Parents may look for ideas for Christmas (or indeed birthday) presents for their youngsters. For the keen Scout, there are a number of things we might suggest, ranging from “stocking fillers” of modest price, through to more serious presents.
- Flint and steel or “fire steel” – £8-£12
- “Summit waterproof survival kit” – £10
- Torch or head torch – £5 – £30
- Hand warmers
- Thermal socks
- Balaclava or winter outdoor hat
- Gloves
- Thermal cup
- A good map compass – from £5 (Hi Gear) to between £8 and £25 (Silva – the traditional brand)
- A self-inflating sleeping mat – between £8 and as much as you care to pay
- Sleeping bag liner: cotton £10-£20, fleece £16-£35, silk £££
- Sleeping bag – see http://www.gooutdoors.co.uk/expert-advice/sleeping-bag-guide. Man-made fibre sleeping bags suitable for Scout activities should cost a minimum of around £35; more for a bag suitable for winter, and much more for a “down” bag.
- Day rucsac – 40 litres or so – £30-£70
- Large camp rucsac – 70-100 litres – £90 – £200
- Hiking boots
- Gaiters
- Waterproof trousers
- Waterproof jacket or raincoat
