12Laws

While I think Lisabob's questions are perfect and sufficient, I am frequently tempted to ask at least one abstract or forward looking question. At this stage, the answers can be interesting. My favorite for Life is, "as you look forward to your future life, how do you think scouting will prove most meaningful and helpful?"

As a devout Christian (and son of a minister), and as a member of OA -- and having taken many, many courses in comparative theology, my opinion is that there is no conflict between the Christian faith and OA -- at least as I have observed. I might add that my father was an active member of OA as well... he seemed to see no conflict.

I have and use both. For trail walking, I like the light weight, comfort and organization of an external frame. I have a Kelty, which is the lightest. I take it to scout camps, mostly. It replaced a Northface Back Magic, which I loved. Then I have a Dana Design external frame, which can carry the most weight. I take it hunting and when I'm packing trail maintenance gear. Off trail, it's all about balance, and nothing balances like a well-fitting internal frame. I use a Dana Design pack, one of two depending on how much I need to pack. For a climbing expedition, it's a Terraplane. For everything else, I use a Bridger. Once fitted, they are part of me. I am impressed, though, with REI's new lightweight internal, the Flash 62. I'd like to try one out. It might be a nice blend of both.