Boy Scout Backpacks, backpack covers and waterproof stuff sacks for clothing

I normally don’t like to make specific product recommendations, in favor of describing things I like to look for in a product.  Normally, there are quite a few similar choices available, leaving the final choice up to the individual.  In the case of backpacks for scouts, I recommend the Kelty Coyote.  I am not aware of another pack that is as adjustable in its fit so that one pack can accommodate a boy in fifth grade through a young adult.  In other words, it is the only backpack a boy will need in his scouting career.  On top of that, it is durable and compared to many high quality alternatives, economical.  It comes in several sizes, a 4750  or 4900 cubic inch model for men and a 4500 cubic inch women’s model.  My son has the Coyote and it served him well at Philmont and everywhere else he has taken it.  I like the fact that the main compartment is accessible from the top and via a zippered opening on the face of the pack.  It also has a couple of side pockets.  I like to keep gear in the same place every time so that I can find what I need, even if I am in a hurry and it is dark, so I think the pockets are a plus.   

One thing I would get with this pack, or any other pack that has a single main compartment, is a lightweight waterproof stuff sack for clothing.  Remember that the scout should pack almost all gear inside the pack.  While some items, like a sleeping pad, might be securely strapped to the outside, nothing should be dangling from the exterior of a pack.  A waterproof bag allows a scout to easily keep his clothing dry and together.  If a wet tent gets shoved inside the pack on a wet weekend, no problem.  It is also handy to be able to grab the bag and take it in the tent rather than have to dig around in your pack outside on a cold or wet day.  I use my stuff sack of clothes to serve double duty as my pillow.  Here is a hint:  Get one bigger than you think you will need.  Rather than compress everything in a cylinder, let the contents conform to the available space in the pack, which allows greater packing efficiency. 

Since most high adventure tents do not have room for packs inside them (and might have bear attracting smells you would not want to sleep with) a good lightweight rain cover for a pack is always a good idea.  Some covers just cover the back of the pack, leaving the belt and straps exposed.  This is the way it has to be when you are covering a pack while wearing it, but I have never understood why you would leave the parts that are touching your body exposed so that they are soaked when you have the pack off in the campsite.  In the morning, that is what you have to strap around you.  Any ideas?

This entry was posted on 16 November 2009 at 21:06 and is filed under Outdoors & Scouts. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response or trackback from your own site.

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