Regarding the cold, wet conditions...using trash bags, etc..

That's the kind of experience that I had as a young Scout, way too many years ago, and it's why I think about this stuff now as my son is going through Boy Scouts and I'm the scout leader. Back around 1970something, we were doing a hike along the AT in New Hampshire, and were up in the Presidential Range, near Mt Washington. We were somewhat prepared for cooler conditions, but, us newbies never expected to start our day hike in shorts and t-shirts, and need arctic gear later that afternoon near the top of Washington. (Mt Washington at a little over 6200ft, is known for nasty winds and weather.)

Of course, our leaders, and some of the senior Scouts TOLD us what to bring, and suggested more gear. They even checked our packs, and there were a couple guys who had to get extra gear that were way below "minimum". Being young and somewhat thick, we didn't want to lug more than we "needed", or so we thought. <img src="/images/graemlins/blush.gif" alt="" />

Well, things got rainy, windy, and cold. We put on everything we had, and wished we had more.

In retrospect, I realize that my old Scoutmaster made sure we all had enough to keep us safe, but, not necessarily comfortable. Those who had proper gear, and enough of it, were comfortable. All of us new guys got back down the mountain ok, but, we were NOT comfortable. I don't think I've ever gone on any serious outdoor adventures since that time that I wasn't prepared for conditions to degrade significantly.

What I didn't know, until I saw him pulling some things to eat out of his pack when we were back at the car, was that our leader had a tightly packed stuff sack with a sleeping bag in it, presumably to deal with someone in the group if they were getting hypothermic. I'm sure he had a few other goodies in there that would deal with other issues.

That's the type of thing I always struggle with, how much extra I bring as one of the leaders on the trip? As some have mentioned, a well stocked FAK is pretty important. The boys all have to bring their own, but, they tend to be cut/scrape type kits. Most of them won't carry a SAM Splint, (although they should be good at improvising splints), they don't all carry Sawyer Extractors, but one of the adults, (me) always does. Repair gear, an extra poncho, some "comfort" foods, the list goes on, which is what prompted me to write the original post.

I agree with the idea that we're trying to teach the boys to be self sufficient. My old Scoutmaster was smart enough to let us feel the pain of being less than prepared, but, also being ready if things got dangerous.

Thanks again for your thoughts and ideas, keep 'em coming. I have been a reader of the forum for a long time, and appreciate the opportunity to participate.

Regards - Ron