First off, I love this board! Thank you all so much for all of the tips I have learned so far, after being addictted to this board for the last 48 hours!
My oldest son just crossed over from WBII to Boy Scouts last week. We were able to attend a parent meeting, and one regular Scout meeting. They are going on their Winter Klondike Camp this weekend. We live in MI, it is currently 12, expected to go up to 35ish this weekend. We did receive a list of items, but I am still unsure of what to have/how much to have for him. Here is the provided list:
Minus Zero sleeping Bag
Sleeping mat and pillow
Tote to keep all of personal gear in.
Personal Hygeine kit
Insulated plastic thermol mug
Water bottle/canteen
small back pack to carry on trail
flashlight, with batteries
mess kit - plate, fork, knife, and spoon (optional)
This is the entire list!
This is what I have:
20 degree sleeping bag that will be "beefed up" with some fleece blankets.
Foam sleeping mat from the Army Navy surplus
Plastic Tote for gear
personal hygiene
Thermos mug, for hot chocolate/soup, with a caribeen clip for easy hanging on to.
Insulated water bottle with strap
Back pack from the Army Navy surplus store. it has some pockets on the side, and a lot of extra straps that my son said he could use to carry other stuff on it with.
Flashlight with lantern capability. Extra batteries. Small LED flashlight clipped on to back pack.
Small ($.99)First Aid kit, back pack item? Also, larger first aid kit ($5)
2 rain ponchos 50"x80" can use 2 to make a tent, also emergency sleeping bag, or foul weather ground sheet. I bought 1 in orange for safety use in case he is lost, I think this should also go inback pack.
Compass
Whistle
Mirror
Hand Warmers
Water proof bag (about 6"x8")
As for clother he has thinsulate lined snow gloves (2 pair)
Snow Pants and Winter Coat
Long Underwear from local Farm and Family Center. It has 2 layers polyester and a polyester wool blend. Says it will wick away moisture. He only has one pair of these. They are going Fri-Sun., can he reuse them all weekend, as long as he doesn't sleep in them?
Thinsulate lined winter boots
Wool socks
2 Ski mask type knit hats
plain knit hat for sleeping in.
Sweat pants, t-shirt, and sweat shirt for sleeping.
Is there anything that I have that you would dump? Is there anything that should be here that is not? Is there something that no matter what he should not be with out? What in the heck should be inside his "trail" backpack?
I think you all in advance for any help tips or advice you can give. I am not an overprotective Mom, but I want this to be a great experience, and I do want him to be safe. My husband is going with them, and I am almost as worried about him! He is not into camping and was never a boy scout!