BACKPACK - Internal frame or external frame? Each has its advantages. Smaller sized and adjustable packs are available that won't overwhelm a young scout but not be outgrown too quickly. Here's an item that can often be picked up used from an older scout or neighbor. Brand new modern packs may be lighter, but any pack made within the last 10 years should be fine for beginning scouts, and the money saved can be allocated to better clothing or other gear. $70 - $150 new. Please see Leaders before buying a pack!!!
SLEEPING BAG - You need a small and lightweight bag that will fit easily into a stuff sack and your backpack or its frame. A 20-degree bag should be adequate to keep you warm. A cheaper synthetic-fill bag is probably better for scouts than a down-filled bag: synthetic is cheaper, and warmer if it gets wet than down. Put the sleeping bag inside a plastic bag to keep it dry. IT IS IMPOSSIBLE TO GET SLEEP IN A WET SLEEPING BAG. A compression stuff sack is very useful for backpacking. It is a good idea to secure your sleeping bag and duffel/pack together (minimum number of chunks).$75 - $150 Optional pillow.
MATTRESS PAD - optional but recommended. A good mattress pad such as a Therm-a-Rest, Z-Rest, or Ridge-Rest, are necessary to insulate your sleeping bag from the ground and soften the rocks you will sleeping on. Hint: try ‘em out in the store or borrow one on a camp out. Therm-a-Rests are more expensive and heavier than the others. If you can feel a difference, paying more may be worth it. If you can't feel much difference, why pay more? $20 - $60.
RAIN GEAR - a lightweight rainsuit works best, with pullover pants and jacket with hood. Inexpensive suits are better then a poncho. If you buy a poncho, get a decent poncho (not the cheap $1 flimsy one-use ponchos).
HIKING SHOES - one pair (waterproof recommended) with old sneakers for around the campsite.
UNDERWEAR - Two pair packed in separate plastic ziplock bags.
SOCKS - 2 pair of socks (per day out) packed in separate plastic ziplock bags (in addition to the ones you wear Friday night).
PANTS - 1 pair of pants packed in separate plastic ziplock bags (long or shorts depending on the weather) in addition to what you wear on Friday night.
SHIRTS - 2 extra shirts packed in separate plastic ziplock bags (depending on the weather). If warmer weather, one of the short shirts should be your troop Class B T-shirt.
SMALL TOWEL - Use it to wash up with packed in separate plastic ziplock bag. Toothbrush & toothpaste and Soap packed in separate plastic ziplock bag.
FLASHLIGHT - with new or extra batteries.
Required Medications (Advise Scout Leader!!!)
Water bottle, sealed energy bar(s), and handwarmers in colder trips.
First Aid kit (each scout is required to make his own for rank advancement).
Pocket knife (totin chip required), Third year Scouts - water proofed matches, and fire starter/tinder.
Compass - Silva type, not compact or military.
Scout Handbook and Pen
Lightweight activity: deck of cards, book, game, plant and bird books, etc. No electronic games!!!
All items should be clearly marked with the Scout's name, including clothing, socks, underwear, etc. We recommend that each day's clothing be packed in plastic bags TO KEEP DRY IN CASE OF RAIN AND TO KEEP SEPARATE FROM YOUR DIRTY CLOTHES inside the Scout's backpack or duffel bag. It is very important that each Scout pack his own gear so he knows what he has packed and where it is in his pack.
What not to bring on a Campout
· Anything expensive or irreplaceable
· Jewelry (a cheap waterproof watch is OK)
· Radios, CD Players, TVs, Electronic Games .
· Axe
· Huge flashlights (ones that use more than 2 D-cell batteries)
· Sandals or open-toed shoes
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