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If you are new to outdoor
equipment for camping and hiking, choosing the right gear can
be a daunting task. You quickly realize that you could spend
a lot of money in no time at all. You don't have to spend a fortune,
though, to equip yourself with good, quality gear. It just takes
some smart shopping. These tips for buying gear will help you
in that task. We have pointed out some of the important things
to look for and given you some brand names and prices. We have also
listed some potential sources for camping gear, both local and mail
order.
EXTERNAL
FRAME BACKPACK – A backpack is significant investment, but
something your son will use extensively in scouting. Jansport,
Kelty, Camp Trails, REI, and Peak 1 are all good brands. Jansport
and Kelty make youth packs that fit children under 5'7" and expand
as they grow. Camp Trails also sells a youth model called, what else,
the "Scout." The Scout is adjustable in many different ways, making
it an easy pack to fit properly. Proper fit is most important in buying
a backpack. You may have to take back any model you buy to exchange
it for a better fitting pack. So make sure it is returnable. Expect
to pay around $80 for a youth model. A good adult model will cost
around $100 to $130. Available locally at Bill & Paul's, Eastern
Mountain Sports ("EMS"), MC Sports, Dunhams, and Gander Mountain.
Mail order through L.L. Bean, Campmor, REI or Sierra Trading
Post.
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SLEEPING
BAG – The important things in buying a sleeping bag are
warmth and weight. Since we go camping year round, you will want
to choose a sleeping bag that is comfortable in warmer weather, yet
suitable for sleeping outdoors when the temperature dips below freezing.
I use a 15 degree bag. In the summer months, when it gets very warm,
I simply use a blanket rather than a sleeping bag. An alternative
would be to select a bag with a higher rating, such as a 35 degree
bag, and have your son "double-bag" or add a blanket in the colder
months. I would not, however, recommend a bag that is rated any higher
than 35 degrees. Sleeping bags come filled with many materials. Down
is too expensive and impracticable for boys. If it gets wet, it will
not keep your son warm. Stick to bags filled with synthetic materials
like Hollofil, Quallofil, Thinsulate, or Polarguard. Try to find a
bag that weighs no more than five pounds (which is a heavy bag
for an adolescent boy). Sleeping bags may be purchased at all
of the dealers mentioned at the end of this article. A 20 degree
bag will range in price from around $60 for a Coleman bag (available
at Target and Meijer) to much, much more. A higher quality bag
that is taken care of well will last for many years. If you are
going to spend a little extra on anything, spend it on a better
quality bag. It can make a real difference in how much your son
enjoys our outings.
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FOAM SLEEPING PAD – A closed sell foam sleeping pad
is light weight and relatively inexpensive. Ridge Rest makes a nice,
durable pad. Pads are available at EMS, M.C. Sports, Dunhams, and
Bill & Paul's. A sleeping pad is important, not so much for cushioning,
but for insulating your son from the cold ground. Air mattresses
are a poor substitute. They do not insulate well and they usually
lose their air during the night.
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SOCK LINERS
AND WOOL SOCKS – These are important all year round for
hiking. A synthetic sock liner wicks moisture away from the feet,
keeping them dry and warm and preventing blisters. Wool socks are
far superior to cotton when hiking. Available at Bill & Paul's,
EMS, and Gander Mountain.
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RAIN
GEAR – Goretex and other breathable fabrics are expensive
and don't perform as well as they claim. Basic rain gear made out
of PVC-coated nylon is still the best way to keep dry. Fortunately,
it is relatively inexpensive. Consider buying both a jacket ($20
to $30) and pants ($15), since its no fun to have wet pants when
you are camping. Make sure the jacket is well vented. L.L. Bean
makes a great outfit. Campmor and REI also offer PVC coats. Gander
Mountain, MC Sports and Dunhams also carry them. What about ponchos?
Ponchos are an inexpensive alternative, although they don't work
as well. They tend to catch the wind, allowing you to get wet
in windy conditions. Still, they are usually all a boy will need.
You can buy a poncho for under five dollars. But your money would
be better spent on a better quality poncho made of rip-stop nylon.
Cheaper ponchos usually don't last more than one outing.
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ORIENTEERING
COMPASS – An orienteering compass is a compass that sits
on a baseplate for use with a topographical map. The Scout Shop
sells three excellent compasses: the Polaris ($11.75), the Four Fold
Compass ($14,75), and the Explorer III ($18.25). Other stores carry
similar compasses made by Brunton or Silva.
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LONG
UNDERWEAR – Good long underwear really becomes essential
when we venture outdoors in the winter. Look for synthetic fabrics,
like polypropelene, that wick moisture away from the skin. Don't
buy cotton! Cotton retains water and increases the risk of hypothermia.
While the synthetic fabrics cost a little more, they mean the
difference between being comfortable and miserable and could
be the difference between life and death.
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