With my son about to move on from Cubs to Scouts, I was wondering where is
the best place to buy rucksacks, boots etc for his age. By best place, I
mean where the gear will be properly fitted to his age and size needs.

Living near Chester, I reckon there are plenty of good boot retailers
between Manchester and Wales but I don't recall anyone particularly
displaying 50-60L rucksacks particularly aimed at 11 year old body frames.

I find that Decathlon in Stockport are good for clothing - walking trousers,
coats, wicking layers etc. Other than that most retailers appear to be short
on clothing for this age range.

If anyone here is using the google toolbar this may be of intrest to
you.
I have created a google toolbar button for this group which allows me
to see all the messages posted to the group in a drop down list and to
search all messages in the group.
If anyone else would like to have this button I have put the xml file
allowing you to create it on my website.
goto www.metcarob.com
click on 'Click here for Electronic Scout Management Project'
In the blue box on the right, click 'click here'
I even created a rubbish icon for the button!