5011-460/Ibex-80-Backpack
For scouts, 50-60L should be fine. I have recommended this one from scout shop previously: https://www.scoutshop.ca/Item?item=083825991753 <$100.
If budget is no issue, you can get lighter weight from more money.
Mess Kit
Best to get a mesh bag and a small carabiner.
I like the MSR deep dish: $7 https://www.mec.ca/en/product/5018-602/DeepDish-Plates,
I use a neoprene covered bug with cloth handle - $20 - https://www.mec.ca/en/product/5050-849/Fair-Share-Mug-II
I use metal cutlery https://www.scoutshop.ca/Item?item=629055502613 $8
But nothing wrong with this kit: https://www.mec.ca/en/product/5035-558/Cascadian-1-Person-Table-Set $15
Extras
Here are a few extras from my kit:
Klymit Pillow - $20 - https://www.amazon.ca/Klymit-Cush-Inflatable-Pillow-Cushion/dp/B006WS5WXO/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1504673866&sr=8-4
Lightweight day pack - $15 - https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B01AIVTHCC/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o07_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Portable Chair - $40 - https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B0727VDGCR/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o07_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Headlamp - $22 - https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B01ABD1ZC2/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o05_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Wool underwear - $40 - https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B01DUTFCAU/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Luci Light - $24 - https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B00DQ1RDWS/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Stove - $30 - https://www.amazon.ca/Solo-Alcohol-Burner-Denatured-Backpacking/dp/B008VZ91WO/ref=sr_1_sc_2?s=sports&ie=UTF8&qid=1504674347&sr=1-2-spell&keywords=alchohol+stove