Send a Scout to Philmont

JC,

Be aware that Philmont resists scouts solo tenting … are fine with adults solo. Even if they allowed solo scout tenting it would reduce the "goofy factor" … a key ingredient to youth trek success. One of our best ever Philmont crews squeezed 5 not tiny scouts into a 9.5 ft square pyramid shelter … much hilarity ensued.

They also won't allow sleeping under tarps but will allow relatively minimal enclosed shelters. If he has ambition and access to a sewing machine and someone to teach him how he could look at this kit: http://questoutfitters.com/patterns-tent,sleeping%20bag-cart.htm#BILGY%20TARP%20TENT

My own son (now old enough to have a son in scouts if he's started early) sewed every patch that came his way from Wolf cub scout to Eagle … instilled him with a strong DIY ethic that is still benefiting his career a couple decades later.

My son is looking to buy a 2 man tent like a Big Agnes UL Slater 2+. He know he can not sleep alone and he already has a tent partner if not 2! The scouts drew straws on who was going to get a UL tent and my son got the tent so the search is on.

JC

JC-
I can appreciate the dilemma. I found that when my crew was preparing, there were a number of other units that had light or UL gear and were more than willing to loan it out. Just a thought…
-Dan

We talked about that borrowing equipment, but we are to active in backpacking and camping. Now there are some troops that are just Eagle mills out there, but we are not! We camp or back pack 11 months out of the year heck all most of our boys already have 50 nights of camping under there belts in 2 years and all the Scout who have been with us 3 years do have 50 nights plus. I would rather have my Scouts buy there tents that they will have for years to come.

You just missed the Valentines Day sale on the Six Moon Designs Lunar Duo Outfitter. But, the regular price of $160 is still a good deal.

I got one two years ago for my first PSR trek. Spacious for two, would have to be really small guys to fit three. Good head room, two doors, trekking pole supports, 3.5lbs without stakes.

I know Big Agnes redesigned or changed the color on their Fly Creek UL2 and as a result there are bargains to be had on that model. A number of boys in my crew found the "old" model on e-bay/amazon/etc. for somewhat reasonable prices.

I have an old Six Moons Europa but it is not free standing! The duo looks good but still not free standing might as well use the Europa and save the cash. Still have a good 5 months to find a tent so I'm in no hurry. Might just sell the Six Moons Europa to add a few bucks in my sons pot. Going to go through his stuff this sat morn before work and see what we can sell.

JC

You might want to take a look at ALPS Mountaineering for a scout tent. They offer significant savings to scouts for outdoor gear once you sign up.

http://www.scoutdirect.com

The gear is not lightweight by any means but is pretty tough. My son has a two wall two man tent that he has taken on the JMT. He split the weight 3 ways-one boy carried the tent, one carried the rain fly, one carried the poles and stakes. Room enough for 3 scouts.

Product descriptions are here.

http://www.alpsmountaineering.com/alps/products/tents

That said, I just picked up a SMD Lunar Duo on the last sale. It's really nice.

Well, REI has the Sierra Designs Vapor Light 2 XL on clearance for $166 so I talked to my son and he said get it so we pulled the trigger and bought one. Should be delivered next week. Looks like a great tent, price was under his $200 budget and his max tent weight limit of 4-lbs. So with his hiking partner each will be carrying less than 2-lbs for a tent.

Anyone ever use or have one of these?

JC

Also, Philmont has new MSR tents that are supposed to be decent.
Plus they are included in the fee.
I like free.