First High River Scouts

Back Packers Check List

Use this check list to ensure that you will not forget any important items, and as a guide to lightweight backpacking.
None of the recommended items should be left behind, but much weight can be saved by sharing group equipment such as tents stoves and pots. Also, many of the items on this checklist are indicated as being optional and when packing, they should be considered, but only taken along if they will really be needed,
Using this checklist, a fully loaded weekend pack should weigh no more than 1/4 of your body weight, for adults it can be as high as 1/3 your weight All the food and equipment for a week long trip would weigh no more than 35-40 lbs. (16- 19 kg.), depending upon the food you carry.

Basics & Shelter

{ }Pack...............................................{ }Sleeping /bag & cover ..........{ )Sleeping pad /ground sheet
{ }flashlight.......................................{ }spare batteries.........................{ }Tent or Tarp**
{ }Nylon Cord (for tarp & food) ....( }Matches I lighter ....................{ )Pocket Knife
{ }Whistle (better than yelling) .....{ }Map / compass ** .................{ )Candles *
{ }Folding saw (better than axe)**{ } Fire starter * ..........................{ )Wire Saw

Food & Cooking

( }Stove ** .........................................{ )Fuel ** .....................................( } Pots **
{ }Pot Holder ** ................................{ }can Opener ** .......................{ }Garbage bags
{ }Extra matches / lighter .................( )Water Bottle ( full ) ...............{ }Cup / plate / bowl
{ }Knife/fork/spoon ...........................{ }Collapsible Water jug ** ...( }Food container
{ }Pot Scourer......................................{ }Dish Soap(bio-degradeable.{ }FOOD
{ }J-Cloth / dish towel

Clothing: Assume you are wearing the following ..

{ )Wool Socks.......................................{ }Wool, or Sweat pants...........{ }T-Shirt
then select from the following...
{ }Extra pair of wool socks ................{ }Thermal underwear * ..........{ )Pull Over / wind breaker
{ }Toque / Balaclava * .......................{ }Mitts / Gloves .......................{ )Extra t-shirt *
{ }Wool Shirt * ....................................{ }Wool Sweater /OR * ............{ }Borg Pile shirt *
{ }Down Vest / Jacket * .....................{ }change of underwear * .........( }Sun / Rain Hat *
{ }Bandana * .......................................{ }Rain gear * .............................{ )Swim Suit *
{ }Sneakers * .......................................( }Down Booties .........................{ )Waterproof Bags for clothes
{ )snow boots w/ dry liners * ............{ } Gaiters *

Medical

{ }Personal Medication *...................{ )First Aid Kit .............................{ }Sunglasses / Goggles
{ }Sun Screen *....................................{ }Lip Balm * ..............................{ )lnsect repellant (small) *

Personal

{ }Wash-up bag ...................................{ } Wash-cloth / towel ................( )Soap
{ }Toothbrush / paste .........................( }Dental Floss .............................( }Toilet Paper
{ )Mirror

Important Extras:

{ }Waterproof clothing & tents * .....( }Extra Plastic Bags & ties ........( }Camera & film *
{ }Note-book & pencil .......................{ )Personal ID
A change of clothes to be left in the car for the trip home
(*) Optional depending upon weather, route, Lenqth of trip and personal needs
(**) Group Equipment that should be shared to conserve weight

.............................NO Junk Food, unless you bring enough for Everyone....................
Just copy and paste to make a full sheet

OK, whose turn is it to make supper?

After a hard days exploring, all we wanted to do was stand around the fire and get warm. So who was actually going to make the supper?

Stopping for a rest by the lake

Is it lunch time yet?

Sunset over a frozen lake

Another special effect, caused by unknown lighting conditions

Meeting a lone rider

Our boys encountered this lone rider on the trail and they stopped for a chat. Some refracted light shining through the trees created this unusual effect.

OK, What happened to the snow, isn't this Canada?

Only a month from the Christmas season and there was no snow here. A brand new pair of snowshoes will just have to wait in the car until the next camp I guess.

OK, now that you've taken my Pic, can I go to Bed?

Our Venturer group went camping in Kananaskis and backpacked into their campsite. I can assure you this new white tent will not remain that way very long. In the meantime, do you think this Venturer looks like he is ready for bed?

What is getting smoked more, the Hot Dog, or the Scouter?

Splitting kindling

When the weather is cold, it is always nice to warm ones hands and marshmallows, over a campfire.

Cleanliness is king

Scouter Ian gives lessons on proper handwashing, before supper preparation takes place.

Crispy Marshmallows

There are differing schools of thought on what makes a properly cooked marshmallow. Some think it has to be on fire, and blackened before it is done and others like to cook it slowly and just barely get it browned, to the point, that is just about ready to explode and slide off the stick. What is your preference?

Hot Dogs anyone

Happiness is cooking a hotdog over an open fire on the side of a mountain.

Snowballs in Hiding?

Being prepared starts to mean something, when your September hike starts to look like "Snowshoes would have been a good idea, maybe?"