Jansport Rainier- Product Review

Jansport Rainier

Product Review

Item- Frame Pack

Style- External Frame

Maker- Jansport

Review-
This is a great backpack. It was my first frame pack. I still use it all the time.

Positive-
This pack has lots of room. I liked the removable front pack. There is plenty of room for anything that I want to pack. There are special loops on the top and bottom of the pack that allow for extra items to be attached with ease.

Negative-
I have not found many things wrong with this pack. One thing about it is that after a few hours of hiking, the top bar that holds the pack will begin to squeak. This is quite noticeable. After it starts, I just take it off my back and loosen then tighten the adjustable bar. I have tried a little oil, but it did not help much.

Customer Support-
I called Support to order new pins and they sent them to me for free. They were great.

Overall
4-out of 5
(squeaky)

Frame Backpack- Internal vs. External

Backpacking

Backpacking can be a fun group activity, especially with older scouts. I started backpacking in 99. Since then I have had the pleasure of packing in many eastern states and in the Central American Country of Belize.

Until about two years ago, I had only used external frame packs, but I started using both and I have found that I like different things about each.

Before I get into differences between each, I just want to explain some features.
Each pack has a metal or plastic frame, the frame is attached to a padded belt. When the pack is properly adjusted, the entire weight of the pack is resting on the hips. This is good because if all the weight were on the shoulders it would cause ones back to be ill adjusted, it also helps with maintaining balance.

Most of these packs have fabric loops to tie on accessories. The pacts themselves vary in how they are constructed. Some are made from canvas, nylon and other. Most packs are waterproof to an extent and waterproofing and pack covers help keep gear even dryer.

Internal VS. External

Internal

This style of pack is becoming more and more popular. The frame is in the pack and is hidden from view. It still provides support, but you don't have the unsightly metal look around the pack. The pack appears more streamline. The pack hugs your body and fits almost as an addition to your body.

External
This style pack has been used for many years. The fact that more things can be tied to the pack is very beneficial. There also seems to be more airflow between the pack and the hikers back.
These packs are very rigid and can be used to hold much more weight. They are not the best for real rugged hiking like areas where one might be bending a lot or have limited space to move. IE-caving and deep forest hiking.

Patrol Box-
I did not realize how helpful a patrol box really was until I did not have one for my new unit. I have been looking around at different styles and here is a small sample as to what I found.


Basic Boy Scout Patrol Kitchen Box

The plans for this box are found in the Patrol Sketchbook. I found my copy on http://sne.tripod.com/plans.htm.

I really like this basic box. It has openings from each side which allows access to all the interior items and also gives a place to cook out of.

I find that when camping in a location with picnic tables, that we have opened the box so that one side lays even with the table and we have easy access to the food, plates, condiments, and more.

This box is tried and truly works great.

5 out of 5








Troop 414 special

This box seems to be specially made to hold all the gear for each patrol.


If you look carefully, you will see that there is a very useful compartment to the left for a camp saw and hatchet. These items may not initially seem to belong in a kitchen box, but then we consider that in order to cook over an open fire one must have firewood. These tools make that process much easier.

You can find this picture on troop 414's web site along with the pictures of a few more.
http://www.troop414.com/quartermaster
/patrol-box.htm


I have seen a lot of patrol boxes. I have seen some that could not be carried by two scouts and others that were able to be picked up by only one person. Just experiment as you make your box and have fun with it. And don't forget to give it a good coat of paint. The outside can really advertise your troop and chartered organization.

Loyal

A Scout is Loyal.

A Scout is true to his family, friends, Scout leaders, school, and nation.

As individuals we can learn a lot from this second point of the Scout Law. Even when things don't always seem to be black and white, we should stay by our good thoughts and actions. We need to be loyal to ourselves in that we keep ourselves fit in mind, body, and soul. When we are true to our own emotions we can be true and LOYAL to others.

Tents

Four Seasons tent (All Weather)

Tents are a very essential part of camping. I have used many different types of tents of the past few years.

One thing I have found is that there seem to be hundreds of options as to what to take with you when you go camping. One of the first things to consider is during what seasons do I like to camp the most. There are different tents designed for different weather patterns and different temperatures.

The main types of tents that I have found are: 4-seasons, 3-seasons, backpacker, bug shelter, top-only (floorless). There are more, but today I would like to focus on three of the 4-season tents.

4-Seasons

These seem to be able to resist all types of weather. They are specially designed to withstand heavy rain and snowfall. Most of the tents seem to have extra support along the top of the tent to hold more weight and give better structure to the sides of the tent. They also have very little area on the top for snow and ice to accumulate and weight the tent down.

Many of the tents that are four seasons have a special tarp or cover that goes over the entire tent. This cover can often times be removed to allow more airflow during good camping and some of the tents even have flaps that can be drawn up and people can look out through clear plastic to see the starts or to gaze into their surroundings.

Examples

Ozark Trail 16' x 9.5' Family Dome Tent

http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.do?product_id=10986132

This tent is huge. It is one of Walmart's specials. The tent holds 7 people very easily. On of my scouts brought this on a camp out. His dad stayed in a troop tent and and all 8 members of his patrol stayed in this tent.

Since then I have stayed in various versions of this tent. It is great because I can almost stand up in the middle. Tall people don't have to stay on their knees, they are free to move around.

The only problem with this tent is that with all that area comes weight. Weighing in at over 45lb this tent is not made to be moved very far by one person. Another problem is that because of its size, it can be hard to assemble by oneself. It can be done, but it is hard.

All in all this tent receives a 4 out of 5.

Eureka Four Season 3 Person Expedition Tent

http://www.campingshopnbu.com/

This tent is great. I had room in the front in a great little vestibule to stick my gear. There was also a lot of room in the main section of the tent. I was able to see out the vestibule without getting wet.

There was plenty of room for two people. We could have been a little tighter and held one more making this a three person tent.

This would not be my first choice for backpacking in good weather. This is because it is more than 11 lb. If I thought the weather might be bad and I was with at least one other person, sure this would be great.

If you don't have to carry it very far, this would be a 5 out of 5 in my opinion.

Canvas 9x8 4 person tent

http://www.familytentcamping.com/site/1406228/product/6098

This a new style of canvas tent pictured to the left. I have not stayed in this particular brand, but I have stayed in ones like it. I loved it. This is great for a multi night stay in one site.

When I stayed in this tent, I felt very secure, even during a hail storm. This tent is not free standing, it must be secured to the ground.

The awning in the front provides a great area to focus attention and allow for fun. Due to its design, it will not withstand strong winds or really heavy snowfall. The tent weight over 56 lb.

All in all a 4 out of 5