[Philmont]: RE: [Philmont]:  Pack size?

Couple of comments from a Philmont Rookie, although I have ten 50 milers
behind me.

Pack Size:

            Don’t forget that there is a difference between internal frame
and external frame. You need 500 to 1000 in3 more for an internal frame
because you loose the ability to strap to the frame. Yes you can strap to
the outside of an internal, but it has to be lighter items or you mess up
your center of gravity. I have a 6000+ in3 internal which I manage to fill
during winter outings and 7+ trips with no resupply. My son has a 4500 in3
internal and he manages to take more than his share of troop gear and food
and still has room. My younger son has a 3500 in3 external which he straps
the tent and sleeping bag directly to the frame and there is plenty of room
for 4-5 days of food. We typically carry about the same amount of gear as
philmont, 2+ quarts of water and food for 4-5 days although the food volume
is less than philmont.

Scout weight vs Pack weight:

Although the 20-25% ratio is a good rule of thumb, it is just that. You
need to take the crew out on training trips and determine who can handle how
much. As an example from this past summers 50 miler on the Long Trail in
Northern Vermont. I had a 14 year old who weighed 175 lbs ( 44 lbs pack at
25%). He wasn’t in as good a shape as most of the other guys and I had to
reduce by about 8 lbs. I had a 12 year old who weighed 82 lbs (21 lbs pack
at 25%). He was in excellent shape and I loaded him up to 25 lbs (30%) with
no problems. The point is evaluate each individual and get them in good
shape. They feel better about themselves and it elevates overall morale.
To make a point, if you’ve ever been in the White Mountains of New
Hampshire, the crews at the huts routinely carry 80+ lb loads and they
definetly don’t have a 320 lb body weight. There in shape.

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Received on Mon Dec 1 21:18:35 2003