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18TH ST ALBANS

AQUILA

SCOUT TROOP

DRINK AND EAT

....on hikes and similar activities, especially at Summer Camp. The Troop requires that the following are part of the kit for each scout for Summer Camp

WATER BOTTLE

On all-day hikes etc, the drink that a scout carries must last the day. This bottle must be unbreakable, non-leaking. This can be either metal or plastic, but the top must seal properly.

For hot weather (such as Summer Camp) up to1 litre capacity is needed. this could be made up of two smaller bottles.

Bottles that contained bought drinks (such as sodas etc) are unlikely to be strong enough and should not be used. However, such a small bottle could be used to make up the volume along with a main bottle that is less than 1 litre. Bottles that need to be kept upright or in a plastic bag to prevent leaking are also not suitable

LUNCH BOX

Packed lunches are carried in the scout's daypack: the container needs to be a rigid, plastic lunchbox.

Typically, a scout will put in 2 rounds of sandwiches (4 rounds of bread), some fruit and possibly some cake or biscuit, so 1.5 litre capacity is about right.

CARRYING AND USING THESE

Both go in the daypack. Ideally the drink bottle can be zipped in a side pocket, but if it must go in the mesh pocket of a daypack, ensure that it stays attached. For example, use a strap or "karabiner" clip (either available cheaply from camping shops: some water bottles are sold with one).

We very strongly discourage carrying water bottles in the hand, as it encourages repetitive sipping and the drink will not last. If bought drinks are being carried, bottles are better than cans: cans have to be drunk in one go.


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NO

Squashable food gets squashed on hikes.

(...but insulated container can be good in very hot weather, if used with a rigid lunch box inside)

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YES

Standard lunch box: Rigid, big enough for sandwich and more. Ideal.

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NO

Thin plastic bottle, bought full of mineral water or other drink.

Bursts too easily, if dropped or squashed

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YES

Thick plastic water bottle: sold for this purpose. Top seals well, thick plastic: rugged

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YES

Metal water bottle: sold for this purpose.

Top seals well, essentially unbreakable: rugged

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NO

Bottle not attached: easily falls out on hike.

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YES

Bottle now attached with karabiner clip, so will not get lost

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YES

OK when pocket zipped up fully