The information here are helpful guides as well as videos to help scouts and parents become more comfortable in the outdoors.  This is only provided as a means to get started.  When purchasing new gear, keep in mind weight, bulk, as well as cost.  Discuss with other members and parents if you have questions or concerns.

Backpacking Gear Ideas

• New to Backpacking Ideas
• Light & UL Gear Ideas
  • Thoughts on picking the correct gear (video)
  • Budget gear to avoid (video)
• Clothing and Wearables – very subjective (in-progress)
  • Cold weather layering (video)

Gear Explorer

• Tents
• Backpacks
• Sleeping Pads
• Sleeping Bags & Quilts

YouTube Videos

• My Life Outdoors – Good gear reviews and information
• Dan Becker – Gear reviews and information
• Justin Outdoors – Knowledgeable and insightful
• Tricks to Staying Warm – Well thought-out presentation.
• Best Camp Pillows – It makes a difference

Advancement

• Scouter Rob
• Scout Trail Videos

If you know of information that would be helpful here, please share it with the Scoutmaster or Webmaster and we’ll get it added.

 

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How to find and trust a warm sleeping bag or quilt.

**What is the ISO Test for Sleeping Bags?**

The ISO (International Organization for Standardization) test for sleeping bags is like a report card for how warm and cozy a sleeping bag will keep you when you’re camping out in the wild. It’s kind of like how you might check the weather report before deciding what to wear outside.

**How Does it Work?**

Imagine a chilly night under the stars. The ISO test checks how well a sleeping bag can keep you warm in temperatures that drop down low. It measures how much heat your body can hold onto while you’re all tucked inside the sleeping bag.

**Understanding the Ratings**

1. **Comfort Rating**: This is the lowest temperature at which the average person will still feel comfortable in the sleeping bag. It’s like the sweet spot where you can sleep soundly without feeling too cold or too hot.

2. **Limit Rating**: This is the lowest temperature at which the sleeping bag can keep an average adult male comfortable. It’s a bit colder than the comfort rating and might be the limit of how chilly you want the night to get.

3. **Extreme Rating**: This is the lowest temperature at which the sleeping bag can keep a woman from freezing to death in survival situations. It’s super chilly and not where you’d want to camp without some serious preparation!

**Why It Matters**

Knowing the different ratings helps you pick the right sleeping bag for your camping adventure. If you’re going somewhere really cold, you’ll want a sleeping bag with a lower comfort or limit rating. But if it’s summer and warm outside, you might not need one that keeps you super warm.

**In Summary**

The ISO test for sleeping bags helps you figure out how warm and comfy a sleeping bag will keep you when you’re camping out in the wilderness. It’s like a cozy guarantee for a good night’s sleep under the stars!