Darryl Coppenhaver and Art Woodruff performed a Gear Demo at the meeting in December 2020 to help in this quest.
Scoutmasters recommendations for Thunder:
1) Ensure you are covered for Cold, Wet and Miserable conditions – its not to say they will be that, but if you are “Prepared” you will be fine.
2) Sleeping pad – this is a critical item as it provides a thermal layer between your body and the cold ground. I own a Thermarest brand, full length, 2 inch blow up thick and 25 inches wide. It rolls up (with work) to the size of a gallon jug of milk. Some say to buy a 3/4 length as its smaller but that then means your feet will not have a barrier between you and the ground. Hikers who carry a Crazy Creek style chair (fold up stadium style) then open that up and their feet lays there. BTW – I bought mine in 1993, still going strong with it.
3) Tent – 3 season is most versatile for Florida. The lighter the better it is for backpacking. Less than 6 pounds is your target. The closer to 3 lbs you go, the higher the price.
4) Backpack – the key item on a back pack is the Belt. The cushioned strong belt around the waist is what carries the weight of the pack. Almost zero weight is on the shoulders, the should straps keep the pack in alignment with your back. Some packs allow for an adjustable torso either by the frame or the belt being adjustable. Your son will grow. ALPS Mountaineering usually has good stuff, Hiker Direct, REI, Travel Country. Brands we typically see: Kelty, REI, North Face, Gregory, Teton, Marmot, etc.
5) Boots with Gore Tex which is waterproof. Keep in mind, at Thunder we have had rain, sleet and snow in the past. If recent rains, the leaves on the ground will be wet and your boots will get wet.
6) Socks – a liner sock with a outer smart wool style sock will help with moisture and wick it away, prevents blisters. I use Vermont Darn Tough and Thorlos.
7) Clothes wise, plan on layering.
8) Beanie – a warm beanie will be key as most of the heat leaves through your head. I wear a Balaclava to bed where just my face shows
9) Gloves – waterproof is key.
10) As an FYI – When the scout goes to bed, they should change every item of cloths to fresh dry clothes from their pack. Your current clothes have a level of moisture from your body that even in a sleeping bag with turn cold.
11) Sleeping bag – Typically a 20 degree is fine for Thunder and if the temp is in the 20s, then place their normal 40-50 degree back inside it which lowers it to about zero. I personally have a 5 degree bag and put a 55 degree bag around it. I do not like to be cold when I sleep. I am always toasty warm at Thunder.
12) I personally also have thermal underwear that can keep me warm, usually have to take it off mid-morning.
Hope this helps. Keep in mind, Darryl Coppenhaver is a resource.
Its possible that alumni may have equipment they are willing to share. If you want to borrow something send an email request and we will see if you can be covered.