Re: [Philmont]: Gear - Pack Size

This is to those adults lurking on this list who are uncertain about
equipment. My advice: know your equipment, be sure it's in excellent condition,
know how to fix it if it breaks, ditto for yourself (know yourself & be sure
you're in excellent condition), make a decision you and your crew can live with,
then go enjoy your trek.
 
In July 2003, on my first trip to Philmont, I was an assoc. crew advisor at
age 56. Our crew had 9 scouts from our troop and 2 adults, including myself.
  
 
After serious consideration, I decided to use my tried and true 1960s
vintage Kelty external frame pack rather than buy a new pack. I had upgraded belt
and shoulder straps about 1998. In 2002/3, I asked for opinions from this
list: would this be a big enough pack to handle the gear and food? John
LeBlanc and I had a constructive exchange off list, and I went ahead with my plan.
 
It worked out fine, although I had to be creative. I attached a Gerry
knapsack (another '60s relic) to the top of the Kelty. This arrangement while
ugly in profile permitted me to have my water bottles and our crew's first aid
kit readily accessible in the knapsack. Center of gravity was high. The
Kelty had only 2 smallish zippered pockets and one "large" bag 8 x 15 x 20.
Thus, my total "internal" cubic inches were somewhat over 4,000. Sleeping bag
and 3/4 length Thermarest fit in Outdoor Research dry compression bag, which
was strapped with my share of a Philtent against the frame outside and below
the Kelty bag.
 
I should add, my equipment is kept in top condition, and I have used it
regularly for nearly 40 years. I was not worried about equipment failure,
although I took along spare parts for the frame. They were not needed.
 
I carried my share of the gear and food for our crew of 11. My pack -- in
part due to its age and 'heavy' aluminum construction (Kelty was in Glendale,
California, when the pack was made.) -- was our crew's heaviest out of Base
Camp at 45 pounds, including water. My trekking poles were bamboo
cross-country ski poles. Those also worked out fine for me and survived Trek 4.
 
I will be going back to Philmont in June as crew advisor for another crew
made up of 9 scouts and 2 other adults from our troop. This year, I have
upgraded to an Alps Internal in the 5000 cu inch range. The price was right. My
trekking poles now are metal. Nobody will recognize me ;-)
 
Charlie Pineo
Woodstock, GA
ASM Troop 994
_www.troop994.org_ (http://www.troop994.org)
 
 

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Received on Thu Jan 5 01:23:09 2006