BCFS boot camp 2008

[phillyliu]

Hey everyone,

I just got invited to the boot camps for this year. I was just wondering who else got invited? and also what type of boots I should get?? I heard that the 8 inch uppers are not necessary.

thanks,

Philip Liu

[Birdo]

That depends on your personal preference and maybe the area of the province (terrain) that you might be working in. I have several pairs myself. My fav is a pair of Scapa Manta mountaineering boots with a full shank. The only downside is that they are a tad heavy and they suck to have to do the pack test in, but I recommnd something like that if you are in the mountains. Most people just wear a good set of medium weight hikers and those will work just fine most of the time. I also wear a set of caulks when I am doing just falling or chainsaw work. If you find yourself going up into the skeg (Ft St. John/ Ft Nelson) then just buy cheaper boots cause the skeg destroys them quickly anyway. I also try to always have a second pair of boots around so that if one set gets wet I have another.

The one thing that I would strongly recommend against is standard steel toed workboots. They are fine around the shop but the first time you have to climb a mountain in them you will realize the mistake.

[geoffey]

a $450 pair of Vibergs oughta do the trick

[JMEDEIROS]

I'd recommend checking out some Scarpas for sure and make sure they're broken in. I seen some of the nastiest blisters I had ever seen during my bootcamp.

[phillyliu]

thanks guys

[bigjohn]

I got an invite as well and just wanted to thank Cdnbacon, Birdo, and all the others who responded with words of wisdom to my questions, thanks a lot guys! I was also wondering about the boots and glad to hear a good pair of medium hiking boots will be allright, I hate a heavy boot. By the way, I know there are plenty of disadvantages but any advise on angling for smokejumping next year (I weigh in at 185)

[cdnbacon]

Garmont's or Scarpa's are really nice. A bit expensive but super comfortable and they can last three years when you take care of them.

And my crew has 7 openings this year, we're going to hopefully get a few transfers and fill the rest with rookies. So we maybe looking at your names in a few weeks if you do well at Boot Camp.

[geoffey]

I got an invite as well and just wanted to thank Cdnbacon, Birdo, and all the others who responded with words of wisdom to my questions, thanks a lot guys! I was also wondering about the boots and glad to hear a good pair of medium hiking boots will be allright, I hate a heavy boot. By the way, I know there are plenty of disadvantages but any advise on angling for smokejumping next year (I weigh in at 185)

as a rookie theres not much you can do in the way of getting on with parattack, unless you meet someone from the crew and they vouch for you, best bet is to throw your name in and see what happens.... theyre a small tight knit group and they dont hire every year but they have been expanding in numbers since i left so...who knows, your weight wouldnt be a problem....at 185 now..once u finish jump training you'll be down to 170 anyways

[Birdo]

as a rookie theres not much you can do in the way of getting on with parattack, unless you meet someone from the crew and they vouch for you, best bet is to throw your name in and see what happens.... theyre a small tight knit group and they dont hire every year but they have been expanding in numbers since i left so...who knows, your weight wouldnt be a problem....at 185 now..once u finish jump training you'll be down to 170 anyways

For whatever reason someone gave them money to add more crews this year so your chances are getting better already. Your weight is fine as long as you can stay under 200lbs dressed weight. Many of the old personalities have moved on so I am sure that Parattack is more rookie friendly then it once was.

[smorgan]

Hey Philip,

I'm also headed to the second bootcamp (27th - 4th) in Nicola, and was wondering if you're driving - and from where? I'm in the lower mainland and was hoping to catch a ride up with someone. If you'd like to share gas and have a bit of a cheering squad for your fitness test, let me know!

Sian (morgan.sian@gmail.com)

[VolFirie]

Bootcamp? Does this mean that all those people who've only ever worn pull-on boots or sneakers with elastic laces are taught how to were proper boots? That is, how to tie the laces?








Sorry all - but I've always wanted to say something like that :p Those things are called 'recruit courses' here :D