Are you kidding? That box is going to way 200lbs. eheheh. We always cooked in a dutch oven (rabbit and rice pilaf, ahh the good times) but wouldn’t dream of trying to put it in the patrol box. The dutch oven has a handle.

Great work guys!

Personally, I’ve never been a fan of lanterns. I like to use candle-style or clip lamps, especially since the advent of long-burning (and battery sipping) LED lights. Also, instead of traditional hot pads, I like using a heavy leather glove. With a pair, I can wear one and use the other as a hot pad.

I don’t see any larger cook pots or a coffee pot. Even if you don’t drink coffee, a coffee pot is a great way to heat water for cocoa or cleanup. Some other handy items would be a set of measuring spoons, a medium sized mixing bowl (think mixing pancake batter), and a scrub brush or scouring pad. I’m assuming you have two wash tubs nested in your photo, though I can’t tell for sure.

Enjoy the wilds!

1. Know what you want to do with the pack.  If you plan on doing week long trips
in the future such as Tres Ritos or Philmont you will need something in the 4500
cubic inch range (+/-).  Philmont states a pack in the 4500+- category is needed
to attend.
2. Have the pack properly fitted!  I cannot stress this enough.  Fill the pack
with the weight you will be carrying.  If you cannot try it on in the store,
make sure the place of purchase has a liberal return policy if the pack does not
fit when you receive it.
3. Look for a pack with an adjustable torso.  This allows you to custom fit the
pack to the scout and allows the pack to "grow" with the scout as they get
older.  That means you don't have to purchase a new pack during the scout's
growth periods.

4. Pay attention to the waist belt size.  Some manufacturers, such as the Kelty,
have a longer padded waist belt that may not fit a younger, skinnier scout.
5. Does it come with a rain cover?  You will need one.  They can be purchased
for about $25-$30.  Be aware of this as an added cost to the pack.
6. I love REI.  It is a co-op and costs $20 to join.  You get cash back at the
end of the year based on your purchases.  They have the MOST liberal return
policy of any store I have ever dealt with.  You can return anything at any time
for any reason.  No questions asked.  When you join the co-op shipping is free
to your house now.  But I still shop around.

Here are a couple packs that fit the specifications above:

Kelty Coyote 4750

Retail: $160   They sell it at Campmor for $99.97 right now!!!  This is the best
deal going!!  This is the pack my son has.  It is the most popular BSA pack
around.  If you would like to try it on I can bring my son's to a meeting.

Size34" x 16" x 16.5"
Weight5 lbs. 1 oz.
Capacity 4750 cu. in.
MaterialMade of Micro-Rip nylon.
Torso Length14 – 22in.
FrameInternal
Additional FeaturesTwin alloy stays, Curved shoulder straps, Packbag has main
compartment.

Dueter ACT Lite 65+10

Retail: $189

Great pack.  Will last a lifetime.

Gear capacity (cu. in.)3,950 cubic inches
Gear capacity (L)65 liters
Average weight3 lbs. 15 oz.
Average weight – metric1.79 kilograms
Adjustable torsoYes
Fits torso15 – 21 inches
Fits waist/hips22 – 46 inches
Material(s)Ripstop nylon
Frame materialAluminum
Alps Mountaineering Orizaba 4500

Retail $129.99
ScoutDirect price $71.49
Alps mountaineering is very Scout friendly.  That is where Troop 416 purchases
their tents.  You can get their Orizaba 4500 pack which has a capacity of 4500
cubic inches for $71 through Scoutdirect.  It is adjustable for torso length as
well.

Orizaba 4500
•       Color: Clay
•       Capacity: 4500 cu. in.
•       Weight: 3 lbs. 14 oz.
•       Torso Range: 14" to 21"
•       Waist Belt Size: 26" to 38"

I have an Osprey Aether 70 pack.

Other sites:

Campmor

Michael McAleer

Well done! It certainly paid off in the end!

Seth Watts, Sr.

Harry