Two good sources of information are Backpacker magazine
(http://www.backpacker.com/) and Outside magazine
(http://outside.away.com/index.html).  Outside magazine has a yearly gear
review & buyer's guide issue that can't be beat
(http://outside.away.com/outside/2004/buyers_guide/index.html)


Boots:          Purchasing boots is a balance of function, weight and cost
                        It's better to spend a little money on boots for
boys even though their feet grow quickly so they can endure the experience
instead of being miserable and possibly being turned off for life
                        A fully gussetted tongue is preferred (secure fit
and keeps rocks/etc out of boots)
                        All leather uppers are preferred & will last longer
(e.g., Asolo Goretex boots)
                        When checking for correct fit:
                                1.  Set heel in boot
                                2.  Wiggle toes to ensure you have enough
room in the toe box
                                3.  Walk down hill (most stores have a slant
box) to ensure toes don't bang the front of the boot
                                4.  Put toe of boot on ground and check to
ensure one finger can slip in behind ankle


Socks:          Socks should be worn as a system with a liner and a wool
sock; cotton socks are strongly discouraged since they hold moisture
                        Good wool socks - Smartwool (www.smartwool.com)
                        Good liners are made of silk or polypro (e.g. Fox
River X-Static(r) Liner Socks)
                        BSA store carries a uniform sock that is better for
hiking, a little pricey but covers field use too (THORLO(r) HIKING SOCKS,
$11.90 pr)


Backpacks:              Plan to only carry 25% of your body weight in the
pack
                        Internal or external frame is the preference of the
carrier
                        Good idea to size the pack to the carrier in the
store before purchasing
                        Gregory was the first main brand; still great
(http://www.notesfromtheroad.com/outdoor/backpacks/backpacks_gregory.htm)


Pants:          Suggest hiking pants with zip off leggings that have a
built-in brief
                        http://www.exofficio.com/ (e.g., Men's Amphi(tm)
Convertible Pant)


Sleeping Bags:  35 degree bag is fine 
                        Synthetic bag with holofill I or II that stuffs into
a sack (not rolls) is best for scouts
                        Can go with a down bag but don't get it wet because
it becomes useless 
                        Can use a liner/blanket inside a 35 degree bag to
increase warmth


Raingear:               http://www.froggtoggs.com or
http://www.marmotmountain.com/precip.htm


Layering:               Polypro t-shirts (not cotton); Marmot hiking shirts;
Polypro fleece; Polypro Windstopper gloves & hat


Other:          lexan cups, bowls, spork preferred over Scout mess kit
                        plastic trowel is a necessity
                        soap (wipes)
                        whistle/compass combo helpful
                        headlamp is very useful instead of a regular
flashlight


Good websites:  www.sierratradingposts.com
                        www.campmor.com
                        www.rei.com