Preggo's Going Camping!

Posted by: bacpacjac

Preggo's Going Camping! - 11/15/12 04:42 PM

My son and I are going camping with our Cub Scout Pack this weekend. At 7 months pregnant, I obviously can't carry as much as I usually do and I could use your insights on what to pack.

The good news for me is that we can drive in and unload at the cabins so I can plan this like car camping and not worry about having to carry my tent, sleeping bag, wool blanket, thermarest, closed-cell foam sleeping pad, a couple of pillows, a change of clothes and toiletries. It's the trekking with the kids part that I'm struggling with. We're working on the basics this weekend, including survival kits, so I need to be a good role model but can't carry the kitchen sink just in case.

We'll be sleeping in cabins on Friday night and in tents on Saturday night. (I may play the preggo card and opt out of tents and stay in the cabin with the younger Beaver Scouts, depending on how I feel.) We have a bunch of brand new Cubs and this is our first camping trip of the year. We're going to be working on basic camping and hiking skills, including reviewing our survival kits and helping our new Cubs build their own.

EDC Clothes: In addition to my uniform, I'll likely dress in merino wool socks, long johns, BDU pants, poly/wool blend LS shirt and a wool or fleece sweater. When outside I add my winter hat, poly-fill vest and a goretex shell:
http://i1105.photobucket.com/albums/h351/backpackjac/MBO/Picture010.jpg

EDC Gear (on person, in pockets):

I always wear a watch (Coleman) and micro photon II/mini harmonica/wedding rings on a 3 ft paracord necklace.

I attach my key fob attached to vest's built-in carabiner: Fox 40, Streamlite Keymate, SAK, Fauxton, keys to home/Jeep/office/hubby's truck, monkey fist: http://i1105.photobucket.com/albums/h351/backpackjac/MBO/Picture011.jpg

Sunglasses, light wool gloves and bandana:
http://i1105.photobucket.com/albums/h351/backpackjac/MBO/Picture012.jpg

LED, gerber folder, mini bic, lip balm:
http://i1105.photobucket.com/albums/h351/backpackjac/MBO/Picture014.jpg

EDC Updates for the Weekend:

This weekend I'll likely remove my key fob and throw in my Leatherman Wave (with ferro rod, maglite solitare and cotton balls/char cloth in sheath) instead.

When I'm out with the Scouts, I always wear a lanyard with Fox 40 whistle, fauxton, a mini bic and mini multi-tool. I also carry a pack with some emergency supplies.

Day Hike Packing List

So far, my packing list for my day hike pack this weekend includes:

-Water (SS water bottle, tin can and aluminum foil for boiling)
-FAK (AMK Field Trauma Kit plus emergency info for all participants, duct tape, OTC meds, 2 X thick maxi pads, a couple of tampons and mylar blanket, minus med tape, elastic bandage and FAK booklet)
-Clothes (extra socks, hat, mitts, sweater, poncho, extra kid-sized hat and mitts)
-Shelter (thermal emergency blanket with paracord tie-outs, paracord, chem hand warmers)
-Fire (altoids tin with mini bic, waterproof matches, fat wood, PJ cotton balls)
-Light (LED headlamp, LED flashlight, extra batteries)
-Food (licorish, tuna & crackers snack pack, cliff bar)
-PSK (Modified Ritter AMK PSK)

Note: When we go hiking, all leaders carry 2-way radios and 2 other leaders or parents will be carrying packs with:
-group FAK and emergency kit
-hot chocolate and snacks

Any suggestions?

Chem body warmers and a collapsable trekking pole are already on my shopping list.

BTW - the weather forcast looks like we're in for partly overcast skies, with highs around 8C and lows about -2C.

Posted by: LesSnyder

Re: Preggo's Going Camping! - 11/15/12 05:53 PM

on the first aid... how are you fixed for burns, minor dental, elastic wrap for sprains, moleskin for blisters? ...I really like the elastic adhesive wraps like Coban...

Posted by: ILBob

Re: Preggo's Going Camping! - 11/15/12 09:00 PM

Originally Posted By: bacpacjac

At 7 months pregnant, I obviously can't carry as much as I usually do and I could use your insights on what to pack.

It used to be that women would work in the fields until they were ready and then squat on the side of the field for a few minutes to give birth and then go back to work.

We have gotten way too sissified.:)

Posted by: bacpacjac

Re: Preggo's Going Camping! - 11/15/12 09:27 PM

Originally Posted By: ILBob

Originally Posted By: bacpacjac

At 7 months pregnant, I obviously can't carry as much as I usually do and I could use your insights on what to pack.

It used to be that women would work in the fields until they were ready and then squat on the side of the field for a few minutes to give birth and then go back to work.

We have gotten way too sissified.:)

I'll happily wear the "sissie" name tag for the next couple of months if it means the safe delivery of this baby. This high-risk AMA hasn't traded in her hiking boots for slippers just yet though.

Just trying to find a balance between pack mule and bedridden.

Posted by: JPickett

Re: Preggo's Going Camping! - 11/15/12 10:42 PM

"We have gotten way too sissified.:)"
ILBob, I would be careful. Some of the women on this list might journey to Illinois and pay you a "hostile" visit. They may not know where you live, but they'll find out.

Posted by: hikermor

Re: Preggo's Going Camping! - 11/15/12 10:47 PM

Back in the days when giving birth was just a long coffee break while working in the fields, the death rate among mothers was roughly equivalent to that of Marines in combat; roughly 30% of infants perished.

Posted by: wildman800

Re: Preggo's Going Camping! - 11/16/12 12:31 AM

Greetings, in light of a past experience, I strongly suggest you play. "The preggo card" and stay in the cabin. Bo

Posted by: KenK

Re: Preggo's Going Camping! - 11/16/12 12:54 AM

If you're bringing a nylon folding camp chair you might want to bring some kind of insulation for the seat area. Closed cell foam is the best, but I've been known to use two layers of corrugated cardboard - which worked pretty well ... though while camping with Scouts cardboard is always at a major risk of ending up in a campfire it not guarded carefully. :-)

Oh, and bring lip balm!! Cold weather-caused chapped lips can cause a surprising amount of misery.

Ken

Posted by: dougwalkabout

Re: Preggo's Going Camping! - 11/16/12 06:40 AM

Originally Posted By: ILBob

We have gotten way too sissified.:)

We?? Geez, dude. That tapping at your window is a cruise missile askin' to come in.

Survival rule #1: don't be messin' with a Mama Bear.

Posted by: bacpacjac

Re: Preggo's Going Camping! - 11/16/12 10:46 AM

Originally Posted By: KenK

If you're bringing a nylon folding camp chair you might want to bring some kind of insulation for the seat area. Closed cell foam is the best, but I've been known to use two layers of corrugated cardboard - which worked pretty well ... though while camping with Scouts cardboard is always at a major risk of ending up in a campfire it not guarded carefully. :-)

Oh, and bring lip balm!! Cold weather-caused chapped lips can cause a surprising amount of misery.

Ken

Great reminders, thanks Ken! I usually wear my wool campfire blanket around the fire bit my butt still gets chilly. Lip balm is a must too!

Posted by: bacpacjac

Re: Preggo's Going Camping! - 11/16/12 10:49 AM

Originally Posted By: wildman800

Greetings, in light of a past experience, I strongly suggest you play. "The preggo card" and stay in the cabin. Bo

I may do just that wildman. I've camped while 8 months pregnant before but was still in my 30s. Now that I'm in my 40s, I've got an arthriticy hip that's hating being pregnant. The cold damp ground isn't going to help it.

Posted by: Denis

Re: Preggo's Going Camping! - 11/16/12 04:03 PM

Mirroring what KenK said, after our fall Cub camp near the end of October (it dipped down somewhere between -5 C & -10 C) I was reminded that I really should've brought my bum pad along ... it would've made sitting around the campfire much more comfortable. I wear my Cub blanket poncho-style so it doesn't do much for insulation down there:).

There are commercial ones avialble (like this), but I just cut up an old blue foamie that wasn't in use to make a couple for myself & the kids.

Posted by: bacpacjac

Re: Preggo's Going Camping! - 11/16/12 04:21 PM

Originally Posted By: Denis

There are commercial ones avialble (like this), but I just cut up an old blue foamie that wasn't in use to make a couple for myself & the kids.

Great idea, Denis! Thanks!

Posted by: widget

Re: Preggo's Going Camping! - 11/16/12 05:31 PM

Have a safe and fun trip! Since you have a bear bell, remember to keep well away from your food supply and cook/eat away from camp perhaps.

Stay warm and dry too! It can get cold this time of year.

Posted by: bacpacjac

Re: Preggo's Going Camping! - 11/16/12 06:00 PM

Originally Posted By: widget

Have a safe and fun trip! Since you have a bear bell, remember to keep well away from your food supply and cook/eat away from camp perhaps.

Stay warm and dry too! It can get cold this time of year.

Thanks widget! Great advice!

Posted by: bacpacjac

Re: Preggo's Going Camping! - 11/16/12 06:15 PM

Originally Posted By: LesSnyder

on the first aid... how are you fixed for burns, minor dental, elastic wrap for sprains, moleskin for blisters? ...I really like the elastic adhesive wraps like Coban...

Our group FAK is very comprehensive. Mechanical injuries, burns, cuts, chops and scrapes are the big 5 we're prepped for. All our leaders but one have current standard first aid and CPR certification and 4 of our are certified in Wilderness First Aid.

My personal kit has a good assortment but I did recently remove the elastic wrap since I'm carrying it as part of my EDC. Maybe I'll throw it back in there for the weekend. Good idea!

Posted by: Chisel

Re: Preggo's Going Camping! - 11/17/12 02:46 AM

Well, I would only suggest you "sissify" yourself a little bit and don't do anything extreme.

At 58 years old myself , I do sissify myself while doing home improvement jobs like not going up laddders if I don't have to. You know if one my bones is broken now , it won't heal the same as when I was a teen. In those days I have fallen off motorbikes ..etc. and with blood all over my face, I walked away smiling. Now, I don't think so.

So, you take care and take it easy.

Posted by: Chisel

Re: Preggo's Going Camping! - 11/17/12 10:16 AM

I have no medical expertise , so my suggestion is FWIW

A pregnant woman should try avoid ( as much as possible ) getting sick and having to take medications. So, it is not a bad idea - IMHO - to take a few vitamin supplements and maybe some garlic (or garlic pills) to help make your immune system a bit sturdier. This is true especially during camping trips where you get less sleep, eat food of lesser nutrients and get exposed to more cuts and bruises ( meaning : more chance for harmful critters to attack your system )

From my personal experience , vitamin supplements are very helpful in stressful times.
YMMV

Posted by: bacpacjac

Re: Preggo's Going Camping! - 11/20/12 09:15 PM

Posted by: bacpacjac

Re: Preggo's Going Camping! - 11/21/12 07:40 AM

Originally Posted By: IzzyJG99

You have go to learn how to embed images. Lol.

LOL! Sorry Izzy. I figuered it would make the page load too slowly and bore everyone to death.

Posted by: bacpacjac

Re: Preggo's Going Camping! - 11/22/12 12:42 PM

Sorry guys. I'm working on the pictures. Links are the best I can do for now. My tablet hates photobucket for some reason and it keeps crashing my computer at work.

Here's a teaser though, for those who would rather wait for the pictures to load than click the links:

Posted by: spuds

Re: Preggo's Going Camping! - 11/22/12 01:46 PM

Great pics,look like a great time.

How did the tent get on fire,love the tents from tarps and branches.

Reminds me of being teenagers and went fishing,made a tent from a bed sheet,awoke with it covered in snow and it worked jolly well.

Posted by: bacpacjac

Re: Preggo's Going Camping! - 11/22/12 02:15 PM

Originally Posted By: spuds

Great pics,look like a great time.

How did the tent get on fire,love the tents from tarps and branches.

Reminds me of being teenagers and went fishing,made a tent from a bed sheet,awoke with it covered in snow and it worked jolly well.

LOL! We set it on fire on purpose as a fire safety demonstration. The Scouts were going to sleep in shelters they made and it was a good lesson for everyone.

Posted by: spuds

Re: Preggo's Going Camping! - 11/22/12 03:11 PM

Darn nice shelters,they look very snug!

Thanks for the trip down memory lane,I used to love doing camping,even if just in the forest outside the house In Portland Oregon,very cool how much rain the forest would keep from falling on you.

We also did wood fires when we camped,never had a problem getting one going in the soggy PNW either.

You get kudos for that BPJ (And MANY Karma points from the World),fine memories you are creating.

Posted by: spuds

Re: Preggo's Going Camping! - 11/22/12 03:20 PM

How times change.

When I was a kid,Im 55 now,we could bring our Scout pocket knives to school and play mumbly peg at recess.

Had a park in town,just minor development there,one time we boys,maybe 9-10 years old had made a campfire and were enjoying the flame. A Sheriff drove up,checked out our 'camp',commented on how nice it was and reminded us to be sure fire was well out when we left.

Geeze the world has changed......

Posted by: bacpacjac

Re: Preggo's Going Camping! - 11/22/12 03:40 PM

Originally Posted By: spuds

How times change.

When I was a kid,Im 55 now,we could bring our Scout pocket knives to school and play mumbly peg at recess.

Had a park in town,just minor development there,one time we boys,maybe 9-10 years old had made a campfire and were enjoying the flame. A Sheriff drove up,checked out our 'camp',commented on how nice it was and reminded us to be sure fire was well out when we left.

Geeze the world has changed......

So true! The world is so different from when we were kids. It's sad sometimes. Kidsa are way more capable than many people give them credit for. I got in trouble with some of the parents in our neighbourhood for encouraging and helping a bunch of kids build a shelter in the forest behind our townhouse complex a couple of summers ago. They were doing it anyway, I just taught them a couple of knots to help the thing stay together better but you'd think I'd given them a loaded gun. I shiver to think of the fallout if they had tried to make a campfire too.

We have a few parents in our Scout group every year who just can't seem to get it through their heads that the Cubs (8-10 yo) are quite capable of making their own campfires (We teach and supervise but they get to do it all) or that Beavers (5-7 yo) are capable of helping to make them too. Heck, there are some people out there who think that we shouldn't even take our Beavers camping at all. They're going to havve annurisms when their kids get to Scouts and we let them carry and use knives, and fire, and axes, and stoves, and let them sleep in shelters they build themselves. Heck, we even let some of the more mature Cubs join them! Heaven forbid but we even make our Scouts plan, shop for, cook and clean up after their meals.

Start them young, teach well, supervise them until they are competent and watch them go!

Posted by: bacpacjac

Re: Preggo's Going Camping! - 11/22/12 03:41 PM

Originally Posted By: spuds

...love the tents from tarps and branches.

That's the one the entire Troop decided to sleep in on Saturday night. (That sucker was huge so they needed all of them to stay warm.)

Posted by: bacpacjac

Re: Preggo's Going Camping! - 02/14/14 06:20 PM

Sorry Izzy - this post still doesn't have embedded pics. I know how to do it now but I can't edit it anymore.