1st Bullsbrook Air Scout Group
IDEAS FOR CHRISTMAS
Ideas For Christmas
1. Sleeping bag (essential).
· A good make – like Black Wolf.
· A ‘mummy’ bag (tapers at the top and the bottom).
· Should come with a stuff sac.
· Down filled – stuffs smaller than a polyester filled sleeping bag.
· Rated at –5 deg C or less.
· Weight 1.2kg
· Cost $90+.
· NOTE: this is a hiking sleeping bag. Initially a heavier, cheaper bag is okay. Have a leader check yours.
2. Ground mat (essential).
· ‘Self inflating’
· A good make such as Therm-a-Rest or Black Wolf
· These come in several shapes and sizes. 2.5cm thick, full length is okay but half-length (under upper body only) is adequate. For a heavy person a thicker mat may be needed (most unlikely for a Scout).
· Cost $90+
· NOTE: this is a hiking mat. Initially a standard foam roll ($10) is adequate.
3. Hiking boots (essential if hiking)
· ‘Proper’ hiking boots aren’t necessary for the type of hiking we do in WA.
· Get lightweight hiking trainers.
· Cost $80
· NOTE: don’t economise. If they are hiking they need the correct footwear.
4. Camp blanket (advised).
· Only cotton or wool – synthetic is DANGEROUS since it can catch on fire.
· 2.0 by 1.6m.
· Cost $35
5. Sleeping bag liner (advised).
· Silk – cotton liners are really designed for keeping you cool.
· Should come with a pouch for packing in.
· Shape not too important but mummy shape to go with the sleeping bag is best.
· Cost $60+
· NOTE: nice to have. Keeps the sleeping bag cleaner and warmer.
6. Compass
· The Troop has enough compasses to borrow.
· Only buy Silva or Sunto compasses
· Preferred Silva Ranger 3
· Cost $40
7. Back pack
· Borrow one if you can else hire one. You should always try a pack before you buy one they are very individual.
· A 70 litre pack should be more than adequate if you have the right gear to put in it.
· Cost $100+
8. GPS
· The Group has access to 3 GPS’s (and can borrow more from District or Branch).
· Only need a basic GPS. Typical is Garmin eTrex H high sensitivity.
· Cost $150.
9. Tent
· The Group has plenty of tents for hiking and static camping.
· If doing a lot of hiking could look at lightweight hiking tents <1.6kg
· Cost $120+
10. Torch (essential)
· LED headlamp type – there is a lot of choice.
· Cost $30.
11. Drink bottle (essential)
· The aluminium ones are very good. Best to get 2 or 3 (one for carrying and one/two for the pack).
· Get the 750ml size and a single carrier/insulator.
· Cost $20 and carrier $30.
12. Camel pack
· Not advised for children under 14 years old.
NOTES:
· Please ask for advice – it’s free.
· Ranger Camping and others offer a Scout discount – usually of 5%.
· You’ll get better prices at Wellington Surplus, 333-335 Wellington Street.
· Some gear can be purchased by mail order – but watch for the postage.
· There is a lot of good gear out there that is perfectly acceptable at a lower price than the ‘best’.
· Watch out for the weight of any kit to be used for hiking. The lighter the better – but it costs more.
· A lot of gear can be borrowed or hired – don’t buy expensive gear until you know your son/daughter is going to use it more than once.