Here are a few humble

thoughts about

scouting/trekking...

Since Spring is approaching, we're in better

shape to start out on a new venture than with

several feet of snow on the ground. The best

thing to remember (this comes from my Boy Scout

days) is to be prepared. Prepared with equipment, skills, fitness, attitude, etc. You may only think you're going out for a few hours, but that's when Murphy pops out and you're stuck for a few days. I always pack or carry what I would need at a minimum for an overnight. That doesn't have to be a lot, though. The goal of a forced bivouac is not to be comfy and happy, but to survive. That being said. . .

One day (or half-day) scouts are the best way to prepare for a larger trip. I usually dress according to the weather, but unless it's VERY warm, I always have my knit gloves and hat with me. Also, it's wise to "dress cold, walk warm". If it's a little cool when you first set out, that's fine. As you start moving, you'll warm up, and if you're not wearing a ton of layers, then you're going to stay drier and much more comfortable. If you have to stay out all night, being dry is a good thing. I also carry a little bit of field rations (jerky, walnuts, raisins, parched corn, peas, whatever) in a small food quiver strung around my waist. Add to that a canteen and I know I won't go hungry.

As far as warmth and being prepared for a night in the woods, you really don't need much. I rarely go out for a full day (even in summer) without my matchcoat rolled up and slung on my back. If you're not familiar with a matchcoat, it's a piece of wool stroud/trade cloth/blanket that's about 60"x70" (depending on personal preference). It can be wrapped to form a garment, hung for a shelter, used as a pillow or stretcher, and if you have to spend the night, makes a damn fine blanket. I rarely leave home without one. Same thing goes for a basic firestarting kit. I always have some char cloth, my burning lens, a little jute or tow with me. Don't always carry flint and steel, though, since I have a firelock, and can use the rifle lock to catch fire. Too bad for you fellas with yer newfangled cappers. . .

Another nice addition is a compass - especially if you don't know the area well. Bill Farmer at Ft. Boonesborough makes EXCELLENT early style compasses for as little as $35. Jas Townsend also has some, but I like Bill's better. Also don't underestimate the benefit of a neckscarf: a thousand uses for those. AND, provided that it's legal where you go, I would adivse carrying your front-stuffer loaded. They do very little good as a club, and you can always pull the load when you get back if it's not safe to discharge it.

Scouting (or trekking) isn't too hard - especially if you've ever done much hiking or camping - but it takes some perparation. In addition to gear, it's wise to get yourself in shape before heading out for a grand scout. Walking around the neighborhood is great, but try it in your period footwear. On Sunday morning, dress in your historical clothing and go about your day dressed like that. You'll see how things really fit and work while you're doing menial chores and daily life stuff. That's the best thing about scouting in the woods - you learn what works, what doesn't, and what's superfluous. But DO make sure that physically you're up to the challenge you choose. Very few bosses understand that you can't make it to work because you hurt yourself this weekend "playing Dan'l Boone."

OK, this is probably way more than anyone needs, but there ya go. If there's more interest, I'll be happy to write more and post some pictures when I get a little more "down time". Meanwhile, here's what I typically carry for a one-dayer, and then for an overnight during the spring/summer. Just cause it works for me, though, it may not be what you want - we all have our preferences and time period. Incidentally, mine is Kentucky, circa 1765-1795 (it's where I'm from, what can I say?)

One Day (3-6 hours)

- Linen frock

- Linen shirt (if cool enough)

- Breechclout (light weight wool. breathes and doesn't rash)

- Brain-tanned leggins (breathes MUCH better than commercial-tan)

- Pigskin "double" mocs (two on each foot) that come up about 10", tie-off tight, well-greased, with buffalo soles added (I also need orthotics, so I have these inside the mocs - I'm the only one who knows. . . .)

- Garters for leggins (finger woven is very comfy, but leather thongs work fine

- Wide leather belt (occasionally a sash)

- Tomahawk/belt axe

- Belt knife

- Anlgonquin-style belt pouch (for firekit, tinder, snacks, leather thongs or woven hemp cord, etc)

- Shooting bag (usually about 12-25 round ball - a few left "loose" for fast reloads, a few flints, patching, compass, mainspring vise, mainspring, tow, tow worm, turnscrew, vent pick and pan brush, penny knife, small pliers, gun oil)

- Powderhorn (full)

- Matchcoat (usually rolled up on tumpline and slung across back)

- gloves and hat (in matchcoat - if very warm and no matchcoat, tucked in belt)

- Silk scarf (or two)

- canteen (with water purifying tablets)

- food quiver

- rifle

- hunting/fishing license (if applicable)

Two - Three Days

Same as above, except adding:

- Wool waistcoat

- wool stockings (1 pair)

- spare mocs

- small copper pot (2"x3") or tin cup

- horn spoon

- coffee beans (green, have to roast)

- small skillet

- bacon

- cornmeal

- muscavado sugar and/or chocolate

- more food in food quiver than for a day

- salt & pepper

- modern first-aid kit (hidden in linen sack)

- flint & steel, candle (great for damp tinder)

- wool blanket (and matchcoat if cold enough)

- extra shirt (weather depending)

- betty lamp (great for illuminating a dark grove, and feeds off bacon grease)

- "ground softener" in small flask

- apples, bread, cheese (if I'm packing heavy)

Depending on how much stuff, this either gets rolled up in a blanket and slung across the back, or tossed in my pigskin knapsack. Either way, it's pretty dang light - the wool blanket and canteen are the heaviest items!

Let me know if y'all want some more.

-Ben