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When a boy first joins the Boy Scouts, one of the first questions that comes up for his parents is what backpacking gear to outfit their son with. Naturally, the parents really want to get their kid the "right" gear. But there are differing opinions on what it right. Leather hiking boots, big backpacks, Scout mess kits, heavy sleeping bags, and heavy tents might seem like the "right" gear, but can quickly become a discouraging liability for the new Scout. In this article, Assistant Scoutmaster and Scout Dad, Doug Prosser, shows you inexpensive, lightweight gear and clothing options for new additions to the Troop. Hint: these ideas work equally well for adult backpackers transitioning to lightweight who don't want to empty their wallets.

ARTICLE OUTLINE

INTRODUCTION

CONTEXT

RATIONALE FOR SELECTED GEAR

  • CLOTHING SYSTEMS
    • BASE OR WICKING LAYER
      • Shirts
      • Boxers/Briefs/Shorts
      • SockS
      • Sleepwear
    • INSULATION LAYER
    • OUTER WEAR AND RAINWEAR
      • Windproof but NOT Waterproof
      • Windproof and Waterproof
      • Footwear
  • SLEEPING SYSTEMS
    • SLEEPING BAGS
      • TABLE: Sleeping Bag Examples
    • SLEEPING PADS
  • SHELTER SYSTEMS
    • TARPS
      • TABLE: Example Sleep System
  • PACKING SYSTEMS
    • BACKPACKS
      • TABLE: Backpack Examples
  • COOKING AND WATER SYSTEMS
    • COOKWARE
    • BACKPACKING STOVES
    • WATER PURIFICATION
    • WATER BOTTLES
  • MISCELLANEOUS
    • FLASHLIGHT
    • KNIFE
    • COMPASS
    • TOILETRIES AND MISCELLANEOUS

CONCLUSION

TABLE: Gear Checklist

#WORDS: 6600
#PHOTOS: 2
#TABLES: 4

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