For a first backpacking experience a scoutmaster in a troop I use to belong to lead a group of 11 year old scouts cross country over exposed granite in 100 degree weather in the High Sierras. He had not made sure that they had water with them -- and none of them did. Those scouts swore that they would never go backpacking again. Several of them sat down on the trail and began to cry. That is what you are not suppose to do.

* My current troop plans the boys first experience at Pt Reyes on a Rim of the Bay Hike.

Troop is divided: Younger boys go to Coast camp and hike in along the beach. Older boys take a strenuous high adventure type hike at the other end of the park. Both groups experience a hike at their appropriate level of expertise, and they love it.

HISTORY

I need one of you to model the various packs as I describe them.

Pre WWII the most famous was the Trapper Nelson - a wooden frame somewhat contoured to the body horizontally, but not vertically. It had a canvas back and canvas bag attached to the frame by steel wires. It was known as the back manger; They were a shoulder carrying pack. Troop 701 uses a similar pack to this pack for the boys first backpacking experience. It is meant to make them appreciate modern equipment. Since the hike is easy along the ocean surf it does not pose a problem for them.

The Bergan ruck sack started to trend to metal but were known as kidney killers. There were basically war surplus equipment. This frame is similar to that kind of a back pack.

Kelty inaugurated the modern pack. Now most frames are made of aluminum alloy tubes. The modern hip belt came from a 19th century patent by Henry Merriam. Dick Kelty was the first to create a true hip carry pack. Now 60 to 75% of the weight is carried on the hips. The load is carried high and the weight is transmitted to the hips. This pack from REI is an example of the modern pack.


KINDS OF PACKS

There are two kinds of frames - Internal and External

The internal has the advantage that it molds to your back and is more comfortable on long treks. It gives the hiker greater stability because the weight on it will not shift and pull you off balance. I don�t have a sample of an internal pack to show you.

The external is a cooler pack to carry because it allows air to circulate across your back. I find that most scouts prefer this kind of pack.


WEIGHT FACTORS

General Rule - no more than 20% of your weight as an adult - assuming that you are not over weight. Your own height and physical condition are also factors. Test your back by starting with modest load and short hikes and then increase. The average girl at 14 and boy at 16 have adult capacities. A frail person, even in top condition may stagger under 1/5th their body weight. The aim is to make it fun -- do not overburden your boys so that they are not enjoying it. Some modern theories state that the 20% figure is too low. Just remember that the boy scout aim is to have fun -- not to prove themselves through physical endurance.


PACKING THE PACK
[pass out handouts: Equipment List]
The hand out covers a recommended equipment list and general directions for packing both a internal and external frame pack.

Some things to think about when packing your pack are:
-Items used only in camp go inside the bag
-Items required on the trail or for emergencies go in the outer pockets
-Put items in the same place every time
-Locate heavy items close to back and high up
-Keep metal objects away from the back
-Use plastic bags to keep things dry.


PACK INSPECTION
[select a scout master]

I am a 98 pound boy who is going on my first back packing trip. I am so excited that I spent hours packing my pack to make sure that I have everything I need for the trip. I�m so proud of my pack. You are my scout master and it is your job to check my pack. Take everything out of it and let me know what I should leave home and what I forgot to bring.

[include items like radios, hatchets, buckets, empty water bottles, along with the gear that the scout will need for the trip]