Switchback Pants - Official Uniform??

[WVBeaver05]

Here is a question for you all.

Are Scouts (or Scouters) wearing the current Switchback pants in an official Scout uniform? (Assuming that they also have on Scout socks, a Scout belt, and a Scout shirt, etc.)

It is a question that has come up on at least 2 occasions in our Council and there are groups of people supporting each position.

I'll not give my side until after I hear from some of you. So, let me know your thoughts (and reasons).

YiS

[wagionvigil]

Yes They are now the pants and the last time I checked they are sold by BSA.

Man Those turkeys from WV need a reality Check

WV a mountaineeer By Birth

[pipestone1991]

Yeah they are. In August they are releasing the new "Official" pants which are the same with just a hunter green finish.

[joat]

From the official Scoutstuff website: "Switchbacks™ Official Uniform Pants, Youth & Men". http://www.scoutstuff.org/BSASupply/Ite ... tem=900SBP
Personal opionions to the contrary are great, but where does BSA say anywhere that Switchbacks are not official uniform pants??

[goetzjam]

they are the official pants, they are looking into a whole new uniform starting August 2008

[FrankJ]

Looks like it 5-0 that they are official uniform. What are the other opinions Wayne?

Our troop strongly pushes scouts in uniform. I am happy when they show up in socks, pants. shirt, & belt. The last thing I am going to tell a scout (or parent) that they need two different pair of pants.

[wagionvigil]

The Switchback is the only pants /Shorts BSA is going to offer unless you want to buy the Wool blend Dry CLean Only Pants.THe New pants are just a second generation Switchback

[WVBeaver05]

Ok. I was hoping for more opinions, but here goes.

To me, it always seemed clear that the switchback pants were official. In a presentation at our local Commissioner's College by a Regional representative, he confirmed that they are an official uniform.

The opposing opinions that I have been given are:

They are "Class B" pants. (First, there is no such thing officially as Class B - only Field and Activity. Second, or Regional guy specifically stated that Official BSA pants are the only uniform pants made.)

The uniform inspection form doesn't show them. (Forms predate the switchbacks and don't exclude them. Just refers to uniform shorts or pants.)

"They just can't be - they aren't like uniform pants are supposed to be. (<exasperated!> The pants you are refering to aren't like the previous ones either!!)

Some people are harder to convince than others!!

Thanks for you input. Any more??

YiS

[riverwalk]

Yes agreed, they are Official.

[FrankJ]

They are "Class B" pants. (First, there is no such thing officially as Class B - only Field and Activity. Second, or Regional guy specifically stated that Official BSA pants are the only uniform pants made.)

A funny thought process since as you said BSA does not recognize the class B terminology

[Nuts4Scouts]

This is not really a matter of an opinion one way or another.

BSA has stated that switchbacks are official uniform pants. Period. End of discussion.

[mhjacobson]

AQnd ethe new uniform pants are ONLY switch backs no matter which type of fabric you purchase. That should end the discussion.

[Hubert]

I personally like the switchbacks. They are awsome pants that I can just un-zip the legs a little when working on the ranges if I get too hot.

Does anyone know if Venturing plans on making some? I love the material the Venturing pants are made out of, is it possible to make them switchbacks and still be made the same?

[wagionvigil]

Soon to come!

[Bill Pitcher]

I hope they are improving the "switchbacks!" We find that the lower leg zippers break, and that there isn't enough "hook & Loop" fabric on the pockets. Wallets, pocket knives, compasses, etc. fall out of the rear and bellows pockets. Anyone else have a similar problem?

[wagionvigil]

I donot think there are lower zippers as the pants are unhemmed. So the scouts and leaders must get them hemmed before using them.

[Bill Pitcher]

Then that means that we will have to take our boots/hiking shoes off first when converting to shorts? Booooo!

[Billiken]

I do not think there are lower zippers as the pants are unhemmed. So the scouts and leaders must get them hemmed before using them.

EXCELLENT
I can not wear the older switchbacks.
At 6' 5" with 35" inseam, none of the leg lengths are long enough.

[Bill Pitcher]

Gee, I'm 6'5" with a 38 waist and 34 inseam and the current switchbacks fit perfectly! I do agree that the belt is too narrow and the pocket closures are horrible. Hope they see a fix on the new ones!

[kwildman]

the nylon belt is worthless...it is tacked in by a couple of stitches inside the waist band. Snip these stiches and the whole belt comes out and you can use your normal scout belt or a leather belt.

I don't mind having to take my boots off to convert the pants. The un-hemmed version will allow some of us w/ odd inseams to get a more tailored fit. I see a lot of ragged looking switchbacks because people walk on the pants because they are too long.