Rikki's Rant:
A Scout and Parents Guide to
Buying Equipment for Camps and Hikes
Purchasing equipment for use by Scouts can be a real minefield. There are many, many
brands all with the own marketing spin and sales speak. Some brands offer good value,
others appear to be good value but are not. Some brands will safely get you to the top of
Mt Everest and back but cost a week’s salary. The information below is recommended as a
guide based on my experiences as a user of outdoor equipment and as a Scout. It takes into
account my experience as a salesman of outdoor equipment in both the cheap end and high
ends of the industry. My aim here is not to guilt you into putting a second mortgage on the
house so your son or daughter can walk round in the latest Macpac Softshell (although I'm
not against the idea!). Rather, my aim is to provide you with as much information as I can so
you can make an informed decision.
I encourage you to purchase the best quality equipment you can afford, as quality
equipment will last longer and serve you far better. Keep in mind that quality equipment
such as sleeping bags and hike packs can be reused by any number of children during their
Scouting and school trips. Much of what is available today is so cheap it’s almost disposable
- I urge you to avoid the temptation to purchase this type of equipment where possible.
When considering your gear purchase please remember we don't expect Scouts to have
top-of–the-range equipment. We understand the financial pressures families face and
therefore suggest, especially when in the early stages, you use the 'beg, borrow, hire or
steal' concept. This works very well, especially when Scouts are growing. If you're about the
buy piece of equipment the leaders are more than happy to give you some advice (just tell
us when to shut-up!). Above and beyond anything else mentioned, please always remember
that you get what you pay for'. The only exception to this is a certain retailer that is famous
for their 50% off sales – here the above expression is only true after you've received a 50%
discount, otherwise you've been ripped off.
Equipment
Quality Sleeping Bag ($100 - $700)
A quality sleeping bag will get many years of use, especially if it is stored correctly. There
are two types of bags: down and synthetic. Synthetic sleeping bags offer good warmth and
value for money, but are often bulky and heavy. Generally, while synthetic sleeping bags are
not ideal for hiking (although you can get away with them), they are excellent for normal
camping, sleepovers etc. If buying a synthetic sleeping bag I suggest that you look at Black
Wolf, Roman and Aurora, as these are some of the better manufactures.
Down sleeping bags are much warmer for their weight, pack down well and are excellent for
hiking. As always, all good things come with a price tag, and down sleeping bags start at
around $200. When buying a down sleeping bag, look for manufacturers that use quality
components (e.g., YKK zips, goose down and brand name inner and outer fabrics). Some of
the warmer sleeping bags will be 'mummy style' these more technical bags are great for
hikes as they will be warmer for their weight, the more basic options are 'rectangular' or
'tapered rectangular' are more suited to camping and sleepovers. Most salesmen will
happily explain the differences to you in detail, if they can't - walk away! Generally price will
give you an indication of warmth, as will the type of down (duck or goose? - goose is more
desirable), grade of down (measured in loft rating 500, 600, 700, 750+ etc) and type of inner
and outer fabrics. Some of the top bags feature GoreTex style outers that are both
waterproof and highly breathable. If buying a down sleeping bag I suggest looking at the
brands Mont, DAB, One Planet, Macpac, Sea to Summit and Kathmandu (pretty much in
that order).
Many manufacturers, especially at the cheaper end the market, provide “temperature
ratings” - take this information with grain of salt. Some companies quote survival ratings
(e.g., you’re going to be hypothermic but will most likely live through the night), while
others use comfort ratings. Furthermore, apart from one or two brands that are
independently tested to European standards, most bag manufactures make up the figures
themselves. If all that wasn't enough there are just too many variables that can influence
whether you get cold or not, such as gender, fitness, food consumed, mattress quality, type
of shelter (hut or tent?) and number of people in the shelter.
Hike Pack ($130 - $550)
Scouts who are keen to go hiking should consider buying their own pack – especially after
going on a few hikes. There are two styles of pack available: travel packs and hike packs.
While you can hike with a travel pack, we recommend hike packs as their features meet a
Scout’s needs better.
When buying a hike pack keep in mind the job that it does. Don't get carried away with
fancy pockets, elastic storage straps, reflective webbing, free karabiner key rings and
waterproof covers (although the latter is not a bad idea). Many manufacturers use these
cheap add-ons to lure you to their product. What you need to look for is a quality bag with a
minimum of fuss. The most important feature of a hike pack is a quality harness that
comfortably transfers weight from the pack to the carrier’s hips. Look for a stiff hip belt, as
many packs feature soft, comfortable hip belts that feel great in the shop without weight in
the pack, simply aren’t up to the job when loaded with 10-15kg. A harness that is firm and
helps the bag become part of the hiker will be able to do its job much better. If the shop
doesn't let you try the bag on with weight in it then they’re not serious about quality
equipment.
Most packs available are made of synthetic material and a few are canvas. The canvas
models will generally offer better durability and waterproofing, but come at a higher price.
Finding packs that will properly fit younger Scouts is a very hard task as, short of a few
independent shops around Melbourne, there is very little available. Be wary of sales people
who tell you otherwise!
I highly recommend the brand Wilderness Equipment, who make very well built products
with a focus on simplicity and functionality. For example, they make a 'breakout' model
which is very reasonably priced (around $300), especially when compared to some of the
'bells and whistles' pack that offer far more features but far less quality and functionality.
The 'breakout' is likely to fit almost any sized Scout (these are the packs we have available
for hire), Mont also manafactuer a very similar bag. Other recommended brands are
Macpac (especially their canvas models) and One Planet. In the cheaper end of the market
Black Wolf are worth considering.
Sleeping Mat
Sleeping mats come in many different shapes and sizes. The basic closed-cell foam mats are
cheap and functional. Self-inflating 'Thermarest' style mats are a good option for a more
comfortable night’s sleep, but are more expensive. In recent years a number of reasonable
quality competitors to the Thermarest brand have become available. Shop around, as there
is a lot available. You will probably be able to find a model that is suitable for both hiking
and camping. If you can afford the extra, stick with Thermarest brand - you won't go wrong.
Note: we do not recommend stretcher style bedding, as these are not suitable for hikes and
restricts the capacity of our canvas camping tents.
Clothing: The Layering System
When packing clothing for a Scout camp we encourage the principles of 'the layering
system', as it enables far greater versatility in outdoor clothing. Put simply, it is the notion
that three to four items of clothes can be worn in different combinations to cover almost
every weather condition and physical activity scenario.
For example, a large padded parker style jacket would in theory keep you warm and dry.
But if you were bushwalking in a slight drizzle and you began to warm up you would be
unable to separate the inner padding from the waterproof outer. If using the layering
system you would just take off your insulating mid layer but still keep on the outer shell
layer that is keeping you dry. Avoid the use of cotton (including denim), as it offers very
little warmth and when it becomes wet is heavy, cold and hard to dry. Wool, polypropylene
and fleece are much better options. Cottons are really only suitable for base camps that
don’t involve hiking.
Base Layer or Wicking Layer- Thermal Underwear ($30 - $60)
The Base Layer is the first layer of clothing you put on and it is in direct contact with your
skin. The base layer helps quickly move sweat from the skin outwards. The base layer
should not retain moisture but transport it away from the skin, thereby countering 'afterexercise chill'. Depending on the weather a base layer may not be required.
Thermal underwear makes a great base layer, and we highly encourage you to use it.
Thermals are a relatively cheap investment that will serve you for many years. They can be
used in many circumstances, such as on camp during winter, when canoeing, skiing or
hiking, or simply on a cold day in the suburbs. Please make sure you buy thermal underwear
that is polypropylene, not cotton. Woollen thermals are also excellent, but can be in excess
of $100 per pair.
Mid Layer / Insulation Layer - Fleece Jumpers / Shirts ($40 - $200)
The Insulation Layer is the second layer of clothing which is put on over the top of the base
layer. The purpose of the Insulation Layer is to retain body heat. The best way to do this is
by creating a layer of still or dead air around your body. This still air will greatly decrease the
heat exchange between your body and the outside world.
Fleece jumpers and make a great insulation layer, and are commonly available and much
cheaper than they used to be. Fleece shirts are also available but probably only needed in
the snow (another jumper would do as a substitute). Older style flannelette shirts and
woollen jumpers are a great cheaper option (although not that fashionable), and can be
found at op shops. Two or three mid layers can be worn depending on the conditions.
Outer / Shell Layer - Rain Jacket ($60 - $600)
A waterproof rain jacket is the first thing that should be packed for every Scout camp.
Jackets range greatly in price. Be aware of the super-cheap 'stowaway' rainjackets, which
actually offer almost no waterproofing at all, regardless of “seam sealed” claims. The
cheaper end jackers are often vinyl or polyurethane, and usually offer only basic
waterproofing no breathability. On a hike or while undertaking physical activity you can be
saturated in one of these in under half an hour. The more expensive models use fabrics that
are both waterproof and breathable. Many of you well have heard of the fabric GoreTex.
GoreTex is generally considered to be the top-of-the-range, but there are now a number of
reasonable GoreTex rip-offs that are worth a look, as well as a few decent competitors (e.g.,
eVent) who make a comparable products. When shopping at the higher end of the market
($200+), information about the fabrics breathability and waterproofing is often available.
Breathability is commonly measured in g/m2 per day (the higher the better), and
waterproofing in mm (GoreTex rates at 25,000mm+).
Remember that it is much better to buy a jacket that is a simple 'shell' (i.e., waterproof and
windproof), rather than something that is padded or lined. This will help with breathability,
versatility and weight.
Hike Boots
Hike boots should be solid and preferably have some level of waterproofing. Given that
Scouts’ feet are often growing, there is usually a temptation to buy at the cheaper end of
the market. This is ok, just make sure you look for something with good ankle support (no
elastic sided boots or runners) and remember that if your boots leak you going to need
extra socks!
Allow enough length in the boot. A good test is to slide your foot right to the front of the
boot while unlaced and slip your fingers down the heel. There should be 1 to 1.5 finger
widths clear at the heel. This space becomes available in front of the toes when the boot is
laced. Seat your heel into the rear of the boot and lace firmly. Once laced push forward in
the boot and you should not be able to feel the toes on the front. Look for a good fit in the
heel cup and across the toe box. Boots are made in different widths so you may need to
change models or brands if the width does not suit.
Wear the boots inside for half a day or so to ensure that the fit is right. Many shops will
allow you to exchange the boots at this stage if they are not suitable. Then wear them for
some short walks to ease them in before heading off on a big trip. If they feel a bit tight put
on an extra pair of socks and go for a short walk, perhaps 30 minutes. They will feel
uncomfortable but this will usually be enough to stretch them a little into exactly your foot
shape. Do not do this just before an actual walk; your feet may need a day or two to
recover.
Where to Buy From?
The range of outdoor store has changed greatly in the last decade many smaller shops have
closed and we have seen an explosion in the number of 'warehouse' style stores. This has
meant that there are fewer quality independent brands and more 'home brands'. Most
shops will stock a home brand, such as Spinifex, Hi-Country, Denali, Wild Country and
Kathmandu. Like most shops, home brands can offer excellent value but are often not the
same quality as their brand name counterparts. Be careful of salespeople who push their
particular 'home brand', as stores have far great margin on these products and therefore
will try to sell their home brand where possible. Independent shops can as a general rule
stock what they (and I) feel are the best quality brands, I recommend you pay them a visit
even if you end up buying else ware.
Ray’s Outdoors, Aussie Disposals and BCF will all stock a range of lower end camping and
hiking gear, and some of their clothing can be good value. Remember to ask for a Scout
Discount
Kathmandu stocks largely clothing and travel goods, although you will find some hiking
equipment. Remember Kathmandu are famous for their sales; it would be unwise to make
large purchase there without such a discount. Much of what Kathmandu has on offer is
reasonable quality and their clothing is certainly very competitive. Some of Kathmandu's
more technical gear (packs, sleeping bags, tents) is, in my opinion, not the quality of some
of the smaller independent manufactures. However, they are worth a look.
Snowgum offer a good general range of equipment and clothing. They stock some
independent brands such as Wilderness Equipment, One Planet and Mont. Ask for a Scout
discount.
Outsports (Moorabbin) is a small independent store with real emphasis on quality technical
equipment. They have friendly, knowledgeable staff and stock some great brand names and
generally excellent quality stuff. They also have a good range of hire equipment.
Bogong Equipment (Melbourne) one of the bigger independents stores, they also offer
quality technical equipment and old fashioned customer service.
Macpac offer some very nice clothing and technical gear. I prefer their canvas packs. Some
of their technical gear is not the quality in used to be - they have changed ownership in
recent years and the quality and attention to detail that made them famous is now a little
lacking. They have sales from time to time - just ask the staff.
Anaconda stocks some reasonable cheaper end camping equipment. In my opinion avoid
their 'home brands' and their rain wear is as a general rule a complete waste of money.
Also well worth a look are Paddy Pallin (Melbourne, Kew) and Mountain Designs
(Moorabbin / Melbourne & others)
And don't forget...
"You get what you pay for!"