Green Backpacking Merit

1. Green Backpacking Merit

2. Lesson 1 • Requirement 1 • Point out the advantages and disadvantages of two types of boots available for hiking.

3. Lesson 1 • Requirement 1 • Three major types of hiking boots. • Lightweight. • Midweight. • Heavyweight.

4. Lesson 1 • Requirement 1 • Lightweight boot advantages. • Best choice for day hikes, short distances, or smooth terrain. • Usually made of lightweight fabric and synthetic materials instead of leather. • Least expensive of all types. • Lowest impact on environmentally sensitive areas. • Dries out more quickly when wet. • Low-cut top, running-shoe styles available. • Most comfortable shoe right out of the box.

5. Lesson 1 • Requirement 1 • Lightweight boot disadvantages. • Least foot and ankle protection. • Unsuitable for carrying heavy loads. • Not for use on rugged terrain. • Insufficient for use on long trekking trips. • Least weather protection, not recommended for snowy or wet weather. • Flimsy. • Usually cannot be resoled.

6. Lesson 1 • Requirement 1 • Midweight boot advantages. • Best all-around choice; combines good durability with moderate weight and good overall comfort. • Widest variety of materials available: leather, fabric, synthetic, or combination. • Excellent foot support and protection. • Moderate break in period. • Allows for carrying fully loaded packs. • Cleated soles good off trail on rocky terrain or slippery ground.

7. Lesson 1 • Requirement 1 • Midweight boot advantages (continued). • Best value for all-around general use in any weather and on all terrain. • Crampons can be attached on most for use on snow and ice.

8. Lesson 1 • Requirement 1 • Midweight boot disadvantages. • Nonleather styles aren't waterproof unless lined with Gore-Tex. • Leather styles take longer to dry out if wet. • Moderate impact on environmentally sensitive areas due to cleated soles.

9. Lesson 1 • Requirement 1 • Heavyweight boot advantages. • Best for serious mountaineering where rigidity and stability are needed on ledges. • Most foot protection and support. • Most durable for all types. • Allows for carrying the heaviest loads. • Crampons can be attached for use on snow and ice. • Can be resoled, adding longevity. • Many insulated types available.

10. Lesson 1 • Requirement 1 • Heavyweight boot disadvantages. • Heaviest requires more energy to lift feet, creating fatigue on long trails. • High impact on environmentally sensitive areas; gouges trails and displaces rocks more than most. • Long break-in period required. • Not for beginners. • Very expensive.

11. Lesson 1 • Requirement 2 • Explain how to select a boot that fits properly. • It should be snug, but not tight. • There should be more than a finger’s width between the heel and the back of the boot when your foot is scrunched toward the front. • The toes should wiggle freely.

12. Lesson 1 • Requirement 3 • Explain the proper care and waterproofing of a pair of hiking boots. • Clean the boots and air dry them. • Use a waterproofing wax on leather boots or silicone spray on fabric/synthetic boots. • Set them aside to dry.

13. Lesson 1 • Requirement 4 • Explain the prevention of, and first aid for, blisters. • Prevention of blisters: • Reduce friction by wearing good socks and broken-in boots. • Wear thickly cushioned synthetic or wool socks, not cotton. • Keep your feet dry. • Stop often on hikes to check for hot spots and to air out your feet.

14. Lesson 1 • Requirement 4 • Explain the prevention of, and first aid for, blisters. • First-aid treatment for blisters: • Cover red spots with moleskin ir first aid tape to reduce friction and prevent fluid buildup. • Dab rubbing alcohol to dry it out. • If you need to prick the fluid-filled sac, use a sterilized needle. • Apply antiseptic and cover the blister with moleskin or a bandage.

15. Lesson 1 • MWS 1 Worksheet • What are the three major types of hiking boots? • Lightweight. • Midweight. • Heavyweight. • Which one is the best all-around choice for any terrain or conditions? • Midweight. • Pick one kind of hiking boot and list some advantages and disadvantages of that style. • Refer to requirement 1.

16. Lesson 1 • MWS 1 Worksheet • How can you tell if a hiking boot fits properly? • It should be snug, but not tight. There should be more than a finger’s width between the heel and the back of the boot when your foot is scrunched toward the front. The toes should wiggle freely. • Explain the proper care and waterproofing of a pair of hiking boots. • Clean the boots and air dry them. Use a waterproofing wax on leather boots or silicone spray on fabric/synthetic boots. Set them aside to dry.

17. Lesson 1 • MWS 1 Worksheet • How can blisters be prevented while backpacking? • Reduce friction by wearing good socks and broken-in boots. Wear thickly cushioned synthetic or wool socks, not cotton. Keep your feet dry. Stop often on hikes to check for hot spots and to air out your feet. • What is the first aid treatment for blisters? • Cover red spots with moleskin ir first aid tape to reduce friction and prevent fluid buildup. Dab rubbing alcohol to dry it out. If you need to prick the fluid-filled sac, use a sterilized needle. Apply antiseptic and cover the blister with moleskin or a bandage.

18. Lesson 2 • Requirement 9 • Explain the difference between at least two major types of packs used in backpacking. Explain the advantages and disadvantages of each. Explain why you chose the pack you did. Would you choose a different pack if you could afford it? If so, what kind and why?

19. Lesson 2 • Requirement 9 • Three types of backpacks. • External frame. • Internal frame. • Dayback. • Differences between two major types of backpacks. • External frame is the best choice for level terrain or established trails. • Internal frame is the best choice for uneven terrain.

20. Lesson 2 • Requirement 9 • External frame advantages. • Moderate cost, good value. • Wide variety of features available. • Highest load and weight capacity of any type. • Load rides high up and directly over hips for better load support. • Best for developed trails and level terrain. • Good protection from weather. • Good for extended trips/trekking. • Lots of pockets for items needing quick access.

21. Lesson 2 • Requirement 9 • External frame advantages (continued). • Many places to strap on different items to the outside of the pack. • Cooler in hot weather due to frame holding pack away from body, allowing air circulation. • Easier to fit body size with most model, fewer adjustments needed. • Lighter than comparable internal frame type.

22. Lesson 2 • Requirement 9 • External frame disadvantages. • More bulky appearance. • More difficult to stow in car trunk or canoe/kayak. • Higher center of gravity creates less maneuverability on uneven/steep terrain. • Tendency to catch brush and low hanging tree branches on frame while on narrow or undeveloped trails. • Top of pack tends to sway left and right when walking.

23. Lesson 2 • Requirement 9 • Internal frame advantages. • Very good load and weight capacity, though not as high as external frame type. • Very good for extended trips. • Best choice for heavily wooded, narrow, and undeveloped trails or rough terrain. • Very good protection from weather. • Maneuvers well on uneven or steep terrain due to lower pack balance point. • Keeps center of gravity lower and more natural. • When properly fitted, contours well to body.

24. Lesson 2 • Requirement 9 • Internal frame advantages (continued). • Lighter weight than external frame type. • Best for trekking in snow and in mountains, cross-country skiing. • Stows well in canoes/kayaks or car trunks. • Withstands airline baggage handling well.

25. Lesson 2 • Requirement 9 • Internal frame disadvantages. • Highest cost of any type. • Load capacity not quite as high as most external frame types. • Items not as conveniently accessible; need to unpack most items to get to bottom of pack. • Heavier weight of pack itself. • Hotter and sweatier against your back. • More difficult to fit perfectly to different body shapes; precise adjustments needed.

26. Lesson 2 • Requirement 9 • Internal frame disadvantages (continued). • More difficult to load for proper load distribution.

27. Lesson 2 • Requirement 9 • Daypack advantages. • Good for small loads. • Lowest cost of all types. • Lightest weight, least bulky to carry. • Adequate for day hikes or short overnight trips that don’t require foot travel.

28. Lesson 2 • Requirement 9 • Daypack disadvantages. • Lowest weight and load-carrying capacity. • Not suitable for trips requiring extended trekking. • No external or internal support frame to balance or support loads. • Least protection from weather.

29. Lesson 2 • Requirement 10 • Properly load your backpack for an overnight backpacking trip. Load your own gear and your share of the patrol equipment and food. Point out where heavy items should go and identify the items placed on top or placed for easy access while on the trail.

30. Lesson 2 • Requirement 10 • Required equipment. • Cooking: • Fire starter. • Cooking kit. • Cooking utensils. • Eating utensils. • Drinking cup. • Plate or bowl. • Biodegradable soap.

31. Lesson 2 • Requirement 10 • Required equipment. • Food: • Enough for all meals eaten on the trip. • Instant drink/tea mix. • Trail snack. • Water purification tablets.

32. Lesson 2 • Requirement 10 • Required equipment. • Sleeping: • Sleeping bag. • Foam sleeping pad. • Tent. • Plastic ground tarp.

33. Lesson 2 • Requirement 10 • Required equipment. • Clothing: • Hiking boots. • Socks, three pair. • Two changes of clothing. • Raincoat/poncho. • Hat. • Light jacket or sweater.

34. Lesson 2 • Requirement 10 • Required equipment. • Personal: • Toothbrush. • Toothpaste. • Towel. • Biodegradable soap/shampoo.

35. Lesson 2 • Requirement 10 • Required equipment. • Miscellaneous: • Pocket knife. • Plastic zip-lock bags. • Canteen or water bottle. • Compass • Map. • Whistle. • Sunscreen. • Insect repellent.

36. Lesson 2 • Requirement 10 • Required equipment. • Miscellaneous (continued): • Toilet paper. • Flashlight or headlamp. • Extra set of batteries. • First aid kit. • Blister kit. • Survival kit. • Fifty feet of twine or cord. • Small bible.

37. Lesson 2 • Requirement 10 • Where to pack these items in an external frame pack. • Sleeping bag: • Strapped outside at the bottom of the pack. • Cookware, food bags: • Inside, higher toward the top and closer to the body. • Clothing, light items: • Inside, lower toward the bottom and away from the body.

38. Lesson 2 • MWS 2 Worksheet • What are the three major types of backpacks? • External frame. • Internal frame. • Daypack. • Which one is the best all-around choice for level terrain or established trails? • External frame. • Which one is the best all-around choice for uneven terrain or established trails? • Internal frame.

39. Lesson 2 • MWS 2 Worksheet • List some advantages and disadvantages of the external-frame backpack. • Refer to requirement 9. • List some advantages and disadvantages of the internal-frame backpack. • Refer to requirement 9. • List seven important items that should be packed for a two-day backpacking trip and the reasons why each should be included. • Refer to requirement 10.

40. Lesson 2 • MWS 2 Worksheet • Explain how and where to pack these items in an external-frame backpack. • Sleeping bag: • Strapped outside at the bottom of the pack. • Cookware, food bags: • Inside, higher toward the top and closer to the body. • Clothing, light items: • Inside, lower toward the bottom and away from the body.

41. Lesson 2 • MWS 2 Worksheet • Map, compass, water bottle: • In inside pockets or at the very top inside the backpack.

42. Lesson 2 Find and circle all these hidden words in the word search that refer to backpacking. MWS 3 Worksheet

43. Lesson 3 • Requirement 6 • List the possible dangerous plants, insects, snakes , and other animals you may encounter while hiking. Explain what you should do if these dangers are encountered. In the field, identify one of these dangers.

44. Lesson 3 • Requirement 6 • Poisonous plants. • Poison ivy, poison oak, and poison sumac. • Venomous snakes. • Rattlesnake, coral snake, copperhead, and water moccasin. • Dangerous animals. • Black bear, coyote, and skunk.

45. Lesson 3 • Requirement 6 • Hazardous insects. • Mosquito, honeybee, black widow spider, scorpion, and dog tick. • If you encounter any of these dangerous plants or animals: • Back away and avoid contact. • Get medical help if bitten, stung, or injured.

46. Lesson 3 • Requirement 7 • Explain the danger of dehydration. • You could become very sick or even die from lack of water.

47. Lesson 3 • Requirement 8 • Explain two ways to purify water and why purification is necessary. • Boiling, with chemicals, or with a filtration pump. • Purification is necessary to avoid contaminants and germs that could make you sick.

48. Lesson 3 • MWS 4 Worksheet • Name two poisonous plants to be avoided. • Poison ivy, poison oak, poison sumac. • Name two venomous snakes to be avoided. • Rattlesnake, coral snake, copperhead, and water moccasin. • Name two dangerous animals to be avoided. • Answers will vary. • Name two hazardous insects to be avoided. • Answers will vary.

49. Lesson 3 • MWS 4 Worksheet • Explain what to do when you encounter one of these dangerous plants or animals. • Back away and avoid eye contact. Get medical treatment if bitten, stung, or injured. • Name two of the three major methods of purifying water while out on the trail. • Boiling, with chemicals, or with a filtration pump. • Explain why purifying water is necessary. • To avoid contaminants and germs that could make you sick.

50. Lesson 3 • MWS 4 Worksheet • Explain why dehydration is potentially dangerous. • You could become very sick or even die from a lack of water.