From: Brian Gannon (bgannon@cox.rr.com)
Date: Tue Apr 23 2002 - 21:05:27 CDT
> Thanks in advanceIWTGBTPYISHikiing Czar
1. How many quarts/liters should each scout/person really bring?
The "Guidebook to Adventure" says 2-3 quarts per person, I highly
recommend (as most on this board probably would) 3 quarts per person.
In addition, you may consider having each crew member bring along a
fourth water bottle to be used when hiking into dry camps, rather than a
couple of 2.5-gallon water jugs, which are cumbersome to carry.
2. My personal water bottles, very durable nalgene, have been used for
years and have gone through the wringer having held water, koolaide,
soup, extra food etc. they make a great place to store duct tape. Should
I replace them? With what? Some scouts like those camel back things, but
I think that is a lot of weight to carry for the privilege of drinking
through a long straw.
If possible, I would recommend buying new ones. I love Nalgene bottles
- they are extremely durable. However, even if they've only had
Kool-Aid in them once, they are forever considered a smellable (as are
those that have duct tape wrapped around them). I recommend either
bring a pitcher for the crew to mix drinks in or else each person
designating one water bottle for smellables and ensuring that the others
never have anything but water in them.
As far as Camelbacks go, I don't like them. To me, they are an
expensive piece of unnecessary equipment. They take up valuable room
inside a pack, whereas water bottles can fit easily in the water bottle
holders most packs are equipped with. The straws get dirty easily.
Also, it is impossible to monitor how much water is being consumed - as
advisors, we need to monitor water intake of the Scouts (and ourselves!)
to prevent dehydration. And lastly, if you are wandering around camp,
or taking a short sidehike without your pack, it is much more convenient
to carry a water bottle with you (some hiking shorts have special large
pockets for water bottles) than dragging along a camelback
3.If i decide to stay with my old "familiar" water bottles, can I expect
to put them up in the bear bag, or is it ok to keep one under my tent
fly, if I stick it in a hiking boot t mask the 'smell"
Any water bottle that is considered a "smellable" must go in the bear
bag at night - no exceptions. Other water bottles are usually left
either by the fire ring or the sump overnight. Some bears have
associated the sight of water bottles with bug juice and may try to get
into them, regardless of what's in them. Therefore, it's not a wise
idea to leave them anywhere near your tent.
Hope this helps...
-----
Brian Gannon
Philmont Ranger 1997-2000
718G 2002
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