Young Backpackers Weekend Packing Advice
The Boy Scout Handbook has a good section on hiking. Much of the information here is from the handbook...
SHOES AND BOOTS
'A hiker is only as good as his
feet. Take good care of them'
Scout Field Book, 1st edition, 1948
Almost any shoes will do for short walks (5 miles or less) on the flat easy terrain found around Central Florida. A longer weekend hike requires lightweight boots with fabric uppers or leather boots. The leather boots are heavier, but give your feet and ankles the most protection and support. They can also keep the rain from soaking your socks. Choose leather if you plan to do a lot of hiking and backpacking. Boots made for mountaineering or hard winter travel are an overkill and you could spend your money better on an upgraded backpack.
New boots must fit well. At the store try on the boots while wearing the socks you will use on hikes. Your heels should not slip much and your toes must have some wiggle room. Before using new boots on a hike please wear them around the house for a few days so they will adjust to your feet.
SOCKS
Hiking socks made of wool or a wool/nylon blend cushion your soles as you walk and draw sweat away from your feet. Wear a pair of thin wool or synthetic blend socks underneath your hiking socks. The inner socks will slide against heavier outer socks and take moisture away from your skin, reducing friction and lessening your chances of getting a blister. (Also, always carry moleskin when hiking for blister control)
Carry spare socks on your hikes. If your feet begin to tire, change into fresh socks and hang the used ones on your pack to air out and dry.
MOLESKIN
One of the quickest ways for a scout to have a rotten time backpacking is to get blisters. Blisters are common on the toes or heals when using poorly fitted shoes. They also occur on the shoulders, sides of the neck, or on the back when using a pack that rubs. Luckily they are preventable. ALWAYS CARRY MOLESKIN WHEN BACKPACKING. Moleskin used to be literally made of mole skin. Nowadays it is synthesized and available as sheets that can be cut to shape and applied as needed. Moleskin is available at any drugstore in the foot department, or ask the druggist where it is located. If you are prone to blisters in a particular spot put some moleskin on that spot (stick it directly to the skin like a Band-Aid) before hiking. This stuff works great.
QUICK CHECKLIST
Pack everything in zip-lockable baggies. Roll your spare clothes (instead of folding - it takes less space), then insert in a baggie.
| WARM-WEATHER CLOTHING CHECKLIST | |
| T-Shirt wear this Friday Night |
|
| T-Shirt - Spare | |
| Hiking Shorts (not baggy hip huggers) | |
| Long Pants wear this Friday Night |
|
| Sweater or Lightweight Jacket wear this Friday Night |
|
| Hiking Boots or sturdy shoes wear this Friday Night |
|
| Hiking Socks wear this Friday Night |
|
| Spare Hiking Socks | |
| Hat (with brim for shade) wear this every day |
|
| Rain gear (poncho) If it gets cold at night we can wear both the lightweight jacket and the poncho |
|
| Extra Socks | |
| EQUIPMENT ESSENTIALS | |
| Pack Cover (store purchased or a large trashcan bag will do in a pinch) | |
| Sleeping bag (light weight unless expecting cold weather) | |
| tent (try to share a tent with a buddy) | |
| Pocketknife (assuming you have your tot-en-chip) | |
| Personal First Aid Kit (see scout handbook) | |
| Moleskin (this is a must... gotta have it!!!) | |
| Jock Itch powder | |
| Small Flashlight | |
| Matches and fire starters | |
| Sun Protection | |
| Compass and Map if hiking | |
| Rope | |
| Waterless hand soap (water is in short supply) | |
| Dish soap (small amount - not the whole bottle) | |
| Small shovel or tool to dig 'Cat Hole' with | |
| Toilet paper | |
| FOOD AND COOKING | |
| Water (4 liters) | |
| Food for Meals (put each meal in its own baggie) | |
| Trail Food (GORP = Good Old Raisins and Peanuts) (about 1 cup/day) | |
| Personal Mess Kit (essentials = cup, bowl/plate, spoon) |
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| Other cooking gear as required pots/pans backpacking stove |
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| Bag to pack trash out with | |
| LUXURIES - these add weight with limited benefit | |
| Sleeping pad | |
| Pillow (better yet - put spare clothes in bag and use that) |
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