[philmont] Gear Issues

<snip> He was too skinny for his hip belt and had to wear his fleece around
his waste for the
entire trip. Uncomfortable, but workable. <snip>

************

I snipped the above from a post. Not to harass the advisors for this trek,
but this is the kinds of thing that MUST (IMHO) be worked out during the
pre-trek training. One of our biggest priorities with the pre-trek
backpack trips is to see the youth IN THEIR PHILMONT GEAR so we advisors
can identify any discrepancies like the above that need to be worked out
ahead of time. Having a hip belt that doesn't fit is akin to having brand
new hiking boots that don't fit. It can be a show-stopper on the trail.
Pre-trek trips aren't to get the youth into shape. Most always, they have
age on their side and can physically handle most things. We use the
pre-trek hikes and backpacks to: learn the "Philmont Way", team-build and
bond as a group, and give the participants a chance to use their "Philmont
gear" ahead of time. This gives the participants time to make adjustments,
try out stuff, decide if you need to replace stuff, and help the advisors
head off gear troubles BEFORE hitting the ranch.... Now, advisors are a
different story as it relates to pre-trek stuff. We do use the pre-trek
activities to help them realize the kind of shape they need to be in for
Philmont. By forcing them on the trail once a month doing a hike or
backpack, it helps prepare them, mentally and physically. The fragile
links on the trail are usually the advisors, IMHO. Just my 2 cents, your
mileage will vary. Mike ('76, '02, '04 and '07).

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Received on Wed Aug 9 08:12:57 2006