Troop Buying Backpacks?

[hops_scout]

Anybody heard of a troop doing this? Our troop is looking into it right now and I'm looking for ideas. It is all part of our plan to revitalize the Outdoor Program that has diminished somewhat in the troop.

All opinions are welcome. Any ideas on what to buy would also be appreciated. Right now we're looking at probably Alps Mountaineering packs, but we aren't sure yet.

Please help

[wagionvigil]

Mike got an ALPs Love it

[deweylure]

Dont forget each pack would bve fitted for a particular scout based on Torso length. As the scout grows he may outgrow the pack. this applies to all packs. I would suggest you get external frame packs that you are able to add extensions,this willl alllow the pack to grow with a scout. Internal frame packs to my knowledge are not adjustable.

dewey

[wagionvigil]

Anyone in the Mid Atlantic we had a great Outfitter at Powder Horn this weekend.
"The Outfitters at Harpers Ferry"
They are way into light weight and proper fitting.

[fritz1255]

I'm replying to a very old post, but here goes. Having backpacks owned by the Troop sounds like a logistical headache. Most if not all of the boys in our Troop have backpacks of their own that they bring to every campout, backpacking or car camping. They keep essential gear such as mess kits, water bottles, and first aid kits in them so they don't have extensive packing to do each time. We only do one or two backpacking trips a year, so we would have to store the Troop-owned backpacks most of the time and distribute them just prior to each backpacking trip.

[kwildman]

Dont forget each pack would bve fitted for a particular scout based on Torso length. As the scout grows he may outgrow the pack. this applies to all packs. I would suggest you get external frame packs that you are able to add extensions,this willl alllow the pack to grow with a scout. Internal frame packs to my knowledge are not adjustable.

dewey

A lot of new internal packs are fully adjustable over a given range. The frame set is inside the pack and has a a series of tabs and velcro fastners. I use both internal and external frame packs depending on what we are doing and where we are going. If i only were to buy one it would be an internal because they tend to carry better especially for smaller scouts.

[alex gregory]

I'm replying to a very old post, but here goes. Having backpacks owned by the Troop sounds like a logistical headache. Most if not all of the boys in our Troop have backpacks of their own that they bring to every campout, backpacking or car camping. They keep essential gear such as mess kits, water bottles, and first aid kits in them so they don't have extensive packing to do each time.

I agree. Beyond my disagreeing that "one size [backpack] fits all", Scouts is about teaching skills, hobbies, etc. that will last a life-time. Hopefully, each boy will continue to develop and pursue the outdoor activities that he first learned in Scouts, and continue to use a lot of the same personal gear he had as a boy scout and pass it on to his own children. I would add tents to the list of personal gear that a troop really does not need to go out and buy.

Save the equipment budget for the big stuff.

If the idea is to have one or two extra packs (assuming that gear is not already available through the grapevine) for those Scouts who just cannot afford it, then great - keep it to one or two extra packs (even better ask families to contribute gear as their kids outgrow their first packs).

[RWSmith]

If the idea is to have one or two extra packs (assuming that gear is not already available through the grapevine) for those Scouts who just cannot afford it, then great - keep it to one or two extra packs (even better ask families to contribute gear as their kids outgrow their first packs).

Well said. A couple of thoughts along these lines...

Your Troop's QM could (should?) have a couple of backpacks available to be temporarily checked-out by your new Scouts, say, for their first outing or two, until they've had time to get their own. Particularly, smaller frame backpacks. Maybe one or two of each, internal and external, so they can try out each type to help with the investment decision.

It's also a good idea to keep an old (but, still functional) large backpack or two on hand, so that, a parent (maybe MC) can borrow one for occasional use. I've done that myself. Plus, having stuff like this on-hand sure helps (gr)ease the transition from parent to active backpacking leader -- hint, hint.