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$500 in gear? (was: Wow! Cost of Scouting)
Storms, Randy (rstorms@BHAM.WEDNET.EDU)
Fri, 25 Sep 1998 08:46:00 -0700
OK, so a number of people have commented both privately and to the list that
a scout does not need $500 to be properly equipped for camping. That
estimate was constructed using the items on the "Personal Overnight Camping
Gear" list in the Scout Handbook , with approximate prices derived by
comparing similar items in the Official BSA Catalog, the REI catalog, and
the Campmor catalog.
Here's the rough list I compiled:
Knife 20.00
1st Aid Kit 5.00
Rain Gear 10.00
Canteen 17.00
Flashlight 15.00
Compass 15.00
Pack 100.00
Sleeping Bag 170.00
Foam Pad 30.00
Mess Kit 20.00
I also added these items which I consider essential:
Cook Stove 50.00
Hiking Boots 50.00 (Yeah, right. my last pair of crappy tennis shoes
cost $70.00!)
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Total: $502.00
Note that I did not bother pricing Extra Clothing, Trail Food,
Matches/Firestarter, Sun Protection, Clothing for the Season, Ground Cloth,
or Cleanup Kit, as I felt most of this could be found at home.
None of the prices listed reflect "Rolls-Royce" gear. I think everyone will
agree it's possible to spend a LOT more on all of these items, and in many
cases, you'd definitely want to. (here in Washington State, a $10.00 poncho
just won't cut it.) I stand by my original estimate. However, I am a big
fan of homemade/garage sale/hand-me-down gear, and I surely do inform
parents that those are terrific options.
YiS,
Randy Storms
ASM T25 Blaine, WA
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