# Hiking Gear & Packing Be Prepared for the Trail  --- ## The Layering System Three essential layers: 1. Base Layer (Against Skin) 2. Mid Layer (Insulation) 3. Outer Layer (Protection) ---- ### Base Layer <!-- .slide: data-background="#1A237E" --> <div style="background-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.6); padding: 20px; border-radius: 10px;"> **Purpose:** Moisture Management - Thermal underwear - Sports shirts - Hiking socks **Avoid cotton!** Choose synthetic or wool </div> ---- ### Mid Layer <!-- .slide: data-background="#1A237E" --> <div style="background-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.6); padding: 20px; border-radius: 10px;"> **Purpose:** Insulation - Fleece jacket - Wool jumper - Synthetic puffer - Softshell jacket **Think lightweight & warm!** </div> ---- ### Outer Layer <!-- .slide: data-background="#1A237E" --> <div style="background-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.6); padding: 20px; border-radius: 10px;"> **Purpose:** Weather Protection - Rain jacket - Wind breaker - Rain pants **Must be waterproof & breathable!** </div> --- ## Essential Clothing Items | Item | Quantity | Notes | |------|----------|--------| | Hiking shirts | 2 | Quick-dry | | Hiking pants | 1 | Convertible recommended | | Shorts | 1 | Quick-dry | | Thermal set | 1 | For sleeping | | Socks | 2-3 pairs | Wool blend | | Underwear | 2-3 | Synthetic/wool | | Hat | 1 | Wide brim | | Beanie | 1 | For cold nights | --- ## Footwear Choices ---- ### Hiking Boots <!-- .slide: data-transition="fade" --> **Features to look for:** - Ankle support - Waterproof membrane - Sturdy sole - Good fit with hiking socks **Pro tip:** Break in before hiking! ---- ### Trail Runners <!-- .slide: data-transition="fade" --> **When to choose:** - Day hikes - Light loads - Dry conditions - Experienced hikers **Pro tip:** Faster drying than boots! --- ## The Backpack ### External Features - Size (50-65L for overnight) - Hip belt - Chest strap - Compression straps - Rain cover ---- ### Fitting Your Pack <!-- .slide: data-background="#4CAF50" --> <div style="background-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.6); padding: 20px; border-radius: 10px;"> 1. Loosen all straps 2. Pack with weight 3. Hip belt at hip bones 4. Shoulder straps snug 5. Load lifters at 45° 6. Chest strap comfortable </div> --- ## Packing Zones ![Pack Zones]  1. Bottom - Sleeping gear 2. Core - Heavy items 3. Top - Light, frequent items 4. Pockets - Essential items --- ## Packing Tips <!-- .slide: data-background="#FF5722" --> <div style="background-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.6); padding: 20px; border-radius: 10px;"> 1. Waterproof critical items 2. Balance the weight 3. Pack tight and stable 4. Keep frequently used items accessible 5. Use compression sacks 6. Know where everything is </div> --- ## Essential Gear List ---- ### Shelter & Sleep - Tent/shelter - Sleeping bag - Sleeping mat - Pillow (optional) ---- ### Cooking - Stove & fuel - Cookware - Eating utensils - Water bottles - Water treatment ---- ### Safety - First aid kit - PLB/EPIRB - Map & compass - Head torch - Whistle - Snake bandage ---- ### Personal Items - Toiletries - Sunscreen - Insect repellent - Hand sanitiser - Personal medications - Hiking permit --- ## Pack Weight Guide | Category | Target Weight | |----------|---------------| | Base weight | < 12kg | | Food & water | 2-4kg | | Total pack | < 16kg | | % of body weight | < 25% | --- ## Weather Considerations ### Hot Weather - Sun protection - Extra water capacity - Light, loose clothing - Electrolytes ### Cold Weather - Extra layers - Warm hat & gloves - Emergency shelter - Hot drink supplies --- ## Gear Care 1. Clean after use 2. Dry completely 3. Store properly 4. Check regularly 5. Repair promptly --- ## Common Mistakes <!-- .slide: data-background="#F44336" --> <div style="background-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.6); padding: 20px; border-radius: 10px;"> - Overpacking - New boots on long hikes - Cotton clothing - Poor rain protection - Badly fitted pack - Unknown gear setup </div> --- ## Practice Session Let's practice: 1. Pack fitting 2. Layer system 3. Pack organisation 4. Gear checks Note: Break into patrols for hands-on practice --- ## Pre-Hike Checklist - [ ] Weather forecast checked - [ ] All gear tested - [ ] Pack fitted properly - [ ] Emergency contacts updated - [ ] Group gear distributed - [ ] Safety gear checked --- ## Questions? Remember: A well-packed Scout is a happy Scout! 😊 --- ## Resources - Gear lists - Local gear shops - Pack fitting guide - Weather services - Gear maintenance guides