The ‘best’ gear has the best set of features for the best price.
What does a Scout really need?
A Scout needs a few basics to enjoy camping with his Troop and patrol. George W. Sears authored the first widely read camping “how-to” book, Camping and Woodcraft, in 1884. Well over a century later his advice is still relevant:
The temptation is to buy this or that bit of indispensable camp kit has been too strong and we have gone to the blessed woods handicapped with a load fit for a pack mule. That is not how to do it. Go light, and the lighter the better so that you have the simplest material for health comfort and enjoyment.
Begin by looking at the things I’ve recommended in this outdoor gear guide; ten Essentials, clothing, footwear, cooking gear, and sleeping bags and pads 0n the menu above.
How much is all this going to cost?
I have chosen cost conscious gear that I have used or tested myself. My choices aren’t always the absolute cheapest alternative, but they are the best value for money.
Because Scouts are likely to outgrow clothing, boots and shoes before they wear them out I have chosen clothing and footwear that has proven to be functional yet inexpensive. I also include suggestions for adapting common household items (especially for cooking and eating in the outdoors).
Why Campmor, Amazon, and REI?
I’ve featured links to gear available at three major online retailers – Amazon, Campmor and REI because I beleive that they deliver the best combination of price and service.
- REI prices are somewhat higher but if you buy a membership you’ll get a dividend each year, and lots of speical offers. REI offers free shipping for orders over $50.00
- Campmor has the least expensive price on many items, and a 10% discount group sales program if you are interested. Campmor offers free shipping fororders over $50.00.
- Amazon hardly needs any intriduction. Often the lowest price, and free shipping on orders over $25.00.
Will I save money by shopping locally?
Saving a few dollars may be possible if you are willing to do the legwork. I check local sources regularly and haven’t found much better pricing. I have prepared a version of the gear guide you can print out and take with you (see links below). I’ve included all of the information provided here so you can use this guide to evaluate similar products to those I recommended.
What else can a parent do?
Here’s a helpful infographic with three suggestions
Here’s a laundry marker for identifying gear:
Sharpie Laundry Marker at Amazon
To get the shopping list and the “Three Things Parents Can Do” infographic you can download them using the links below;
Get these, & over 50 other infographics and helpful PDF documents here
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Shopping List |
| “Three Things Parents Can Do” infographic |
