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Be Prepared!
This guide helps Scouts pack smart for every type of trip — from weekend campouts to summer camp and high adventure.
Always label your gear, check the weather, and test your equipment before leaving.
Pocketknife / Multi-tool – Keep sharp and clean. Totin’ Chip required.
First-Aid Kit – For minor injuries and emergencies.
Extra Clothing / Layers – Dress in layers for warmth and flexibility.
Rain Gear – Rain jacket or poncho; prevents hypothermia.
Flashlight / Headlamp – Bring extra batteries.
Trail Food – Energy snacks; carry a bit extra.
Water – At least 2 liters; refill often.
Matches / Fire Starter – Keep dry in a resealable bag.
Sun Protection – Hat, sunscreen, sunglasses, lip balm.
Map & Compass – Know how to use them!
Small tent (2-person)
Sleeping bag (season-appropriate)
Sleeping pad (yoga mat OK to start; foam or inflatable is better)
Small pillow
Closed-toe shoes required (hiking shoes or sturdy sneakers ,No sandals/crocs.)
2–3 pairs of socks
Scout uniform (Class A)
Camp clothes:
Summer: breathable shirts, shorts
Winter: fleece layers, long sleeves, warm jacket
Pants: lightweight, quick-dry, or convertible
Rain gear: jacket or poncho
Extra socks & underwear
Swimwear (if aquatic activities)
Large duffle bag or backpack (50+ L)
Reusable water bottle
Mess kit (plate, cup, fork/spoon)(Long spoon for Hiking)
Flashlight or headlamp (with batteries)
Small personal first aid kit
Sun protection (hat + sunscreen)
Personal hygiene items (Toiletry kit)
Simple, non-melting snacks
Pocketknife (only if Totin’ Chip is earned)
Scout Handbook
Tarp for under tent
Folding camp chair (lightweight)
Daypack
Water filter (only for backcountry trips)
Quick-Dry Towel (recommended for aquatic activities & summer camp)
Sleeping bag liner (nice to have on cold nights)
(Pack these in your daypack for every outing)
Water bottle (1–2 liters)
Trail snacks or a light lunch
Rain jacket or poncho
Light warm layer (jacket or hoodie)
Sun protection (hat + sunscreen + sunglasses)
Bug repellent
Map & compass (or GPS)
Whistle(many packs include one)
Flashlight or headlamp (with extra batteries)
Pocketknife/multi-tool (Totin’ Chip required)
Emergency blanket (compact)
Firestarter (flint, steel, or waterproof matches)
Small personal first aid kit
Hand sanitizer or wipes
Tissues or small toilet paper pack
Personal medications (if needed)
Scout Handbook
Small notebook + pen
Short length of nylon cord (6–10 ft.)
Small trash bag
Shelter & Sleeping
Tent (buddies assigned at camp)
Sleeping bag (temperature rating at least 35/40°F)
Waterproof pack cover or rain fly
Sleeping pad (optional)
Inflatable pillow (optional)
Clothing (Pack for overnight stay)
1-2 pairs hiking pants (avoid cotton if possible)
Tops (layers preferred for comfort)
Jacket or sweatshirt
Packable rain jacket (can substitute for outer layer)
Sleeping clothes
Under garments
2-3 pairs wool or wool-blend hiking socks
Bandana (for sun protection on neck) optional
Personal Items
Personal hygiene items
Hat (optional)
Food & Cooking
Breakfasts & dinner (water will be boiled for oatmeal/dehydrated meals)
Long spoon, spork, or fork
Carabiner for hanging food on trees at night
Hydration & Snacks
Water bottles / Water (at least 2 liters per person)
Trail lunch (tuna kits, crackers, peanut butter cups, trail mix, etc.)
Clothing & Comfort
Extra jacket or sweatshirt if needed
Sunscreen
Hat (optional)
Banda
Navigation & Essentials
Compass
Headlamp
Trekking poles (optional)
Extras (Optional)
Packable camp chair
Water shoes
Under garments
Sleeping socks
Long underwear or small layers for cold nights
Small personal hygiene items (toothbrush, hand sanitizer, lip balm, etc.)
Snacks or personal energy bars
✅ Packing Tips
Keep frequently used items in the daypack for easy access.
Store food in waterproof bags inside the main backpack.
Use compression sacks for sleeping bag and clothes to save space.
Pack heavier items close to your back for balance.
(Philmont & Long-Trek Suggestions)
Gallon-size Ziploc / plastic bags for clothes/organization
Small stuff sacks for clothes/sleeping bag
Extra batteries for headlamp
Nylon cord/rope (25–50 ft)
Camp towel (quick-dry)
Foot powder / blister prevention items
Insulating hat (wool/fleece) + gloves or mittens
Rain pants or waterproof over-pants
Water purification method (tablets or filter)
First aid kit (include blister care)
Insect repellent & lip balm with SPF
Trash bag(s) for Leave No Trace
Some cash for emergencies/trading post
(For Swimming Days, Canoeing Trips, Summer Camp, and High Adventure)
Required Clothing
2 UPF 30+ long-sleeve shirts
Wide-brimmed hat (baseball cap is OK for regular activities)
Buff / neck gaiter (High Adventure / Canoeing recommended)
1 pair regular shorts
1 pair swim shorts (should be quick-dry)
2 pairs regular socks
1 pair sandals (for camp)
1 pair water shoes (must be closed-toe and secure; essential for canoeing)
Mask & snorkel (High Adventure / optional for Canoeing)
Sun & Skin Protection
Biodegradable sunscreen (no sprays; recommended for ocean or river use)
Water bottle (with carabiner for canoe/boat; essential for Canoeing)
Personal Gear
Toiletry kit
Headlamp (with extra batteries)
2 quick-dry towels (useful for Canoeing)
Small pillow
Light-weight sleeping cover
Light-weight sleeping pad
1 carabiner for water bottle
Spending money ($150–$200) (High Adventure & Summer Camp)
Prescription medications
Optional / Seasonal (Fall–Spring)
1 fleece layer
Medium-weight sleeping bag (for cold nights)
Suggested Extras
Neoprene socks (for fins or cold water; High Adventure)
Waterproof camera (Both Regular and High Adventure)
Mug for coffee/tea (High Adventure; not provided at bases)
Hawaiian shirt for final dinner (High Adventure Base tradition)
(Texas, Arkansas, Colorado Camps )
Sleeping bag (appropriate for season; warmer for Colorado nights)
Sleeping bag liner (nice for cold nights)
Sleeping pad / foam mat (optional if using cots)
Cot (if provided by camp or preferred for comfort)
Small pillow
Plastic trunk / storage bin (for storing clothes and personal gear at camp; lockable is helpful)
mosquito Net if need it
Closed-toe hiking shoes or sturdy sneakers
Extra socks (4–6 pairs minimum)
Sandals / camp shoes (for showers and cabin use)
Water shoes / sturdy sandals (for aquatic activities, canoeing, lake use)
Scout uniform (Class A)
Camp clothes: t-shirts, long sleeves, shorts, pants
Warm layer: hoodie, fleece, or jacket (for mornings/evenings; cold in Colorado & Arkansas)
Rain jacket / poncho
Underwear (enough for 1 week)
Swimsuit / water clothing (for swimming, canoeing, water activities)
Hat for sun protection
Buff / neck gaiter (optional for sun/cold protection)
Sleepwear
Plastic trunks 18-20 Gal or Large duffle bag or backpack (50+ L)
Daypack for hikes and daily activities
Reusable water bottle or hydration system (carabiner useful for canoeing)
Mess kit (plate, cup, fork/spoon; long spoon for hiking)
Flashlight or headlamp (with extra batteries)
Quick-dry towel (for swimming, showers)
Personal first aid kit
Sunscreen & lip balm (SPF 30+ recommended)
Personal hygiene items (toiletry kit, toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, shampoo)
Simple non-melting snacks
Pocketknife (if Totin’ Chip earned)
Prescription medications
Folding camp chair
Water filter (only for backcountry / High Adventure trips)
Notebook & pen
Sunglasses
Camera / waterproof camera
Small nylon cord / paracord
Fleece or heavier layers for cold nights
Rain pants / extra rain gear
Hiking boots (for rocky terrain / mountain treks)
Neoprene socks (for water/high adventure treks)
Mask & snorkel (if aquatic adventure planned)
Plastic trunks 18-20 Gal,: used to store clothing and gear inside cabins or tents; keeps items dry and organized.
Cots: often provided at camp, but check each camp’s policy; bring sleeping pad if you want extra comfort.
Label everything: campsites are busy, and gear can easily get misplaced.
Pack for weather: Texas & Arkansas can be hot during the day but cool at night; Colorado mornings/evenings can be chilly even in summer.
Durable gear: 1-week camps can be tough on clothing and equipment; bring sturdy shoes and backpacks.
Individual Gear:
Survival kit (as per the merit badge requirements):
Small first aid kit
Signal mirror
Whistle
Firestarter (flint, steel, or waterproof matches)
Compact knife or multi-tool
Water purification tablets
Cord or paracord
Compass
Emergency blanket
Camping essentials:
Sleeping bag (suitable for weather conditions)
Sleeping pad
Headlamp or flashlight (extra batteries)
Durable hiking boots
Appropriate clothing for the weather (layers, rain jacket)
Hat and gloves (if needed)
Group Gear:
Large trash Bags, Tarps or ropes for shelter-building
Firewood or tinder if natural sources are not permitted
Water containers for purification activity
Cooking gear (stoves, pots, utensils)
Food for all meals
First aid kit (comprehensive for group use)
https://scoutlife.org/outdoors/guygear/8296/backpack-buying-guide/
For scouts, a good backpack should have a volume between 45 and 70 liters, depending on the trip length, and a proper fit based on torso size. Popular and well-regarded brands and models include the Osprey Atmos AG 65, Gregory Baltoro 75, and the REI Flash 45. Key features to look for are an internal frame and a padded hip belt for comfort and support, especially for longer trips.
Key factors for choosing a scout backpack
Volume:
45–65 liters: Recommended for weekend trips.
65–85 liters: Suitable for longer trips like Philmont, as it can hold personal gear, food, and water.
A smaller volume is better for younger scouts to avoid carrying too much weight.
Size and Fit:
Backpacks are sized based on your torso length (e.g., XS to XL).
Ensure the pack fits correctly to distribute weight properly and comfortably.
Features:
Internal frame: Recommended for support and stability.
Padded hip belt: Essential for carrying heavier loads comfortably.
Suspension system: Look for systems like Osprey's Anti-Gravity suspension for comfort.
There is also a benefit in placing the densest weight high in the pack as it will
be more directly over the center of gravity. A tent should be either distributed in
Distribute weight properly in your backpack:
Zone A (Top): Dense items (tent poles, food).
Zone B (Middle): Medium-weight items.
Zone C (Bottom): Light items (sleeping bag).