Dollars and Centsof gear

(aka High Adventureon the Cheap)

Capitol Area CouncilAustin, TX

Cost should never be an obstacle Cost should never be an obstacle to high adventure!to high adventure!

PhilosophyPhilosophy• Light can be achieved by gear, but light is

also a frame of mind…

• Take what you need, but only what you need (though leaders may carry some backup supplies for safety)

An example of thinking light and taking only what you need:

• CAC Adviser Sid Covington’s comments (in italics) on Philmont’s gear list:

• 1 pair insulated underwear (polypro) -- probably not needed -- go to bed if you get that cold!

• 1 stocking cap (wool or polypro) -- probably not needed -- go to bed if you get that cold!

• 1 glove liners or mittens (wool or polypro) -- probably not needed -- go to bed if you get that cold!

Cheap gear…what do you have Cheap gear…what do you have already?already?

• Young scouts will outgrow packs, bags, etc.• So consider using what you’ve already got,

particularly for initial trips.• Large daypacks can be modified for three-day

trips…or longer .• That old external frame backpack in the garage can

be modified by cutting unnecessary straps—some of them are fairly light (e.g., Jansport Scout)

Cheap gear…what do you have Cheap gear…what do you have already?already?

• Wool socks in the dresser?• Running shoes in the closet?• Wicking t-shirts from school sports?• Soda bottles for water?• Plastic bowl and old spoon in the cupboard?

Garage sales?Garage sales?

• Old backpacks/daypacks are available and often cheap; again, they can be modified by cutting unnecessary straps, etc.– Sleeping bags are also available—clean before

using.– Stoves, tarps, tents available.

Thrift storesThrift stores• Packs, sleeping bags, etc.• Zip-off nylon pants• Wicking sports shirts• Windbreakers• Rain jackets• Fleece jackets/vests

More cheap gear?More cheap gear?• Buy used: – http://www.geartrade.com Deals on used,

closeouts and overstock– Ebay: older packs, sleeping bags, pads

• Try pawn shops—they are negotiable• Rent• Borrow…don’t always need to purchase

Vendors• ALPS Mountaineering: Quality gear at lower

costs http://www.scoutdirect.com (45% discount for scouts)

• http://www.sierratradingpost.com • http://www.backcountry.com • http://www.campmor.com • http://outdooroutlet.com

Discount storesDiscount stores• Look at non-camping gear to see if it will work.

• $5 grease pot (4 oz) versus $30 titanium (4 oz)

$9 or free?

Make your ownMake your own• Anyone sew (sorry Mom)?– Plenty of patterns available– Modern outdoor fabrics available…seconds

(usually discolored) as well– Outdoor Wilderness (http://www.owfinc.com)– http://www.questoutfitters.com (kits/fabrics)

Tradition of making gear• Old Boys Life magazines were full of articles

about making your own equipment

• Scouts derive satisfaction from making and using their own gear

Easy tarpEasy tarp• Buy silnylon coated fabric (seconds; under

$30)

• Add grommets and buy aluminum gutter spikes for stakes

• You’ve got a lightweight tarp under ten ounces (and not much money invested)

Tyvek bivyTyvek bivy• Beg or borrow a piece of

house wrap (tyvek)• Use carpet tape and Velcro

(many online directions); logo out.

• Effective, lightweight (<12 ounces), breathable

• Purchase a roll for a whole crew ($6 per bivy versus $100 + for commercial bivy)

Other cheapies/DIYOther cheapies/DIY

• $5/13oz/8x11 tarp

• Free 2oz hobo stove

• Free 2 oz tin can cup

Cheap food• Freeze dried…expensive

• Dehydrated backpacking food (Mountain House, etc.)…also expensive

• The shelves of your local grocery store are covered with backpacking food at a fraction of the cost. Shed the packaging.

Dehydrate your own

• Don’t have to buy one for infrequent use

• Build your own – internet has plans (see Alton Brown; Good Eats)

• Use your oven—especially convection oven

Oven Drying• Slower than dehydrators, unless you have a

convection oven, which has a fan

• Take 2x longer to dry in oven than dehydrator…oven not as efficient but is already in your house!

• Consult online sources for food safety advice and directions!!

A pile of cash isn’t necessary to enjoy high adventure

Teach your scouts to use their resources and ingenuity