Guide to Basic Camping Gear
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What kind of FLASHLIGHT is
recommended? |
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- Small and
light, but durable. |
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- The two
most popular: |
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1)
Mini
Maglite (two AA batteries) |
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2)
Headlamp |
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What kind of COMPASS is
recommended? |
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- Markings
at every two degrees. |
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- Rotating
compass housing (the round part). |
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- A
straight edge is preferred. - Silva is
the major name brand. - When you
turn while holding the compass level, the needle should quickly return to
North. |
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What kinds of EATING
UTENSILS are recommended? |
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The BSA
mess kit is pretty, but leave most of it at home. Here is
what you need: |
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1.
Something
to eat off of. A plate with a lip or a bowl will suffice. If you have a BSA
mess kit, bring one side. A food storage container with lid works well. |
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2.
Something
to eat with. A spoon is enough. Bring a fork if you want. These sporks have become popular. |
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3.
Something
to drink from. A tough plastic or metal cup. It doubles as a bowl for soup if
your plate is not deep enough. |
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What kind of WATER BOTTLE
is recommended? |
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- One quart
and durable. |
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- The
Nalgene brand 32 oz. lexan bottle pictured above is very popular. $8-$10 in
any camping store. |
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- Side
graduation markings are handy to measure liquid while cooking. |
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- Have a
way to carry it. |
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I am dying to practice my
fire building skills in a safe manner. What kinds of fancy MATCHES AND FIRE
STARTERS are recommended? |
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- You do not
need special matches, but, - The most
important part thing is to keep them dry. Keep your matches in a waterproof
bag, aspirin bottle, or film canister. - Do not
bet on strike anywhere matches. Always carry a striking surface from the side
of a box or matchbook. - Likewise,
do not waste your money on manufactured fire starters. - Every
scout should practice building fires from natural materials found at the
campsite, but Be Prepared with fire starters in case you need a fire fast. - Dryer
lint is a great fire starter. Yes, dryer lint. It is free, easy to obtain,
compressible, and weighs almost nothing. - A candle
works well also. |
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What kind of SLEEPING PAD
is recommended? |
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- Smaller and
lighter is better. Big air mattresses (> 1" thick) requiring lots of
air are not recommended. -
Therm-a-Rest is the major brand name. - Different
lengths are available. Backpackers often get a pad long enough for their
torso but not their legs in order to save space and weight. But these pads
also provide insulation from the cold ground, so a full length pad is nice in
the cold weather. - Here are
three popular styles: 1.
Therm-a-Rest
Trail (Thin air pad with open-cell foam core. Self inflates to ~90%. Best
insulation of these three.) 2.
Therm-a-Rest
RidgeRest (Closed-cell foam, roll up) 3.
Therm-a-Rest
Z-Lite (Closed-cell foam, fold up) |
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Use a DITTY BAG so all the
small stuff in your backpack is easy
to find. |
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How do I keep my SLEEPING
BAG from taking up |
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- If your
sleeping bag did not come with a stuff sack, get one! - Grab a
handful and go. - Some stuff
sacks include compression straps to further shrink the size of the stored
bag. - If your
sleeping bag must be folded in half and rolled (not as flexible as the one
pictured) use two straps or ropes. Roll as tight as you can. - Tent
mates should help each other when packing to go home. - DO NOT
store a sleeping bag compressed long term. |
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Granville Boy Scout Troop 65
Troop 65 is grateful for
support from
our Chartered
Organization, Granville Kiwanis, and
from Granville Centenary United Methodist Church.