Christmas Gifts for Scouts
Christmas Gifts for Scouts
Yes! - it's that time of year again! Sick of hearing about video games or the latest "hot" CD? Looking for gifts that won't be guarding the back of the closet by the end of February? Have we got some suggestions for you! Seriously, though, Scout gear - properly selected - will be used and appreciated for many years to come, especially if your son becomes a true outdoorsman in future years; I still have items my parents gave me over 25 years ago.
Preliminary comments: (A) Parent's of new Scouts should re-review my guide: "Buying Equipment for New Troop 111 Scouts" before hitting the stores. (B) Now is not the time to be looking for "big-ticket" items; sales will be much more prevalent and meaningful after Christmas, when everyone's trying to clear their inventory. If you must buy a backpack, sleeping bag, Gore-Tex rain-gear or hiking boots, please talk with me at least once before making a choice! (C) Now is also not the time to be buying "winter" items unless you have to have them; wait `til March, when it'll all be 50% off the current prices. (D) Any item over fifty bucks should be price-shopped first in a camping catalogue (ask to see the CampMor catalogue - it's the most comprehensive.) (E) Don't buy oversize or very high quality items for younger Scouts. (F) Buy "real" camping gear at Casual Adventure, Eastern Mountain Sports, Appalachian Outfitters and R.E.I. (see the New Scout Buyer's Guide, Part II, for directions); Casual Adventure is the closest. (G) Put your son's name all over everything.
Flashlights: Stay with a small
flashlight; two C or two/four A cells.
The Mini-Mag-Lite is very popular with Scouts, but is very heavy for its
size, very expensive, and readily stolen and/or lost (esp. the all-black
models). I recommend the high impact plastic 2 C cell Super Peli-Lite
or Techna-Lite; these actually weigh less than two 2 A cell
Mini-Mag-Lite and are much more powerful. Get them in bright yellow,
and mark your name on them. For what it's worth, I own a
Super-Peli-Lite, about $18 at REI, indestructible, waterproof, and
with a lifetime guarantee. Scouts also like the military-type
flashlights with a push-button "flash" - very popular for "Logan's Run"
and similar flashlight tag games.
Other lighting accessories include the small wide-beam sealed
flashlights, which are nice for inside a tent at night. You can't put
new batteries in most models (that is, they're disposable.) Typically
available cheap at Trak Auto, etc. Don't bother with candle lanterns,
we rarely (if ever) use them, and they're a distinct fire hazard inside
tents. Although some Scouts like them, I'd also avoid the micro-neon
lights; an awful lot of weight and expense (including a large 6-volt
battery - or even two!) for not much of a light; neon lights also don't
work very well below about 40 degrees.
Foam Pad: Much lighter than an air
mattress. I recommend the Ridge-Rest Pad; get the full six foot version
(they can be folded in
half for increased comfort on hard ground) for about $20. The popular
Therm-a-Rest self-inflating air mattresses are very comfortable and
warm, but weigh significantly more and are quite expensive (up to $75 for
the largest and thickest models.) For what it's worth, I own both; my
choice of mattress was traditionally based on whether we were going
car-camping (Therm-a-Rest) or carrying our gear (Ridge Rest).
Lately, I've been using a new Ultralight-II Therm-a-Rest for backpacking
instead of my Ridge-Rest; it weighs just a little bit more, and is much
more comfortable than any foam pad - but again, very expensive! (about
$55) Any foam pad or (especially) Therm-a-Rest should have the Scout's
name marked on it prominently.
Also for sleeping comfort, you may want to get the small collapsible
"backpacker's pillow." There are two sizes; I own the larger version,
and fold it in half for increased comfort. Note that an airline pillow
is just about right, and some airline companies will sell a new one to
you quite cheaply (if you ask.)
Canteen: Don't bother. Instead, get the now standard 1 liter soda bottles with the wide mouth. They don't cost you anything, and are just as good as an $8 Nalgene canteen. You'll need at least two; three is better for backpacking Scouts. A lot of Scouts now prefer the "squeeze bottle" canteens (available at most camping, sports and cycling stores - also, some fast-food outlets sell them occasionally); however, I don't like them - they're usually only one pint capacity, and the Scouts are always dehydrated. If your son does want one, I'd resist simply to save yourself the money; they're constantly being given away as promotional items at all sorts of events. Whatever you get, mark your name on it.
Eating gear: Don't bother with mess kits - just get a couple of wide-brim plastic bowls with your name on them; just as good. A great substitute for the classic Scout "Knife, Fork and Spoon" kit are the new Lexan Polycarbonate utensils. These are very lightweight and - believe it or not - are virtually unbreakable. They can (and should) be marked with your son's name with an indelible marker. About two bucks for the complete set, sometimes less. Most camping stores also sell a double-wall polycarbonate cup; very nice for winter camping, where single wall cups (metal or plastic) lose heat very rapidly. This is really a winter specialty item, but can be used year round. Do not buy the "Alpine" cup (wide-mouth metal, with a hook to hang on your belt, two sizes) - very popular among Adults, but they're way too heavy and don't work all that well for Scouts anyway. I never, ever used mine; in fact, I gave all three of them away a few months ago. Expensive, too!
Compass: Get the simplest possible standard model [flat, transparent plastic base with a rotating liquid filled compass]; anyone that knows how to use a compass doesn't need a "deluxe" model. About $10 I had - and used - my original for 22 years (before a Scout lost it on me.) `Nuff said!
Knives: For younger Scouts, a small
folding lock-blade knife with a blade length of 3 inches or less (less
than $15) is the safest model
and all he'll ever need in Scouting. Although popular, avoid Swiss Army
knives with 2 zillion functions - too expensive, too heavy, and 99% of
the functions are never used anyway. If your older Scout is really into
the outdoors, I recommend a "real" knife; e.g., a folding Buck or Gerber
folding lock-blade with a 4 inch blade (typically $35 - $70). Don't
go over 4 inches; a knife that large is unnecessary and also illegal if
concealed. Many high quality knife companies now have "backpacker"
(again, high impact plastic) versions of their folding lock-blade knives
- much lighter, but somewhat more expensive. Don't bother with the
backpacker knives with hollowed out blades - these are really flimsy and
bend too easily under real work. If possible, get knives with brightly
colored handles, and (as always) mark your son's name on it with an
indelible pen.
A related item of interest is the popular "Leatherman" tools. Quite
expensive ($30 - $60, depending on the size), although an increasing
number of generics is beginning to bring prices down. I have mixed
feelings on these - they're far better than Swiss Army knives, but still
only rarely used in most Scout settings. Also quite heavy and easy to
lose. For what it's worth, I have carried one (only one!) for my last
three Philmont crews, and have only used the non-blade tools twice, both
times to repair broken backpacks. Bottom line - only for older Scouts
(15 and above) who are developing into true outdoormen.
Books and Magazines: The Scout "FieldGuide" (the one with the
green cover) is a great complement to the Scout Handbook; it contains a
good amount of actually useful information, and the guys actually read
them. Available at the Scout Shop - about $12. The Scout Shop also has a
good library of additional books which may catch your son's eye, but
you'll generally do just as well looking in the "outdoors" section of
the local bookstores for practical books like "How to Stay Alive in the
Woods," or "Supermarket Backpacker," etc. Books on mountain biking,
rock climbing/repelling, caving, skiing, SCUBA-diving, or other
Scout-like activities also tend to go over pretty well if your son
enjoyed these programs with the Troop.
With respect to magazines, the Troop is already purchasing the "best"
general outdoors magazine for all of our Scouts currently in High School
- Outside Magazine. There are others of interest - notably
"Backpacking" Magazine, or others dealing with specific sports or
outdoor activities.
Clothing: (A couple of suggestions)
Gloves: Versatility is key! - avoid very thick gloves or mittens; the boys
have to take them off to do
anything. The old style military glove (woolen liner with a thin
leather outer glove, usually found at surplus stores) is useful and
pretty warm. Another compromise for very cold weather is a thin pair of
"modern insulation" gloves (Gore-Tex/Thinsulate) with a larger set of
mittens to go over them - this offers the maximum warmth and versatility
for "real" winter camping. Note that gloves (and all other "winter"
gear) will be very expensive now and very inexpensive in March. Please
mark your name on both gloves. Thermal Underwear: Avoid cotton
underwear; instead, get the new "wicking" style synthetics - more
expensive, but much more effective (polypropylene, Capilene, Patagonia,
etc.).
Similarly, polypropylene socks are a must for backpacking (in
all seasons); these go under thick wool socks for keeping feet dry and
warm; also good for skiing. If your son is going to Philmont this
summer, three pairs of the thick, specialty walking wool socks (the
thickest Trek TRX socks) are a great idea. Hats: Go for wool/synthetic
blends; avoid full face masks - they're too irritating to wear all day,
and eventually get wet (and therefore cold) from condensed breath
moisture and saliva. The thin ski "face-mask" is a very popular item,
as are "cool" looking sunglasses for skiing (but yet more items which
are often a lot cheaper in March.)
Also for winter camping, a good woolen scarf is a dramatically
effective accessory to your typical coat and hat. Purchases of winter
(or specialty backpacking) camping clothing should be with the "layer"
concept in mind - heavyweight, thick coats and other items have only two
options: On (a.k.a. "Broil") and Off ("Deep Freeze"). Use multiple
layers which can be added/removed at need - typically a synthetic
"wicking" thermal underwear next to the skin, cotton/synthetic blends to
absorb moisture, wool over all for warmth, followed by a parka or
windproof jacket. Gore-Tex is wonderful, but too expensive for still
growing Scouts; you might consider it if your son is 16 years old and
six foot two already.
Summer items are at their cheapest prices right now! Thus, nylon or
nylon blend hiking shorts, T-Shirts, summer-weight long-sleeve shirts,
long pants, wind-suits or rain-gear, hats, sun-visors, sleeping bags,
etc., are all items to keep an eye out for. Note that these will only
rarely be up front and "in your face" when you walk into a store -
you'll have to look and/or ask for them.
Other items of possible interest: Biking helmet or gloves, camera, rainproof backpack cover (they come in all sizes; bring the pack along and get one that's a good deal larger than you think you need) and rock climbing shoes. Philmont trekkers - ultralight sneakers ("racing flats"), bandannas, sunglasses, backpacker's towel (largest size), ultralight daypack, ultralight workgloves, packstraps with quick-release clips (for strapping sleeping bags or tents onto a frame backpack), bright yellow parachute cord (25 feet), package of 10 small binder clips, and (if you already have a good backpack) new, heavily padded replacement hipbelt and/or shoulder straps.
Backpacks and hiking boots: Only a good idea if on closeout special. As you know, I always recommend buying used backpacks (and the Troop has several for sale if you're interested.) I also urge purchasing an external frame pack - the internal frame packs feel wonderful in the store and miserable out on the trail; their use is as much art as science. Devotees will swear by them, but they're an item best left for your son to purchase when he's older and more accomplished at backpacking. Boots are very expensive, and their purchase (for Philmont) should be left to late Winter unless you see a sale you can't pass up; in this case, wear 2 pair of thick socks when purchasing, in order to allow some room for growth.
Nifty things to avoid: Flint and Steel kit, Snakebite kit, Mini First-Aid Kit, Firestarters (of all types), Waterproof matches, metal cook or mess-kits, Sterno-Stoves, axes, hatchets, bowsaws, Emergency Flares, cots or folding camp-stools, Dutch or Reflecting Ovens, Lumi-Lite sticks, Survival kits, Emergency blankets (useless!), signal mirrors, all aerosol spray items, all items packed in glass, any- and everything that weighs a ton, all 100% cotton clothing, and virtually all the camping trash at the Scout Shop.
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