Group Camp setups

[Pope686]

planning a trip for 20 doing a 75 mile pack and paddle

Im just wondering If anyone has done something like this

and any cook gear that anybody would recommend

[TinaLouise]

For our larger scouting backpacking trips, we like to carry a "bakepacker".
Make sure that all your gear is in dry bags.
When I'm packing my gear in my kayak (a sea kayak), I have to put long strings on any of the small bags that end up going up into the bow of my boat. That way I can get the bag back out because my arms aren't long enough to reach all the way to the bow.
I also like to pack a "jetboil" because I can get a cup of hot (soup, coffee, water) really fast. Comes in handy if someone flips over in cold water and they need something hot to warm them up.
Make sure you have a "Plan B" for emergencys.
I've done trips where we were able to "pre-stage" gear along the way.

[sr1355]

Be sure to split group gear as evenly as possible... The string on smaller drybags is a great idea, we've done that since learning the hard way, it's can be a bear to get them out if you don't... Depending on boats and storage space, a cooler with dry ice will keep protiens nice and cold (frozen) for extended trips... I have a small 6 pack cooler that I wrap in a fleece blanket and can keep protiens frozen for four days... Fits right in the rear hatch no problems... Most of all HAVE FUN!!!!

[gargoyle]

How much of the trip is "pack" and how much is "paddle".

Filling a canoe with dutch ovens and cast iron is not a big deal.
Carrying those items in your backpack. Not good.

20 people..lots of dry bags. Food, clothing, bedding, all need to stay dry. I'm assuming with 20, you'll use 10 canoes (two paddlers per canoe), which leaves lots of space for items. Big coolers become manageable. Have a way to secure everything.

Practice up with your chosen cook stove/kit. Know the ingredients, time needed, etc. before heading out in the field. Practice, practice, practice..nothing worse at the end of a long wet day than burnt offerings to quiet your hunger and soul. Or explaining that "it looked good in the recipe book".

Here's a good forum site that has lots of recipes and ideas on backwoods cooking.
http://www.camp-cook.com/forum/

[Debi Jaytee]

awesome site Gargoyle, lots of tips and tricks!

[Ramblinrev]

My first advice is to check the regs where you want to go. I know in PA there are special regs for groups of 10. There are limits to campsite occupancy and number of people in one group on the trails. Permits are required for groups of 10 or more even when permits would not normally be required for solo or pairs. I'm sure this varies from state to state so it may not apply. But it's worth the checking.

[Alamosa]

For our troop, we have a "bucket kitchen" for each patrol. It is a 5 gallon bucket that holds all of the group equipment needed for the troop (scouts still bring their personal mess kits, etc.). When we canoe we just tie the bucket in. When we backpack, we distribute the equipment out as appropriate. Each bucket comfortably supports 4-8 guys.

If I get a chance, I will take a picture of it tonight and post it.

The basics include:

• Whisperlite Shaker Stove
• White gas fuel bottle
• Aluminum cookset
• Spatula, spoon, strainer utensils
• Kitchen Sink
• Group Water Purifier (gravity fed)
• Collapsible water bucket
• Backpack Towel
• Can Opener
• Matches/Firestarter

I probably missed a couple of items off the top of my head.

We just set these up last spring and used them on a backpack trip through the backcountry of Yellowstone and a 58 mile 3 day canoe trek down the Yellowstone River.

[Buffalo Skipper]

I really want to see how your patrols do this. Pics please.....

[Pope686]

thanks to all

Ramblinrev well 20 people is a round about number but I'll check for permits

rs1355 dry ice sounds cool didnt think of that

gargoyle thats a cool site very helpful

[Alamosa]

Here are the pictures I promised. It also has some camp suds and a 12'x12' Noah's Tarp.


http://www.hammockforums.net/forum/a...pictureid=4792


http://www.hammockforums.net/forum/a...pictureid=4793

I added links as the photos do not appear to be displaying.