Gear Checklists "Long Form":

The "Short Form" (checklists) of the following items are attached to this page at the bottom for ease of use.

A Scout IS prepared! Camping, Backpacking and Hiking are unique experiences that require specific gear sets for a Scout to avoid discomfort and potential danger - there is cross-over in the gear that can save you money, hassle and time. Ensuring a complete gear set for each Outing will certainly add to the enjoyment of each experience. A Scout needs to be taught how and what to pack, and should be guided and checked until he is at an age that he can be counted on to do this correctly and unmonitored. This is a parent's responsibility. 

When buying gear, buy small and light the first time. This will aid in avoiding rebuying later. Smaller does not mean more expensive. Walmart has good quality and selection, as well as inexpensive gear. Other Leaders and Scouts find stuff inexpensively at other places as well. Gear is a great birthday or Christmas present for Scouts.

Avoid over-packing while ensuring critical gear. Carrying a bunch of stuff is just not fun on a campout, hike or while backpacking. Carrying to much gear slows the Scout down and causes them to work harder. Keep it simple AND SAFE.

Note that no list has electronics on it. Please leave these at home. If contact is required during an Outing with your child, please facilitate through a Scoutmaster.

Be advised that carrying some gear mandates the need for a "Totin Chip" or "Firem'n Chit". See a Scoutmaster to aid your Scout in earning these. 



- Essential Gear (for all Outings):

1. The Scout Essentials:
    - Pocket Knife
    - Personal First Aid Kit
    - Extra Clothing
    - Rain Gear
    - Flashlight
    - Trail Food (NEVER sleep with food in your tent)
    - Water - Desert Hiking/Backpacking requires at least 1 US gallon per day carried by each person attending. The weight of 1 US gallon is 8.34 lbs. and should be considered in your total pack weight. Use of a water filter or purifier, when we hike in areas with water, can help to eliminate the need to pack a whole gallon.  
    - Matches or Lighter (preferred)
    - Sun Protection
    - Trail Maps
    - Compass & Map
2. Personal Survival Kit: These may be unique to varying outings. There are ample resources on the Internet.
3. Water Purification: having access to drinkable water is essential. There are plenty of options that can be found on the internet. Often included in Emergency Kit, but calling this one out separately as a matter of safety.
4. Fire Starter: I really like Cotton Balls soaked with Vaseline and kept in a Ziplock bag. They are light, pliable, burn for an ample time, and start very easily. I have also found that they do not appear to have an expiration date.  
5. Hiking Boots: properly fitting and wearing hiking boots are essential. Blisters are a hard lesson to learn on the trail or during any Outing. For incorrectly fitting boots, please see Personal First Aid Kit above.
6. Hat: a hat with a brim that is used as a visor is essential for ALL Outings. Your sons Boy Scout hat is perfect.
7. Bug Repellant: Buy small cans or tubes.
8. Watch: knowing the time is essential for Scouts while on hikes and backpacking trips. Having a watch with hands can help the Scout navigate if he were to ever get lost.
9. Gloves: Carry a pair of work gloves. The types found at Home Depot used by Construction Workers are cross functional for use during hiking, projects and to keep your hands warm on cold nights.

It is recommended that all items are as small and as light as possible and can easily transfer from Backpack to Camelback. This gear should be inventoried and checked prior to every outing for completeness and functionality.



- Gear for HIKING:

A solid Camelbak (or viable substitute) is the foundation of a hiking gear checklist. It is important to understand that many campouts also include a hike(s). Check with your troop leaders when campouts are occurring to make sure you understand if you also need to pack the Camelbak.

1. Refer to "Essential Gear" above: Carry these items on all Outings.
2. Camelbak (or substitute): small and light. These do not need to be expensive, just functional. Always ensure straps and backpack are in good order. A Camelback flopping around on a 5 or 10 mile hike is a real nuisance and can cause blisters and will make the hike more difficult. 
3. Water Bladder (4 liter - about 1 US Gallon): This normally come with purchase of a Camelbak. Check for leaks and repair regularly. Always carry extra nipples as they regularly break and leak. Water volume must be considered when purchasing a Camelbak. One U.S. gallon is necessary for desert hikes. When hiking around known water sources, a water filter can be used for refills.

- Gear for CAMPING:

I strongly encourage you to buy small for all the following items so that as many of them as possible can fit inside of the backpack. This method makes preparation and the regular packing and unpacking of equipment much easier. In addition, it limits a Scouts trips to retrieve gear.

Tents are always supplied by Troop 380 for Camping Outings. Your son should not bring one unless otherwise notified.

1. Refer to "Essential Gear" above: Carry these items on all Outings.

2. Camelbak (sometimes optional): Is there a Hike planned on the Outing? If so, the Camelback should be packed. I attach mine to the outside of my Backpack when it's needed.

3. Backpack - A solid backpack is essential to camping with the Boy Scouts. It is cross-functional with Hiking. The Teton Scout3400 is a very good choice. It is an excellent pack that will carry your Scout through age 18 and the price is right. There are many other options on the market. Internal or External Frame Packs are both great depending on preference. A backpack MUST BE IN GOOD ORDER; all straps, buckles, etc. should be checked prior to leaving on the Outing. Broken straps, flopping gear, etc. are unacceptable in the Outdoors.
4. Sleeping Bag - A good sleeping bag that meets the needs of any weather is essential to camping. Your sons Spiderman sleeping bag will no longer work as it will likely not meet the needs of cold desert nights. I have personally experienced having an inadequate bag on a cold desert night and it is very uncomfortable and potentially dangerous. I have found that a 0 degree or 30 degree bag meets all of my needs. When it's too hot, I sleep on top of the bag. On an occasion, I will add an extra blanket. The good news is that these can be found affordably at Walmart. I strongly encourage buying a small size bag that easily fits inside of the backpack; this will make carrying it much easier. A bag that dangles from your backpack or that has to be carried is a nuisance.
5. Clothing: Proper clothing is essential and directly associated to your sons safety. Learning and teaching about "Layering" through Internet resources is crucial to his safety. Normally, a Scout will need a jacket, pants and/or shorts, shirts (Class B), socks, underwear, beanie or warm hat, optional shoes (flip flops, tennis shoes), gloves, Long Johns, and maybe a sweater. A change for sleeping is also recommended if this is the boys preference. The amount or weight of these items depends upon the number of days camped and the weather. Don't over pack, as I can tell you from experience that Scouts don't change clothes normally on Outings unless they get wet or are cold.
6. Rain Gear: is essential on all campouts. There are many options. This is often included in the Emergency Kit.
7. Camp Chair (optional): Many Scouts like to have a camp or campfire folding chair that they bring.
8. Pillow (optional): Many Scouts like to have a pillow for sleeping. There are Camping/Backpacking pillows that are available that go into a small bag and fit into your backpack (recommended). Alternatively, a Scout can use the bag from his sleeping bag and fill it up with clothing to make a pillow. This is preferred and saves from having to carry the item.
9. Sleeping Pad: Sleeping pads are necessary as a barrier to the cold that exudes from the ground and, depending on the type, help to bring comfort while sleeping. There are models that can be blown-up and rolled-up like a sleeping bag and fit in your backpack. However, simple and inexpensive rollup pads can be bought at Walmart and be attached to the outside of the backpack.
10. Food: A scout may bring energy snacks; however, they should be taught to NEVER keep any food in their tent, as bears and other animals could be attracted to it. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are supplied by the Troop, so there is no need to bring these. If your son has special dietary needs, the Scoutmaster should be reminded prior to each campout so that considerations can be made in the menu.
11. Personal Hygiene: A Scout is clean! Towel, wash cloth, toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, floss, comb or brush, etc. should be included. I recommend setting up a small kit that can be kept and transferred between bags as needed. Additionally, it can be carried to the personal hygiene location more easily.
12. Medications: both prescribed and over the counter. Make sure you don't forget. Check with a Scoutmaster if you have questions.
13. Money: it is always nice for the Scout to carry a little pocket money but is not normally necessary. Summer Camp does require some cash.
14. Toilet Paper or Baby Wipes: I much prefer Baby Wipes that are environmentally friendly, but either paper or wipes suit the purpose.
15. Flashlight: small and light with an extra set of batteries. This is often included in the Emergency Kit.
16. Watch: Should be durable. We need to know the time.
17. Mess Kit: Plastic makes it lighter. Don't buy anything expensive. They will lose items and you will be continually replacing them. Should include a plate, cup and eating utensil(s). Remember that they should be carrying a knife so one is not necessarily needed.
18. Sunglasses (optional): These are nice to have but not crucial. In fact, my son carries them but doesn't often wear them.
19. Camera (optional): Bring if you want.
20. Chap stick: You will never regret having a stick.
21. Small Gardening Shovel: for burying your bowel movements.  

- Gear for BACKPACKING:

If you have planned your Camping gear (above list) optimally, then you are almost there for Hiking. Total carried weight is crucial and should not normally exceed 25% of the person's body-weight. For example, I weigh 200 lbs., so my loaded backpack weight should not exceed 50 lbs. Carrying the minimum is best course of action while ensuring the items needed for safety.

1. Pack all "Gear Specific to Camping": except for Camp Chair. A smaller chair that attaches or goes inside of your backpack would be a good substitution.

2. Refer to "Essential Gear" above: Carry these items on all Outings.

3. 1-Man Tent:  Otherwise, the Scout will be building a Survival Shelter. This should be small and light and be attachable to your backpack. They can be found inexpensively.

4. Backpacking Stove: these can be bought inexpensively.
5. Room for Food: Leave room for food in your backpack. Although the Troop will supply, your son will have to carry it.

 

- Gear for Summer Camp:

To Be Announced