Backpacking

Back packing and hiking are the premier outdoor activities in Scouting. They build character, emphasize physical fitness, outdoor personal survival, teach and endorse teamsmanship and leadership more than any other of the Troop's outdoor activities. It requires the Scout and leader to be physically fit and prepared for the weather as it arises.

As stated below, the March trip, 23-25 March will be on the Pinhoti Trail Just NE of Anniston.. The trail is more level than hilly, is a total of about 5-6 miles and serves the Troop as back packing trainer for longer distances in the future (Philmont). We will depart from the Coleman Lake area, camp in the Sweet water lake area the first night, and hike out the next morning at the Pine Glenn Campground. We will need some one to haul the trailer and one follow on car, or more, ..depending on the numbers attending.

The Scout will minimally require a external or internal frame backpack (not a day pack or book bag pack), a sleeping bag that compresses to about the size of a basketball or so (not the Walt Disney or Spiderman type day room bags), a foam or inflatable "backpacking" sleeping pad, two quart sized, open mouthed water bottles....a rain suit....head gear, hiking socks (not regular cotton socks) and a substantial hiking shoe or sneaker (if it rains sneakers soak up the water).

All the other items, including sufficient clothes in case of cold will be discussed demonstrated during the regular Monday night meeting (Feb 27)..we may have time to work into the use of the backpacking stove also....and if not on future Mondays....The Troop will provide the backpacking stoves, large two gallon water bottles and water purification (Iodine) (PolarPure)...water pumps or other purification means are individually purchased choices.

If you or you son have not back packed before, it will be advisable for both to attend the Monday night meetings to assure he has the correct gear that can be bought locally or via catalog sales over the internet such as: campmor.com, rei.com, and backcountry.com, to name a few of he larger more economical companies.

As stated below..we will use the next three Mondays as dedicated to Backpacking basics (gear and meals) to assure we hit the trail prepared and advised. Failure to be properly prepared will prohibit him from attending.

If you are leader and plan to attend and have not prioritized physical fitness ...it is recommended that as a minimum, to start taking hikes in the neighborhood, at Oak Mountain, Moss Rock Preserve, or other areas that challenge your legs and ankles, with a pack, the rest of your body.....so as not to be surprised after the first several miles on the Pinhoti.

There will be a regular meeting on March 19th with a quartermaster night on Thursday, March 22, to pack and load or gear. Note that March 19th is mistakingly noted as "no meeting" on the Troop calendar..for those going on the trip on the 23-25, the 19th is a regular meeting in continue preparation for the trip. On the 22nd, we will bring in our packs and add the Troop gear and meal requirments and load them on the trailer in prepartation for leaving Friday.

YiS dan s