Tag: Go Outdoors

Hammock Camping
Hammocking

Hammocking

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When done correctly, hammock camping can result in a better night’s sleep, a lighter backpack, and a smaller impact on the environment. On the other hand, an improper hammock setup can cause an idyllic scene to come crashing down — often literally.

Hammock camping has certain advantages over tents. They can be cooler during the summer due to increased air-flow. They can be more supportive for your back, they don’t disturb the ground cover underneath, they’re lighter than a lot of tents and they can be set up quickly.

Due to an increased interest in hammock camping, Troop 279 has created the following hammock guidelines to help scouts embark in the wild world of hammock camping.

Equipment

There’s only a few needed pieces needed to enter into the fun world of hammock camping, including:

  • A hammock – A simple single-person hammock can cost as little as $15, pack down to a 4″x4″ ball and weigh only 5 oz.
  • Suspension System – 1″-2″ wide straps will securely anchor your hammock to the trees.
  • Tarp and Bug Net – Sleeping under the stars is lovely, but mosquitoes and rain can quickly ruin your night.
  • Sleep System
    • Sleeping Bag & Pad – When night-time temperatures are over 60F, using a simple sleeping bag with a pad can be a low-cost way to start hammocking.
    • Over & Under Quilts – When temperature drop below 60F, it’s time to consider a more appropriate sleep-system to keep you warm at night.

Knots for Hammocking

Although there are countless gadgets and tools to help hang your hammock, all one needs is to know is how to tie a few knots, including:

Tarp KnotsHammock Setup
Hammock Tarp KnotsHammock Setup

Hammock Safety

  1. Follow Manufacturer’s Instructions: Each hammock has specific guidelines for hanging distances between solid supports like trees. Always adhere to these instructions to ensure safe setup.
  2. Secure Hanging Locations: Only hang hammocks to secure and immovable objects like trees or solid posts. Avoid attaching hammocks to objects that might move, such as vehicle bumpers. When attaching to a tree, check for any elements of the tree that may fall on you, too, such as damaged or dangling branches and animal nests. Click here to learn more about hazardous trees.
  3. Check Ropes, Knots and Fastenings: Before entering a hammock, double-check all ropes, webbing, knots and fastenings. Ensuring there are no fraying or damage before use and that you have a secure setup is crucial for your safety. Replace with manufacturer-approved replacement ropes/webbing, if needed.
  4. No Hammock Stacking: Never stack (bunk) hammocks on top of each other. It compromises their stability and increases the risk of accidents.
  5. Height Considerations: Hang hammocks no higher than 1.5 to 3 feet above the ground to prevent severe falls and injuries.
  6. Hang Over Clear Ground: The ground under your hammock must be free of sticks, rocks, sharp objects — or anything else that could be dangerous. The ground below your hammock should be as smooth and even as possible and clear of debris.
  7. Stay Away from Water: Hammocks should not be hung over water bodies like rivers, lakes, or streams. Avoid accidents by staying clear of waterfront areas.
  8. No Swinging or Standing: Never swing, spin or stand in a hammock. Falls from hammocks can lead to serious injuries, so use them only for their intended purpose.
  9. Weight Limit: Don’t exceed the weight limit specified by the manufacturer. Overloading the hammock compromises its safety.
  10. One Person per Hammock: Even if you have a two-person hammock, only one scout is allowed in a hammock at a time.
  11. Be Prepared for Rain: Hammocks must have a rain-fly regardless of weather forecasted. Overnight moisture/dew can also ruin your sleep comfort and promote hypothermic conditions.
  12. Avoid CBS: When the forecasted overnight temperatures are 60F, scouts must use a temperature-appropriate under quilt. Learn more about “cold butt syndrome“.
  13. Animal-Proof Your Hammock: Just like a tent, never keep food and other “smellables” in your hammock.

Leave No Trace

When using live trees as anchors, be sure not to damage the outer bark with the hammock mounts. Consider the use of wider straps (1-2″ wide) to disperse the pressure on the bark. Rope and paracord should not be used to anchor your hammock to a live tree.

When looking for appropriately spaced trees to anchor your hammock, do not select trees that you’ll need to remove branches to hang your hammock.

Expert Tips

Whether you’re a veteran “hanger” or just starting out, here are some tips to make the most of your hammock.

Hang your hammock with a good sag. Too many people attempt to string up a hammock as tightly as possible between anchor points. This can cause a cocooning effect that can squeeze your shoulders and bow your back uncomfortably. Instead, try hanging your hammock with a good sag, as in a smiley face. If you really want to geek out, a good starting angle is 30-degrees from horizontal. This is the most important tip to make your hammock more comfortable. A deep sag also lowers the center of gravity, making the hammock more stable and harder to fall out of.

hammocksleepdiagonal

Lay diagonally across the hammock. Once you’ve got a good sag (see tip No. 1), you can lay diagonally across the fabric. You’ll be amazed at how comfortable this will feel as your head and feet drop down and your body reclines ergonomically flat across the fabric. This is how hammocks were designed to work.

Raise the foot end higher. In some cases, your body may naturally slide to the middle of your hammock, which can sometimes be uncomfortable. To prevent any sliding, try hanging the foot side of the hammock about 8 to 10 inches higher. This helps keep your heavier torso from sliding into the middle.

Try a knee pillow. Depending on the size of your hammock (and how tall you are), you may feel a tight ridge under your legs when lying diagonally. This can cause hyperextension on your knees. Ouch! To relieve this pressure, place some padding under your knees. Extra clothes or a small pillow would work great. (Remember: Longer, not wider, hammocks are generally more comfortable, allowing you to lie diagonally without leg hyperextension.)

Use a bug net. During summer nights (June-Aug) or anytime when overnight lows are above 70F, a bug is highly recommended. While some jungle hammocks come with sewn-on bug netting, simple recreational hammocks do not. No one enjoys bugs buzzing around your face, especially if those bugs bite. A full-length bug net can completely surround your hammock and create a roomy pod to read, rest and relax.

Use a sleeping pad (or under quilt). A lot of folks think all you need is a sleeping bag to stay warm in a hammock. After all, you’re off the ground, so you don’t need a pad for comfort. What that pad does help with, however, is warmth. You’ll compress the sleeping bag insulation under your body in a hammock just like you would on the ground, so you’ll feel cold in a hammock without some uncompressed insulation beneath you. To keep the sleeping pad from slipping out from under you, try putting it inside your sleeping bag.

hammockdripline

Use a drip line on your suspension. On really rainy days, water can seep down your suspension and get your hammock wet. To prevent this, tie a drip line on your suspension, positioned under your tarp (you are using a tarp, right?). See illustration for more details.

Fold in the edge of the hammock for a more comfortable chair. Sitting in a hammock can feel like a deep bucket seat. This can be comfy, but if you want a chair that doesn’t cut the circulation off your knees and lets you sit up squarely, take the edge of the fabric and fold it toward the center of the hammock. Sit down on this doubled-over area for a nice, flat seat.

Additional Resources
Scout Gear

Scout Gear

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Being thrifty when shopping for camping gear is an essential skill for Scouts, as it allows them to make the most of their resources while still acquiring high-quality equipment.

Here are some ways a Scout can demonstrate thriftiness when shopping for camping gear:

  1. Research and Comparison Shopping: Before making a purchase, Scouts should research different brands, models, and prices of camping gear to find the best value for their budget. They can compare prices from different retailers and look for sales, discounts, or clearance deals to save money.
  2. Prioritize Essential Items: Scouts should prioritize purchasing essential items that are necessary for their camping trips, such as tents, sleeping bags, and cooking equipment. They can avoid spending money on unnecessary gadgets or luxury items that may not be essential for their outdoor adventures.
  3. Buy Used or Discounted Gear: Scouts can save money by purchasing used camping gear from thrift stores, online marketplaces, or gear rental programs. They can also look for discounted or clearance items at outdoor retailers or attend gear swap events to find gently used equipment at a fraction of the cost of new gear.
  4. Take Care of Gear: Scouts should take proper care of their camping gear to extend its lifespan and avoid the need for frequent replacement. They can clean and maintain their equipment regularly, store it properly when not in use, and make necessary repairs to prevent damage or wear and tear.
  5. Borrow or Share Gear: Scouts can borrow or share camping gear with friends, family members, or fellow Scouts to reduce costs and maximize resources. They can also consider renting equipment for specific trips or activities instead of purchasing it outright.
  6. DIY and Repurpose: Scouts can use their creativity and resourcefulness to make their own camping gear or repurpose household items for outdoor use. They can sew their own gear repairs, build DIY camping stoves or shelters, or repurpose containers for storage and organization.

By practicing thriftiness when shopping for camping gear, Scouts can stretch their budget, maximize their resources, and enjoy more outdoor adventures without breaking the bank. Additionally, learning to be thrifty teaches valuable life skills such as budgeting, resourcefulness, and sustainability.
Mess Kits

Mess Kits

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A Mess Kit is a scout’s personal eating containers and utensils. While the Troop does have some spare items to lend, we expect all scouts to bring their own gear for eating on every camping trip. Scouts will also responsible for the cleaning and storing for their the gear during an outing.

At a minimum, a Mess Kit should include:

  • Plate
  • Bowl
  • Cup
  • Fork and Spoon (or a Spork).
  • Mesh Drawstring Bag

Having a knife in your mess kit may come in handy, but for most meals, it isn’t necessary. To store and hang your mess kit, all of your gear should fit into a mesh drawstring bag. These bags are hung in camp to allow the gear to dry in between meals and to keep them safe and out of the way as well. If your kit does not come with one, they can be purchased separately, just be sure that the bag will fit the size plate you purchased.

Important Note: Be sure to write your name on each piece of the kit so we can tell yours apart from the others at camp. Also, although scouts wash their personal gear after each meal while camping, mess kits should be thoroughly washed and sanitized once they are home. The troop has seen some interesting science experiments when the kits are left to ferment between campouts.

Some commonly used kits and accessories are shown below. All affiliate links below are just for informational purposes only and these items are not required in any way.

Aluminum 5-Piece Outdoor Cooking Set (NOT RECOMMENDED)

*Dents, deforms and stains easily. Scouts often lose the nut & bolt.

Alpine Mountain Gear Stainless Steel Mess Kit

ustPackWare Dish Set with Mesh Bag

GSI Seven Piece Cascadian Dinnerware Set

GSI Outdoors Stainless 1-Person Mess Kit

Light My Fire 6-Piece Camping Mess Kit

Wealers Complete Messware Kit

MalloMe Camping Cookware Mess Kit

Fozzils Snapfold Solo Pack

*Great high-adventure backpacking option

MSR Folding Camping Spork

*Great high-adventure backpacking option

GSI Outdoors Glacier Stainless 3 pc. Ring Cutlery

Olicamp Space Saver Metal Cup

*Nestles over 32oz Nalgene bottles and most 25oz Camelbak bottles.

12″ X 18″ Mesh Bag

*Select a size appropriate for your kit

The options for mess kits are endless. The items above and many other types of kits can be found online or at camping retailers. Search for “Camp Eating Kit” or “One Person Mess Kit” online to explore additional options.
The Patrol Dining Fly

The Patrol Dining Fly

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For the Troop, the dining fly is a basic piece of equipment, but an extremely important piece of equipment. During the warmer camping seasons, it provides a comfortable shaded area for the scouts to congregate under, and they usually place it right over their camp kitchen. It also provides us a place to take cover if it rains and protects the patrol’s kitchen equipment.

Commercial versus Home-Made

The Troop has used some commercially manufactured flies and “pop-up” canopies but have not been impressed with the strength of the tarp or poles they provide. It has been the troop’s experience that the commercial canopies, although costing $120 or more, will fail at the first heavy rain or gust of wind.

With a little effort and much less money, the troop can make its own dining fly that will be custom sized to its needs. A simple home-made dining fly with tarps, poles, ropes, and stakes that easily stores and transports only cost less than $60, and can last for years. Furthermore, a home-made setup is far stronger and sturdier than the pop-up shade tents that can be purchased for double the price.

Once you have properly prepared your equipment and practiced the set up a few times, you will be able to set up your own dining fly in less than 10 minutes. It should take you no more time than it does to set up your tent.

The Equipment List….What You’ll Need

The Tarp

Camping tarps can be purchased cheaply at most hardware stores, including Home Depot, Lowe’s or Harbor Freight. Wal-Mart and Target also have them. The tarp size for this set up can be as large as 10’ by 20’, though a slightly smaller tarp may be more manageable (ex: 10′ x 15′). The tarp will need to have grommets at each corner and midway on the 2 long edges.

Most tarps are manufactured with the grommets already in place, however, you can also install your own with a simple grommet installation tool. If you are able to find a tarp with a cord sewn into the edge of the tarp, this is a better choice than one without as the cord adds strength where you need it most. Also tarps with re-enforced corner grommets are recommended.

Setting Up The Poles

The poles are typically made of pressure treated 2X2s with a 3” deck-screw, sunk 2″ into the top of each pole. The exposed screwhead is what passes through the grommet on the tarp and is where you tie the guy-lines.

The four 6′ poles are for the corners and allows most scouts to walk under any side of the fly with ease. The two longer 8′ poles are for the ridge-line and gives the fly a nice pitch for any rain to run off.

Staking It Down

Selecting stakes for your dining fly is one of the most important tasks you will have when designing your setup. Matching the stakes to the soil is very important. For example, metal 12″ galvanized nails work well in hard, rocky ground, while wide plastic stakes work best in soft, sandy soils

12” long galvanized nails can be purchased, typically for less then $1 each at a local hardware store.

Guy Lines Complete The Picture And Hold It Tight

The final element you need is the guy-line. A total of 100’ of rope is required, which can be purchased at most stores that sell hardware, or camping supplies. Each pole takes a single rope and each guy-line needs to be long enough to run from the top of the pole to the ground at about a 45-60° angle and be tied at both ends.

Lark’s head Knot
Bowline Knot
Bowline Knot

For the 8’ ridge-line poles, the 12’ rope is needed. Tying a permanent bowline loop on one end to secure to the pole’s stud and then extending the line perpendicular from the tarp’s edge to your ground stake.

For the 6’ corner poles, a 19’ rope will work, folded in half, connected to the pole’s stud with a Lark’s Head knot. You can then extend each of the 9′ working ends of your rope in two directions, paradelle with the tarp’s edges to your ground stakes.

Taut-Line Hitch

All guy-lines will be connected to a ground stake using a Taut-line Hitch, pulled tight to keep your canopy taught, allowing it to shed rain.

You can use ¼” manila rope, however the troop prefers to use 550 paracord. While the natural fiber ropes will stretch less under strain, the synthetic paracord is stronger, more durable and resists mildew. Regardless of the type of rope used, the ends of the ropes need to be “whipped” or “fused” to prevent the rope from unraveling.

Outdoor Essentials

Outdoor Essentials

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Prepared. For Life. It’s more than a motto for Scouting; it’s a way to plan and execute each outing, even if it’s just a Saturday morning hike. On an outing, the items listed below (stowed in a daypack) can keep you comfortable, warm, hydrated, safe and, most of all, prepared to face what nature puts in your path — whether you asked for it or not.

This list is based upon the Scout Basic Essentials included in the Scouts BSA Handbook (pg. 268) with a few twists.

  1. POCKET KNIFE – A pocket knife is the all-purpose tool of the outdoors. Use it to cut cord, trim a bandage, slice cheese, whittle a tent stake, open a can, tighten a camp stove screw, and take care of hundreds of other tasks. Choose a quality knife that includes one or two sharp blades, a can opener, a screwdriver and possibly a scissors. Invest in a good knife now, and it will serve you well through years of adventures. Scouts must first earn their Totin’ Chip before carrying a pocket knife
  2. RAIN GEAR – Be prepared to face the elements with rain protection in the form of a poncho or a shell jacket and pants. Rain gear can also be very beneficial to your clothing layering system, by providing a wind-stop layer.
  3. TRAIL FOOD – You will be very happy to have an emergency supply of trail food if a trip in the field lasts longer than planned or if your provisions run out sooner than you expected. Rely on foods that are compact, high in energy and unlikely to spoil — a small bag of GORP (good ol’ raisins and peanuts) or beef jerky, for example, and perhaps an energy bar or two (do not pack candy or junk food).
  4. FLASHLIGHT OR HEADLAMP – (or both) – You might intend to be home before nightfall, but things don’t always go as planned. A flashlight will illuminate a site as you set up camp in the dark or light up a trail as you find your way after the sun has gone down. Carry spare batteries, as well. A handheld flashlight can be heavy and sometimes awkward to use, but they are fine for trips not limited by the amount of weight you can carry. A compact headlamp powered by AA or AAA batteries, with an elastic band that fits around your head, will free your hands for hiking when visibility is limited, for dealing with emergencies after dark and for reading in a tent.
  5. EXTRA CLOTHING – Weather in some backcountry can change — sometimes with startling swiftness. Have the clothing you need to deal with the extremes of heat, cold and storms. For summer campouts close to home, you can probably find most of the clothing you need in your closet. Using a layering system allows you to stay comfortable by adding or removing clothes as the weather changes. During hot or wet weather, something as simple as a dry pair of socks can drastically improve your outdoor experience. Falling temperatures and the possibilities of snow require more attention to what you wear and the additional clothing you carry.
  6. FIRST AID KIT – Having basic first-aid items on hand will allow you to treat minor injuries and to provide initial care if more serious emergencies arise. Zippered into a self-sealing plastic bag, a personal first-aid kit has what you need to treat a blister, clean a wound and bandage a cut. Use the list provided in your Scouts BSA Handbook (pg. 108) to create your personal first aid kit.
  7. SUN PROTECTION – Sunburn is among the most common injuries suffered by people who enjoy being outdoors. Repeated sunburns can cause long-term skin damage and the potential for skin cancer. While people with fair skin are the most at risk, everyone should be aware of the dangers of too much sun and should take steps to protect against it. Use sunscreen with at least an SPF of 15. Wear a broad-brimmed hat, long-sleeved shirt and long pants to provide more complete protection. UV-blocking sunglasses are also a good choice.
  8. MAP AND COMPASS – Staying found is an important responsibility for anyone traveling outdoors. Learning to navigate on trails, over water and across open country can bring a great sense of enjoyment and confidence. Carry a map of the area you are exploring, along with a simple compass to help make your way through unfamiliar terrain. Even when they aren’t essential for route-finding, practicing with navigational tools can be fun. Practicing will help prepare you for times when you might need to rely on these tools.
  9. MATCHES AND FIRE-STARTERS – Plan your clothing, shelter and meals well enough that you won’t need a campfire. But be prepared to build one in the event of an emergency. Carry several different kinds of fire sources so if one fails, you’ll have a backup. Matches, butane lighters, tinder aids, traditional fire starters are all good examples. Scouts must first earn their Firem’n Chit before carrying matches and fire-starters
  10. FILLED WATER BOTTLE/CANTEEN – How much water you’ll need depends upon what you will be doing and whether you can replenish your supply along the way. Hot and humid conditions increase your thirst, but you need to drink plenty of fluids in cold, dry weather, too. An inexpensive option is to simply rinse plastic water or soda bottles and fill them with drinking water. Or, you can choose a wide-mouthed plastic bottle that’s easy to fill and clean. Other options include a hydration bladder/pack or collapsible water jug. REMEMBER to fill your water bottle prior to departing, because an empty water bottle will not quench your thirst. 🙂

Additional Scoutmaster Recommendations

The 10 items listed above are the bare-minimum for going outdoors, but with a few more items, you can greatly improve your safety, comfort and enjoyment in the outdoors.

  • WHISTLE – There are many uses for a whistle, but one of the most useful ways to use a whistle is to stay alive. In an emergency situation, when you need to signal for help, a whistle can be heard further away than your voice, and takes much less energy to use. The most recognized distress call with a whistle is a series of three short blasts (about 3 seconds each with a second in between). Allow a few seconds in between each series to allow your sound to travel and so you can hear if anyone is responding.
  • INSECT REPELLANT – The outdoors are great, but they are enjoyed so much more if you’re not having to swat, swoosh, and chase bugs away. When it comes to types of insect repellants, there are numerous choices. Some for your skin, some for your cloths, some pre-treatments and some for the air around you. To help decide which is best for you, REI has a great guide for choosing insect repellants.

  • PREPARATION – Know what you’re doing out there. Be well-trained. Also, for each trip, know where you are going and what your plans are. Feel free to ask your SPL for details and he’ll be happy to share the information. The more people know what we’re doing and where we’re going, the less time we waste milling around aimlessly.
  • A POSITIVE MENTAL ATTITUDE – The best thing you can bring on any trip—helps you truly enjoy any outdoor adventure and it is the key to survival in any sticky situation.

Contact Troop 279

St James Presbyterian Church
1425 Orrs Bridge Road
Mechanicsburg, PA 17050
scouts@troop279.us

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