[Philmont]: Cavalcade Hydration Needs & Misc. Gear Questions

Our Cavalcade trek isn't until 2007, but I'm starting some crew sessions
already, including some info on gear since several items, such as
sleeping bags, can run up costs. So by educating them on what gear they
need and how to select it, they can watch for sales along the way and
become thrifty shoppers for their equipment. Last night I reviewed
sleeping gear and I shared a lot of info from the recent thread on the
same topic. Thanks for all of the great info. I also brought my bag, pad
and sleeping clothes from the backpacking trek 2 years ago.

We also discussed some other general gear issues and I wasn't able to
answer all of their questions.

1. Water/Hydration needs
For backpacking I used a hydration bladder and fell in love with it. Can
you do the same for Cavalcade? If so, my thought would be to use a
small hydration pack that also has a storage compartment for rain gear
that could double as a day pack for side hikes to program areas,
conservation project areas and even Baldy should we get a northern trek
that allows for that day hike. For backpacking, my pack's hood doubled
as my fanny pack, but I won't have my pack on a cavalcade. That would
lead me to believe we need to bring an extra fanny pack or small day
pack that would take up valuable space in the Cavalcade duffels. A
hydration pack would be strapped to my back and free up some room in
duffle. Any comments on this idea.

2. Camp Shoes & Hiking Boots
On a backpacking trek, these were a necessity to give our tired feet and
boots a rest, as well as to minimize the impact on the campsite. Most
cavalcade shoes or boots will be smoothed soled instead of the lug sole
on hiking boots, so I would guess that camp shoes are not a requirement.
But then I could see where they would be a welcome relief from cowboy
boots as well as more suitable for some program areas. Also, if we were
to take a side hike up Baldy, we'd have to pack some type of hiking
boots as I would doubt cowboy boots would be my choice up the trail.
What have other cavalcade crews done with regards to shoes and boots?

3. Hats
Several boys asked about cowboy hats. My first reaction was "Sure." But
then I remembered that we'll all be wearing helmets on the trail, so
where would be the hats get stowed? In the duffle? That already seems
way to small for the required gear. Are they better off packing a
crushable boonie hat or baseball cap for camp and save the cowboy hat
idea for souvenir shopping in Cimarron after the trek? Or is there
another way to have the cowboy hats on the trek?

4. No cotton?
In 2004 my crew training mantra was "No cotton. No cotton." as
synthetic clothes are the best solution for trail, camp and sleep gear.
But then I read about cavalcade crews wearing blue jeans and flannel
shirts! Are their suitable, but equally macho alternatives, such as
wool shirts? I'd still insist on synthetic T's, underwear and socks (or
wool socks).

5. Rain gear
I've read where Philmont will issue rain coats and you need to bring
rain pants. One member asked if he could use the gortex coat from his
rain suit. Would that be allowed?

Thanks for any help.

BTW, I'm still looking for an old PACKS guide to borrow so I can become
more familiar with the Cavalcade program. Thanks.

Willie Vannerson
Asst. Scoutmaster
Troop 149, McHenry, IL

http://www.troop149mchenry.org

Save Owasippe Scout Reservation
Owasippe Outdoor Education Center
    www.ooec.org
Owasippe Staff Association
    www.owasippe.com

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Received on Wed Mar 15 13:43:33 2006