[philmont] Backpacks for Skinny Guys

Mike, you are right that the problem should have been discovered on a
shakedown hike. However, this points out a problem that skinny guys
have with backpacks - it is difficult to find one with a hip belt that
fits. Skinny guys will find that backpacks in a women's size will fit
better than men's sizes. Sometimes guys have a problem using a
"woman's" backpack. That's why the advisors need to explain the
seriousness of a properly fitting backpack to the parents, who are
usually buying (or borrowing) the backpack.

Dan Preston
Philmont '70, '72, '02, '06
On Aug 9, 2006, at 8:09 AM, Michael_J_Conkey@nbc.gov wrote:

>
>
>
>
> <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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As you gather around this virtual campfire with fellow
Scouts and Scouters, do your best to be trustworthy,
loyal, helpful, friendly, courteous, kind, obedient,
cheerful, thrifty, brave, clean and reverent.
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Received on Wed Aug 9 09:31:24 2006