Packing List Details

Be sure it is properly sized and fitted.  Speak to a scoutmaster if you have questions.

Either external or internal frame packs are acceptable. 

Backpacks are useful and acceptable for most trips, but some scouts may find a duffel bag or large bin more convenient for front country trips.

Do not be in a rush to buy one of these for younger scouts. We don't recommend investing in an expedition pack until your scout is large enough for it to fit properly when sized to is smallest setting. This may be as early as age 12 for girls, but closer to age 13 for boys.

The pack cover is essential to keep your gear dry in heavy rain. In a pinch, a garbage bag will do, but a properly sized pack cover will be much easier to use.

This needs to hold the ten essentials with a little room to spare and be comfortable to wear. Day packs with a hip belt will be more comfortable to carry, but are not required. 

Foot lockers are less than ideal for weekend camping, but are far superior for summer camp.  It is recommended that your foot locker be both water proof and lockable. 

A water proof foot locker can, when necessary, be placed outside to permit more room in the tent. 

Locking the foot locker prevents theft.

A large size duffel bag can be a good option for front country camping.  It has more space available, which is an advantage when weight and size are not as limited as when doing back country camping.

This is what your scout will stuff full of a sleeping bag, clothes, mess gear, and anything else that isn’t carried in their day pack. 

This doesn't need to be a particularly fancy knife.  If it has a single blade or two, it will be sufficient.  Multi tools are tempting, but add additional weight.

The personal first aid kit only needs band aids, moleskin, and personal medications. The troop will carry a larger first aid kit more substantial injuries.

Backpacking
Extra supplies beyond band aids and mole skin are discouraged. Any other supplies that are needed on a backpacking trip may be taken from the troop's kit.

Front Country Camping
Extra supplies such as medical tape, ointments, bandages, etc can be nice-to-haves, but are rarely used. You should weigh the benefits of extra bulk and weight against the convenience of having these supplies readily available to you.

May be either a poncho, or a rain coat and rain pants. 

It is essential that rain protection be available over the head, torso, and legs. If using a poncho, the lower legs are likely to get wet and additional leg wear may be required.

Water containers must be full at the start of the trip. Water is often a limited resource, and it can strain our resources if we have to fill water bottles at the start. Furthermore, there are times where we may not have water available until part way through the day. 

Backpacking

You should plan on carrying three quarts capacity of water.  At least two quarts must be filled at the start of the trip. The third quart may be left empty for the day; it is often convenient to have the third quart available during the evening.

Insulated water bottles are not appropriate for backpacking, as they add too much weight. Nalgene style bottles are popular, but not required. The bottles must be durable enough to endure multi day abuses.  Thin plastics should be avoided, as they are prone to developing holes.

Cold Weather Use

Another advantage of hard plastic, uninsulated water bottles (like the Nalgene) is that they can  be filled with warm water and placed in sleeping bags to help provide heat during cold nights. Choose a bottle that won't melt when filled with warm water.

A light source for evening and night time activities.  It should be operational when you leave, and you should back an extra set of batteries for every 2-3 nights you expect to be on the trail.

Headlamps are convenient, as they keep hands free for activities such as setting up tents in the dark or cooking. Small LED flashlights are recommended if not using a headlamp due to their small size and weight.

Cigarette lighters are encouraged, as they are both lightweight and practical. An appropriate alternative is 20 waterproof matches.

We encourage younger scouts to practice using lighters at home under adult supervision. It's a skill that takes some practice, and is easier to learn without the pressure of being rushed or cold on a camping trip.

At least SPF 20 is recommended.  We do not have a preference for brand or type. Lotions and sprays are both acceptable.  

Backpacking

Whichever form of sunscreen you choose, be mindful of weight.  For instance, try not to bring  a 20 ounce bottle of sunscreen on. Consider finding smaller, travel size sun screens. One ounce tubes of sunscreen can be found at many online retailers.

One of the BSA Ten Essentials. There are many types of compasses to choose from.  We typically recommend a compass such as the one pictured here.  It is a good balance between weight and features, and is the type of compass we typically use when teaching basic orienteering skills.

We will typically provide maps at the trail head.

Another BSA essential.  We strongly encourage acquiring a Coast Guard approved whistle.  These will work under water, are often lightweight, and are suitable to all activities.

This is an all purpose tool.  It can be used for washing, handling hot pots, as a sweat rag, as a bandage, etc. Please mark your bandanas with your name.

Paracord is a good, light weight option. It is common to find a need for rope for hanging/securing rain flys, setting up clothes lines, and hanging bear bags.

These may be used for garbage, cooking, storing dirty clothes.  We never really know what we might need them for, but we hate being without them.

As with the gallon size bags, we just never know when we might need this handy tool.

If using a hammock, you must have the hammock, a rain fly, and either an under quilt or a sleeping pad.  

We recommend under quilts to keep you as comfortable as possible.

Tents are available to be borrowed from the troop. 

Personal tents may be used, if desired.

For tent or rainfly

Required if you are tenting OR if you are hammocking without an underquilt.

The sleeping pad is about insulation from the elements, and will help you stay warmer through the night. Sleeping without a pad tends to result in cold, restless, unpleasant nights.

Most Outings

One shirt per day is recommended.

Summer Camp

We recommend one shirt for each day of the week. We encourage purchasing three troop shirts at $6 each. 

Backpacking
Pack only two shirts. One shirt is for hiking, one is for sleeping. Do not pack more than two shirts.  It is extra weight that will make your trip harder. 

It is recommended that you change out of the hiking shirt and into the sleep shirt after the evening meal.  Likewise, after the morning meal, change back into the hiking shirt.

Most Outings and Summer Camp

Two pairs of pants is sufficient for most weekend outings.  For summer camp, we recommend at least three pairs.

Backpacking
Similar to the shirts, pack only two pairs--one to hike in, and one to sleep in.

If you're feeling adventurous, try a kilt!

Weekend Outings and Summer Camp

Pack one pair per day.

Backpacking
Pack only 2-3 pairs. This limit on underwear applies even on multi day trips.  Just as with shirts and pants, pack a pair for hiking, and a pair for sleeping.  

Yes, the hiking pair will be wicked smelly. There may be opportunity to wash a pair of underwear at a stream mid trip. But again, it is critical to minimize your weight, especially on multi day trips.

Backpacking
Two pairs for walking, one pair for sleeping. This rule applies even for multi-day trips.

Other Trips
One pair per day

This can be a long sleeve t-shirt, or a sweatshirt, or a midweight fleece. The lighter you think you can get and still be comfortable in the evening, the better off you'll be.

During colder months, you may want to consider packing two or three of these. Remember that layering will provide better insulation than thicker clothes. For example, two mid-weight sweatshirts will provide more warmth than one heavy sweatshirt.

Closed toe, preferably with ankle support.

 If using a used boot, make sure it has a good amount of tread left, and consider replacing the insole. 

Something to wear around camp. This will allow your feet and boots to dry out.  These are essential during multi day trips.

These must secure around the foot.  

These are great for canoeing trips, or can be used as camp shoes as well.  They are heavier than sandals, but secure to the feet a bit more securely and typically have slightly thicker soles. 

For water-based trips, consider wearing neoprene socks for additional comfort.

Medium sized bowl. 

We do not include a plate on the backpacking list to reduce weight. Meals will tend to be light weight, and have less in the way of sides, salads, etc. 

HOBO ware

A good, cheap option is an empty sour cream container.

For backpacking trips, this is optional but may be desirable for warm drinks in the mornings/evenings.  It is not essential gear, but it very convenient when you decide you want it.

HOBO ware

An empty sour cream container makes a good, affordable alternative. 

Not necessary on backpacking trips.

HOBO ware

An empty whipped cream container is a decent alternative for a plate. Aluminum pie plates also work well.

Sporks are recommended. 

Plastic, disposable silverware is acceptable, but must be cared for. If they break on the trail, there's no replacing them. Thus, heavier weight plastic ware is preferred.

Travel size toothbrush and tube of toothpaste.  You may consider snapping/cutting off half of the handle of a regular sized toothbrush.

Dentists often send sample/travel size tubes of toothpaste home after semi annual cleanings.  These are great to put in a camping hygiene kit.

Floss can have more uses than just oral hygiene.  Brush and floss daily.

Biodegradable soap.  We recommend liquid soaps, as they are easier to maintain in the backpack than wet bar soap.

Please use unscented soap, to avoid attracting animals.

A microfiber camping towel, or a hand towel is ideal.  

For summer camp, a full size bath towel or beach towel is ideal.

Backpacking

Do not pack a full bath towel; it weighs too much.

This is one area where we suggest you do not skimp.  Make an estimate of how much toilet paper you need for the trip, then double it. You do not want to run out of this resource.

EVERY scout should pack toilet paper for EVERY trip. Never assume that the leaders will have any.

It is vital that the groin and thigh areas remain dry to reduce chafing. Itching and burning between your legs will make you utterly miserable. Apply often, as needed, and without shame.

You may consider treating your clothes with Permetherin prior to the trip.

Hair ties are needed for those with long hair.  Hair should be brushed out daily.

Bring enough for two days, unless you expect to be actively menstruating during the trip. Pack an extra ziploc bag for disposal. 

If each person has two days of supplies, there should be adequate supplies to get one person through an unexpected period. The scoutmasters will carry an additional 3-4 days of supplies. In addition, scoutmasters carry scent proof disposal bags.

Any youth that asks for "the pink bag" will be given the bag of supplies with no questions asked.

There are a number of devices available on the market that make it easier for women to urinate in the outdoors.  This can be helpful to women/girls who are nervous about urinating in the outdoors, or concern about getting urine on their clothes. Some popular brands are Tinklebelle, Pstyle, and Sunany.  We do not make a specific recommendation, as preferences tend to be as varied as individuals.

The troop carries a small bag that contains a Pstyle device, trowel (see the Happy Trowel below), small supply of toilet paper (each scout should bring their own), lighter,, scent-proof disposal bags and liquid sanitizer.  Scouts in need of these supplies may ask a leader for the toiletry kit. It will be provided with only two questions asked: 

1. "Do you know how to clean it after using it?"  (Cleaning directions will be included in the kit)

2. "Did you clean it?" (asked upon return of the kit)

Scouts are welcome to purchase and use their own devices.  In such cases, we recommend they practice using the device at home. (helpful hint: the first few tries should be done in the shower).

If your scout would like to try a hard form or soft form device at home before making a purchase, talk to a leader. 

We want to encourage disconnecting from technology as much as possible. Even for adults. 

If carrying a phone, use it as little as possible. Scouts should not be calling home to parents unless absolutely necessary. Ironically, calling home can make homesickness worse. If your scout calls you and is homesick, encourage them to talk to a scoutmaster instead.

Water resistant paper is encouraged, but not exactly recommended (due to its price).

This is recommended if you will be bringing a phone, or any rechargeable devices.

The Happy Trowel is used for digging cat holes. The Happy Trowel is only happy so long as it only touches the dirt. Remember, this has to be carried in someone's bag.  If you make the Happy Trowel a sad trowel (by using it to push your poop into the cat hole), you get the pleasure of carrying the now sad trowel in your bag.

Keep the Happy Trowel Happy!

We may use either butane or white fuel stoves. Scouts may bring their own on weekend trips, if they like. We may prohibit personal stoves on multi-day trips to help manage weight.

You should trim your finger and toe nails before the trip. Having one set of clippers for the group reduces weight.  If you aren't comfortable with shared clippers, again, we say, trim your finger and toe nails before the trip.

The Troop's first aid kit will be stocked with bandages, ointments, moleskin, tape, irrigation syringes, tweezers, safety pins, and other emergency supplies. This is intended for use in a true emergency.  You shouldn't have to come to us for band-aids (you should have your own in your personal first aid kit)

We typically carry one for the group to help navigate or evacuate in an emergency. It also provides a backup to paper maps. 

This particular device has satellite messaging capabilities and will be carried on back country trips or trips where we cannot rely on cell service. On multi-day trips, we will provide an option for you to receive status updates.

We urge you not to send text messages directly to the satellite messenger. Messages are expensive to send and receive. 

To conserve battery, we only check for messages a few times a day.  Furthermore, it can take up to ten minutes for us to transmit messages via satellite. We cannot and will not be able to provide rapid responses.

These tools allow us to maintain  communication if an activity requires that we break into separate groups (usually because of varied skill levels).

We have a preference for Platypus gravity filters, but will carry whatever filters are suitable for the environment.

We will typically hang bear bags, but some places require bear kegs.