Camping Checklists

Pack this in a footlocker or large duffle:

Extra Shirts (long-sleeves for some programs)

Extra Pants (needed for various programs)

Extra Shorts

Extra Socks

Extra Underwear

Jacket

Rain Gear

Sleep wear

Sneakers

Hiking Boots (needed for various programs)

(Optional) Fishing Gear, Bait

Swim Suit

Stationary & Stamps

Extra Towels

Toilet Items (washcloth, soap, comb,shampoo,

toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, toilet paper.)

Sleeping Bag or Blankets

Pillow

Personal First Aid Kit

Flashlight, Batteries

Wallet, Money

Pocket Knife (2 1/2 " blade or less)

Handkerchief

Notebook, Pen or Pencil

Scout Handbook

Merit Badge Books

Materials for your merit badge classes

Non-Aerosol Bug Repellent

Bug Net

Laundry Bag

Watch

Water Bottle

Sun Screen Lotion

Scout Uniform

Camera (Optional)

Sunglasses

The 20 Essentials for Backpacking

Backpack

3000-3500ci [50-60 liter] / plastic liner or cover

Shelter
Tent/Tarp + Guylines (Troop can provide)

Sleep System

Sleeping Bag 30 degree/Sleep Pad-Closed cell

Clothing Systems

All clothing except worn in its own sack/ziplock-NO COTTON!!!!

Worn:

Hike pants[zip-offs], Shirt, Socks, Hike Shoes, Hat, Bandana, Watch

Packed:

Extra Socks(1-2),Upant(1), Sleep Shirt/Shorts,Wind Shirt(optional)

Warmth:

Fleece/Wool Jacket, LS Shirt, Fleece Hat,Gloves

Rain:

Rain Parka/Rain pants

Water Container:

Nalgene or Platypus Bladder/Hose

Eating Utensils:

Spork, Cup, Bowl

Cook Pots:

Troop provides

Stove/Fuel:

Troop provides

Personal Care Kit

Toothbrush, toothpaste, Liquis Soap,Sunscreen, DEET, Toilet paper, HandSan-In Ziplock

Personal First aid Kit

Moleskin, bandaids, Antiseptic Wipes, Safety Pin--in Pouch/Ziplock

Camp Towel

~12x18"

Navigation:

Map & Compass

Knife, Pocket

Whistle

Worn around neck

Fire starters/Waterproof Matches

in waterproof pouch/plastic minibag

HeadLamp

Spare batteries

Repair Kit (In ZipLok)

10-20'-Parachute cord, DuctTape(miniroll),Needle/Thread, CableTies(2)

Food

Meals+ Snacks--Packed in Stuff Sack/ZipLock

Water/Filter

2 liters Minimum

NOT SO ESSENTIAL ITEMS [OPTIONAL GEAR]

Treking Poles

Adjustable

Sunglasses

Inexpensive Polarizing

Camera

Digital in waterproof/zip lock bag

Notebook/Pencil

For recording adventure

Paperback book

For entertainment-No Electronics!!

Deck of Cards

As above

Uniform-Class A/B

as needed

General Considerations:

Shop wisely; when shopping for gear keep in mind the following:

• Equipment will be used in a wide variety of activities. Car camping, backpacking, canoeing, etc. Environment will be sunny, wet, muddy, dusty, cold, icy, windy, snowy, hot, and/or humid. Initial gear investments should be basic items that can be used on most every trip.

• Scouts will quickly grow out of clothing and gear.

• Scouts will abuse and mistreat their clothing and gear.

• The interest factor is unknown. Will they really like camping and stick with it?

• Some camping items are worth buying top notch and others are not. ASK!

• In general, spend on higher quality gear where they won’t outgrow them (Flashlights, Headlamps, Personal Mess Kit, etc.)

Role of Parents:

Preparing your scout for an outdoor troop activity:

• Stay informed! Your questions, feedback, and participation make a huge difference!

• Work with your scout: Help prepare for event, help shopping, and help packing.

• DO NOT pack for your scout! Help make this is a learning experience.

• Make sure your scout is fully prepared for the activity. Her health and safety may depend on it!

Quick Gear Checklist:

6 Basic categories of outdoor gear used on campouts:

• Storage & Transport?

A pack, External or Internal frame. Is it appropriate size?

Pack for every overnight as if you were backpacking.

Everything should be in or attached to the pack, carrying food or gear in your hands or in shopping bags is highly frowned upon.

• Appropriate clothing?

Cover your head, torso, legs, and feet. Stay warm and dry.

Extra clothing can make up for high tech clothing.

Remember required seasonal clothing/footwear.

Extra socks; especially when hiking.

• A place to sleep?

Tent/shelter, sleeping bag, sleeping pad.

The Troop has purchased tents, but some prefer their own.

Are you sure someone signed a tent out for you?

• Something to eat with?

Plate/bowl, utensils, cup, water containers, snacks.

Was a proper menu planned out by the patrol?

• Hygiene and cleanup?

Everything from trash bags and toilet paper to soap.

• All the little things?

Flashlight, headlamp. compass, zip lock bags, first aid kit, knife (only to be used once Totin’ Chip is earned), matches (only to be used once Firem’n Chit is earned), extra batteries, etc.

Outdoor Equipment is an Investment:

When buying gear invest wisely, take time, prioritize needs, and get several opinions before making a purchase.

• Immediate needs gear: Pack, sleeping bag, foam pad, water bottles, etc.

This is gear that scouts need immediately. You do not need to buy the top brand gear to have fun and comfort on campouts. Often gear swaps and second hand equipment can be a great way to start out.

• Long term investments: Tents, stoves, High tech clothing (Gore-Tex)

This is gear that the beginning scout does not need to personally own. Tents and Stoves will be supplied by the Troop. This gear is expensive and should last a long time. Purchase when scout is more experienced with camping and intends to use it frequently.

• Extras: Stuff sacks, compass, pocketknife, first aid kit, utility cord, etc. This gear while not always essential makes outdoor life easier. These items are somewhat inexpensive and make great gifts.

• Buyer beware items: Survival gear kits, hot spark kits, glow sticks, large knives, etc.

These items are not needed for most camping activities. While these items have specific uses, many of them never get used for the intended purpose. Check with adult unit leaders to see if they are appropriate for a scouting activity.

Where to get outdoor gear:

• Basic Supplies: Bass Pro, Wal-Mart, Target, BJ’s, Costco, are often less expensive than similar products in specialty stores. Also, there is a lot of gear available second hand on Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, and Letgo.

• Specialty Outdoor Stores: Eastern Mountain Sports, REI, LL Bean, Kittery Trading Post, Campmor, Hilton’s Tent City, Ragged Mountain, International Mountain Equipment, Boy Scouts of America Stores (located at scout office, Milton, MA)

Take care of you/our gear:

• Mark it! Engrave, etc.

• Store gear dry—moisture kills gear when stored

• Store gear open, not packed away.

• Return troop gear promptly, fully cleaned, and dry.

References:

• Scout Handbook

• Scout Fieldbook

• Backpacker Magazine

• AMC publications