In this video I discuss the big 3 (pack, sleeping system and tent) for new boy scouts. Keep the backpack under 4 lbs Keep the sleeping bag under 4 lbs Keep the sleeping pad under 1 lb And get a 5 lb tent to be split between 2 boys. Inexpensive Gear Pack Suggestions: Teton Sports Scout 3400 – on amazon, 4 lbs once you strip it down Alps Mountaineering Orizaba 3900 – once you sign up for Scoutdirect.com 3 lbs 12 oz Sleeping bag For 40-50 degree nights Alps Mountaineering Clearwater 35 degree ( with discount) 2 lbs 11 oz For 32-35 degree nights Alps Mountaineering Clearwater 20 degree ( with discount) 3 lbs 5 oz Sleeping pad Therm-a-rest Zlite 14 oz Therm-a-rest Ridge rest 14 oz. Tent Eureka Pinnacle Pass (discontinued, but available) 9, 5 lbs 4 oz Alps Mountaineering Lynx 2.0 with discount 5 lbs 2 oz Alps Mountaineering Zephyr 2 with discount 4 lbs 12 oz.

Before choosing a backpacking stove, consider where the trip will be, what type of fuels are available and how the weight of the stove may affect the backpacking trip. Learn about the benefits of multi-fuel stoves with help from a recreational kayaking instructor and outdoor adventurer in this free video on backpacking stoves. Expert: Dr. T. Scott Cook Contact: www.weu.com/about_us.htm Bio: Dr. T. Scott Cook has a degrees in Recreational Leadership and Outdoor Adventure from Greenfield Community College and the University of Massachusetts. Filmmaker: Christian Munoz-Donoso

When using a sleeping bag, stay warm by zipping it up all the way, laying on an insulated pad and wearing long underwear. Stay warm in a sleeping bag with tips on insulation and clothing choices from a backpacking guide in this free video on camping and hiking. Expert: Richard Fields Bio: Richard Fields has been an avid backpacker and backcountry guide for over 25 years. Filmmaker: Patrick Eaves

Before building a small camp, it’s important to find a nice, flat and comfortable spot that is high enough so that there is no risk of water coming to wash the camp away. Consider the impact a campsite may have on the nature of an area with help from a recreational kayaking instructor and outdoor adventurer in this free video on building a camp. Expert: Dr. T. Scott Cook Contact: www.weu.com/about_us.htm Bio: Dr. T. Scott Cook has a degrees in Recreational Leadership and Outdoor Adventure from Greenfield Community College and the University of Massachusetts. Filmmaker: Christian Munoz-Donoso

Leave the push-button world behind and come on along for a Nutnfancy backpacking trip. It seems like it’s always a sacrifice to peel away from the world and make it out to my wilderness places. Messages pile up, phones go unanswered, emails fill the inbox, and careers are put aside for awhile. But it’s always worth it and it creates one of those special memorable experiences. I do my best in this series to share it with you. As I mention in many of my vids, a wilderness backpacking adventure is one of my top recommended ways to make memories with your friends and family, instill wilderness confidence, learn about your gear (and yourself), and to “depussify” your children. That’s because it’s hard work and requires planning and lots of effort. Here we hike in about 7 miles on what soon becomes a snow covered, hidden trail. As shown, wading and post holing through 4 foot snow banks will wear you out, especially at high elevations. The upside to to this difficulty was the complete isolation we quickly achieved on this trip; we saw no one else in the three days we were up there and we owned the basin (though in warmer days this is a very high use area). With a steady but deliberate pace we reach a gorgeous high mountain lake, still partially frozen from the long winter. It is serene and beautiful. On the trail in this Part 1 of “Summer Snow Actual” I discuss trekking poles, backpacks, boots, gaitors, teaching your kids to hike, dog training, and other backpacking subjects …