Scout Outdoor Camping Essentials

· All BSA rules apply. Two deep leadership. At least one leader and a parent.

· Bring any personal medications that you or your scout may need for an overnight campout.

· Avoid glass items. It is heavy and breaks easily.

· Medical form for every scout

· Spare bag for van – clothes, water, snacks, cell phone turned off

· This is a starter list. Please adapt for weather, your experience or as needed. Good judgment is the key.

The following items should be available for each Scout on an outdoor trip. Consider small fanny packs or similar bags to organize the items and make them easy to carry without interfering with normal activities.

· Day Hike Gear for each scout

o Water bottle – nalgene wide mouth, bring filled with water

o Flashlight and/or headlamp with good batteries plus spare ones.

o Trail food

o Whistle for signaling

o Hat

o Personal first aid kit

o Sunscreen

o Insect repellent

o Matches

o Compass

o Rain gear (can act as your windbreaker too)

· Overnighter Gear for each scout

o Tent or tarp. poles, stakes, guide line for windy conditions

o Ground cloth

o Sleeping bag (20 degree F or better for winter) & pillow (optional).

o Sleeping pad

o Clothing (Winter) All underwear, socks, and long underwear for camp use should be packed in zip-lock bags. All other clothing should be stored in something waterproof. You need dry clothes in camp overnight versus trail hiking.

1. Warm jacket, sweatshirt, sweatpants (It could get very chilly over night)

2. Scarf

3. Hand and/or foot warmers (i.e., Grabbers)

4. 2 shirts (wool, best, or flannel). Wear one and pack one.

5. 2 pairs wool or synthetic pants (No cotton pants like jeans. They absorb moisture like a sponge). Wear one and pack one

6. Fishnet, thermal, under armour or polypropaline underwear

7. Boots (WATERPROOFED)

8. 2 pairs of heavy socks (wool recommended). Wear one and pack one.

9. 2 pairs lighter socks (polypropaline is best). Wear one and pack one.

10. Hooded Windbreaker (as is or part of heavier jacket)

11. Stocking cap (wool is best). This is the warm hat reinforcement.

12. Parka or heavy jacket

13. Mittens, (WOOL, gloves not recommended except as extra pair)

14. Water

15. Slippers, camp shoes or something. Your hiking boots may be soaked.

o Cup (for hot & cold liquids), bowl, spork, mesh bag

o Toothpaste, toothbrush, soap, washcloth, towel, comb (optional), toilet paper

o Warm hat – repeated for emphasis

o Be sure to insulate yourself from the cold ground. This means providing insulation between the floor of the tent and your sleeping bag. Closed-cell foam pads, thinsulite pads work the best.

· Optional Personal Items

o Camera

o Sunglasses

o Bandana

o Notebook and pencil

o 5ft hiking stick

o Reading material or activity for inside tent – it is cold

· Troop Supplies

o Map

o Troop first aid kit

o Cooking gear: Gas stove for cooking. Cook pots to boil water.

o Trash bags

o Larger water storage container in case we haul water a bit from the source (platypus)

o Pots for boiling water, eating utensils, and cooking utensils. If you are only boiling water then you can lessen the gear needed significantly.

o Trowel for cat hole

o Water pump or water purifying tablets.

o Rope (bear bag, cooking tarp)

o Cooking/group tarp (a nicety)

o Radio (weather reports and two-way)

o Cleaning supplies (biodegradable soap, bleach).

o Parental permission, tour permits, other administrative stuff