Backpacking
- Show that you know first aid for injuries or
illnesses that could occur while backpacking,
including hypothermia, heatstroke, heat exhaustion,
frostbite, dehydration, sunburn, insect stings,
tick bites, snakebite, blisters, and hyperventilation.
- Do the following:
- List 10 items which are essential to be carried on
any overnight backpacking trek and explain why each
item is necessary.
- Describe 10 ways you can limit the weight and bulk
to be carried in your pack without jeopardizing
your health and safety.
- Do the following:
- Define limits on the number of backpackers that
should be on a backpacking crew.
- Explain the reason for the upper limit and the
lower limit in a backpacking crew.
- Tell environmental considerations that are important
for backpackers and describe five ways to lessen their
impact on the environment. Describe proper methods for
disposing of solid and liquid wastes.
- Demonstrate two ways to purify water and tell why water
purification is essential.
- Demonstrate that you can read topographic maps. While
on a hike, use a map and compass to establish your
position on the terrain at random times and places.
- Tell how to prepare properly for and deal with
inclement weather while on a backpacking trek.
- Do the following:
- Explain the advantages and disadvantages of three
different types of backpacking stoves using at
least three different types of fuel.
- Demonstrate that you know how to operate a
backpacking stove safely and to handle liquid fuel
safely.
- Prepare at least three meals using a stove and fuel
you can carry in a backpack.
- Do the following:
- Plan a patrol backpacking hike.
- Properly pack your own gear and your share of the
crew equipment and food. Protect it against
inclement weather. Show that your pack allows you
to get quickly to items you may need on the trail
and provides for comfort, balance, and neatness.
Show how to use effectively a pack frame and hip
strap to distribute the weight on your body.
- Conduct a prehike inspection of the patrol and its
equipment.
- Carrying your pack, complete a hike of at least 2
miles.
- Take three backpacking treks. Each must consist of at
least 3 days duration with two different overnight
campsites, and each must cover at least 15 miles. Carry
everything you will need throughout the trek.
- Do the following:
- In addition, assist in planning and take a
backpacking trek of at least 5 days with at least
three different campsites, and covering at least 30
miles. Your written plan submitted to your
counselor must include route, food and menus,
equipment, and emergency notification. Prepare
lightweight, reasonably priced trail menus. Carry
everything you need throughout the entire trek.
- On returning, tell what you did to get in shape for
this trek and how you might do it differently
again.