Intro to Backpacking with Troop 92

What is Backpacking?

On a backpacking trip, we carry everything we need on our backs and camp far from roads or other civilization. We might stay in an established campground with tables and outhouses, or we might make our own campsite wherever we find a convenient flat place.

Who Can Go?

Generally speaking, a 100-pound Scout can carry his own gear plus a share of the common gear. Most trips can handle a few smaller Scouts by having leaders and larger Scouts carry the common gear.

The Scout must have the maturity required to handle being away from home for the duration of the trip. Since we are out of cellular coverage and away from civilization, it is not possible for us to call for a parent to pick up a homesick Scout; in a critical situation it would be necessary for us to abort the trip.

Similarly, the Scout must be prepared for some level of discomfort - sore muscles, heat, cold, and smelly outhouses. The Scout must be prepared to handle these discomforts with equanimity.

How Long is a Trip?

How Many Days?

Our December trip is generally two days; our May trip is generally three.

How Many Miles?

Trips are planned based on the abilities and interests of the participants. The first and last days are likely to be two to five miles, with "middle" days being five to ten miles. Note that although ten miles seems like a long distance, it is not nearly so long when you consider that you have all day to do it. Hiking is always paced to be within the abilities of the participants; although they should expect to be worked hard we will never push them beyond their capabilities. (But note: their abilities are likely to be significantly more than they think they are.)

Trip Logistics

Drop-off and Pick-up

Because backpacking trips tend to be small, we don't always use the standard drop-off and pick-up plans. We may meet at the park as usual, or we may meet at a leader's house. Similarly, we may return to the park or to another location.

Return Time

Because there are many variables, it is difficult to predict a return time. We will still try, but do not be surprised if the estimate is significantly wrong. Note also that because we are usually travelling in areas without cellular service we may not be able to revise our estimated arrival time until 30-60 minutes before we arrive. Do not even start to worry until we are several hours past our original estimate.

Water

Water is probably the most critical resource on a backpacking trip, especially in Southern California. Each hiker should carry at least two liters of water, either in a hydration ("Camelbak") bladder in the pack or in water bottles that can be stored in external pockets on the pack for easy access. Carrying a bottle in your hands is not acceptable! This water is primarily used for drinking along the trail.

On most trips, we will find water sources along the way - streams, springs, and so on - and will filter that water and use it. That way we don't have to carry most of our water. We will cook and wash with this water, and refill our hiking water from it as required.

Food

Backpacking food is selected to be light while still being reasonably tasty. This is achieved by using dehydrated food - we carry the food, but then we add water that we find along the trail, so that we don't have to carry the water.

Shopping

Because our Scouts are generally inexperienced in backpacking menu planning, usually a leader selects a variety of food for the trip. If you have preferences or want to be involved, say so.

Typical Menu

First day: sack lunch to eat at the trailhead.
Breakfasts: Pop-Tarts, oatmeal, hot chocolate.
Lunches: Tuna or chicken salad with crackers, cookies.
Dinners: Ramen noodles, dehydrated backpacking meals, no-bake cheesecake.
Last day: fast food or restaurant lunch.

Example Backpacking Meals

Macaroni and Cheese, Beef Stew, Spaghetti and Meat Sauce, Turkey Tetrazzini, Beef Stroganoff, Chicken Teriyaki with Rice

For all that these all tend to end up as glop, they generally taste pretty good.

Trail Food

Bring stuff to eat on the trail. Individual trail mix packets from Costco are good. Clif bars are good. Making your own is fine too.

Remember that all food must come out of your pack at night, so pack it together for ready access.

What to Bring?

General philosophy: Backpacking is an exercise in carrying exactly what you need - no more, no less. Underpacking means you're not prepared for the conditions; overpacking means you're carrying too much. Remember, you'll be carrying some shared gear or food, so don't pack all the way to the maximum. Shared equipment will probably contribute 4-5 pounds, depending on the situation.

Ability to carry a pack is dependent on a number of factors, including physical condition, terrain, and body weight. As a general rule of thumb, the limit should be 25% of your body weight.

The troop packing list. has a column for backpacking that is a good "fully prepared" list.

However, as usual, it isn't really necessary to acquire everything on that list right away. You may not choose to bring everything on the list, but you should look through the list and consciously decide. "I forgot" isn't a valid excuse. This is particularly true for a backpacking trip - nobody will have spare equipment to lend. Don't check it off the list until you put it into the pack.

If there's something you're not sure about, ask in advance, or pack it separately and we'll decide at the trailhead. Call and ask before you buy anything expensive.

Where to buy: While Walmart and Big Five are fine for car camping, you'll find they're pretty weak for backpacking. If you get at all serious, you'll want specialty equipment and will need to move over to a more specialized store like REI, and unfortunately the price goes up commensurately.

Spares of most of these things can be borrowed, but won't be brought unless you ask for them. If you want to borrow something, that's fine, but make arrangements ahead of time.

If you have any questions, please ask!

Here's a minimum list.

Backpack

Must be an appropriate size and properly fitted. Remember that a backpack for camping is completely different from a day pack like you might use for school books. It's much larger and intended for carrying more weight for a longer time. In particular, it carries almost all of the weight on your hips, not your shoulders. The troop has a couple you can borrow if they fit you.

Backpack Cover

Backpacks get left outside overnight and need to be protected from dew and any possible rain. 33 gallon trash bags work well.

Water Carrier

Typically a water bladder that fits inside the pack, but a couple of water bottles that fit into a readily reachable pocket is OK. Must not be carried in your hands. Minimum two liters.

Sleeping Bags

Backpacking sleeping bags need to be small and light. At the same time, they need to be appropriate for the conditions expected. This is a tough combination to keep inexpensive. Layering (e.g. thermal underwear) can help. The sleeping bag must fit into your pack or attach to the outside. Typically this means a down bag, since down packs much smaller, but synthetic bags can sometimes work.

Sleeping pad

Highly desirable for comfort and warmth. (Pretty much required with a down sleeping bag.) Again, needs to fit inside the pack or attach to the outside. Closed-cell foam pads are probably preferable; they are bulky but light and durable. Therm-a-Rest Z-Lite pads are easy to pack and not terribly expensive. If you bring an inflatable pad, bring a repair kit for it.

Straps

Make sure you have enough straps for whatever you need to attach to the outside of the pack.

Shoes

Hiking boots are best. Must be broken in, not new! New boots + hiking = blisters! Sport shoes are OK, but full boots provide better ankle support.

Mess kit

Minimum is a bowl, cup, and spoon. Plates and forks are unnecessary. Silicone bowls and cups are good because they crush, but tastes vary. Don't forget this! Nobody will have spares, and nobody wants to share.

Clothes

Pack for expected temperatures, but pack light. Layering is key. No more than one change of clothes for each two or three days. (That is, a two-day, one-night trip won't need a change of clothes.) Scout uniform would be great, but is required only for travel. If you're not stinky when you come home, you packed too much.

Other

What Not to Bring?