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For Every Camping Trip:
Optional Items: Items NOT ALLOWED On Any Camping Trip: DetailsNow called the "Official Uniform", what we have called the full "Class A" uniform is required for most camping trips. Unless otherwise stated, it is the uniform for travelling to the event. This will be required for opening ceremonies and flag ceremonies, campfires or at other times. You will be advised as to what the particular camping event needs. The "Field Uniform", what we have called the "Class B" uniform is, generally what is worn at the event. It is a Troop tee shirt or other Scout Shirt, with shorts or pants appropriate to the activity. Back to TopDuring most of the year, wet feet are only an inconvenience. During the winter, it is much more critical that you be able to keep your feet dry. Leather hiking boots which have been waterproofed are great, but can be expensive, especially if you grow out of them quickly. When you buy hiking boots, buy leather or Gore-Tex lined boots which can be waterproofed. Most lightweight nylon hiking boots cannot be made sufficiently waterproof, but are fine for summer. Always buy hiking boots large enough so that you can wear two pairs of socks - your scout socks and a pair of wool hiking socks. If expense is a problem, one alternative is rubber overboots for you sneakers. Always carry an extra pair of sneakers. Open-toed sandals are not appropriate for camping Back to TopBackpack A backpack needs to be lightweight, durable and large enough (minimum of 2500 cubic inches) to carry a weekend's worth of personal and patrol gear. We don't suggest any paarticular model. There are new packs out all the time that will probably work just fine. If you have concerns, shop at a reputable camping outfitter or speak with the Scoutmaster for recommedations. One of a backpack's critical parts is the hip belt. A hip belt needs to fit snugly or the pack quickly becomes unbearable to carry. Be sure a pack fits properly before you buy it. Most packs have several points of attachment for the shoulder straps and the hip belt. We can help you adjust your pack properly. You should also have 2 pairs of adjustable straps to attach items to the top and bottom of your pack. If your pack has no place to attach straps, you can add lashing patches very inexpensively. You will need to have a large, heavy duty trash bag to use for a pack cover. Back to TopA hooded sweatshirt is a good choice. Official Boy Scout jackets are available but not required. When we camp in the fall, winter or spring, you will need both a warm jacket and a sweatshirt. Down jackets are warm and easily "stuffable", but down is expensive and loses its insulation qualities if it gets wet. Back to TopFor winter only. A ski-type cap and warm gloves are essential at winter campouts. Mittens are warmer than gloves. Lightweight gloves inside mittens are the best combination. Back to Top
Socks and underclothes made of cotton absorb moisture and
will actually make you feel colder in cold weather
camping. Clothing made of Polypropylene or wool will
not absorb moisture. Wool or wool blend socks have been
popular with campers for years. Newer designs in socks for
hiking and backpacking, use blends of acrylic, nylon, silk,
cotton, wool and other materials for their moisture
management and thermal properties. These socks are made by
brands sucha as Thorlos and Wigwam, and can be found at most
any outdoor supplies store. Back to TopFor winter only. We suggest thermal underwear made of polypropylene or Capilene instead of cotton/polyester. These newer fabrics can keep you warm if they become damp or dirty. Cotton/polyester fabrics quickly lose their insulation value when damp or dirty. Back to TopFlashlight (with new batteries)The key is to get a flashlight that is reliable, doesn't cost too much and is lightweight. The latest flashlights uses LED (light emitting diode) technology. These lights are low power with high output. They are very small and lightweight and, typically, use AAA batteries. A headlamp, with three to five LEDs, powered by AAA batteries is a good choice. This is especially useful when headed for the latrine (rest room) at night. Consider using rechargable NiMH batteries, which are ecomomical, as well as being kind to the emvironment. If you are using rechargables, be sure they are fully charged before the camping trip. If you use regular batteries, we recommend new batteries each campout. Duracell or other alkaline batteries last much longer, but you should still carry spares. It's also a good idea to carry a spare bulb. Back to TopA Poncho is a good choice in raingear for camping. Ponchos come in two vaiations, the "universal' and "backpacker" types. When you are backpacking you want your poncho to be able to cover you and your pack. The "backpacker" types have a flap which can be snapped up when you are not carrying a pack or can be let down to cover your pack in the rain. Most outfitters give you the opportunity to try on a poncho. A decent poncho will cost about twenty dollars, with the backpacker models being about five dollars more. Most cheap plastic ponchos are a waste of money. They will not do the job. Look for a coated nylon fabric when selecting a poncho. Some Scouts try to substitute a water repellent jacket for a truly waterproof raincoat or poncho. These will not keep you dry in hard rain. If you choose to use a raincoat instead of a poncho, you will need a separate waterproof rain cover for your pack. Back to Top1 quart canteen or water bottle or hydration systemWe suggest a plastic wide-mouth water bottle. Plastic, unlike aluminum, can be used for Kool-Aid. The plastic water bottles are also less expensive and can be run through the dishwasher (without high heat). The Nalgene loop-top bottle is ideal because the cap can't get lost. A good choice is the Nalgene bottle and optional water bottle parka (like a thermos), available at most camping supply stores. Another good, though more expensive, option is the hydration system. This consists of a plastic bladder with a drinking tube and valve. Variations range from the simple parts, which may be carried in the backpack, to more sophisticated models withtheir own carrying packs to insulated models for use in freezing weather. They are becoming extremely popular since they have the advantage of being able to drink, as you are hiking, without having to remove a water bottle from your pack. Back to TopPutting up a dining fly or a clothesline are just two uses scouts find for their rope. You should cut your rope into 2-25 foot pieces. Use a lighter or match to seal the ends of each piece to prevent unraveling. Any hardware store can sell you this rope. Back to TopAn official Boy Scout mess kit is not necessary. What is needed is a plate, cup, bowl, knife fork and spoon. Outfitters offer a set with decent weight palstic items in a mesh "dunking bag", used for washing up, for about ten dollars. If you are making up your own set, don't use very light weight plastic, as the pieces will easily break. Experienced backpackers will reduce this to a bowl, cup and spoon, planning their meals so that they do not need the other pieces. Back to TopScouts should not sleep in the clothes that they have been wearing during the day. The accumulated persperation will cause chills as it evaporates and the moisture provides a good environment for bacteria growth. Each night, the Scout should change his underwear and wear sleeping clothes appropriate for the weather. Back to TopYour sleeping bag should be lightweight (4-6 pounds), nylon lined, easily "stuffable" and rated to about 20 degrees. Usually, we suggest synthetic fill bags instead of down. Down is lighter and insulates somewhat better, but is very expensive and if it gets wet, will no longer keep you warm. Synthetic materials like Polar Guard or Holofill will still keep you warm even if they get wet. Quallofil is a relatively new insulation material. It stuffs very easily and is very light. You will also need a waterproof stuff bag to transport your sleeping bag. Buy the smallest stuff bag your sleeping bag will fit into. A plastic trash bag is not suitable for this purpose. A note about storage: Don't store your sleeping bag in its stuff bag. This will eventually ruin the insulation. Store your sleeping bag unrolled on a shelf or a hanger. Back to TopThere are several types available. The least expensive is the type made of Ensolite closed cell foam. A more expensive type is the Therm-a-rest pad. Both types help insulate you from the ground - obviously more important in the winter. The Therm-a- rest pad (we recommend the Ultra-light 3/4 or full length style) is somewhat more comfortable. Therm-a-rest pads and other open-cell type foam pads should not be stored in their stuff sacks. Store them unrolled with the air valve left open. Closed-cell foam pads like those made of Ensolite may be stored rolled. Back to TopToiletries (soap, towel, toothbrush, toothpaste, comb) When we backpack, a face towel is sufficient. Pack these items together in a zip-loc bag or other waterproof bag. If you want, you can get a metal or plastic mirror also. No glass please! When choosing soaps, avoid those with strong fragrances. We are in bear country and we wish to eliminate anything which might attract bears. It is best to look for unscented soaps. Back to TopScouts must have a Totin' Chip in their possession to carry and use a knife at camp. Knives of Scouts without the Totin' Chip will be confiscated and returned at the end of the trip. Only folding knives are permitted. Do not bring fixed blade of sheath knives with you. Avoid the temptation to buy a large, thick knife with too many blades. You will never use most of them and the knife will weigh too much. Features that are useful are a good blade, a can opener and a small scissors. The official BSA knives are good. So are the Swiss Army knives. Make sure the knife you buy can be opened easily. Inexpensive knives tend to bind easily, making them difficult to use. There are a number of cheap Chinese and, recently, Pakistani- made knives available. These should be avoided. The steel used in them is inferior and the blades will bend or break, and they will not hold an edge. Keep your knife clean and sharp. Back to TopA small inexpensive camera is probably a better idea than risking an expensive one. This is especially true during questionable weather or any type of backpacking (where weight is also important) Back to Top
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