Hi! My kid's school is going on a 5-day (overnight) backpacking/camping trip deep into the Cascades. If you were going to send your kid with the most appropriate and useful gear (other than good backpack, hiking boots, flashlight, whatnot), what would you send? I'm debating renting her a PLB or SPOT, just in case, but what do you think? Thanks!
Registered: 02/03/06
Posts: 6799
Loc: Gateway to Columbia Gorge
I would talk to the trip leader, who should be carrying a means of emergency communication for the group. I frankly would not entrust a youngster with a PLB of SPOT; consequences of "pushing the button" when it's not an emergency could be dire.
I'd be more concerned about knowing the safety rules for the group and the qualifications of the adult leader--again, contact the trip leader.
Hopefully there will be several adults with the group and the group will be within the legal wilderness group size limits (usually 12).
_________________________
May your trails be crooked, winding, lonesome, dangerous, leading to the most amazing view--E. Abbey
Everyone's idea of "the usual stuff" is different. To me, the "usual stuff" is a pretty complete list of gear that let me be self sufficient. When I used to lead Scouts, their parents' idea of the "usual stuff" was a cotton sleeping bag, huge 4-AA flashlight, and 7 changes of cotton clothing.
Could you give us a more complete list of "usual stuff"? Also, what is the trip leader giving you as a list of gear your child should bring?
Our long-time Sponsor, BackcountryGear.com - The leading source for ultralite/lightweight outdoor gear:
Affiliate Disclaimer: This forum is an affiliate of BackcountryGear.com, Amazon.com, R.E.I. and others. The product links herein are linked to their sites. If you follow these links to make a purchase, we may get a small commission. This is our only source of support for these forums. Thanks.!