At the request, and suggestion, of some of our scouting parents, I have put together the following list of Scouting equipment or gift ideas. I will try to provide comments, sources, and price information where possible. Newman Outfitters & Mickey's will give another 10% off of prices listed below if you show Scout card, but I would still price any items also available at Dick's, K-Mart, Wall Mart, L.L. Bean, or Campmor. We will also try to display some items at Courts of Honor under the guise of show and tell so you can browse and get comments from your sons.

Newman Outfitters (I-271 to Chagrin Blvd. - west)
20180 Van Aken Blvd. Cleveland, OHIO 216-283-8500

Campmor 1-800-226-7667 (orders) 1-800-525-4784 (info)
P.O. Box 700-P Saddle River, New Jersey 07458-0700

Coleman-Miller Service Center (Scout Office)
4390 Enterprise Drive Warren, Ohio 44481 (330) 898-8474

All Outdoors - 5549 N. Ridge Rd, Madison (428-6400)

L.L.Bean 1-800-221-4221

Mickey's -239 Main Street, Warren - just east of United Telephone(Sprint) & north off of SR 422 downtown (9~6 on Sat, closed Sun) (330) 392-2525

Outdoor Recreational Equipment - 5228 Market St., Boardman (330) 782-2004 (BSA)

1. BASICS
   • Silva type compasses
     • Basic - Silva Polaris type 7 $10.99 Newman Outfitters
     • Fancy - Silva Explorer III type 3 $16.99 Newman Outfitters
     • You can buy the same compasses at the Scout Store (call first to confirm in stock)
   • Water proof match container
     • Plastic - Coghlans match box 99¢ Newman Outfitters
     • Add Ohio Blue Tip Strike Anywhere Matches (if you find them, let me know where) & 100% Cotton lint from dryer
   • First Aid Supplies for Scout to make up his own first aid kit
     • Mole Skin
     • Bandaides
     • Ace Bandage
     • First Aid Cream or Neosporin
     • Individually wrapped sterile gauze (squares, and/or wrap)
     • Matches & fire starter (as above)
     • Needle (to remove splinters) put thread on it & use ace bandage as a pin cushion
     • Tweezers (unless have Swiss army knife w/ tweezers)
     • Sample size of Calamine lotion
     • First aid tape
     • Individually wrapped steri wipes
   • Pocket whistle, or Storm safety whistle - really loud - Newman Outfitters $7.99
   • Camp mirror (Coghlans acrylic - Newman Outfitters $2.19)
   • Zip Lock Freezer Bags - Assorted sizes
   • Water bottle (make sure it has wide mouth & measurement markings) $4.69 Newman Outfitters, $2.00 Tupperware, but be sure of good seal & fit somewhere on pack
   • Hand towel & Sample/motel sizes of toothpaste & Ivory soap bar (no scent!!!)
   • Walking stave - $2.95 Scout Store (call first, may have to order for you)
   • Back packer's shovel lightweight plastic shovel - about $3.00
   • Sharpening Stone & Pouch Pocket size - about $3.00 at Scout Store
   • Nylon Rope 3/16" x 50' - good quality!
   • Rain Poncho -Make sure it doesn't drag on ground. In the long run, if Scout is going to do back packing, ponchos don't work well. A breathable jacket with hood is best but these are expensive and poncho is cheap and OK for weekend camps & Summer Camp. Avoid lightweight or emergency/compact ponchos ~ they tear almost immediately.
2. EXPENSIVE BASICS
   • Swiss Army knife - Huntsman (16 function)
     • $41.00 Newman Outfitters
     • $32.99 Campmor
     • You can buy the same knife w/ BSA emblem at the Scout Store (call first to confirm in stock) but it doesn't have the corkscrew or saw blade
   • Sleeping Bag Pads (don't let anyone talk you into a ¾ length pad - full length keeps full length of sleeping bag off ground and therefore feet and head dry and warm)
     • Therm-a-rest Ridge Rest - closed cell ridged roll (20" x 72" x 1/2") 14oz. (doesn't need stuff sack)
       • $16.99 Newman Outfitters
       • $13.99 Campmor
       If money is no object or, more importantly, if it's for dad's "40 something" back:
     • Therm-a-rest Stay Tek Long
       • (get stuff sack if you get one of these self-inflating types)
       • self-inflating closed cell (20" x 72" x 1") 1 lb., 14 oz.
       • $56.00 Newman Outfitters
       • $52.00 Campmor
       • Dick's also has a very good selection.
     • Therm-a-rest Ultra Lite II Long
       • self-inflating closed cell (20" x 72" x 1½") 2 lb., 8 oz.
       • $62.00 Newman Outfitters
       • $59.99 Campmor
     • Therm-a-rest LE Luxury Long
       • self-inflating closed cell (20" x 72" x 2") 2 lb., 8 oz.
       • self-inflating closed cell (25" x 77" x 2½") 3 lb., 13 oz.
       • $89.99/99.99 Campmor
       
            Therm-a-rest - comes in "camp rest" (2" loft - 3 lbs. 13 oz. - $69.99 - Campmor) version, but note extra weight & volume if backpacking is an issue, and I would confirm weight on Luxury version before buying. Note also that cots and air mattresses don't work too well, both allow air to circulate under you and wick warmth away from you, restricting practical use to Summer only (not even Spring & Fall). Most cots are rather hard on tent floors, impractical to back pack in, and most air mattresses will not stay inflated in the cold, or weigh too much if they do.
       
       
   • Sleeping Bags - Your son will need a good Mummy style bag for full comfort (ask the guys how cold they were on the first night of the October Allegheny Camp Out) in Fall, Spring & Klondike (January). Like everything else, it's an issue of need, features, and value. I have found that a Mummy bag rated for 0 is the best value. If a good deal presents itself for a bag rated at lower than 0, grab it! When rated for lower than 0, they tend to get quite pricey and so warm that they become very uncomfortable on some Summer nights. A good quality flat flannel sheet folded into the bag as a liner adds more than enough comfort to handle all but the most extreme conditions - I was toasty warm at almost -20 at the coldest Klondike we ever had. All temperature ratings are not equal ~ compare weight and quality of fill as well as wind and insulating design (zipper flap, chest flap & drawer string). Also note that a good thermal bag can not be stored in it's stuff sack without degrading it's insulating capacity. I store mine in a large leaf bag with the stuff sack so I don't loose it. The more expensive bags come with a breathable storage sack in addition to a good water resistant stuff sack (a must!).

     Features to look for: (confusing variety - be cautious!)

     1. Mummy style - most body heat escapes from the head, must have a draw string!
     2. Length
        • regular (generally fits up to 5'11" to 6'1")
        • small (generally fits up to 5'6"- don't underestimate how fast, and tall, your son will grow)
        • long (generally fits up to 6'6")
     3. Taper - all insulated bags have some taper, not enough makes the bag too bulky and drafty, too much make it so restrictive, it's hard to get comfortable (try it on!)
     4. Shell & Lining - taffeta nylon, water repellant feature and wear resistance (avoid cloth shells & linings). Also note that the tighter the shell weave, the more water & wind resistant, and, the more it will cost
     5. Loft - height & weight of insulating fill - more is better, but be careful that baffle design prevents shifting fill!
     6. Fill - synthetic (Hollofill II & Polarguard seem to be the current favorites) is heavier & bulkier, but unless backpacking in cold weather (and money is no issue), it is far cheaper, holds it's loft better, and is easier to care for (I use Wool Lite), than down
     7. Zipper - very important to be sure it has a good heavy duty nylon, self healing, zipper that doesn't get caught in material and has an good sized interior (insulated) flap ~ even better if insulating flap has a stiffener added to the side up against the zipper to prevent it from catching.
     
     Newman Outfitters -
     • KELTY CLEAR CREEK 0 Hollofill II, was the cheapest of the decent bags, but note: it has a cotton interior liner & no chest flap which are very nice features to have
       regular (5'11") - 5 lbs., 9 oz. - $119.00
       small (5'4") - 4 lbs., 8 oz. - $ 98.00
     • MOUNTAIN HARDWARE NICKLE CIGAR 5 was the best all around value I found. It has a polyester shell, in & out, and zipper & chest flaps and Polarguard fill. Despite 5 degree rating, my bet is that it is actually warmer than the KELTY
       regular (5'11") $142.00
       small (5'4") $135.00
     • SIERRA DESIGN ANNIE OAKLEY 0 was a very nice bag but don't let your son know it is supposed to be designed for a woman which is just marketing bull ~ supposedly more room in hips, less in shoulders, and more insulation in feet & butt ~ none of which means anything as you should try any bag on for fit & comfort. Only real difference is lengths (forget small)
       long (5'10") $161.28
       regular (5'5") $153.75
     
     Other sources, L.L. Bean, Dick's, Campmore (mail order), Sportsman Show (March)
     
     
3. ADVANCED OR OPTIONAL ITEMS
   • Hiking Shoes - if your son's foot is still growing very fast, try to find something in the $40.00 to $60.00 range at the Mall/Dicks with the following features:
     1. Ankle support
     2. Good fit - foot shouldn't slide (wear heavy sock)
     3. Water resistant, yet breathable, material with as few seams & decorative pieces as possible (Gortex best, Gortex knock offs next best)
     4. Cushioned and good tread sole - not extreme lugged sole
     5. Tight tongue & lacing design

     Newman Outfitters Up Scale Examples

     • TECNICA OUTBACK D (Techni Dry - Gortex Knock Off) $ 64.99
     • TECNICA VISTA (Techni Dry - Gortex Knock Off) $ 85.00
     • VASQUE CLARION IMPACT $105.00 (Campmor $ 97.99)
     • VASQUE CLARION GTX (Gortex) $150.00 (Campmor $142.99)
   • Hiking socks - very important too ~ athletic sock will not cut it!
     • Single vs. Pair = personal
     • Single sock (composite)
       • Wigwam Ultimax "Ultimate Performance" $ 12.00
     • Pair of socks ~ polypropylene liner, with wool or wool blend heavy boot sock
       Nylon Knee Highs work as a winter liner, but you'll never get them to wear them
   • Water Proof Spray - get a good one that doesn't impair breathability of shoe
   • Gators - keeps snow out of boots in Winter; briers, water, & ticks off in the Summer ~ comfort, breathability, and easy on & off (velcro so you don't have to take boot off). I use an older ace bandage to wrap boot top to keep snow out.
   • Back Packs (Frame vs. Frame less ~ actually, "internal frame" packs)
     • Frame packs are generally cheaper, have more capacity & pockets, and can be adjusted to grow with Scout, but they are bulkier & slightly heavier
     • Frame less packs are very trendy (and therefore expensive). They tend to have few, if any, pockets, have limited, if any, growth adjustments - I'm not impressed
     • FEATURES:
       1. Minimum weight vs. Maximum capacity
       2. Lots of compartments & outside pockets
       3. Reachable Water bottle pocket on outside (insulated is better)
       4. Lots of mounting straps & points
       5. Enough frame extending beyond pack for bag below & tent or roll above
       6. Quick draw/clasp flap - easy to open & close - with inner water tight cover
       7. Accessible map & rain gear pouch (big enough to fit rain gear is a must - netted pouch is best- lets rain gear shed water)
       8. Adjustable (in, out, up, & down) shoulder straps or frame is a must
       9. Heavily padded, and fit contoured hip pad - shifts weight off shoulders
       10. Chest high adjustable cross (between shoulder straps) strap - keeps weight vertical, and on hips, in top heavy pack, allows packing flexibility
       11. Broad, breathable, and adjustable (position & tension) back pad/contact
       12. Make sure you can get a lightweight, quick on & off, rain cover that will fit when packed (bag on bottom, tent or roll on top) $14- $18
     • CampTrails "McKinley" is my pick for best value in a Frame Pack:
       • Comes in two sizes - Med (13"-21" torso) / Lg (15"-23" torso)- think grow into if close!
       • Med. 2,880-3,880 cu. in. 4 lbs. 10 oz.
       • Lg. 3,330-4,330 cu. in. 5 lbs. 10 oz.
       • Note: I find top frame on this pack too high - easily fixed by drilling new holes to adjust to lower position (cut off excess for weight conscious)
       • Newman Outfitters - $109.00 / Campmor - $100.00
       • CampTrails "Denali" is on sale at Newmans for $109.00 and has a few nicer features than the "McKinley" ~ they only have large, but frame packs are easily adjustable and some short term annoyance will insure that your son doesn't grow out of pack
     • CampTrails "Catskill" seems to be the best value in an INTERNAL Frame Pack:
       • Med. $109.00 - on sale in Spring '97 CAMPMOR catalog (mail order)
       • Lg. $109.00 " "
     • LOWALPINE "NETHERWORLD 70" - was the best value in an INTERNAL Frame Pack that I saw at Newman's (you can try it on!) with a lot of external pockets (a must) - $169.00
   • Hammock - Learn from my mistakes, I finally found the perfect hammock & Fly combo:
     • Original California "Campers Compact Hammock" model # EZ-110
       Newman Outfitters $13.99
     • Fly for hammock - Quest Large Nylon Tarp (8' x10') item#64-8460
       Newman Outfitters $29.99 (on sale)
   • Tarp - for tentless camping too!
   • Carabiners
     • Locking - Newman Outfitters $13.50 (need one)
     • Non-Locking Newman Outfitters $ 5.40 (need one)
   • Figure 8
     • Super Eight (elongated eye - much easier hook up) Newman Outfitters $14.00, Campmor $ 9.99
   • Rappelling/rock climbing harness
     • Basic: Black Diamond "Alpine " Newman Outfitters $35.95
     • Better: Vario "Adjustable" #650067 Newman Outfitters $42.50
     • Better yet: Arc'teryx "Shaha" (SALE) Newman Outfitters $47.96($59.95reg)
   • Folding lock blade knife - they all want one, but a Swiss army knife is all you really need
     • Not worth buying unless you get a good quality, and preferences are very personal
     • Suggest you check out a catalog (Francis & Dustin have them all) and the Sportsman Show
     • Look for quality, shape of grip that prevents hand from sliding toward blade, & lock latch that your son is strong enough to release (good way to hurt yourself - fighting with release)
     • My pick is Buck "Hunter" Newman Outfitters $50.00, but since it's more personal than practical, it should be a personal choice
   • Compass belt pouch - Available at the Scout Store for about $7.00
   • Swiss Army Knife Pouch - Available at the Scout Store for about $6.00
   • Water bottle belt pouch - Available at Newman Outfitters:
     • good - Camp Trails w/o insulation (also lightest - one I have) $ 8.00
     • better - Therm-a-rest w/ insulation (or Newman label) $ 9.50
     • best? - Z-REATION enclosed & insulated w/ belt clip & shoulder strap $14.50
   • Sierra Cup - hooks on belt - acts as cup & plate (no good unless larger, & lighter, size) - Available at Newman Outfitters $4.59
   • Lexan Spoon & Fork (don't bother with knife - if you're weight conscious enough to buy, you wouldn't carry it, but would use swiss army knife) - Available at Newman Outfitters Fork - 49¢ Spoon - 59¢
     Also available: Lexan bowls ($3.69), plates ($4.49), & cups ($3.29) - but thesetend to be personal choice items too (ie., vs. Stainless steel, but aluminum is not a good choice). I believe Lexan is better since stainless is not practical in winter (to easy to burn yourself) but you can always substitute a margarine tub for a bowl in the winter.
   • Pair of Good bungee cords (to attach sleeping bag to frame pack)
   • Gortex rain gear - expensive ($70.00 or more for top half of set) a Sportsman Show Must
   • Penlight (AA)- rugged, but lightweight,- Ever Ready "Roughneck" is my favorite. They all want huge flashlights, and there's no stopping them, but they are totally unnecessary & impractical (too heavy). Penlights can be held in mouth which comes in handy.
   • Flint & Steel - matchless fire starter, very basic at Scout Store, see Francis' for elaborate version
4. ITEMS SCOUT WILL NEED FOR KLONDIKE (JANUARY)
   1. Warm mummy sleeping bag as above
   2. Sleeping pad as above (can substitute any full length of foam rubber ~ if not closed cell, need to cover with plastic)
   3. Thermal boots - Cheap at PayLess
   4. Good socks as above
   6. Layered clothes, gloves, ski mask, scarf
   7. Flannel sheet - flat sheet folded into bag as liner
   8. Home made tinder & fire starter kit
   9. Hand warmers - chemical or fuel are a popular option (any hunting section ~ be careful with fuel ones)
   Note: Your son can do this! Like the Allegheny trip with rappelling, it is a huge learning experience & confidence builder that he ought not miss. Rank required & Scout Skills are stressed in competitive events. We can loan gear, if that is a problem.
   
5. RAPPELLING SET
   1. One locking, one non-locking Carabiners, as above
   2. One figure eight, as above
   3. Leather garden gloves
   4. Harness, as above, is optional (we make our own, but they lack comfort)