If the premise is that the gear must be all-new at retail and whatever isn't new is guaranteed to be available, either lying around the house already or in plentiful supply at thrift stores, then I am skeptical the $200 limit can be met.

However, I do think our scout is going to be using a plastic tarp and ground cloth, in spite of all the rain he's going to face. Let's hope the scoutmaster knows how to pitch a tarp, because we can't assume the scout does, or his parents either. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif" alt="" />

The sleeping bag is going to be tough. To get inside the budget & be warm enough means synthetic and we'll probably spend at least 5 lbs of our weight budget. I'll let someone else carry the ball on that one. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif" alt="" />

As for the sleeping pad, a cheapie WalMart blue pad is the obvious choice. Our scout needs the ground insulation in sub-freezing temps. He might have to trim it down somewhat to meet the weight budget.

With all that rain, he'll need rain gear, too. And clothes that won't slurp water like a sponge. I'd consider a sil-nylon poncho, or else a Dri-Ducks type of papery rain suit. I'd check thrift stores for polyester or nylon shirts, pants and shorts.

He's probably going to end up with a Scout-style aluminum mess kit. There is a reason why it is a classic. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />

I'm sorry I haven't researched actual weights and prices for these choices. I suspect I've already spent quite a lot of the $$ and weight budgets, even on these cheapie options. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" />