Backpack Amazing News: Keith Wright - Australia's oldest backpacker

When Keith Wright boards a plane later this year he will be embarking on his eighth trip to Europe – a fact that is made all the more extraordinary because of his age.  Keith was born at a time when Zeppelin and Sopwith aircraft battled it out  for victory over the Western Front and the famous Wright brothers (no relation to Keith) had only just finished conducting their flying experiments.

In 2012 Keith celebrates his 95^th birthday and as such is possibly Australia’s oldest backpacker – who prefers to travel independently.

Keith Wright and his Airline Tickets to Europe

“My belief is that if you are fit and able to travel independently, it is the best way to see as much as of the world as you want,” said the spritely nonagenarian.

Keith took his first solo trip when he was 85, after his wife Barbara passed away. This sojourn was a four-day bus trip through Turkey, which inspired Keith to continue exploring other countries. He prefers to travel in economy class on a round-the-world ticket and regular checks in to hostels, where he enjoys the comfort of a single room but occasionally has no qualms sharing a dorm room with Gen Y backpackers.

“Most people I meet are surprised when I tell them my age and amazed that I have come all the way from Australia,” he said.

“Wherever I go, I wear my Australia cap, which gets me a lot of attention from the locals.”

On one occasion, Keith was sitting on a park bench and a stranger saw that he was wearing his iconic Australia cap. The curious local said “Ahh, Australia is so far away. I have never been because I don’t like flying for that long.”

Keith responded, “Oh, it’s not that bad if you break it up by doing stopover in Singapore or Dubai.”

One of Keith’s favourite destinations is San Sebastian in northern Spain because he loves dining in the Pintxo Bars and looks forward to returning there on this holiday.

“I have hitched a ride on the back of a scooter in San Sebastian and seen things that most tourists haven’t seen, because I have walked the back streets and taken the train or bus to a nearby town for the day,” Keith said.

Since 2002, Keith has booked his travel at the Flight Centre and Escape Travel in Burleigh Heads. The team in the store have decided to make his next holiday even more memorable, by paying his upgrade to business class on his Emirates flight. It’s important that he can stretch out in style as he travels to Europe.

Flight Centre’s travel consultant, Christina Kerr, has booked many of Keith’s holidays.

“Every booking I have made for him has been an inspiration to me,” Christina said.

AT a time when a trip to the local bowling club would be an adventure, 95-year-old Keith Wright is preparing to set off on his latest journey - a two-month trip around Europe.

The pensioner, from Burleigh Heads on Queensland's Gold Coast, began travelling independently 10 years ago after his wife passed away.

He had always wanted to go to Gallipoli in Turkey for Anzac Day so he decided to sell their house and put the extra money towards a holiday.

He lives on a budget and saves every penny so he can head overseas every second year, staying in hostels and two-star hotels. He also travels to Victoria once a year for the Melbourne Cup.

He has been to 23 countries and 109 cities - his favourite being San Sebastian in Spain.

"It's such a relaxed lifestyle, you have the surf beach and the safe beach and nobody's in a hurry,'' he said.

At the end of this month he heads back to San Sebastian on his eighth trip to Europe.

He will also visit Madrid, Paris, Munich and Vienna on a hop-on hop-off independent rail journey, with a special side trip to London to see his favourite Aussie horse, Black Caviar, race at Royal Ascot.

He has budgeted $9000 for the trip.

Mr Wright prefers travelling independently and recommends other elderly travellers try it for themselves.

"They should get away and do it independently like I'm doing it,'' he said.

"They can choose where they want to go, not where the bus company takes them and it's not as regimented.

"If you have 20 people on a bus you get one bad apple and you're stuck with them for 20 days.

"I can do it on my own much better than the young ones I meet in hostels.''

Despite his legs being "a bit wonky'', Mr Wright said he will keep travelling until he gets "too old''.

He wears his Australia cap wherever he goes which gets him lots of attention from the locals.

Before retiring, Mr Wright worked for Ansett Airways and Pioneer Coach Travel, where he held roles in payroll and operations.

Mr Wright books his trips through Flight Centre and Escape Travel in Burleigh Heads and the agencies have paid to upgrade his Emirates flights to business class for their favourite customer so he can travel in comfort.

"Every booking I have made for him has been an inspiration to me,'' Flight Centre travel consultant and airfare specialist Christina Kerr said.

"I like to tell his story to other travellers, particularly those who may have thought themselves too old to travel overseas or feared that it was too expensive.

"Keith has become more like a friend over the years and when he travels he even asks the staff of the hostel to send me an email, just to let me know that he has arrived safely.''

Backpacker Hot Tips : Top Tips to Reduce Your Travel Budget

Budget should never weigh too heavily on your vacation plans; after all, you want to sit back and take a break without any worries! Even though you may feel the heat of inflation, you should always make time to see the world whenever you can. Here are a few tips that can help you keep your total travel budget in check and add to your trip experience.

Reduce Food Costs

When you are on the road, you tend to feel hungrier than usual. The best way to sate your hunger is by buying your own groceries and whipping up a meal. You can cook as much as you want and have your fill. There are some great recipes that help you in whipping up a quick healthy meal. When you stay at hostels, you will have your own kitchen and you can make some really delicious yet cheap dishes. The list is endless and left to your imagination. There are some no-cooking-needed recipes when you do not have access to a stove.

Walk Wherever You Can

This might seem like a bad suggestion when you are on a trip as you are there to enjoy yourself. However, the best way to experience the place you visit is by walking, as you can enjoy the feel of the place and you also get more time to notice everything around you. That doesn’t mean you will have to walk for miles. Buy a map and walk to the destinations that are fairly nearby. You can save a lot of money by cutting down on the transportation costs.

Flexibility Pays

Do not be too rigid with your travel plans. After you land at your destination, you might get some information about a few places which you did not know about when planning your trip. Weigh what they has to offer, and if some attractions and landmarks seem worthy of a visit, then change your plans. By skipping a few visits for others, or even entirely if this is justified, you can save some cash.

The time of visit is also an important consideration. If you plan it during the peak season, you will have to pay almost double the prices that you would have paid had you visited the destination in the off-seasons. The destinations will also be jam packed during peak season and you won’t be able to enjoy the place at a more leisurely pace.

Stray off the Beaten Track

It is true that people frequent well-known tourist destinations, especially in the holiday season. But if you ask around a little and conduct an online research, you can come up with spectacular destinations which are not thronged by tourists. The appeal of the locations will be similar or in some cases, higher than the famous tourist locations. You will have two benefits by opting for this course of action. First is the reduced cost.

The managers of the less frequented tourist destination have a job of popularizing them and the best way to do it is by offering cheap deals from accommodation to food. The second benefit is that you have visited a place that your friends or colleagues have not visited or haven’t even heard about! That satisfaction cannot be matched by any expensive travel package.

5 Best Countries for Backpacking on a Bicycle

It may not be easy to travel with nothing but a backpack and the power of your own two legs, but the right trip can be the experience of a lifetime. Ready to kick off and see the world? Here are the five best countries for backpacking on a bicycle.

Morocco

Morocco is famous for its rich history and multi-ethnic culture. Entering a new neighbourhood can feel like entering a new world, one with food, fashion and music all of its own. When you’re living out of a backpack, this kind of variety will blow your mind!
Morocco is also a great place for cycling thanks to the prevalence of cyclists already there. It’s a common form of transportation among the working class, so you’ll find tolerant traffic and plenty of side-of-the-road stops for water and other essentials.
If you’re looking for the best of variety and convenience, say hello to Morocco and goodbye to dehydrated snack bars.

Scotland

The windy mountain passes of Scotland make for a great challenge and an even better story when you get home. That isn’t all of the scenery, either – you can also bike across beaches, valleys and daisy fields. Accommodation comes in the form of luxury resorts and old-fashioned lodges alike. The food is exquisite, the culture endlessly interesting, and the people are friendly and welcoming from the day you arrive until the day you leave.
With all these reasons to bike through Scotland, why wouldn’t you?

Japan

Japan is very bike-friendly, which will come in handy when you’re passing through the cities and trying to avoid traffic. Commuters are used to cyclists and you’ll find clean, clearly-marked marked paths as you pedal through.
That said, the real reason to bike through Japan is the sheer variety of the country. In the Kanto prefecture you’ll find sprawling skyscrapers and city fever, but travel just fifty miles north and you’ll hit the cool air and lush green hills of Tohoku. Go further still and you’ll find yourself in Hokkaido, the land of snow.
If you’re looking for a country that’s practical and breathtaking by equal measure, look no further than Japan.

Albania

It isn’t a popular tourist destination, but that is, of course, part of the appeal. Albania is one of the few places left in the world that’s truly unspoiled. Very little of the country has been branded, commercialized or polluted, and the people are still friendly and open, unwary of tourists. The trees are green and the beaches are blue. The mountains will offer an irresistible challenge to serious cyclists.
Best of all? Albania is dirt cheap. Food and lodging will cost you as little as 2€ a night!

New Zealand

With two islands, you’ll never run out of land to cover in New Zealand. The North Island offers the quintessential city experience of shops, restaurants and nightlife, and its southern counterpart is ideal for mountain biking and has some of the most striking natural scenery this side of the equator. It’s a great place to see, explore, and simply be – and you can take every experience and times it by two. Just be sure not to forget your camera!

TOP 10 Low Cost Countries to Go Backpacking

With every day fluctuations in the currency rates, the US dollar might be world’s worst currency to have, especially when you love travelling but the balance in your bank account holds you back from indulging yourself. There are still many places around the world that still remain cheap and thus making them easily accessible. Although we can’t guarantee the security, but the countries listed below are the best places to go backpacking, if you’re travelling on US dollar.

10. India

With the currency rate of 48 Rupee to a Dollar, India has always been the cheapest country to travel to against the US Dollar. The country is quite inexpensive for student traveler coming across from the US and Europe, offering small luxuries at a small price. Although, there are not many direct flights from the United States to India, but you get to travel half-way across the globe in less than a $ 1000, which is actually not so bad considering the distance.

The hill stations of Simla and Tawang are the most scenic spots the country offers, yet there is also the coastline of Goa, with its sandy beaches with clear water. However, there are many expensive, luxurious hotels and other places that can take you over the budget. One might just be spending a bit more than planned in the recession hit country.

9. Eastern Europe

The rising rate of the Euro against the dollar has got many of us to drop the idea of backpacking around Europe. However, backpacking across Europe is not what it used to be, but this also has a plus side. Now backpackers can explore Europe further in towards the East and not just roaming about London, Barcelona, Paris, Berlin, Amsterdam, and Rome – sounds familiar, doesn’t it? The best places for budget travelers are the beautiful yet quiet countries of the Eastern Europe – Slovenia, Bulgaria, Croatia, Serbia, Romania, Hungary and Czech Republic.

You can expect to be paying around $ 50-60 a day, if you’re planning to spend a good time in Eastern Europe. Budapest, Bucharest, Prague and Sofia are rich in culture and have an interesting Gothic history, which attracts many people the place. However culture and history are not the only things the Eastern Europe is all about, you might want to travel to Slovenia that is one of the most beautiful countries across Eastern Europe with Lake Bled as its top tourist attraction. You can even take a tour of the city of Zadar in Croatia, with its mystifying waterfront – the Riva.

8. Costa Rica

The country with its absolute diversity and changing climate is the favorite destination spot of all classes of people. Costa Rica is probably the most expensive South American country on the map yet its prices are still very affordable as one dollar now get 500 Colons. Another added bonus is that people travelling from the US get a very affordable ticket and you’ll probably need $ 40 per day if you’re living on a tight budget, otherwise a budget of $ 60 a day can make your stay quite comfortable.

Costa Rica can be a perfect holiday spot for thrill seekers, families and even honeymooners. The country has the most variant and vibrant lifestyle, offering to show more than expected. These destinations include the numerous volcanic formations, 300 beaches across its Pacific and Caribbean coastline, and tropical rainforests that are titled as “the jewel of the Earth”.

7. Malawi

While Africa is full of nature and wildlife, yet its attraction for backpackers and budget travelers is Malawi, located in the southeast of Africa and bordered by Zambia, Tanzania and Mozambique. Malawi’s central attraction is its beautiful freshwater lake, the Lake Malawi. However, Lake Malawi isn’t the only tourist attraction of the country.

Malawi like most African countries has the most beautiful and diverse landscape, rich in flora and fauna. The highest peaks in Malawi are over 10,000ft while the lowest point is hardly above sea level. Malawi is a lush green country with plateaus, plains, highlands, dramatic river valleys and wildlife that makes up its nine national parks. There are many tour operators from Europe and North America that run in Malawi, making it easier and accessible for visitors from different countries to visit this beautiful country.

6. Argentina

The football crazy nation is another country whose currency has lost a count to the dollar. The land with a rich history, natural attractions and excellent food, Argentina is an amazing place to go backpacking. Well even if you don’t get to travel much, there is always their excellent wine and steak to make sure that you never stay hungry. Argentina’s capital, Buenos Aires is considered one of liveliest cities in the world. The best part about travelling to Argentina is that you don’t need to be carrying a translation book for most people can speak English fluently.

So if you’re looking for the time of your life and a little thrill, Argentina is the best of all the South American countries to travel to and it’s very economical too. Budget travelers and students can get around a day for less than $ 40.

5. Zanzibar

If you’re looking for wildlife and adventure, then Zanzibar is the best option for you. The African country lies off the coast of Tanzania. Although there is a political rift between the two countries as Tanzania contests the independence of Zanzibar, there is definitely no security scare for travelers travelling to the country.

Zanzibar is rich in wildlife, which is home to the world’s most unique and some possibly extinct creatures. The adventure lies at the hunt to look for the Zanzibar leopard, which remains so well concealed that people think it is extinct. And if the tourists get bored of the wild goose chase, there is always the Stone Town, which is a world heritage site built of winding streets and incredible stone architecture that has remained unchanged for over 200 years.

4. Luxembourg

Wow! This is one place you can almost live like the rich and famous at only $ 26, who’d have thought that the founding member country of the United Nations, NATO and the European Union could be so economical. Still Luxembourg is not as rich as its history is, making backpacking across the country more affordable than its neighbors, Germany, France and Belgium.

Luxembourg is a cultural and religious mix, with people settled from different parts of the world in this small country. The country has its attractions in its fairytale-like medieval castles, dense forests, rolling hills and a vibrant city life that found only in the capital, the Luxembourg City.

3. Greece

We probably owe it all to this European country for the falling Euro rates; Greece has amazingly become cheaper than ever before. Always the most economic European country, Greece with its wonderful beaches and islands is more affordable, costing only 3 Euros a day making the price only a fraction of what you can get in other European countries.

We all know the mythical magic of Greece and how it has managed to captivate tourist from across the world to visit the land of mythical creatures and gods. The Greek islands have gotten more into our reach, making Greece the most under rated budget destination in Europe.

2. Vietnam

With each passing year, Vietnam is improving on the tourism scale. This year at number 10 at our list, Vietnam has become one of the most desirable tourist attractions for people who want to keep travelling light on their wallets. The country is not very much developed and that is what makes it more interesting. Backpacking around Vietnam is cheap and a friendly experience. You can get a habitable guest house, local food, transportation all in just $ 8 a day.

The S shaped land of Vietnam has its biggest attraction in the form of its coastline. The country is rich in its culture and the people friendly. The natural beauty of Vietnam has no comparison, from the white sandy beaches of Nha Trang, the Cu Chi Tunnels, Mekong River Delta and the Sapa Terraces. If that is not all, one is bound to visit the Phu Quoc Island whose beaches have been chosen as the most beautiful and clean beaches across the world, by the ABC News.

1. Cambodia

A country which is cheap beyond your imagination, you can book a room in Cambodia that cost as little as $ 2 a night. The best part about travelling to Cambodia is that you don’t need to go running to get your currency exchanged as you can pay directly in dollars too.

With all the security scare of the early 2000, Cambodia has now become a pretty safe place to travel and the local people are always willing to help, making the country people the most friendly nation travelers can come across. One thing about travelling to Cambodia is that mostly tourists don’t visit the country with any expectation but can’t help smiling on their way back. The must visit place in Cambodia is the Angkor Wat, which is the most amazing historical site in the world.

 

Backpack Food Preparation Important Point

Food Preparation

Stoves

There are several different types of stoves that are used for scouts. The easiest to use and
least expensive is the type that screws on to a propane bottle. They are very inexpensive,
but are heavy and the empty bottle must be hiked out.
For backpacking however, propane just doesn’t cut it. At high
elevations or in extreme cold, propane bottles will freeze and
reduce their heat output to a bare trickle. For many situations we
use butane stoves. These are simple to use, easy to light and
maintain their usefulness under most conditions.

For long term backpacking, especially in severe conditions, there’s
nothing like white gas stoves. They put out a tremendous amount of heat,
are economical and will get water boiling quickly. We use the MSR
Dragonfly because of it’s ability to adjust the flame and simmer. Boys
are always taught how to safely use the equipment, and adults will fuel
these stoves.
We also use the Primus Himalaya. It can use either butane canisters or white gas.
Depending on the scout and their level of training, they might use this stove with either of
the two types of fuel.

Cooking and Eating Gear

Crew Gear

Each crew will bring it’s own cooking gear. While there are many different types of
backpacking cooksets made out of exotic metals with space age finishes, we’ve
discovered that good old aluminum works wonderfully for Boy Scouts. There’s no finish
to get scratched and the heat distributes throughout very evenly. A pot or two usually
suffices, but if pancakes are planned, a frying pan is a must.
The basic cooking utensil for backpacking is a large spoon. Many of our meals are one
pot pastas, rices, or beans. Occasionally, a spatula is needed. The other utensil that is
necessary is a knife. Pocketknives and one or two Lexan personal knives are great for a
crew. Each crew should be sure they have the proper gear, either from the troop supply
or their own.

Personal Gear

As far as personal eating utensils go, less is better. A sierra cup and a
spoon is all that is really necessary. Some like to bring a complete set of
Lexan eating utensils, a plate and a cup. Frisbees
make good plates, and you can play with them after
dinner too! Very few people carry extra eating
utensils, so remember to bring your own, every time!
It gets very tiring trying to borrow something to eat with at every meal.

What to Cook

Now that we know what to cook with, we’ve got to make some decisions about what
we’re going to eat! Here are a few suggestions.
Dinners - when we backpack we usually like to have big dinners because we're so hungry
when we set up camp. I try to find dinners that require a good deal of water in preparation
to help us rehydrate.
pastas: couscous, orzo, dried cheese tortellini, ramen, fusilli
sauces: Knorr's pesto mix, tomato soup mix, mac&cheese cheese packet
rice and beans: dehydrated refried beans, lentils, minute rice
breads: tortillas, pita bread, bagels
vegetables: instant mashed potato flakes, dried black mushrooms, sun dried
tomatoes, dried green onions
soups: corn chowder, black bean, chicken veggie, pasta/rice primavera, split pea,
hot and sour, chicken soup, tex mex
meats: beef jerky
extra: pinenuts, pulverized potato chips

Lunches - we usually don't like to pull out the stove when we break for lunch. Most of
what we eat for lunches requires no cooking whatsoever and is fast and easy to prepare.
breads: pita bread, bagels, tortillas
meats: beef jerkey, dry salami, pepperoni
dried fruits: dried apples, dried cranberries, prunes, dried peaches
vegetables: carrots, corn, jicama (these are for shorter trips)
other: cheese, hummus, crackers, GORP

Breakfasts - Quick and easy is usually the way to go, so that we can get out on the trail
right away. Sometimes, we’ll hike for a little bit then pull out the food on the trail.
Cereals: oatmeal, granola with fruit and powdered milk
Rice: Minute Rice with powdered milk and brown sugar
Eggs: powdered eggs with cheese, or as a breakfast burrito

Snacks – Trail mixes, energy bars and hard candies are all great ways to keep up your
energy on the trail.

Packaging

Don’t forget to repackage all your food for the trail! That will mean taking off any extra
cardboard, putting things in Ziploc bags and bagging your trail mix. Don’t carry
anything into the backcountry that you don’t absolutely need, or that you’ll have to carry
out again as trash.

Dishwashing

The most difficult thing about backcountry dishwashing for boys is the preparation. It is
very important that no food be left on their plates or cups, or in the pot. The more food
there is, the more our limited supply of water is polluted. Plates and cups should be
licked clean, before being washed and sanitized. Putting a little hot water into the cup
and swishing it around before drinking it not only helps clean the utensils, but also gets a
little more water into them for hydration. Any leftover water should be emptied into a six
inch deep cathole, strained for food debris. All leftover food and garbage must be packed
out.
One cool trick is to use a platypus to rinse the dishes. By squirting a little water onto the
dishes, you can rinse them quickly and thoroughly, and use very little water.

Basic Backpacks: The Outdoor Code

The Outdoor Code

* Be clean in my outdoor manners.
I will treat the outdoors as a heritage.
I will take care of it for myself and others
I will keep my trash and garbage out of lakes, streams, fields, woods, and
roadways.

* Be careful with fire.
I will prevent wildfire.
I will build my fires only where they are appropriate.
When I have finished using a fire, I will make sure it is cold out.
I will leave a clean fire ring, or remove all evidence of my fire.

* Be considerate in the outdoors.
I will treat public and private property with respect.
I will use low-impact methods of hiking and camping.
and

* Be conservation minded
I will learn how to practice good conservation of soil, waters, forests,
minerals, grasslands, wildlife, and energy.
I will urge others to do the same.

Prinicples of Leave No Trace

Plan Ahead and Prepare

Know the regulations and special concerns for the area you'll visit.
Prepare for extreme weather, hazards, and emergencies.
Schedule your trip to avoid times of high use.
Visit in small groups. Split larger parties into groups of 4-6.
Repackage food to minimize waste.
Use a map and compass to eliminate the use of marking paint, rock cairns or flagging.

Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces

Durable surfaces include established trails and campsites, rock, gravel, dry grasses or snow.
Protect riparian areas by camping at least 200 feet from lakes and streams.
Good campsites are found, not made. Altering a site is not necessary.
In popular areas:
Concentrate use on existing trails and campsites.
Walk single file in the middle of the trail, even when wet or muddy.
Keep campsites small. Focus activity in areas where vegetation is absent.
In pristine areas
Disperse use to prevent the creation of campsites and trails.
Avoid places where impacts are just beginning.

Dispose of Waste Properly

Pack it in, pack it out. Inspect your campsite and rest areas for trash or spilled foods.
Pack out all trash, leftover food, and litter.
Deposit solid human waste in catholes dug 6 to 8 inches deep at least 200 feet from water, camp, and trails.
Cover and disguise the cathole when finished. Pack out toilet paper and hygiene products.
To wash yourself or your dishes, carry water 200 feet away from streams or lakes and use small amounts
of biodegradable soap. Scatter strained dishwater.

Leave What You Find

Preserve the past: examine, but do not touch, cultural or historic structures and artifacts.
Leave rocks, plants and other natural objects as you find them.
Avoid introducing or transporting non-native species.
Do not build structures, furniture, or dig trenches.

Minimize Campfire Impacts

Campfires can cause lasting impacts to the backcountry. Use a lightweight stove for cooking and enjoy a
candle lantern for light.
Where fires are permitted, use established fire rings, fire pans, or mound fires.
Keep fires small. Only use sticks from the ground that can be broken by hand.
Burn all wood and coals to ash, put out campfires completely, then scatter cool ashes.

Respect Wildlife

Observe wildlife from a distance. Do not follow or approach them.
Never feed animals. Feeding wildlife damages their health, alters natural behaviors, and exposes them to
predators and other dangers.
Protect wildlife and your food by storing rations and trash securely.
Control pets at all times, or leave them at home.
Avoid wildlife during sensitive times: mating, nesting, raising young, or winter.

Be Considerate of Other Visitors
 

Respect other visitors and protect the quality of their experience.
Be courteous. Yield to other users on the trail.
Step to the downhill side of the trail when encountering pack stock.
Take breaks and camp away from trails and other visitors.
Let nature's sounds prevail. Avoid loud voices and noises.

The Ten Essentials Backpacks Must Know

The Ten Essentials

 

Each scout should carry, on every outing, the ten essentials as outlined in his Scout
Handbook, page 224. What are the ten essentials?

1. Pocketknife. Pocketknives are a really important part of scouting. Each scout
will learn how to safely use a knife, how to sharpen it and how to care for it.
There are official BSA knives that
are fine, as well as other brands.
When buying a knife, do not buy the
cheapest one you can find! It’s really
important that the steel be capable of
holding a good edge. More accidents happen with a dull blade than a sharp one.
Please do not buy any fixed blade knives or overly large ones. There is really no
need for these types of knives. Also, consider the weight. Multi-tool knives, like
Leatherman or Gerber’s are very heavy and should not be used.

2. First Aid Kit. It is very important that each scout carries his own first aid kit The
exact contents should include everything that is detailed in the Scout Handbook
for a personal first aid kit. (Eye protection can be excluded) In addition, each
scout should bring those items that he often needs such as special medications,
bandages, etc. Purchasing first aid kits complete from a sporting goods store can
be very expensive. It’s usually much more cost effective to put your own kit
together. The troop will carry it’s own first aid kit, usually with a more
comprehensive selection of items. This is not to be seen as a substitute for each
boy having his own kit.

3. Extra Clothing. This often can include a shirt, or warm outer layer. On
backpacking trips, extra clothing is important in case the scout gets wet, or
clothing is torn.

4. Rain Gear. This might be self-explanatory, but every scout should be prepared. A
poncho is the absolute minimum that a scout should have, but it is far better to
have a full rain suit. It provides protection from the rain when it’s coming in from
an angle, and can also be layered with other clothing to provide extra warmth. A
pack cover should also be considered. Trash bags don’t work terribly well, but
will do in a pinch. Putting your sleeping bag in a trash bag inside your stuff bag
(lot’s of bags!) will save you the experience of spending a wet, clammy night.


5. Water Bottle. There are as many types of water bottles as there are
scouts. It is not advisable to carry the store bought sports bottle
type. They leak and are difficult to refill.

Each scout should have a real, refillable
water bottle.
If a scout has a hydration pack, like Camelback or
Platypus, they should also have a refillable water
bottle. Nalgene, or other wide mouth bottle fit our water
purifiers perfectly and are very useful for camp tasks. The
hydration packs are great for on the trail. For most backpacks,
all that is need is the bladder and the hose, not an entire
backpack. It’s recommended that each scout have both a
hydration system (just the bag and the tube) and a water bottle.
Scouts should not bring Gatorade or any other flavored drink. They should never put
drink mix in their personal canteens. The troop will bring a large container to mix
drinks in, and it will be hung in the bear bag each night.


6. Flashlight. Even for a day hike, a flashlight is important. If we are delayed, or if
we find a small cave, a flashlight will be helpful. There are

several different types of flashlights, but the key concern
is weight. A Maglite with four D cell batteries is not
going to help out a young scout. Consider something
with two AA batteries, and remember to pack an extra
set. Head lamps are becoming very popular, but they
are still expensive compared to typical hand held flashlights.

7. Trail Food. How much food will a scout need? It’s very surprising, but scouts
will need less food than you think, especially at high elevations. Bringing along a
few snacks, perhaps one energy bar and one fruit snack per day will be plenty on
a long hike. The weight really adds up when you’re going to be on the trail for 9
days! We often bring trail mix, or GORP (Good Old Raisins and Peanuts) as part
of our food preparation. Do not pack super smelly items or things that will melt.

8. Matches and Firestarters. We require every boy to bring matches to each outing.
It is not “safer” if they don’t have matches! If we can’t comfortable. Rest assured, each scout will be taught proper usage and be supervised. Parents please, do not take your scouts matches away!

9. Sun Protection. This is not limited to sunscreen. A scout should also have a hat
that covers his ears, and eye protection. The troop has outdoor hats that meet this
need.

10. Map and Compass. Every scout should own a compass . We use them on every
hike, every camping trip. There are several requirements related
to knowing how to use a compass . While there are many types
of compasses available, the one that best suits the needs of a Boy
Scout is a base-plate or orienting compass. This type of compass
allows a scout to orient maps and take bearings easily. Other
types of compasses, especially those without a base plate are
typically frustrating for a scout. No scout should bring a GPS.