Scout's First Backpack Adventure
(Parent's Guide)

Why go backpacking?

Backpacking requires planning, self reliance, courage, team work, physical strength, and specialized equipment. Backpacking is an adventure that makes you feel a special sense of accomplishment (adult and youth). There is no better way to teach the scout motto "Be Prepared" than surviving in the wilderness with only the materials you carry on your back. Backpacking is fun! 

Who can attend troop backpack trips?

Any registered boy scout or adult scouter may attend Troop 801 backpack outings. Sorry we do not allow Cubs, Webelos, or non-registered brothers, sisters or friend to attend backpack outings (this applies to all troop outings except our annual "family camp").  BSA policy requires a minimum of two adult leaders (one of the adult leaders has to be over 21 years of age).  A minimum of one adult leaders must have completed the BSA "high adventure training course". Troop 801 has a policy of requiring three adult leaders on any outing.

Both scouts and adult scouters must pass a physical and/or high adventure physical (depending on the hike) prior to participation on any hike.  The Scoutmaster will match the boys ability and experience to the appropriate hike.

 

Preparation

Proper preparation for any backpack outings is important. Proper preparation for new scouts (or adult) first backpack trip is critical. Any individual who has a negative experience due to any cause is not likely to repeat the experience.

 

Preparation includes: educating the new scouts on backpack safety, equipment requirements (may vary depending on the destination, and season), food preparation, menu planning, physical condition, and psychological condition. The majority of the training for safety, equipment, and meals will occur during troop meetings. Training is conducted by adult and scout leaders.

Planning of menus and other important details concerning equipment etc. are planned by the scouts and reviewed by the adults. It is the scout's parents responsibility to get their scout to the troop meetings on time to insure that they receive the training necessary to have a SAFE and enjoyable trip. Regular attendance is the only way.  If you miss a meeting it is your responsibility to call a scout to find out what you missed (usually your patrol leader).

 

Physical and psychological condition is probably the most difficult part of preparation to accomplish. The majority of our backpack outings are five to six mile hikes (round trips), with varying degrees of difficulties. The troop normally selects an easy hike for the initial backpack trip.  For MOST first time backpack hikers the first trip will be physically difficult hike. Even scouts in relatively good physical condition will find the last portion of the hike to be physically and mental challenging. It is not unusual, in fact normal, for the older stronger scout to off load equipment from a new scout who is having difficulty (team work). New hikers should have a clear knowledge that hiking will require physical challenge and perseverance (psychological preparation).

What to pack

Parents should assist their scout in preparing for the outing by reviewing, double checking and if necessary triple check the equipment list, and food list (triple checking is usually not necessary, but it makes the parent feel better). PARENTS SHOULD NOT PACK THE SCOUTS EQUIPMENT INTO THE BACKPACK!!!!  The scout must know were and what is in his pack, and be able to re-pack it by himself. Help, and direct, but do not touch! Clothing requirements will be discussed at the troop meetings for each trip. Parents of first time campers should be cautious not to pack any thing extra. Unnecessary extra clothing, food, equipment, etc. are extra weight.

The following items are not allowed on any troop outings:

1. High sugar foods or candy (unless approved in advance by scoutmaster)
2. Any electronic devices, games, radio, TV, etc. (CB or ham radios, cellular phone, will be allowed with scoutmasters approval).
3. Alcohol, drugs, please notify the trip leader of any prescription or over the counter drugs your son is taking.
4. Any weapons, firearms, sheath knives, explosive, etc.
   

 

Equipment

Safe and enjoyable backpacking depends in part on the proper equipment. The troop encourages scout to purchase as much of their own equipment as possible, however this is not practical for the beginning backpacker. The equipment is expensive, and beginners usually do not have the knowledge or experience to purchase exactly what is required. The troop and individuals own a considerable amount of equipment which is available for loan or to be check out from the troop quartermaster prior to the outing.

 

Equipment requirements will be discussed with the scouts, and with the parents prior to the outing. Please do not purchase equipment such as sleeping bags, tents, cooking utensils, etc. without consulting with one of the experience TRAINED adult leaders. There is a wide range of quality on the market, some of which is not of suitable quality to insure a safe camp under some of the conditions that we might encounter. 

 

Except for extreme or hazardous condition we conduct our outings rain, shine or cold (be prepared). This philosophy requires a certain minimum quality of equipment to maintain safe happy campers.

 

Equipment is also available to rent from Sports Chalet, and REI.

Some of the equipment owned by the troop include:  tents, backpacks, backpack stoves, and water filters.

 

For additional information, click on the links below.

 

Backpacking Equipment Check List (PDF)

Backpacking Equipment Check List (HTML)

Tips and Tricks

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