All good reads being suggestted by Glenn, Aceatc. I've read them and more, actually have quite a library that I have loaned out for years to local Scouts.

Once you have a firm knowldege of the basics; the questions you ask will become more based in the gear you are using. I'm not speaking of intricate knowldege of fabrics, weights, strengths, I'm talking basics that every Scout will know from actual experience.

Before I put up my previous post I asked 12 Scouts, "What are the various numbers 550, 650, 700 in reference to with regard to sleeping bags?" all but one answered, "The fill power of the down used as the insulation". So, yes, I'm being harsh, and it's for a good reason. If you venture forth into the backcountry with Internet 'knowledge', vs real time practice, you may put yourself and those who have to come get you into a situation of risk. I worked SAR for many years and the last thing I want to hear about is 'one of our family' from here having to be rescued <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif" alt="" />