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Camping and Backpacking Gear List

In order to have fun camping out in the wilderness, you need to Be Prepared. There are many things you need to bring on a troop event, so you should check the list below to make sure you're prepared for whatever might happen on our adventure.

Outdoor Essentials

The most important items that you need are the Ten Outdoor Essentials, or just "Ten Essentials." These ten items are an absolute necessity not only for camping, but for any outdoor event. They are:

  1. Pocketknife
  2. Map and Compass (maps usually provided by Troop 1)
  3. Matches/Fire Starters
  4. Sun Protection
  5. First Aid Kit
  6. Water (at least 1 large canteen, no disposable bottles)
  7. Trail Food
  8. Extra Clothing
  9. Rain Gear
  10. Flashlight

Personal Gear for Weekend Trips

In addition to these things, you will need to bring a few other items with you to Be Prepared on a campout:

  • Hiking Boots and Hiking Socks OR Tennis Shoes on a car camping trip (NO SKATE OR TENNIS SHOES ON A BACKPACKING TRIP!)
  • Sleeping Bag (synthetic is a good balance between weight and cost when backpacking)
  • Sleeping Pad (closed cell foam pad is the lightest)
  • Toiletries (toothbrush & toothpaste, soap, washcloth, emergency toilet paper)
  • Mess Kit (cup, plate or bowl, spoon, fork; all plastic to save weight when backpacking)
  • Scout Handbook (if you are not yet First Class)
  • Warm Clothes (long pants and jacket)
  • Change of Socks, Underwear, and T-Shirt
  • Swimsuit and Towel if appropriate
  • $10 for lunch on return trip
  • Ziplock Bag for Trash (depending on the campsite)

Depending on the event, you may need to bring food with you on the trip. For most trips, you will need to bring a sack/trail lunch, and if it is a backpacking trip, you will need to bring backpacking (freeze-dried) food with you. For car camping trips, the food is decided by patrol, so if you have been chosen to bring the food, make sure you get your patrol's cooler and all the food for your patrol. You should also bring trail mix/snacks, especially if you are going backpacking.

Optional Items

You may also want to bring the following items (but consider their weight when backpacking):

  • Binoculars
  • Camera
  • Camp Shoes for Backpacking Trips (Probably not worth the weight for an overnight trip)
  • Extra batteries (It is best just to put new batteries in your flashlight before the trip)
  • Sleepwear
  • Insect repellent (in summertime)

Attire

  • When traveling to and from an official activity (campout, hike, group activity, etc) we were full class A uniform (Scout shirt, neckerchief, neckerchief slide, pants, and scout socks if wearing shorts - scout hat is optional).
  • When on the activity itself, the dark green Class B t-shirt is the attire.
  • For some activities (such as a tour of the Reagan Library, Memorial Day Flag Placement, etc.) the Class A uniform is worn for the entire event.

Visit the Scout Store to buy official boy scout items, like uniforms.

Most other items can be bought at an outdoor supply shop such as REI or Adventure 16, or even a regular sporting goods store such as Big 5 or Sports Authority. See the Gear Selection Guide for more information about buying camping and backpacking gear.