A valuable resource for staying prepared Scoutlists creates custom camping checklists based on season, activity and climate. The resulting list can be printed and/or emailed and is linked to a wealth of gear recommendations.
Inventor Darryl Lusk was employed by a lumber yard and asked to secure a load on a truck. Like many folks he did his best but his boss was not pleased with the resulting tangle of “granny knots”. That night Darryl referred to knot book he received as a gift from uncle years before and refreshed his knot tying skills. Within a couple of weeks, though, he had forgotten them again. In an effort to make his knotting practice more realistic Darryl tried bolting different pieces of hardware to a piece of wood. The hardware-studded lumber served its purpose but it was expensive, heavy and impractical.
Some time later Darryl wanted to recreate his original knot tying practice tool on a smaller scale
for his nephews. The Fourteener was the result.
Knots can be seen and practiced more effectively when tied on something as opposed to being tied in hand. The "Fourteener" provides a portable, hands-on tool representing 14 pieces of hardware as a practical aid to learning how to tie knots.
The Fourteener kit includes 4 feet of 5mm braided nylon rope, an instruction booklet featuring 17 useful knots, a three foot polypropylene webbing tie-down strap with cam buckle closure to attach the Fourteener to a stable base, all packed in a drawstring nylon mesh storage bag.
A single kit sells for $14.99, discounts for multiple kits.
Available at Fourteener Knotting Tool
Picture from George Griffin at BackpackingGearTest.org
My faithful, cheap,(ten bucks at a hardware store) straw hat gave up after three years of canoeing in Canada, summer camp and carpentry. In searching for a replacement I decided to check out the much touted Tilley hat.
After some research I decided on the LTM6 Airflo and hoped it would be equal to the rather steep ($70.00) price. Constructed of something Tilley calls Nylantium the hat weighs in a a svelte 4 ounces and appears to be indestructible and sits lightly on my big (size 8) bald head. It keeps sweat off my brow while maintaining a cool head (at least physically). A generous brim offers ample shade for neck, ears and face and a stout cord keeps it on my head in the wind.
The hat preformed admirably during a weeks canoeing and has won me over.
The single drawback is my suspicion that the hat makes me look codgerly. But, once again, reason supplants vanity because I really need the protection and comfort it affords. So I embrace codgerhood beneath a hat that removes all doubt.
Available at Amazon
Reviewed at Backpacking Gear Test
Made by Tilley Endurables
This is all the official verbiage you will find on wearing a neckerchief - anything else you have heard is urban legend. From the BSA Insignia Guide :
The Neckerchief
Boy Scout neckerchiefs are optional. The troop decides by vote, and all members abide by the decision. If the neckerchief is not worn, then the shirt is worn with open collar. Boy Scout and Boy Scout leader neckerchiefs may be worn in a variety of plain colors and contrasting borders. Those available through Supply Group include the embroidered universal Scouting emblem if perma-press, or printed if not. Troops choose their own official neckerchief.
Local councils may prescribe the specific official neckerchief to be worn by Boy Scouts and Scouters on a council or district basis.
The neckerchief is worn only with the official uniform and never with T-shirts or civilian clothing. All members of a troop wear the same color.
Special neckerchiefs, the same size as the official ones, may be authorized by local councils. Such neckerchiefs may include identification of the chartered organization. The standard designed neckerchief may be personalized with troop number, city, and state. By troop approval an Eagle may wear an Eagle neckerchief.
Neckerchief slides. Several official slides are available from the Supply Group. Boy-made handicraft slides also may be worn.
How to Wear the Neckerchief
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a. Fold long edge over several flat folds to about six inches from tip of neckerchief. A tight fold prevents gathering around the neck and is more efficient than rolling or twirling. |
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| b. The unit has a choice of wearing the neckerchief over the collar or under the collar. | 
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| c. Draw neckerchief slide over ends and adjust to fit snugly. |  |
| d. By vote of troop, ends may be left hanging loose or may be tied in a slipknot. |  |
Related posts at Scoutmaster
Custom Neckerchiefs
Neckerchiefs
Neckerchiefs are one way to lend some Troop spirit to the uniform. Custom neckerchiefs are not too much more costly than those offered by national supply. Here are some sources for designing and buying custom neckerchiefs.
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 Chief NeckerchiefWe have been designing custom neckerchiefs for the past 40+ years. Send us your ideas and we can make them as is or suggest some changes to enhance the overall appeal. Neckerchiefs include a 1/4" fabric binding on all three sides. We provide 1/2 of the order as a regular size 44" across the top and 1/2 as large size 48". (no pricing posted on website) |
Scout's Custom Factory (Canada)Beginning at $4.95 each in many different configurations. Offers youth and adult sizes. |
Scoutneckers.com (U.K.)
Welcome to the No. 1 site for Scout and Guide neckerchiefs. Where we are pleased to offer you the largest collection to date. You can also learn about the history of the necker, and discover just how useful this piece of Scout equipment can be. This site also offers you the opportunity to buy or design your very own necker, for yourself or for your whole troop. Why not design your own unique "event " necker - on line.
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Eastern Emblem
Direct embroidered, screen printed, or patch sewn on or just plain. All scarves are official standard size and can be ordered as oversize as well. Minimum order 12 a $6.50 each. |
Related posts at Scoutmaster
Neckerchief Official Policies and Practices
Neckerchiefs
Called neckerchiefs, scarves, neckers they have been with us since Baden Powell published Scouting for Boys:
The Scout Uniform is very like the uniform worn by my men when I commanded the South African Constabulary. They knew what was comfortable, serviceable, and a good protection against the weather. So Scouts have much the same uniform. ...
... the scarf or neckerchief which is folded into a triangle with the point at the back of the neck. Every Troop has its own scarf color, and since the honor of your Troop is bound up in the scarf, you must be very careful to keep it clean and tidy. It is fastened at the throat by a knot, or "woggle", which is some form of ring made of cord, metal, or bone, or anything you like. The scarf protects your neck from sunburn and serves many purposes, such as for a bandage or as an emergency rope.
Love them or leave them neckerchiefs identify scouts as scouts the world over.
Scout Neckerchief resources at inquiry.net
Necessary Neckerchief
The Neckerchief is the thing by which Scouting is most quickly recognized the
world over.
How to make a Traditional (square) Neckerchief
Ever wonder why your Troop doesn't look like a Norman Rockwell painting?
One reason is the design of the Scout Neckerchief. In the 1970s, the
Neckerchief was relegated to its current position as an under-the-collar fashion
accessory. Baden-Powell designed the
Neckerchief to protect the neck from sunburn, but even more important than this intended
function was B-P's eye as an artist. Around the world, a full-sized Neckerchief is the most striking aspect of
the Scout Uniform! The size of a Traditional Boy Scout Neckerchief is a
square 32" X 32,"
and it is worn over the collar.
Scouting with a Neckerchief (1927)
... the Scout Uniform has been brightened by the addition of the colorful
Scout kerchief, which is now regarded as an indispensable article of equipment for every
member of the Boy Scouts of America. It is more than a part of the Scout Uniform; it is
actually one of the most useful items of a Scout's equipment.
The Neckerchief as a reminder of the Scout Oath and Law
From uscouts.org
My first Scoutmaster taught the importance of the Scout Oath and Law using the Neckerchief. He would hold the open neckerchief in his hands and remind the young scouts of what the last item of clothing they put on when they were getting dressed for the meeting was, his neckerchief.
He said that it was no coincidence that the neckerchief had 3 sides, just like the three parts of the Scout oath. He would run a side through his fingers and say "On my honor, I'll do my best. To do my duty to God" The first and longest side is to remind you of your long standing duty to God. This whole side is hidden from view, just as your faith is deep inside you. But with out that faith, there is no strength for the rest.
Holding on to the neckerchief by the point he would run the next side through his fingers and say "To help other people at all times...." This shorter side is to remind you of your duty to help others. Remember it is some of this duty that shows to others, just like part of this side of your neckerchief shows. So do your duty to others well so that people might see the good work you do in the name of Scouting.
The last side also shows. He would say "To keep myself physically strong, mentally awake and morally straight." This last side is your duty to your self. This shows to others as well. They will know that by seeing your uniform, you are a young man who is physically fit. Has a strong moral foundation and who is not apt to fall into the temptations of drugs and alcohol. He would then say that this was a means by which we could remember the Scout Oath, every time we got dressed in uniform.
He also gave us a means by which to remember the Scout Law. While wrapping the neckerchief up for wear, he said to wrap it tight in small twists, 12 in fact. And to repeat the 12 points of the Scout Law as you did so. Then as you placed your neckerchief around your neck for wear, the elements of the Scout Oath and Law were with you. They were in fact part of you.
Related posts at Scoutmaster
Neckerchief Official Policies and Practices
Custom Neckerchiefs
Most Scoutmasters may be more difficult to shop for than the average guy or gal. If you are stuck for ideas I offer the following:
Bemidji Woolen Mills offers the Voyageurs Scout Jacket shown above."A hurly burly classic with slanted slash pockets and tailored styling.
This jacket's generous fit, substantial fabric, and quality sewing feels good and looks right on the roughest of trails
and the most stylish of streets."This jacket has 2 buttons on the chest pockets and comes with the Boys Scout patch as shown in the pic.
I like this version over the wool jac-shirt offered at Scoutstuff.com. Note that the Jac Shirt is being discounted just now (discounted is often synonymous with discontinued at National Supply)
From past posts on Scoutmaster
Some interesting camping gear from Lee Valley
These Nalgene Bottle items make good, inexpensive gifts.
A dizzying array of marshmallow roasting supplies here and here would be lot's of fun.
This Innovage 20 LED lantern is one of my personal favorites.
See all my gear reviews here.
If I had to choose what I personally consider the most significant gear I own and recommend it would be:
Self inflating air mattress. A good night's sleep is priceless.
Polypro Long Johns are the best thing since sliced bread.
New England Overshoes are essential cold weather gear.
Trekking Poles are a real lifesaver on the trail.
There are many great books reviewed here and available at Scoutmaster Essentials my Amazon store (a percentage of your purchase goes to defray the considerable cost of maintaining this blog)
If you are still looking try Campmor, source of all things camping, and the Sierra Trading Post a discount mecca with a limited but cheap selection of clothing and gear.
The Reynolds Handi Vac looks like a promising and inexpensive way to pack food and other gear for backpacking or canoeing.
The Handi Vac works removes air from special quart or gallon sized freezer bags and is intended to increase the storage life of foods. The added benefits of waterproofing and compacting the contents suggest decreasing the size of food, clothing or other suitable gear.-
- Pack clothing in a gallon bag and have a waterproof change of clothes.
- Compact, waterproof first aid and survival kits.
- Pack a days meals in a gallon bag to save space.
- Incorporate the Handi Vac with freezer bag cooking methods.
Eneloop batteries by Sanyo are getting good reviews:
Jonathan Coupe at Cool Tools:
I've been using them for six months and during this time, one of the
little buggers maintained power in a key ring torch for the entire
period. I can definitely say that a normal NiMH would not have made it
that long. Some people know this, some people don't, but standard
rechargeable NiMHs self-discharge, constantly losing energy (even when
not in use), so people often end up with powerless cameras at weddings
or powerless radios or flashlights in survival situations. I've found
it's quite possible for the energy in them to have halved after a month
or two, and with some older cells I have, the dive can be much faster.
Although Eneloops have a quoted total charge capacity that can be
smaller than the best premium NiMHs, they lose their charge at a much
lower rate - the company says as little as only 15% a year.
The reviews are overwhelmingly positive at Amazon
Related posts at Scoutmaster
Low Impact Scouting
GSI has a new line of 'Outside Inside' chatchkis - the holidays are just around the corner!
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Toilet Paper and Trowel Ornament.
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Sleeping Bag and Tent Lights
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Duct Tape Ornament |
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