What Camp Kit To Buy

Background	You don't need that much stuff to go camping, and most of it you will already have, however there are a few specialist bits and peices that you will have to buy. Cheap kit will always let you down when you least need it, cheap rucksacks split, cheap boots leak and you will be cold in cheap sleeping bags. You are better off only buying what you need and spending a little extra rather than trying to get it all at once. If you are starting from scratch then I would suggest the following order to buy stuff, although in practice you might need to play it by ear.

Sleeping bag	watch this space

Sleeping Mat	These retain an amazing amount of heat and are absolutely essential for everything other than mid summer camps. For normal camps buy a solid rubbery one, they will stand up to life in a parol tent well, and you can wrap it round your sleeping bag to protect it on journeys. For expeditions get one with air bubbles to keep the weight down. Roll it up and store by itself on top of your rucksack, behind your head. I know of at least one person whose life was saved when he was knocked down by a motor bike and the roll mat protected his skull. Keep it in a plastic bag to stop it absorbing water. To reduce weight and bulk consider a 3/4 or 1/2 length one, the surface area of your legs is quite low compared to the rest of your body, and so won't loose as much heat. Ł5-Ł10 Camping International, Outdoor Shop (Maidstone) or Field and Trek (Canterbury).

Wet Weather Gear	watch this space

Bags, Packs and Rucksacks	Day Sack For day activities a small two strap bag for carrying waterproofs, lunch, a drink and a first aid kit will be ideal. They are good for taking a change of clothes and other bits scout meetings, and many people use them as school bags. Use it with both straps whenever possible to avoid back ache and neck strain. Can be used on a bike for short distances. Ł10 from Argos or Camping International. Holdall/Duffel bag For most camps you are better off with a Large shapeless bag big or holdall than a rucksack. These take less room in the tent, don't get damaged so easily, and ar realtively cheap. Good handles or a wrap around strap are best, but they can be awkward to carry any distance for smaller scouts. Ł10+ from Savacentre, Argos, or Camping International Rucksack Most scouts don't go on activities where they have to carry their kit any distance until they are 13, so there isn't much point paying out for a rucksack until then. A decent one it will last well into adult life, but will be too big and cumbersome for most younger scouts. My personal favourite is a large single compartment, with a solid frame and two side pockets, because I can arrange my gear easily and no space is wasted. Avoid extras like ice axe straps unless you plan to use them, they are just mor excess weight. Most bags say that they are water repellent or resistant, but they won't be. Put everything in solid plastic bags inside your rucksack, and the important stuff like sleeping bags consider two. Don't use rubbish sacks, they tear far too easily. On the other hand, you should still re-proof your rucksack regularly with Scotchguard of Fabsil. AS an experiment weigh your rucksack then put it out in the rain for a day and weigh it again, 20 years ago mine was over half a kilo heavier. Ł35-Ł120 Camping International, Outdoor Shop (Maidstone) or Field and Trek (Canterbury).

Boots	watch this space

Knife	watch this space

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