RE: [Philmont]: cold weather gear

Snip <I have several boys who don't seem to relate July with cold since
they're from the Midwest. They want to only take their raingear (Frogg
Toggs for some) and a jacket. I suggested using the Philmont handbook
as a minimum guide, but they don't seem to be on the same page. Though
they could learn the hard way, I don't need the potential for other
health issues.>

My short answer:

Your responsibilities as an adult advisor include a judgment if each
crew member is prepared for the trek mentally, physically and has proper
equipment per the current Guidebook to Adventure. If they are not ready
then tell them they are not going. Scouts "Be Prepared". Payment of
fees should not guarantee participation. Good solid, preparation is
their guarantee.

Some parents and crew members just don't get it, but those are the
parents who are not out there in the backcountry with one or more cases
of hypothermia on their hands. You don't want to be in crisis in the
backcountry while your crew about hypothermia the hard way.

The longer discussion:

We returned from Trek #24 (Crew 610-C4) two weeks ago. Recent reports
on the list mention increased rain, which seemed to begin a few days
after we got home.

It was relatively dry and mostly warm while we were on our trek. I
slept overly warm most nights and didn't use my sleep clothes much. I
carry some black silk long underwear and a fleece hat in my compression
bag along with my sleeping bag. I usually put my cleanest pair of dirty
socks into my boots, which are in the vestibule of my tent. I did use my
fleece hat from time to time, but mostly slept with my 20 degF bag
unzipped with my feet hanging out as needed to regulate sleeping
temperature.

This weather was almost the duplicate of the weather that we had on our
2002 trek which started about the same date (Crew 608-A3). I really
wanted to save a pound and leave my fleece jacket behind, since I used
it only one time in 2002. I had many mental discussions with myself over
this pound of fleece. Chances are that in early June weather at the
ranch (even at higher elevations) will be both warm and dry.

At the last moment during shakedown, I decided to take it along.
a. I thought I might need it at Copper Park and on Baldy.
b. I thought if I didn't need it, then one of the crew might.
c. It's on the list for a reason.

Once again I carried it the entire trek and used it one night to warm up
a crew member who had the shakes. (We were finally able to diagnose his
evening shakes as an infection after three days, when he exhibited some
puffiness on the right side of his face.) I made the entire trek
needing only my lightweight long-sleeved fleece shirt on a few
occasions. I always put on my rain jacket early in the morning and after
sunset most evenings.

Could I have left my fleece jacket behind? Yes. Should I have left it
behind? This is a more difficult question, but the answer for me is
"most probably not". As an advisor I need to consider my personal health
and safety. Taking good care of myself allows me to monitor the health
and safety of my crew.

I carried 25# of personal gear, which I weigh without water, food, and
crew gear. This is on the heavy side, since 4 liters of water adds
9.6#, 4 days of food can add 8#, and crew gear in our crew of 12 is
about 5.5# for a nominal total of 48# on the heaviest day.

I will continue to work my gear list and reduce weight of personal gear,
but I will balance my desire to go lighter with judgment and wisdom.
Thanks to all on the list who contribute to our collective wisdom and
judgment.

Larry Sims
Philmont 2004 Expedition Coordinator
Troop 1288 Katy, TX
610-C4 2004 Trek #24
We enjoyed the PRESENT again!
What a grand legacy. Thanks Waite!
2002 Philmont Expedition Coordinator
609-A3 2002 Trek #5FM (Fire modified trek)
718-G1 1965 (The Monsoons of '65)
IAGBTP!

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Received on Tue Jul 6 10:17:59 2004