Camping Lists

Backpacking List:

General Guidelines (refer to page 230 of the Boy Scout Handbook):

Weight of all should be under 25 lbs, and of course the less it weighs the better. Be sure to weigh the pack beforehand, so you know and learns what weight you have. In addition, you will at least be carrying water (2-3 lbs), tent parts (3-4 lbs), food (3-5 lbs), for a total final pack weight of around 35 lbs. Tent parts will go inside the pack where possible. Anything tied to the outside of the pack can bounce and cause fatigue. Arrange softer items to cushion your back. Pack the things you'll need often and first in handy pockets or on top (rain gear, flashlight, water bottle, bug spray, etc,). Be aware that adults will also be bringing first aid kits, lightweight cooking stove kits with fuel, water filter kits, matches, bear bags (to hang our food in a tree away from camp), rope, pocket knives, maps & trail guide books, cell phones and cameras. Scouts do not need to bring these items. This list is for a 1 night summer trip. For additional nights, bring an extra set of clothing: shirt, shorts, underwear, socks, and expect to carry more food.

• Backpack

• Pack Cover (e.g., a plastic trash bag that can be put over the pack while hiking.)

• Sleeping Bag in waterproof case or plastic bag

• Sleeping Pad

• Headlight or Flashlight

• Plastic Bag to cover backpack at night (this is another large plastic trash bag different than above)

• Spoon or Spork

• Cup

• Bowl (plate optional - bowl can be used for all)

• Hiking Boots (sneakers cannot handle the rocks, water, mud and stream crossings)

• Windbreaker/Rainjacket (don't believe the forecast. It will rain - it always does)

• Fleece hoodie (lightweight, there if you need it and doubles as a pillow)

• Pants (recommend nylon sweat pants. Light weight even when wet, warm, can be easily pulled on/off over a pair of shorts)

• Socks (at least 1 pair per day. Wicking type or light wool. Stay away from cotton if possible)

• Underwear

• 2 Shirts (wear one, pack one. In general, cotton holds water and can get heavy, so the newer hi-tech stuff is nicer but expensive)

• Shorts 1

• Hat (baseball cap for hiking. Optional fleece or knit cap for sleeping)

• Comfortable camp shoes (optional - old sneakers can double as emergency hiking shoes.)

• Soap

• Toothbrush, paste (a travel size tooth paste)

• Toiletry case (use ziploc)

• Toilet Paper (don’t need a full roll. About ¼ roll is more than sufficient for 1 night.)

• Alcohol Wipes

• Insect repellent

• Sunblock

• Water bottle(s) (for at least 32 oz)

• Trail mix (optional - e.g., for a hike under 5 miles its not necessary)

Cold Weather Camping – Supplemental Gear List

Personal Gear (Each scout should include these among his usual camping items and cold weather clothing)

• Pullover knit hat just for sleeping in.

• 3 pairs of wool socks, one of which is reserved just for sleeping in.

• Sleeping bag rated for 0F (preferred) or 20F with supplemental liner

• Winter insulated boots (NO SNEAKERS!! No leather boots.

• Day pack (backpack)

• Water bottle (keep it from freezing)

• Chap-stick/lip balm

• Sunblock

• Sunglasses/tinted goggles if snow, due to intense sun glare that can cause snow blindness and headaches

• Clothing should be layered:

o polypropylene (“wicking”) long underwear

o fleece or wool insulating layer

o wind and water resistant outer layer

o cotton should be avoided – it stays wet and does not insulate

o mittens are warmer than gloves

o hoods help keep chill off of the neck

o “hotties” (chemical-based hand and feet warmers) work well in cold weather

Troop Gear (Troop provides, not for individual scouts to have to bring):

• Dutch ovens, Mitts, Charcoal tongs

• Charcoal chimney & charcoal

• Charcoal brazier or stand

• Small camp shovel and metal bucket for charcoal disposal

• Extra sleeping bags if available

• Blankets or moving pads for inside tent base layer

• Cardboard or plywood or rip-rap for putting on ground to prevent mud, in high traffic and cooking areas.

• Extra empty water bottles

• Extra chap-stick and Q-tips for applying

• Tarps for staging gear and keeping it dry during loading and unloading

• If space in vehicles/trailer- sled or lawn cart (Klondike sled?) for moving gear from drop area to/from campsite

• Camp stoves and 20-lb propane bottles

• Mr. Buddy heaters

• 1-lb propane bottles

• Propane stalk and hoses and wrench

• Battery and propane lanterns

• Insulated bug juice container(s) for water

• Heavy hammer and steel stakes for canopy guylines (in case ground is frozen/hard)

• Pry bar and block of wood to remove frozen stakes from ground

• Canopy

• Flag or other marker to designate leaders tent