Backpacking Gear

This is your basic gear you'll need for most outings.  Most of this gear will also be used for Hiking, Snow, Bike and Canoe outings.  The trick is to only pack what is necessary, while limiting weight and bulk.  In backpacking, LESS is often MORE. 

Mr. M's Section J Summer Backpacking List

Want to see what a full packing list might look like?

See Mr. M's Section J Summer Backpacking List

Footwear

• See our Hiking Footwear Page

• Scouts don't need combat boots for a hike

• Look in Goodwill to save $$$

• Select a Trail Runner or Low Ankle Hiking Boot

• The most important feature to look for in a shoe is its fit

  • A shoe MUST FIT or it just won't work

Trail Runner 

• • Lighter and more comfortable than heavier boots

  • Examples:

    • Altra Lone Peak 4 

    • Merrell Moab 2 Ventilator 

Hiking Boots

• • Merrel Moab 2 Mid Ventilator 

    • This NON waterproof version is also good for canoeing

Sleeping System

Sleeping Bag

• • See our Sleeping Gear Page

  •  EN Rating: 20-35°

    • 20° is good for 3 seasons in the Pacific Northwest

    • 20° will work with augmentation in Winter - See Winter Sleep System

  • Fill: 

    • Synthetic 

      • Less expensive

      • More forgiving if becomes wet

      • Preferred option for Pacific Northwest

    • Down

      • Lightest and most compact option

      • More expensive

      • Loses insulation ability if wet

      • Requires special care

      • NOT Recommended for Scouts

    • Cotton 

      • NOT acceptable

      • Loses insulation ability if wet

      • Soaks up water like a sponge 

  • Note: a sleeping bag designed for woman may be lighter and a better fit for smaller Scouts

• Synthetic Sleeping Bag Examples:

• • REI Co-op Trailbreak 20 (Water-resistant polyester)

  • Marmot Trestles Elite Eco 20 (Synthetic)

Sleeping Pad

• • See our Sleeping Gear Page

  • Type:  Air or foam

    • Foam doesn't pop when it encounters a sparp stick or rock

• Sleeping Pad Examples:

• • Therm-a-rest – Z Lite Sol (Closed cell foam)

  • REI – Flash Insulated

  • Sea To Summit – Comfort Light Insulated

  • Big Agnes – Insulated AXL

  • Klymit – Static V Ultralight SL

Tent

• • See our Backpacking Tents Page

• Our troop has tents, but if you want a personal tent...

• Type:  Backpacking (dome or hybrid)

  • NOTE: Most tents are designed for Car Camping and are too large and heavy for backpacking

• Size: 2-3 person

• Weight: Aim for around 2 Pounds per person

• Fly:  Full-length (not toupee rainfly)

• Tent Examples:

• • REI – Half Dome 2 Plus

  • Big Agnes - Copper Spur HV UL 2

  • MSR – Hubba Hubba NX 2

  • Marmot – Tungsten 2P UL

  • Tarptent - Motrail

Small Pot

• • • 750-1600 mL

    • Use for boiling water

    • May be used as a bowl if not eating out of bag

    • MSR Alpine 775 mL Stowaway Pot

      • Stainless Steel is durable and easy to clean

      • Price is reasonable 

      • Heavier than titanium counterparts

Other Gear

Trekking Poles

• • 4 Legs are Better than 2

  • REI 

Human Waste Kit

• • Everybody poops 

  • Cathole Trowel

    • GSI Cathole Trowel 

      • Plastic = durable and cheap

    • Deuce Potty Trowel 

      • Light weight metal

      • Too delicate for careless scouts