Backpacking/Camping Gear List

This is a complete checklist of camping equipment that every Scout needs. (If used as a packing list, items worn would be included.) The Trip Leader, for unusual trips, may supply special equipment lists comprising extra equipment.

Eating Gear

• Water bottle (preferably a Nalgene)

• Insulated plastic mug (over 12 ounces)

• Heavy duty plastic spoon or spork (tablespoon size)

• Water filter and water purification tablets (per patrol)

• 5-liter water bag (per patrol)

• Waterproof matches or matches in waterproof container

• Stove and extra fuel (per patrol)

• Cookware (per patrol)

• Large plastic spoon (per patrol)

• Scrub pad and biodegradable dish washing soap (per patrol)

• Bleach (small container) (per patrol)

• Emergency food: 2 packages each of instant soup, cereal and hot chocolate packed in zip-lock bag

Sleeping Gear

• Mummy sleeping bag (+20°) (down or synthetic insulation)

• Waterproof stuff bag for sleeping bag

• Sleeping pad (closed cell type)

• Tent (Can be shared if it is a multiple person type.)

• Ground cloth (made of lightweight material such as Tyvek^®)

        Article on Sleeping Bag Information

        Article on Tent Information

Clothing (Note: Items worn are included in this list.)

• Hiking boots (over ankle) (water proof)

• 3 pairs of wool socks (at least 80% wool)

• 3 pairs sock liners (synthetic material)

• 2 pairs hiking shorts with liners or synthetic underwear (nylon) (long pants for cool weather)

• 2 tee shirts (synthetic material)

• Class B Scout tee shirt

• 2 long sleeve shirt (synthetic material) (for cool weather)

• 1 pair long underwear top and bottoms (synthetic material) (for cool weather)

• 1 tee shirt and shorts for sleeping (synthetic material)

• 1 pair long lightweight underwear top and bottoms for sleeping (synthetic material) (for cool weather)

• 1 wool or fleece watch cap

• 1 wool or fleece sweater or vest

• 1 fleece pants (for cold weather)

• 1 fleece or down coat (for cool weather)

• 1 pair wool or polypropylene gloves

• Class A Scout shirt (for traveling)

• Water proof parka with hood (breathable)

• Water proof pants (breathable)

• Cap/hat for sun protection

• Bandana

Article on Clothes Layering

Personal Items

• Hand towel (synthetic material)

• Soap (biodegradable)

• Wipes or hand sanitizer lotion

• Toothbrush, toothpaste and other personal toiletries

• Medication and instructions

• Toilet paper

• Personal first aid kit with band aids and moleskin

• Chap stick and sunscreen

• Insect repellent (non-aerosol)

• Flashlight with spare batteries and bulb (preferably a headlamp)

• Whistle on lanyard

• Extra boot laces

• Large safety pins (4)

• Needle and thread or sewing kit

• Personal identification

Miscellaneous Equipment

• Backpack (external or internal frame)

• Pack cover (keeps pack dry in rain)

• Compass or GPS (2 per patrol)

• Zip-lock bags (Various sizes are useful. Clothes and other items should be packed in them to be waterproof and organized. They may also be used to pack trash while on camping trips. Several spares are handy.)

• ¼ inch diameter nylon cord (30 feet)

• Backpack trowel (per patrol)

• Pocket knife (Totin’ Chip required. Locking blade required. NO sheath knives.) (Swiss Army^®)

• Bear bag

• Boy Scout Handbook with zip-lock bag for rain protection (per patrol)

• Maps/field guide in zip-lock bag for rain protection (2 per patrol or group)

• Small bungee cords (2)

• Sunglasses

• Camera and film (per patrol)

• Notepad and pencil (per patrol)

• Duct tape (small amount)

• Playing cards (per patrol)

• Tarp (made of lightweight material such as Tyvek^®) (per patrol)

• Trekking poles

        Article on Backpack Information

Note

• All clothing and other items that should not get wet are to be packed in zip-lock bags or waterproof camping bags. Take care to squeeze the air out of the zip-lock bags before sealing to conserve on space inside the backpack.

• The completely packed backpack should weight no more than 33% of an individual’s body weight.

Updated: 5-6-05