Backpacks
Backpack choice is important and finding the right backpack will allow Scouts and Adults go on many of the great adventure we have planned.
Backpack Considerations
A backpack will be needed for most trips and outings we do in scouting. A daypack is needed for most day trips, but functional backpack will be needed for most trips that involve camping.
Backpack Considerations
Backpack Size
not too small - won't fit everything
not too big - will be too heavy when loaded
It MUST fit
Wearing the wrong sized backpack will be painful and may result in injury
Cost
a custom backpack can cost over a $1000, which is insane and unnecessary
Reasonable backpacks can be purchased new for under $80
Weight
It is surprising how heavy an empty backpack can be
Military surplus pack can be surprisingly heavy
Lighter weight packs tend to cost more
Style
Style may affect function
This generally plays are large role in pack selection - what looks cool
Anything that meets the first four requirements will likely meet the fourth one also
3-Season Backpacks
Size
For general backpacking, a 50-65 Liter Backpack is the size range to shop for
It is challenging to fit everything you really need in a pack smaller than 50 liters
65 and above gets pretty big. If a scout fills one of these, they may not be able to lift it
Weight
A Scout has to carry everything they pack
Lighter packs allow Scouts to travel longer with less pain and less risk of injury
Aim for a backpack that is less than 5 pounds
55L 4.2 lbs / 1.92kg
Just the right size if you know what to pack
Economical Backpack ~$60-80
Adjustable suspension (adjusts as scout grows with minimum hip of 28")
New and used ones at Amazon.com
NOTE: Teton also makes a "Scout 45L", which is small for conventional backpacking
65L 5.1lbs / 2.3kg
Very similar to the Scout 3400, but bigger and with better pockets
Allows you to carry more than the Scout 3400 - which isn't always a good thing
Economical Backpack ~$85 (sometimes less on Amazon.com)
Adjustable suspension (adjusts as scout grows with minimum hip of 28")
This pack is a little big and a little heavy
Economy Backpacks
You can find economy backpacks for less than $40 at Walmart. You generally get what you pay for, and these may not survive a season of rough use. We recommend against these.
If you need a backpack, come talk to our Scoutmaster. We have extras to loan out.
Higher End Backpacks
These packs generally need to be fitted (your scout may grow out of these quickly)
If you plan to do a LOT of backpacking and want a really nice pack, we recommend that you take Scout to REI and spend 1-2+ hours trying on different packs loaded with weight and walking around store
Gregory Baltoro 65 (65L and 4.84lbs / 2.20kg)
Osprey Atomos AG 65 (65L 4.5lbs / 2.04kg)
Ultralight Backpacks
Ultralight weight options are available
Tend to be expensive
Some are too delicate for Scout use
Some are made from specialty material which makes them light weight, durable and expensive
Spartan (no frills bag with straps)
This can be a very expensive investment that is not suitable for many hikers. We recommend that you come talk to our Hiking Team prior to making a big purchase
ULA Circuit (68L 2.29lbs / 1.04kg)
Hyperlite 3400 Junction (64L 2.0lbs / 0.9kg)
Winter Backpack
You will need to carry a lot more gear in the winter.
More clothes
Bigger sleep system
More food
More fuel
Something larger than 65 liters and the ability to strap gear on the outside of pack is needed.
90L 6lbs / 2.7kg
If you are getting a pack just for the winter, consider making an equipment sled (Pulk)
It is often easier to drag a Pulk filled with gear than to carry a stripped down winter pack
A Pulk is cheaper to put together than a winter pack
Note that many scouts can't carry a 90 Liter Pack full of gear
Gear Pulk
Many scouts will not be able to carry all of this gear on their winter back. You may also not be excited about purchasing a giant backpack for just one season of the year. Consider a Gear Pulk (equipment sled)
It is often easier to drag a Pulk filled with gear than to carry a stripped down winter pack
A Pulk is cheaper to put together than a winter pack
Many scouts can't carry a 90 Liter Pack full of gear
Come talk to our Winter Adventures Team. We'll show you how to turn a $30 sled into a piece of Expedition Gear.