[Philmont] Pack weight and water

  Interesting conversations. My 2 cents.

  We don't pay much attention to a ratio of pack weight to scout weight. We focus more on base weight. Our fairly "firm" target is 25 lbs.

  Just made a presentation to prospective parents for our August 2008 trek and my "Philmont Bag" came in just over 26 lbs. This does not include full water bottles, food or camp gear. But, I believe that if we spend energy on just keeping the base weight down, overall pack weight will be kept in check.

  We also require each scout take 3 nalgenes, and I have never left a camp on any of our trips without them all being filled. There is just too much opportunity to need clean drinking water not to take advantage of camp time or break times to fill them up.

  Nalgenes are easier to use when you are trying to separate clean water and non-filtered water, they are easier to share and easier to monitor. They are also easier to purify, whether using polar pure or the new tablets. While are Marines find camelbacks a good solution, they don't have to explain to a mom why their scout is down and out with a stomach bug.

  I can't think of a trek or paddle where bottles weren't shared. Some guys will drink more than the 3-4 a day we recommend and having a scout with a full nalgene that can be shared can make all the difference.

  All in my own opinion, of course.

  Bill Keller
  Troop 47
Received on Wed Jul 18 09:35:01 2007