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First-time camper...need advice on buying equipment?

I am a member of a co-ed boy scout venturing troop, and since our troop is new, right now we're raising money to go on high adventure trips. Next month, we are going along with a wilderness first aid class out camping, and we're cooking. We have a permanent camp, and I think we're using the troop's tents, and I have my own sleeping bag. My troop will be used in demonstrations on how to administer first aid.

I think I'm going to need to buy hiking shoes, and a good sturdy backpack thats made for hiking. Does anyone have any advice on what kinds of things I need to buy, and what type, because I've never gone camping before.

Also, I live right next to a Cabela's, so I plan on buying my stuff there.

Thanks!

Public Comments

1. If you're going to be hiking the best advice I can give you is to buy the best pair of socks you can afford. It makes a huge difference in how you feel when you're hiking, ask at the camping store and they can show you what they've got. Before you lay a bunch of money on a backpack I would find out for sure if you need one as they can be fairly pricey. You'll need bug spray for sure as well. The rest is really common sense.

2. The rule of camping is to first borrow, then buy. My family, kids and grandkids have been camping across this great nation for fifty years. Pretty early on we had piles of junk, and we only know experienced campers who have the same issues and policies. Also, big backpacks carry more, so you better be rather strong to start if you want one. Small back packs are easier if you are not a weight lifter.

Find a friend who is an expert camper. Borrow what you think you will like. Try it once. If you ever use it, it is the right size and it does not hurt, only then do you buy it.

The best way to prepare is to envision yourself on a walk, and have to go to the bathroom and shower and eat somewhere on the way. What would you bring, wear, need, carry? There's your plan for the terrain, season and weather. Have fun!

3. do you plan on hiking?
are you leaving your cars far away?

I wouldn't make things more difficult then they need to be, tennis shoes will work fine if your not hiking far ( parking lot to camp ground) and the same goes for the pack.( just carry your stuff)

4. Cotton is to avoid, because it becomes cold and chilly when wet and it dries slowly. If you want to keep moisture away from your skin, polyester are a good choice as underwear because it moves the moisture to your outer layers of clothing. Midlayers such as fleece and other polystitch fabrics are great, because it keeps your body warm, while moving the moisture away.

As outerwear you may want to consider water and wind-resistant clothes depending on the weather conditions. Always be prepared for changing weather conditions; bring extra socks, a hat(protection from the sun), and good quality rain clothes. *It can be smart to consider to bring a foot-moisturizer or balm, when your feet suddenly can appear sore when backpacking and hiking. Bring different types of socks, it makes it easier to find your favorite type.

5. http://camping.about.com/od/campinggearchecklists/l/blchklist.htm
Check this link for a good packing checklist.

6. Be conservative about buying allot until you find out whether you like camping.

7. It sounds like you are going to a site camp. You probably will not be doing much backpacking, since the objective of this outing appears to be medical training. Talk with your crew president and find out a little more about the agenda. If you are not going backpacking, I would buy a good crew bag (a relatively inexpensive over-sized gym bag with a couple of external pockets). Then you can go to school on the others in your crew. Ask them what they like and dislike about their backpacks, then make up your own mind. (I am a Scout adult leader and I use my crew bag for 60% to 75% of our outings. It is no good for back packing but it takes up less room in my tent and car.)
Next, buy a good pair of hiking boots and start wearing them around the house now. Most Scout camps discourage cars and you will probably be walking at least two to three miles a day. If you try to do a long hike in a new pair of boots before they are broken in, there is a good chance you will be the subject of the day's first aid exercise. Be aware the Scout camps do not allow open toed shoes or sandals, except on the beach.
Other gear for site camping: sleeping pad, mess gear (plate, bowl, cup, eating implements), rain gear, flash light, compass, notebook and pen (important for any training exercise), water bottle, toiletries, jackknife, toilet paper (camps usually have enough, but when they don't, it is not good. Poison ivy seems to love to grow near outhouses). I also usually carry a camera and a small daypack (I usually carry a Camelback daypack. It carries water, pen, and notebook, and I can put in a hoodie and raingear for weather changes.)
As far as clothes, the BSA finally seems to have gotten their uniforms right for camping. I carry one full uniform, a set of UnderArmor running gear for emergencies or if I need another layer of warmth, a hoodie, a jacket, gloves, hat, and one clothes packet per day, plus one spare. A clothes packet is a Ziploc bag with a pair of underwear, a pair of socks, and either a cotton (summer) or polypropylene (winter) T-shirt. Each night I change into clean dry clothes before I crawl into my bag for the night. Then I am ready the next morning.
Again, go to school on your colleagues. Most of the guys will have been in Scouts since 11, so they will have anywhere from 3 to 10 years more camping experience. Watch them and incorporate what seems to work into your routine.

8. Before you run out and spend a lot of money, ask your Crew advisor exactly what you will be doing and where you will be hiking (if at all.)

It sounds to me as you will most likely be camping in one spot and possibly hiking a mile or so to various places in the woods where you will play the victim. Then when it's time for lunch you'll walk back to camp, and then do it all over after lunch again.

Most times at scout camp, you drive right up to the campsite. I've been to dozens of scout camps all around the country. It's very rare that you cannot drive to a campsite. But do ask your leaders. There are times they make everyone park in the lot and hike to the site. You usually can do this in a good pair of running shoes.

If you can drive, you don't need a big backpack to haul your stuff. A good daypack is something to have anyway. But unless you are going on a long backpacking trip, I'd wait to see what you are doing before you go buy an expensive pack.

If your Venturing Crew is affiliated with a regular Troop, there is a good chance someone will have a backpack they can loan you if you really need one for this weekend. As for hiking shoes/boots...they are a good thing to have regardless. Cabela's staff tends to do a good job fitting boots. Make sure you get measured properly and try on several pairs. Don't be afraid to try the extra insole inserts. They cost a bit more, but they really help most people.