Camping and woodcraft - Scoutmastercg.com

CLOTHINGi6iat night, and on the march It will protect gun andpack, as well as the bearer, and let plenty of air circulateunderneath it. A poncho makes a fair temporaryshelter, a good wind-break, and is nice to silon when the woods are damp. In a canoe it formsa waterproof cover for the pack. There are ponchosof " impervo " and similar oiled fabrics that outwearrubber ones two to one. A poncho is a nuisance onhorseback; wear a pommel slicker.Go over your oilskins each winter with an oilthat the dealers sell for the purpose ; then they willlast for a long time.Rubber Footwear.— I never wear waders forsummer trout fishing, but early spring fishing is adifferent matter. Wading stockings require specialhobnailed shoes to go over them. I prefer a pair otlight hip boots and separate w^ading sandals studdedwith nails. This combination costs less than theother, is more durable, and the boots by themselvesare serviceable for general wet weather wear, marsbshooting, and the like. Light rubber boots of firstclassquality will last as long as the common heavj^ones, ana nave the advantage that the legs can beturned inside out clear to the ankle for drying.They need not weigh over 3 or 3^ pounds to thepair, and the sandals a pound more — together nomore than the high-topped leather boots that Ihavebeen objurgating. Have them large enough forboth socks and oversocks, then your feet are notlikely to get " scalded." Carry a couple of " eezyquick" menders, and have a rubber repair kit amongyour possibles in camp.For hunting big game In w^et snow and slush thebest footwear is a pair of rubber shoes with ten-inchleather uppers, weighing a bit over two pounds.They should have heels, if you go into a hilly country,and rough corrugated soles. Dress the feet withsoft woolen socks, and over these draw a pair of long,thick " German socks " that strap at the top. Thelatter are warmer than the loose felt boots worn by