From <@tcuavm.is.tcu.edu:owner-scouts-l@TCUBVM.IS.TCU.EDU> Sun Jan 18 22:19:47 1998 Return-Path: <@tcuavm.is.tcu.edu:owner-scouts-l@TCUBVM.IS.TCU.EDU> Received: from server1.capaccess.org (server1.CapAccess.org [207.91.115.5]) by cap1.CapAccess.org (8.6.12/8.6.10) with ESMTP id WAA16144; Sun, 18 Jan 1998 22:19:47 -0500 Received: from tcuavm.is.tcu.edu (TCUAVM.IS.TCU.EDU [138.237.128.148]) by server1.capaccess.org (AIX4.2/UCB 8.7/8.7) with SMTP id SAA90178; Sun, 18 Jan 1998 18:02:35 -0500 (EST) Received: from TCUBVM.IS.TCU.EDU by tcuavm.is.tcu.edu (IBM VM SMTP V2R2) with BSMTP id 7538; Sun, 18 Jan 98 15:22:33 CDT Received: from TCUBVM.IS.TCU.EDU (NJE origin LISTSERV@TCUBVM) by TCUBVM.IS.TCU.EDU (LMail V1.2a/1.8a) with BSMTP id 5086; Sun, 18 Jan 1998 15:23:18 -0500 Received: from TCUBVM.IS.TCU.EDU by TCUBVM.IS.TCU.EDU (LISTSERV release 1.8b) with NJE id 5083 for SCOUTS-L@TCUBVM.IS.TCU.EDU; Sun, 18 Jan 1998 15:22:19 -0500 Received: from TCUBVM (NJE origin SMTP@TCUBVM) by TCUBVM.IS.TCU.EDU (LMail V1.2a/1.8a) with BSMTP id 5082; Sun, 18 Jan 1998 15:22:18 -0500 Received: from ALPHA.IS.TCU.EDU by tcubvm.is.tcu.edu (IBM VM SMTP V2R2) with TCP; Sun, 18 Jan 98 15:22:13 CDT Received: from netra1.network-one.com (netra1.network-one.com) by ALPHA.IS.TCU.EDU (PMDF V5.0-5 #20456) id <01ISIZAAB1CW005UQ2@ALPHA.IS.TCU.EDU> for scouts-l@ALPHA.IS.TCU.EDU; Sun, 18 Jan 1998 15:21:30 -0500 (CDT) Received: from default ([209.149.88.88]) by netra1.network-one.com (Netscape Messaging Server 3.01) with SMTP id AAA15774 for ; Sun, 18 Jan 1998 15:21:23 -0600 MIME-version: 1.0 X-Mailer: Mozilla 3.0Gold (Win95; I) Content-type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii Content-transfer-encoding: 7bit Message-ID: <34C2706B.37F6@network-one.com> Date: Sun, 18 Jan 1998 15:13:16 -0600 Reply-To: Ben Pharr Sender: Scouts-L Youth Group List From: Ben Pharr Subject: Backpacking Equipment X-To: scouts-l@tcu.edu To: Multiple recipients of list SCOUTS-L Status: RO X-Status: D Back before Christmas, I did a survey about backpacking equipment on Scouts-L and PSA-List. A few weeks ago, I was in the process of compiling it all and my computer crashed. So here I am, trying to put it together again. Sorry it's taken me so long to get this out. I appreciate everybody replying to my survey. Everyone helped a lot. I don't have time to thank everyone individually, so I'm thanking you now. I had asked people about packs, hydration sytstems, and GPSs. Most people had something to say about packs. A few people had something to say about hydration systems. And nearly nobody helped me with GPSs. I had 27 total replies. Here is what they had to say. The most mentioned backpacks were the Kelty Super Tioga and Tioga, both of which are external packs. The favorite brands of packs were Kelty, Gregory, and Moutain Smith in that order. Other brands mentioned were Dana Design, North Face, Camp Trails, L.L. Bean, Eddie Bauer (discontinued), Cabela's, and Coleman. The average size for external frame packs was 4100 cubic inches. The average size for an internal frame pack was around 5650 cubic inches. Internal frame packs tend to be bigger, due to the fact that that your sleeping bag goes inside. People said that the most important thing about a pack was the hip belt. Most people said it should be padded. Adjustable straps were also on most everybody's wish lists. I expected more people to have internal packs instead of external packs. Twenty people responded to that part of the survey. It was tied 10:10. Most people also said that whether an internal or external frame pack was best for you, was a personal descision. Internals are best for bushwacking, or other activities that require going through small places or keeping your balance. External packs are fine for open trails and hauling heavy loads. My personal pack is a Gregory Wind River Internal Frame pack. It has 6750 cubic inches (I'm a big guy) and opens from both the back and the top. It has only two big pockets, but has places all over it to put small pockets and to lash things on. The only hydration system mentioned was the platypus hoser. Some loved it, and some couldn't stand it because they had had one burst in their pack. I'm planning on buying a PakTeen myself. I'm not sure which model yet. Hydration systems are good for keeping you going. It would keep you from having to take your pack off to get water. GPSs weren't a very popular topic for the people who replied. Several people said that they were not needed at Philmont. Some people said they would still be at Philmont if they hadn't had their GPS. Their favorite brands were Garmin and Magellan. No others were mentioned. Everyone did say that if buying a GPS, you should get a multichannel unit and not one with multiplex. I would like to stress that even though you might have a GPS, it is, in no way, a replacement for a map and compass and the skills to use them. I hope this helps somebody out there looking for thinking about getting new equipment. If you have questions about some of the equipment mentioned, send me an e-mail and I'll give you the e-mail address of the person or persons that uses it. After everyone returns from their treks this summer, then maybe I'll do this again in preparation for next year. Ben Pharr Yocona Area Council Chicksa #202 Lodge Chief-Elect