Backpack: Maybe internal or external frame. There are both options available for younger scouts now. Borrowing a pack or finding a used one is also a good option for beginners. All packs need to have a padded hip belt. REI rents packs for weekend use, so that may be an option if you are unsure what to start out with.
Backpack Cover: You can purchase a cover to fit your pack. These are needed to keep your pack and its contents dry in case of rain. In a pinch a trash bag can be fashioned into a crude cover.
Flashlight / Head Lamp: Keep in mind size & weight. A small LED light will work great. A headlamp is light and allows you to be hands free.
Waterbottle or Camelback: Need something to carry water in to stay hydrated. Two 1 Liter Nalgene bottles work great. Some prefer a Camelback system so that you can drink while you are hiking.
Water Purifier (Troop-Provided): This is needed to filter water in the wilderness. Scouts do NOT need one as the Troop and adults will provide these.
Tent (Troop-Provided): A good backpacking tent will weigh 3-4lbs, but cost you a lot of money. Our Troop Tents weigh 7 lbs, and if we split them among tent partners each boy will carry 3.5lbs. One carries the tent and the other the poles, fly, stakes, and rain fly.
Sleeping Bag: Size, Weight, and Temperature ratings are a consideration here. You need something that does not have a big profile so it fits in or on the outside of your pack. A 50-degree bag will be light weight and have a small profile but will not keep you warm on a 30-degree night. For younger scouts we recommended a synthetic bag instead of down. When down gets wet, it loses its insulating properties, while synthetic bags will still insulate even if wet. There are also lightweight sleeping bag liners available that will add 5-10 degrees of additional warmth. It does get down into the 30’s on some of our backpacking outings so a bag with a rating in the 30’s would be recommended.
Sleeping Pad: Adds some cushion between you and the ground, also gives you some insulation between you and the cold ground. A solid foam mat is a good inexpensive start for young scouts. If you do a lot of backpacking, you can graduate into lightweight inflatable pad (Thermorest, Big Agnes).
Hiking Boots: Boots provide support, keep the feet dry, and can handle the terrain. Don’t spend a lot on the younger scouts as they outgrow them too fast. Tennis shoes when wet stay that way, and do not give good support for the extra weight you are carrying. They may work for a short hike, but as you begin to hike longer distances with a pack hiking boots are a must.
Hiking Poles: The longer you hike the more these are needed. They help with balance, take some pressure off your knees, and steady you on up/down hill climbs. You can use a wooden stick, all the way up to some rather expensive adjustable poles with built in shock absorption.
Toiletries: Toothbrush, small travel size toothpaste, hand-sanitizer, bug spray, sunscreen, chap stick. Whatever else you need, but keep it small & lightweight.
Backpacking Food
Stoves: Scouts may bring a lightweight backpacking stove. If they don’t have one, there are enough adults and scouts who will be willing to share.
Mess Kit: Sporks are a combination Fork, Spoon, and knife and are a great thing to have. A simple Gladwear 2-3 cup container can be used as a bowl. You will need a small 3-4 cup aluminum pot or kettle to boil water in.
Zip-Lock Bags: Carry several 1 gallon zip lock bags. These serve several purposes including keeping items dry, hold trash to pack out, etc.
Dish Soap: Used to clean dishes. A few drops go a long way. Use a little container like a hotel shampoo bottle to carry what you need.
Small Ditty Bag: Everyone will compile their personable smellables (food, toiletries, etc.) in a small bag ditty after dinner. These will be compiled in larger Troop Bags and hung up on cables at our campsite for the night. No food or personal smellables will be allowed in tents!
Food: High protein items are good for backpacking to give you energy. Each participant will need to provide the following meals for them self.
- Lunch Saturday on the Trail
- Dinner Saturday in Camp
- Breakfast Sunday in Camp
Here are some examples of options to eat:
- LUNCH
- Sandwich
- Nuts
- Energy Bars
- Cheese/Crackers
- Fruit Roll Ups
- DINNER
- Freeze Dried Meals (Mountain House, etc.) Just add hot water and stir & you have a hot meal. Come in several varieties and are available at Wal-Mart, Dicks, Bass Pro, Outdoor World, & REI.
- Ramen Noodles
- Tuna Pouch
- BREAKFAST
- Oatmeal
- Energy Bar
- Hot Chocolate
- Granola
- OTHER
- Snacks: Trail Mix, Gorp, etc.
- Drink Mix: Single Serving Drink Mix such as Gatorade is a nice treat
Backpacking Clothing
Cotton clothing (pants, shirts, underwear, socks, etc.) is NOT recommended for backpacking. When cotton gets wet, it is difficult to get dry. Synthetic polypropylene (Under Armor, NIKE Dri Fit & other brands) is a great option as it is light, durable, and most importantly dries fast as it wicks moisture away from the body.
Another key principal is to dress in layers. You put on and take off layers per the conditions.
- Base Layer: Synthetic Shirt, Pants/Shorts
- Mid Layer: Fleece Jacket as needed for warmth
- Outer Layer: Rain gear will keep you dry and can also be used to protect you from the wind
Some more tips about clothing …
Socks: As noted, cotton is NOT good as it stays wet. For our trips, you really need two good pair of Thorlo Light Trekking or Hiking socks, Smart Wool, or the equivalent. These socks wick moisture away and keep your feet dry and also provide extra padding. Using poor socks can mean wet, cold feet, and also can allow blisters to develop.
Rain Gear: Many young scouts utilize ponchos. A lightweight rain jacket is a better option and will keep you much drier. Some prefer a jacket that has a hood as well. Pack this item where you can get to it quickly should it start raining.
Camp Shoes: We recommend Crocs, or equivalent, for relaxing in camp. They are lightweight and closed toed. DO NOT BRING FLIPFLOPS OR ANY OPEN-TOED SHOES.
Non-Cotton Synthetic Clothing: Shirts, Shorts or Pants, and Underwear. Zip-off pants can be used as shorts or pants depending on the weather and save some weight and give you some flexibility.
Fleece Jacket: Provides warmth when needed
Sleeping Clothes: We recommend changing cloths at bedtime. Your clothes that you have worn during the day pick up moisture, and will keep you cold at night. A stocking cap is good to wear to bed during cold weather and will prevent heat loss. Long Underwear (synthetic) is great for cold evenings.
Hat with Brim: Keeps the sun off of you
Stocking Hat: Good to sleep in on cool nights
Gloves: Not really needed during most of the year for backpacking.