For all camping and hiking events, Scouts need to bring appropriate personal gear. While most of this is of no surprise, it may not be obvious to a new camper. We recommend reviewing the below list until you get comfortable with packing for trips.
Note: The Troop provides all tents, cooking and eating gear for all outings unless otherwise specifically stated. (Example: A Scout would know he/she needs to have specific back-country cooking equipment as part of achieving the Cooking merit badge.)
The Ten Outdoor Essentials are taken on ALL outings:
Pocketknife (with Totin’ Chip card)
Personal first-aid kit
Extra clothing
Rain Gear – preferably not a poncho and not plastic
Water in a waterbottle or hydration bladder
Headlamp or flashlight
Extra trail food
Matches and fire starter (with Fireman Chit card)
Sun protection (hat and sunscreen)
Map and map-compass (clear flat base)
Backpack to carry personal gear – usually an internal frame
Sleeping bag+pillow – mummy style, for winter this must be rated to 20 degrees or below with an insulating ground pad
Hiking boots, ankle high and waterproof – they will get wet and muddy
Non-cotton weather appropriate clothes – “Cotton is Rotten” underwear, long johns, jeans and hoodies will hold water and stop insulating when wet!
BSA Switchback pants are nylon and dry quickly
Wool or polyester hiking socks
Long johns should be wool, polyester, nylon or polypropylene
Underwear should be nylon or polyester with no cotton
Troop t-shirt is synthetic, therefore is wicking
Fleece jackets make a good layer – should cover the neck
Layers are better than one heavy jacket
Work or ski gloves, mittens, etc… help in cold weather
Hat that covers the ears
Gear is available at many local retailers such as:
Walmart, Target, Meijer, Dicks, etc.
Specialized outdoor gear retailers offer a Scout discount if asked:
