HOW TO

(Waterproof kit)

So here's a short guide for you guys wanting to know the best way to waterproof your kit but still be able to find things quickly and easily.

Your Bergen now the first thing and a must is a large Bergen liner (canoe sac), get one slightly bigger than you need the extra always comes in handy.

Now just because your Bergen is waterproofed doesn't mean you can just throw everything inside and it will stay dry. What you need to do is individually waterproof everything going inside. This means 1 bag per item so if you taking 7 pairs of socks you will need 7 separate bags, this is so you don't contaminate good dry kit with wet used kit when it is changed and put back it the Bergen. the best thing for individually waterproofing kit are zip lock poly bags using these means you can squeeze out all of the air and maximise the space in your Bergen. Once you have waterproofed everything u need to label it the best thing I have found to do this is fabric tape/Zinc Oxide Tape rip a piece off an stick it to the bag, then it's easy to label with a permanant marker pen and easy to read. One final thing to take with is a Dobie (laundry) Mesh bag this is so when you have used kit and need to put it back in the Bergen you keep it separate from new kit so in the dark you don't mistake good with bad 

The same obviously applies for your day sack or side pouches

So a step by step guide

1.      Waterproof liners (slightly bigger than you need)

2.      Zip lock bags small, med & large (remember one item per bag and all items should be waterproofed including Gore-Tex jackets as theres no point in putting on waterproof kit if it's already wet)

3.      Fabric tape and black permanent marker ( label every item clearly

4.      Dobie bag ( to separate used kit from new remember put used kit back into waterproof bags)

How to Clean a Hexiblock tainted Mess Tin.

There are several ways, however once finished with rub the mess tin vigorously on grass, to clean off the black covering that Hexi leaves. Another way is to use a Used Tea bag and rub that on the black soot.

How to Care for your Feet by choosing the correct Boots and Socks. (For Cadets)

Adequate care and the correct equipment will prevent feet from becoming harmed.

Boots

Your cadet's boots should be:

• The correct size.  We have seen many cadets wear boots that are sizes to big or small for them.  It is essential that boots fit and are the correct type.  Our adult instructors will be able to advise you on the best pair for your budget.
• Broken In.  When we say broken in, we mean that the leather is supple and has ?moulded'  to the feet.  There are many ways of doing this and every one will have a different method.  The best way is to wear them often for short periods of time and over different terrains and conditions.  Many people say its years before their boots are broken in properly and doing it right will make your boots last years.
• Correctly laced.  Speed lacing and fashion lacing are not the correct way to wear boots.

Socks

Unfortunately this is where we have the most problems.

• Ideally your cadet should wear two pairs of socks neither of which should be trainer (small) socks.
• The first to go on your foot should be a thin, pure cotton liner sock.  Problems occur when the wrong material rubs against your feet. 
• The second pair should be a soft but thick pair such as wool or thick cotton.  When wool and cotton rub, they absorb the friction on themselves not on the foot so they are ideal.  Again, the Army issue Green Sock is best or you can go for the more expensive socks, such as the 1000 mile Blister Free socks, available from this website.
• It is possible for you to wear just one pair of socks.  These will need to be a cotton and wool mix and be accompanied by a good pair of insoles.
• PLEASE DO NOT SEND YOUR CHILD TO CAMP WITH NYLON, SYNTHETIC OR SPORTS SOCKS.

Feet

Having the correct kit will not help if you ignore your feet.

• Feet should be scrubbed and washed on a daily basis.
• All dry skin should be kept to a minimum and in between the toes should be cleaned every day.
• Toe nails should be kept short and free from nail varnish.
• Hard skin areas can be rubbed down to prevent pressure sores.
• A good pure talc or foot powder should be applied daily to the feet, socks and boots.
• Above all, make sure all your feet, socks and boots are dry.

There are many different products on the market, but to be honest nothing works as well as due care and attention.