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Preparing forAdventure

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Preparing toExplore

Wild and open spaces are exciting areasto explore. In order to enter these placesyou must prepare yourself both in termsof equipment, to protect you from theelements, and the necessary skills, toenable you to survive.The equipment needed to enter thewilderness is determined by many things- the prevailing weather conditions, thenature of the terrain which you choose to

enter and the length of time you wish to staythere. In open countryside weatherconditions play a major role in determiningour reaction to hot and cold. The type andquality of the clothing you choose to wearwill ensure your comfort or add to yourmisery.

Normal body temperature is approx. 37degrees centigrade. Our clothing thereforemust be capable of maintaining thistemperature. When we get hot, we tend toremove clothing and as it gets cool we tendto put on more clothes.

This method is okay under normalconditions, however when in the open otherfactors can upset this practice.Wind, rain, and in cold weather, snow,attack the body�’s ability to maintain itsnormal temperature. Wind has the ability torob heat from your body as it can penetratethrough the layers of your clothing. Likewiserain can soak your clothing and prevent itfrom keeping you warm. If you add coldwith wind and rain then the cooling processcan be rapid and can lead to the onset ofhypothermia ( see Emergencies Chapter)very quickly.

Modern outdoor clothing manufacturersdesign equipment to a standard that willprotect you from the elements of weather incomfort. The problem for anyone entering anoutdoor shop is the vast array of equipmentavailable - waterproof jackets, breathablefabrics, leather boots, fabric boots, twoseason or 4 season sleeping bags, daysacks and expedition sacks. In the pagesthat follow we will provide you with detailedinformation about the type of equipment youneed. What are the key features you shouldbe looking for when you go shopping?.

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Reliability, quality and essential featuresrather than price should be your rule ofthumb. There will always be nice fancyequipment with a big price tag for those whohave more money than sense but in everymarket place there are the quality companieswho provide equipment at a realistic pricethat is well designed and targeted at realenthusiasts who understand the nature of thedesign features and reliability factors that willensure their safety and comfort in thewilderness.The Scout Shop should be your first port ofcall. They have trained staff who can adviseon all aspects of equipment.

Wind Chill Factor

Wind speed

10KM20KM40KM60KM80KM100KM

Air Temperature (centigrade)

20

181613121212

15

13106544

10

73-1-2-3-3

5

2-2-8-10-11-11

0

-3-9-15-18-19-19

-2

-5-11-18-21-22-22

-4

-7-14-21-24-25-25

-8

-11-19-27-30-31-31

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To keep warm you can eitherhave one big heavy outercoator a number of different itemsof clothing each adding anotherlayer to the heat retainingproperties of your body. Theoutercoat idea is obviously impractical so those who ventureinto the open should use the layeringmethod to maintain and control bodytemperature.There are 4 different layers toconsider which can be combineddepending on weather conditions. Eachlayer has a unique role to play in thecombination. The object of each layer isto provide and retain heat, trapping alayer of air that can provide insulation andallow excess body heat and perspirationto escape.

LayersThe first layer which isnext to your skin shouldconsist of a thermal vestwith long sleeves in winteror a plain cotton T-shirt insummer. This layer shouldbe close fitting but not tootight. The idea of this layeris to absorb perspirationand allow it to pass to theouter layer

The second layer could bea wool shirt or a polo neckshirt or pullover. It shouldbe loose fitting and providesprotection for both the neck

and the wrists. Sleeves should be capableof being rolled up so that in warm weatherthe body temperature can be controlledwith ease. In warm weather this layercould be replaced by the outside layer.

The third layer needs to be �‘woolly�’ suchas a woollen pullover or a fleece jacket.The main features are heat control so azip front is ideal for this purpose. The ideaof this layer is to trap large pockets ofwarm air and insulate your body from thecold.

The outer layer should bea jacket that will protectyou from the wind andrain, ideally made ofbreathable fabric.

The extremities of the body, thehead, hands and feet also needprotection. A large proportion of yourbody heat is loss through the head.

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Qualities of different fabrics used in clothingCotton This is excellent for �‘drawing away�’

moisture from the body.Used in the making of T-shirtsand thermal vests

Wool This is a natural material and excellent fortrapping air pockets. Can be bulky andheavy

Used in shirts and pullovers,gloves, hats and socks

Fleece A manmade fabric that has the samequalities as wool. Like wool it is notwindproof. Works well even when wet

Used in a variety of productsusually in fleece tops and jacketsbut also in gloves and hats

Nylon A manmade fabric that has excellentwindproof and waterproof qualities. Itsbiggest disadvantage is that it does notallow moisture out so the inside of thefabric becomes sweaty with condensation

Used in jackets and raincoatsusually in the budget end of themarket.

BreathableFabric

Unlike Nylon this manmade fabric allowsmoisture out and is also waterproof.

Used in jackets in the middle totop range of the market

What to wear

SummerShortsShirtsT - ShirtsHat - baseball orfloppySunglasses

Wind proof jacketLight waterproof jacketLight fleece or sweatshirtLight track suit bottomsBoots

WinterVarious clothing options followinglayer principle.T- shirt and long johns or tracksuitbottom.Shirts/sweatshirtsFleece or pulloverWaterproof jacket and over trousersBalaclava and scarfMittens/gloves and overglovesBoots and gaiters

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Protectionfrom theelementsThe outer shell that consists of jacket,overtrousers, boots and gaiters is yourmain protection from the elements. Whenkitting yourself out in this equipmentspend your money wisely. A jacket willbe expensive and it will have aneveryday use as well as protecting youon your ventures into the wilds.Nylon is waterproof and will keep you

dry, however if you can afford it opt for breathablefabric for comfort. Be warned however that it willneed to be kept clean as any dirt on the fabric willprevent it �‘breathing�’. The jacket will only protect theupper body and it will need to be supplemented with apair of overtrousers. Again the same advice applies -nylon is less expensive and functional but if yourbudget allows opt for breathable fabric.

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Waterproof Warm Windproof Light to carry

When you are travelling in open countryside you willconstantly be changing your clothing layers as the weatherchanges and as you ascend or descend mountains.Choose the clothing you pack with care. You will want thebest protection from the elements and often it is best tohave a number of different layers of clothing rather than oneheavy jacket. A good fleece jacket is ideal for warmth butuseless in the rain. Perhaps a lighter rain jacket can alsobe used in such circumstances or perhaps an poncho,which can also double as a ground sheetor shelter.

Most of your body heat is lost through thehead so don�’t forget the woolly hat. On dayhikes don�’t discard spare clothing justbecause the rucksack is smaller.

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Sleeping bagsSleep is essential to revive the body aftera hard day in the open and perhaps oneof the most important items of equipmentyou require is a sleeping bag. Warmth isthe key word to remember and withregard to sleeping bags you must spendsome money to achieve it. Forget thecheap sleeping bags that have a zip allaround. They are ideal for hostelling or foruse in warm climates but for Irishconditions buy the best bag you canafford.

Mummy shapes hug the body but if you findthat too restrictive then you can buy thetraditional square shape. A zip is required forease of entry into the bag and for controllingthe heat inside your bag. Opt for a double zipthat can be opened from the bootom as wellas the top to aid air flow . Look out for aprotective flap covering the zip on the insideto prevent heat loss through the zip andprevent cold spots.

The most expensive sleeping bags willbe filled with down or a special ultralightfilling that can be compressed to a smallsize. Most bags are filled with hollofillfibre which is a manmade fibre imitatingthe qualities of down. In general opt for a2 - 3 season bag and read the productliterature before you buy for fullspecification of the design in particulartemperature range. Choose an adult sizeso that you can get maximum life fromyour bag.

Sleeping bags are constructed using a numberof methods. The more expensive tend to usethe double layer construction

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The purpose of a close celled foam sleeping mat is to provide insulation from the ground andprotect the life of lightweight groundsheets,rather than to cushion the effects of hardground. A comfortable nights sleep isdetermined by the warmth and comfort of yoursleeping bag. Cold rising from the ground throughthe groundsheet of your tent will draw away the warmth of your sleeping bag leading to a restless nights sleep. The sleepingmat prevents this transfer of heat byacting as an insulation layer between youand the ground. Sleeping mats have different levels of quality and effectiveness. The cheapermats have a loose cell structure and will compress easily so that the insulating layer can bequite thin and offer little protection. The denser cell format of the slightly more expensive mats ispreferred and offers better protection both to the sleeper and the life of your groundsheet.

Sleeping Mats

Air BedsAir beds offer some of the comfort of yourbed at home. They are however made ofrubber and can be heavy to carry. You alsoneed plenty of puff or a footpump.

These are excellent for familycamping or when yourequipment is beingtransported in a car butwhen you have to carry

your pack on your back a sleepingmat is a better option

Camp bedCamp beds have the same advantages and disadvantages as airbeds, weight being one of its major disadvantages. Camp bedsalso offer little insulating qualities as the space under the bedallows an air flow to draw away warmth. Their structurealso makes them unsuitable for use inlightweight tents as the legs will�‘dig into�’ the groundsheet.Use only in large tentswith heavy groundsheetsor wooden flooring

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FootwearComfortable footwear is a must whentravelling across open countryside andrough terrain by foot. Trainers, no matterhow cool and fancy they look are of nouse in rough terrain particularly if you addin the elements of wet, cold and mud. Asolid pair of leather hiking boots are amust.

The design of hiking boots has changedlittle over the years. A sole normallybearing the �‘Vibram�’ logo is a goodindicator of a sole that will protect yourfoot from sharp stones, provide grip onslippery rocks, and distribute your weightevenly. The more expensively pricedranges of boots will have the sole stitchedas well as glued to the upper boot. Thesole should be relatively stiff when youbuy the boot. This will become pliablewith use. A sole that is too soft, indicatesa boot that is designed for casual streetwear rather than open countryside.

The high collar of the boot provides supportaround the ankle and provides a collar toprevent loose stones and grit from getting intothe boot.The tongue of the boot should be one pieceand sewn all around so as to provideprotection from water.Lacing is normally done by �‘D rings�’ at thelower end of the lacing and by way of hooksat the top. This allows the boot to be undonewith ease and also allows the boot to betightened easily.

Vibram soles

Open lacing withhooks and �‘D rings�’

Check if sole is sewn aswell as glued to upper

High collar provides protection of anklesfrom injury. Cushion collar adds tocomfort and prevents chaffing of ankles.

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Tips when buying

Buy your boots in a specialistcamping and hiking shop so thatyou get expert advise.

Bring two pairs of heavy socks(the socks you intend wearingwith your boots normally) and putthem on before fitting.

Normally you will be looking for aboot one size bigger than yournormal shoe size.

Wearing your choice of boot - pushyour foot to the top of the boot - youshould be able to put your fingerdown the back of the boot. You willneed this space for your foot tomove and prevent blisters

Walk up and down the shop. Theboot will be stiff but will soften upwhen it goes through a process of�‘breaking in�’.

However, there should be nofeeling of tightness across thebroad part of the boot, and youshould be able to wiggle your toes.

Choose a boot that will survive therigours of the terrain you are likelyto travel. Suede and canvas bootsare normally designed for trailwalking whereas standard leatherboots are more likely to survive thebattering they will get in bogs,water, and rough mountain terrain.

Normally, it is advisable to wear two or threepairs of socks with your boots for comfort. Athin pair that you would wear with normalshoes and two pairs of thick wool socks. Ifyou are not used to wearing wool socksthey can be rough on your feet so you needto wear a thin pair of socks. If your feet areprone to sweating then you may have torethink this method. A long and short pair ofwool socks are preferred. A long pair ofsocks can be used over trousers to protectthem from briars and brambles, the short pairbeing folded down over the top of your bootsto prevent grit and dirt getting into them.It is advisable to wear gaiters over yourboots and socks to provide protection fromthe terrain and give extended life to yoursocks and boots.

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When you embark on an adventure intowild counryside everything you needmust be carried on your back.Rucksacks come in all makes and sizesand it is important that you have arucksack that will be able to fulfil yourneeds. For short day hikes you will onlyrequire a small day sack, it maybepossible to use the same daysack forcarrying your books to school so savingon expense. For backpacking andcamping however you will need a biggersize. Rucksacks are sold in varioussizes and are measured in litres -55 litres, 65 litres, 85 litres.A suitable size for Scouts is a sack offrom 55 - 65 litres. The 85 litre sack isdesigned for expeditions and is generallytoo large in length of frame to suit a youngpersons body frame. (see illustration)Designs vary as do prices and it is wiseto consult catalogues and specialist

Rucksacks

Load carryingThe rucksack is designed to carry all youressential items along the trail or to camp.This means you have to carry them on yourback. Keeping the load as light as possible istherefore a major consideration. For thatreason an equipment list is a useful aid whenpacking to ensure that the essential items arepacked and those non essential items likethe�’kitchen sink�’ and heavy extras that youmay pack - just in case, are left at home.A heavy load is best carried verticallyabove the centre of gravity of the body.Modern rucksacks are designed with thisprinciple in mind. An internal or externalframe helps to align the rucksack to your lineof gravity and with careful packing to ensureeven weight distribution, the pack can becomfortable and easy to carry.

camping shops before you buy, for expertadvice. In general it is best to stick to wellknown brand names as the quality of theworkmanship tends to be better. Branded andbargain rucksacks are often made in thesame factory. Compare the packs, oftenthere is little or no difference in design butmaybe in the quality of the workmanship.Generally, the stapping points on bargainrucksacks are weak.

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With time and experience you will learn whatneeds to be packed and those things that arebest left behind. For example:- a half tub oftoothpaste instead of a full one. A selection oflight interchangeable clothing instead of anumber of heavy sweaters. One deep platerather than a plate and a bowl. Shareequipment between your Patrol rather thaneach carrying the same equipment.

As a rule of thumbthe weight of a packshould not exceed aquarter of your bodyweight. 30 poundsshould be theabsolute maximumfor young people andrarely should itexceed 20 pounds.

Tips when buying Branded and bargain rucksacks are oftenmade in the same factory. Compare thepacks, as often there is little or no differencein design but maybe in the quality of theworkmanship.

Know your loadDetermine what and how much you�’ll becarrying. Are you planning to spend, atmost, 1- 2 nights out at a time with anannual standing camp once a year? Willyou be hiking in the winter? For shortoutings in the summer a smaller pack isbetter.

Pockets and attachmentsVarious sized pockets are useful for allthose small items that you need to put yourhands on without pulling your pack apart.Check also for attachment rings and plasticbuckles that allow you to attach stuff sacs,ice axes, sleeping mats, tent poles etc.

Measure your torsoTo get a proper fit, you must know yur torsosize. To find out, drape a soft tape measurefrom the base of the neck along the contourof your spine to the low point between yourhipbones.

Check those hipsWhen trying on packs, make sure you getthe hipbelt positioned properly, that is,directly on the crest of the hips, not aroundthe waist. The majority of the load will becarried by the hipbelt, so make sure it�’scomfortable and fits snugly, without slipping.

Treat yourselfBuy the best pack you can afford, as longas it fits. Durability and quality rank rightbehind �‘fit�’ as important considerations.

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Packing your RucksackStart packing by placing all the items tobe packed on your bed and check off thelist. When all items are present then pack.Work on the principle of LAST IN FIRSTOUT and IF IT DOESN�’T FIT IN THESACK IT�’S NOT GOING don�’t carryanything that you don�’t need and keepitems on the outside of the pack tied downand tidy. Make sure however that you

Eating gear - plate etc.

Food in containers and plastic bags

Spare Clothes. All spare clothes shouldbe in plastic bags to protect from wetand keep clean.

Sleeping bag in compression sack tokeep it as small as possible

have all the essential items. Use your ownjudgement as to whether you really need thatcampfire blanket on an overnight bivvy.Another consideration when carrying yourpack is to distribute the weight in the bag sothat the heavier items tend to be near yourback in the middle to bottom of the pack. Thiswill help to stabilise your pack particularlywhen travelling over rough terrain.

General Guide to Packing a rucksack

Sleeping Mat on top.If there is a top pocketkeep all your small stuffto hand - spare map,emergency items,cutlery, pocket knife,small first aid items

Waterproofs & bivvy bagjust under the cover

Tent. Poles and pegs can be slippeddown the side or shared with someoneelse.

Stoves and fuel bottle - keep tobottom of pack in case of a leak. Ifyou have a small stove it may goin a side pocket

Dirty or wet clothes in plastic bags

Rucksacks are never waterproof. It is best toput a plastic liner inside your bag and packitems in plastic bags for protection

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Personal Equipment list

Main itemsRucksackSleeping bagSleeping matBivvy sheet / BivvybagTent/poles and pegsStove and fuelRain gear �– jacket andover trousersBoots and gaitersTorch & batteries andspare bulbFirst aid kit - personalEating utensilsCooking utensilsMatches/disposablelighter (fire lighting)Pocket KnifeWhistleMap & compassLight walking rope

ClothingBottom layerUnderwearT-shirts (day andsleeping use)Long johns �– winteruseSocks �–2 light pairsand two heavypairs

Middle layerLong sleeve and shortsleeve shirt orlight fleece.

Light weight fleece orpulloverTrousers �– tracksuitbottoms �– notjeans

Outer layerLightweight wind proofjacketRain gear �– Jacket,over trousers,ponchoHatGlovesSandals �– optionalsummer wear incamp �– crossingstreamsSwimming gear

EatingPlate, bowl, cupKnife, fork, spoonCooking pots ifrequiredWater bottleTea towelSalt and pepper infilmcontainer

rubbish, dirtyclothes etc.

Essential bitsand piecesPersonal survivalkitDuct tape �– repairsPiece of sisalPencil and paperNeedle, thread andpinsA folding saw �–cutting small timber/ walking stickWaterproof matchesor spare matches infilm container withstriker paperSomething to read!Dubbin for bootsSpare lacesInsect repellentSun cream/screenSmall (tiny)personal radio �–weather forecastsMobile phone �–emergency useClothes pegsStove repair kitCandle

This list will differ depending on the time of the year you are venturing out. The list includes allitems and you can delete as necessary. If you are travelling in a group or with a partner thensome of the equipment can be shared such as tent items, cooking gear and foodstuffs. If you aregoing away for a long period of time such as an annual camp then you will have to includeextra clothing and include such things as washing powder so that clothes can be cleaned duringcamp. A good rule of thumb �– is to WEAR ONE, HAVE A CLEAN ONE, and ONE IN THEWASH

Tea bags/cup a soupCan opener

Food �–as required bymenuEmergency rationsand trail food

HygieneWash gear �–toothbrush, soap,etc.Small mirrorTowelTissues & Toiletpaper �– half a roll inplastic bagSmall plastic trowel�– toilet useWater purificationtabletsSoap powder �– ifrequiredBrillo pad or potscrubWashing up liquid insmall film containerPlastic bags �–

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TentsThere are many tpyes of tent

Lightweight, one person tents2/3 person Dome tentsHeavy canvas, standing camptents

In general a Patrol will camp in dometents on weekend adventures and heavycanvas tents when on a longer standingcamp. It is not necessary to buy apersonal tent as most of the time yourPatrol will have tentage from the Troop.As you get more experienced you maywant to explore lightweight camping andbackpacking. You might then considerbuying your own tent.Tents come in all sorts of shapes andsizes. Weight, ease of erecting the tentand wind stability are major designconsiderations. For expeditions andadventures in wild countryside itsperformance in heavy weather is also afactor. Studying product catalogues willallow you to discover the value of each

tent. In general it is better to share yourtentage with others. The elements of the tentcan then be split up, flysheet, tent, poles andpegs so each has an equal weight to carry.

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KnivesScouts are discouraged from owning asheath knife and in practical terms a penknifeis a much better tool for Scouts. A Swissarmy knife is considered to be the bestoption, it is a multi purpose tool that can beused in many situations. There are manyimitations but spend your money carefullyand buy an original made by Victorinox.The �‘Camper�’ is perhaps the best design forScouts as it offers the best range of practicaltools.Two knife blades; Can opener; Screw driverSaw; Punch; CorkscrewToothpick and tweezers in handle

A penknife is a tool and not a toy. It shouldonly be used for the job it was intended for.The knife should always be carried in yourpocket or in a suitable pouch on your belt.In order to be allowed to have a penknife aScout must pass the required part of theScout Badge Scheme which explains therules for using a knife and the care that mustbe taken. As a Scout you need to beresponsible and displaying these attributeswill enable you to carry a knife in your kit.

A knife needs to bekept sharp ( See ScoutStuff Chapter) a bluntknife will be dangerousto use as the extrapressure required to cutcan cause the knife toslip. Sharpen your knifeafter each adventureand occasionally oil theparts.Using your knife towhittle a Scout stave orpiece of campingequipment is anexcellent way to passthe evening on camparound the campfire(See Scout StuffChapter)

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Personal Survival KitA small tin is required in which topack your survival kit. The tin isalso useful, and can be used tosignal using the lid as a mirror. Itwill also hold a cup of water andcan be used as a pan or pot on afire

The tin when open. Use insulation tapeto hold the box closed. It is also usefulas a survival item

Box to hold itemsCompassWhistleKnifeMatches(waterproof)CandleLighterMirrorWire sawPencilPaperElastic bandsGlucose sweetsString

Plastic bagWater purification tabletsSteri-wipesWound closuresScalpel bladesNeedle and threadSelection of plastersDental flossFishing lineFishing hooksFishing swivelsFishing weightSafety pins

Survival kit contents

FirelightingBeing able to light a fire is one of the mainsurvival skills you need to know. In thiskit we have matches which can bewaterproofed by covering them in wax ornail varnish. A disposable lighter and asmall candle

Safety pins

Scalpel bladesNeedle and thread.Needle should bemagnetised so it canbe used as a back upcompass Dental floss is very

strong and can be useas fishing line or to tieyour shelter togetherFishing gear

Fishing lineat least 30metres

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Elastic bands Strong sewingneedle

Small knife

Pencil

Glucosesweets

Small button compassFood - in this kit we haveincluded instant soup mix.You can also includepeanuts and raisins and asmall piece of chocolate

WhistleSignal mirror. You can signal toplanes passing by or people somedistance away

Plastic bag for carrying orcollecting water

Fishing kit

Wire saw

Needle, pins,scalpel blades

Wire sawThis kit also includes a wire saw.This survival item will allow you tocut timber to make a shelter.

Water purification tablets

Steri-wipes

Wound closures.Steri-strips

Selection ofwaterproof plasters

Water purificationtablets

Place small items insmall plastic bags

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Personal First Aid kitPersonal First Aid Kit

PlastersWound ClosuresPlastic bagCling FilmMole skinSavlon CreamIndigestion tabletsSmall scissorsRoll of bandageSurgical tapeTweezersSteri-wipesSafety pinsSting relief padsWater purification tablets

Every Scout should have his/her ownpersonal first aid kit. This kit is packedinto an old pencil case. The kit does notneed to be very big so that it can bepacked in your rucksack everytime yougo out. As well as the standard items inthis kit you should also make sure youhave any personal medication yourequire such as inhalers etc.

Savloncream

Small foldingscissors

Steri-wipes SurgicalTape

Safety pinsRoll of bandage

Cotton budsIndigestion tablets

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Plastic bags - for usewith burns

Wound closures.Steri - strip

Cling film - for usewith burns

Mole skin and padding forfoot blisters

Plastic bag for use onfoot blisters andfriction points

Tweezers

Sting and insectbite relief pads

Water purificationtablets in protectiveplastic bag

Selection ofplasters

Personal Mending and repair kitOn camps and hikes things will break and need temporary repair until you return home. Thiskit contains a selction of items to enable you to undertake these repairs.

Carpet or duct tapefor repairing tents

and groundsheeets

Spare air bedplugs

Sparelaces

Heavy dutyelastic band

Jubilee Clip -mending tent

poles

Glue

Sewingkit

Waxed ThreadInsulation tape

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CookingEquipmentWhen travelling light across wildcountryside cooking is done on a stoverather than a fire. It will be necessary tohave a stove of some kind and a set ofcooking pots and utensils. The Trangiastove is a Swedish made spirit stovewhich has been tried and tested bymany Scouts worldwide and is generallythe preferred option. The stove comescomplete with pots and pan and the wholelot packs together into one unit.The stove is fuelled by Methylated spiritswhich is easy to light and clean to use.These stoves have a unique design thatprovides a stable cooking base and willwork in all weather conditions in fact itworks best in windy conditions!.

Lid which isalso used as apan

Kettle(sometypes)

Small pot -single or double

Burner

Windshieldtop and potrest

Windshieldbottom -(note airholes)

Strap - removed whenin use

All fuels are dangerousso take care. Fuelshould be carried inspecially designed fuelbottles which do notleak.

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Many other stoves are available on themarket and each has its own qualities. Thesmall camping gas stove is common,however in wild countryside it can underperform in windy conditions. The design ofthe basic model - burner on top of thecanister - can be unstable and requires alevel place to set up your stove. Moreexpensive models use a separate burnerand fuel supply concept and these areworthy of consideration.Also available are petrol and pressurestoves. These work very efficiently andburn with very hot flames resulting in faster

cooking times. They tend to be expensiveand a little more dangerous to use.The small commando type stoves are cheapand are an excellent back up to any stovesystem. They fold down to the small sizeand can slip into a rucksack pocket. Theyare slow burners and take some time to boilwater. They are best used to keep food hot orto reheat food.

Commando type solid fuel stove

Self contained solid fuel stovewith basic pot and pan

Gas canister stove

Commando style cooking pan/pot are agreat piece of kit. They are robust andinexpensive to buy, and can be used as abowl or plate.

Knife, fork andspoon kit - eachitems lockstogether for easeof carrying

There are many types of personal cookingkits available. Generally you will not needpersonal cooking pots etc. if you are workingin a Patrol. If you decide to backpack with apartner then they are a consideration. TheTrangia stove has built in cooking pots andutensils.

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Useful extrasBelow we have illustrated a number ofuseful extras which you can include inyour kit. For some adventures you willrequire most if not all of this extraequipment. If you are travelling as aPatrol or with another person thenequipment can be shared.

Folding handsawThis useful tool is cheap to buy and will cutup most small timber. The saw will slip intoa side pocket of your rucksack

Bungee cordsThere are numerous uses for the bungee cord oncamp. They are particularly useful for securingbivvy sheets and attaching items to yourrucksack.

Headtorch - more practical for hikingand camping than the traditionaltorch

Balaclava - a warm usefulhat tried and tested on manyexpeditions.

30 metres of rock climbing tape. As strongas rope but easier to carry.

A compass and whistle are really essential itemsrather than extra equipment. However your Patrolmay have a compass so you do not need oneimmediately.

A Compass and Whistle

30 metres of walking rope and akarabiner - many uses andespecially as safety equipment