Basic Equipment for Boy Scout Backpack Trips
Basic Equipment
- medical consent form and permission slip
- backpack with padded waist belt
- sleeping bag in waterproof stuff sack (mummy style recommended)
- tent (share with another boy) with rainfly and stakes
- plastic ground sheet
- foam insulation pad
Clothing (including what you're wearing):
- hiking boots
- "river shoes" or "Tevas" (optional)
- nylon bag to contain clothing
- extra change of clothes (avoid jeans)
- sweater and/or jacket
- windproof outer shell
- rain suit or poncho
- warm hat (wool or fleece)
- sun hat
- bandanna (for sun protection)
Small equipment
- pocket knife (optional)
- fork and spoon (Lexan plastic is best)
- cup (large enough for cereal and soup)
- plate or bowl (optional, large margarine tub works well)
- water bottle - at least 1 quart
- small first aid kit (include Band-Aids and moleskin)
- medicines (leader must be informed)
- lip balm
- mosquito repellent, headnet (optional)
- map (supplied by leader) in plastic bag
- compass (optional)
- flashlight with extra batteries and bulb
Personal equipment
- toilet kit (toothbrush, toothpaste, biodegradable soap (motel-size bar or small squeeze bottle), comb, etc.)
- toilet paper in plastic bag
- small towel or washcloth
- small repair kit (safety pins, paper clips, pack repair parts, rubber bands)
- some nylon cord (for a clothes line, etc.)
- sun protection (SPF 15)
- sunglasses
- 2 large garbage bags and 2 ziplock bags
- watch (optional)
- fanny pack for day hikes (optional)
- camera and film (optional)
- notebook and pencil (optional)
Communal equipment
- water purifiers and iodine tablets
- large first aid kit (including snake bite kit) and accident report forms
- sewing kit
- large repair kit
- maps and permits in waterproof bag
- 1 quart shaker (wide-mouth water bottle)
- cookstoves, pots, fuel, cleaning gear, utensils
- food in strong nylon bags
- collapsible water-carrying bag
For the car trip
- bring Scout handbook in the car
- bag with clean clothes for the trip home
- large towel