1. The Big Four of Backpacking Mark Spitler Stephen Watkins 18 November 2007 Based on an original presentation and slide design by Tyler Cookson

2. What we’ll be talking about... ► Packs ► Sleeping Bags ► Boots ► Clothing & Raingear

3. 2 Types of Packs 2 Types of Packs External Frame ► Cheaper ► Spaced from back  Cooler  Tolerates lumps  More freedom packing ► “Some gear outside ► More pockets Internal Frame ► Close to back  Hotter  Careful packing required ► Gear both inside & outside Trade-offs

4. Packs, con’t… Size ► Must be adequate for both personal and crew gear! ► Recommend Min. of 4500 cu in min ► Remember to try on many different packs

5. Sleeping Bags Mummy  Less room  Less to heat  Hooded  lighter Rectangular  More room  No hood  Heavier Buy the bag you will use year around

6. Ground Pads Closed-cell foam ► ► Water proof ► Cheap ► Lightest ► Indestructible ► Packs quickly Self-inflating ► More expensive ► Heavier ► Slightly more comfortable ► Adults prefer ¾ length ground pad suggested for Philmont

7. Boots & Socks Leather ► More expensive ► Careful break in ► Heavier Fabric & Leather ► Less expensive ► Not waterproof ► Lighter ► Minimal break-in Lightest boot capable of handling trails and loads you’ll have Remember your weight is going to be you plus your pack (Approx 50lbs)

8. Boots & Socks Fitting ► It’s the fit not the size ► Wear 2 pair socks- thin synthetic liner, midweight wool. ► No toe contact with front on incline ► Walk around- does it feel right?

9. STORM CONVERGENCE AT STATIC PEAK (ELEVATION 10,790 FEET) GRAND TETON NATIONAL PARK WYOMING

10. PREPARING FOR THE STORM ON STATIC PEAK GRAND TETON NATIONAL PARK WYOMING

11. WEATHERING THE STORM ON STATIC PEAK GRAND TETON NATIONAL PARK WYOMING

12. THE MORNING AFTER ON STATIC PEAK GRAND TETON NATIONAL PARK WYOMING

13. THE MORNING AFTER ON STATIC PEAK GRAND TETON NATIONAL PARK WYOMING

14. Rain Gear Suggested: Two piece Rainsuit Objective- stay warm & dry Not worth it to go cheap Look for Nylon w/ Gortex Pack small Pants with side zips and/or boot zips

15. Clothing ► NO COTTON! ► Minimum requirement 50/50 blend ► Recommend nylon quick dry clothing

16. Closing Thoughts ► Price alone is not an indicator of quality equipment ► Buy the best you can afford ► Think practically--why do you want to buy this piece of equipment? ► Polypropylene or polypropylene and wool mix is preferred

17. Closing Thoughts ► Purchase a backpack that fits you now, not later--the issue is pain ► The fashion design for the backcountry is big, baggy and ugly ► The wilderness barks and bites; it’s bite is worse than it’s bark--don’t skimp on the rain gear

18. Closing Thoughts ► Buy boots that are comfortable and fit well--price is not the issue, the fit is

19. Contact Us Mark Spitler msmm9278@earthlink.net Stephen Watkins stevejumps91@yahoo.com

20. Your Questions About... ► Packs ► Sleeping Bags ► Boots ► Clothing & Raingear