Suggestions for Kit Purchase
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Please remember that many shops such as BCH(8202 TW-H). Cotswold Camping (KI33), Taunton Leisure, Blacks & Oswald Bailey (quote Keynsham Venture Scouts its on their national till list) all give discount to Scouts often as much as 20%. You may need to sign up for their loyalty card. It is well worth looking on line first. The items below are not necessities but an indication of what might be required
Sleeping Bag (probably the most important item ever)
Needs to be stuffed up quite small in stuff bag or else you will have no room left in your Rucksack.(and they all look small in the shop)
Minimum 3-season (remember you can never be too hot) look for a comfort temp range –5 to +10
Suggest that synthetic rather than down filler is cheaper
Consider weight try not to exceed 2kg
Approx cost £60 - £80 will get you something that will last (Remember what you buy now will last you for years if you buy correctly)
Leading makes include Snugpak, Vango
As at Dec 05 try looking at Snug-pak Autumn (was called softie 9) and also the next Softie 10 both around £75 before any discount both available in BCH Bath.. At the lower end of Budget Blacks have a bag called Quad at £40 quite bulky but will keep you warm..
Water proofs
Main coat with taped seams
If possible breathable material
Idea hood with a wire peak
Allow for wearing fleece & or warm jumpers underneath
Difficult to price coat could be up to £140 and as low as £50
Waterproof trousers
A must to go with the coat. normally costing £15 - £40 do not be afraid to wear with braces.
Head torch
Normal prices start around £2O with top at £35
Many different designs, suggest you ensure they take batteries easy to get hold of such as AA’s Good makes include Petzl, & Coleman
Sleeping mats
A definite must when camping. Lots of different types. Therm-a -rest are the best (although not cheap) Can cost up to £60 / £70 . At the cheaper end suggest not to drop below £15, BCH do a Pro Edge at £17.99.
Boots
Good quality lightweight boots, important to understand what type of walking they will be used for. On our unit trips a multi purpose boot such a Brasher FMB1 & Salomon Pro trek is suitable both are around £80. Choice between leather and fabric is down to personal preference but can affect the price.
Leg Gaiters
A must when walking in wet country vary in price from around £19 to £30.
Rucksack (Full for Kit carrying treks such a summer expo)
What you buy depends on your back size & also ability to carry when full! For ladies suggest around 55 litre not more than 60 Litre and Gents 60 / 65 Litre. Look at the Vango Sherpa 65 & 55 both available in BCH at max £60. Other excellent makes include Berghaus and Karrimore
Remember to try on in the shop and put something heavy in it to replicate the load.
Other Extra’s
Platypus Bag
An excellent drinks carrier if purchased with a hose they are simple to use, cost from £15
PackTowel
Excellent for expo’s prices range from £7 to £17 just make sure you do not buy too small.
Day Sack
Something to carry your waterproofs, lunch and spare clothes in on day hikes rather than your full rucksack. Suggest up to 40 Litre max.
Compass
Not a requirement as the unit always supplies but some members like to have their own. A basic Silva type with a long base is a good buy prices vary £5 -£15.