Solo Tarps and Gear

Although I enjoy my 10-pound pack as I soar ahead of my troop lugging their 30-pounders, my dad has talked down to my use of solo tarps and individual cooking. He says that I should be part of the troop and camp and eat their food.

Is it really "un-scoutlike" to not be "part of the troop?" I enjoy scouting and hiking with them, but I'd like to use my own tarp and food to save weight instead of lugging 5-6 pound tents and 3lb cook kits around.