I have had a few different multi tools over the years but none of them compare to the Leatherman Wave. I read lot’s of multi tool reviews and the Wave came out on top in each one. The wave is solidly built an each component functions extraordinarily well. I blanched slightly at spending around […]
Gear
Knives for Scouts – Offical Policy
Not the actual stitches mentioned below Knives for Scouts or knives vs. Scouts? In the battle between knives and Scouts the infamous record for my Troop is eight. Stitches, that is. Minor knife cuts are reasonably rare and I can recall only three trips to the emergency room because of a knife in twenty three […]
Kohte – German Scout Tent
The tent you are looking at are standard German scout tents. Each scout carries a panel and when they reach the destination for camp they put the pieces together. These tents are called ‘khote’ and are based on the shape and function of the Saami tipi-like reindeer skin tent. The Saami (sometimes called Laplanders) are […]
Astronomy Grade Laser Pointer
(picture from Cool Tools) Cool Tools featured green laser pointers a few months ago. Mine arrived a few weeks ago and it is, indeed, a cool tool. The clearly visible beam of an astronomy grade laser pointer at night is ideal for pointing out stars to a group of Scouts. During the day the green […]
Campsuds
I have used Campsuds for many years. Do you really need special camping soap? Yes, you do, it does make a difference. Camp suds has lots of cleaning power in cold water, is environmentally responsible and super concentrated- you don’t need more than a few drops. I have yet to empty an eight ounce bottle […]
P-38 Can Opener
The P-38 can opener was used by soldiers to open canned field rations from WWII though the Viet Nam war. A p-38 hangs, at the ready, from my keyring in the event of a can-opener-less emergency, although I must confess I have yet t0 find myself in one. Another p-38 is sleeping in my camping […]
CD as Signal Mirror?
Tom Managan at Two Heel Drive has an interesting post on signal mirrors. He sends us to the fantastic resources at Equipped to Survive that offers the following on using CD’s as signal mirrors; In tests a CD proved to be only about 20%-25% as effective (distance and brightness at distance, judged subjectively) as a […]
Pruning Saw for Camping
I have been using a pruning saw for camping like the Corona RS-1720 instead of bow saws to cut firewood. There are any number of similar brands and styles available but Corona has an excellent reputation for fine tools. A number of sportsman’s saws made along the same design are available, they are more expensive, shorter and […]
Silnylon Tarp
Silnylon has been taken the backpacking world by storm. Lightweight ripstop nylon cloth is impregnated (as opposed to coated) with silicone creating waterproof featherweight material for packs, tarps and other gear. I have used 10 X 12 foot silnylon tarp for the past few years instead of a tent. Offered by Campmor the tarp has […]
Best Scout Compass
Scouts must learn to use a compass and map together in order to advance in rank. It follows that they need a compass, but which is the best Scout compass? Base-plate compasses like the Silva starter 1-2-3 are the best all-around, least expensive and durable compasses. Resist the temptation to purchase a cheaper knock off […]
Aquamira Water Treatment
Aquamira, an EPA-registered water treatment, is stabilized Chlorine dioxide an effective and safe water treatment used in municipal water treatment. The first time I used this was on a long canoe trip. We purchased Aquamira as a backup treatment method to our water filter. As it turned out the water filter failed and we used the Aquamira […]
Collapsible Water Bucket
On a recent trip we used our collapsible water bucket (a Seattle Sports ‘super sink’) to carry and treat drinking water for a group of nine. The collapsable PVC sink holds six gallons and weighs only 4.5 ounces. Carrying six gallons of water from lakeside to campsite for chemical treatment or filtration is much simpler than […]
Reflector Ovens
Reflector ovens, like dutch ovens, take a little practice but they are not difficult to use at all. Baking on a campfire is great fun and well worth the effort. Here are some plans and commercially available ovens to get you started; Here’s a home-made oven – see more pictures and directions here Here’s a lightweight, home […]
Two Plans for a Patrol Box
Here are two new versions of the classic patrol box, chuck box, camp kitchen: Troop 679 in Ramona California has created a set of complete plans and materials list for these improved Patrol Boxes. The first page of the plans can be downloaded here. The complete 6 page set of plans are available for a […]
Philmont Dining Fly Tarp
Philmont Scout Ranch is a BSA High Adventure Base offering an extensive program of treks for Scouts. Here is how to rig a 12×12 tarp (a method I have heard called the Philmont dining fly tarp) to stand up to strong winds and rain. This rig will keep about eight people (who get along fairly well) out of […]
Tundra Tarps
Normal camping tarps have some weaknesses; grommets may tear out in heavy wind, there are never enough points to tie onto and while most people use a center pole to hold the tarp up it typically falls down when the wind picks up. Cooke Custom Sewing’s Tundra Tarps solve these problems and incorporate several other […]
Patrol Box Design
Here’s a design for a patrol box or chuck box that would be relatively simple to build. Based on two units of 24″ x 18″ x 18″ nesting boxes that, when assembled, provide a generous work top and storage. The two units are shown packed for transport in the left side of this picture. The […]
The Axe Manual of Peter McLaren
Fayette R. Plumb Inc. engaged ‘America’s Champion Chopper’ Peter McLaren to write a manual for their product- the redoubtable Plumb Axe. Though it was published in in the 1930’s the advice us as relevant today as it was then.
NEOS Overshoes
I discovered NEOS overshoes (New England Overshoes) working on a film outside in cold, wet, snowy weather all late fall and early winter. Several members of the film crew wore NEOS and spoke highly of them. A gusseted opening makes them easy to get on or off, and a drawstring closure snugs them up around the ankle […]
Keen Newport H2 Sandals
I have a hard time finding comfortable footwear. If I “watched my diet and exercised every day” I suppose my feet wouldn’t get so sore. But that’s the breaks. I bought a pair of Keen Newport H2 sandals because they sported an enclosed toe. They looked like the perfect thing for canoeing and two weeks […]
Gutter Spikes as Tent Stakes
Gutter spikes (seven inch long aluminum nails used to secure gutters to a house) make inexpensive, lightweight, strong, tent stakes. They are available at home centers, hardware stores and lumber yards. Gutter spikes at Amazon I special ordered a box of 250 at the local lumber yard, enough to outfit all of our tents two or […]
Steramine
Steramine tablets are used in the sanitizing step of washing dishes. They work in hot or cold water and are ideal for washing up on a campout. We use three plastic dish pans. The first is hot water and soap for cleaning, the second is hot water for rinsing and the third is warm or […]
Eureka Timberline 4
The Eureka Timberline 4 may be the most popular tent ever. Many scout troops choose the Timberline because: It is easy to set up and easy to pack up.While the tent is easy to pitch it is advisable to read and follow the pitching instructions carefully so the poles don’t get bent. It is durable. […]
The Best Scout Whistle
Some means of signaling help is part of the ten essentials of camping and whistles are an inexpensive, effective choice. What’s the best Scout whistle? The Storm Whistle is the loudest whistle in the world; 75% louder than your average whistle. I haven’t tested the claim that it can be heard fifty feet under water, but I believe it. […]
