Backpacking Equipment List
This list assumes a weekend backpacking trip. For longer trips, this list may need to be modified to account for the extra days in the woods. It is imperative to layer your clothing, combining different garments to achieve protection from the elements and optimum insulation. Synthetic or wool layers are recommended as they insulate when wet. This list includes clothing worn by the scout at start of hike. Take care to not over pack.
Clothing
| Item |
Qty |
Description |
| Base Layer (synthetic) |
1 |
Long underwear (top and bottom) |
| Underwear |
2 |
One extra pair |
| Shirt – Short Sleeve |
2 |
moisture wicking, no cotton or nylon (wear one, pack one) |
| Shirt – Long Sleeve |
1 |
no cotton or nylon (wool blend works best) |
| Long Pants |
1 |
Light weight. No jeans |
| Short Pants |
1 |
Preferably not cotton |
| Polar Fleece jacket or vest |
1 |
|
| Rain Jacket and Pants |
1 |
No ponchos. Rain jacket doubles as windbreaker over polar fleece |
| Wool or fleece hat |
1 |
For sleeping or cool mornings |
| Glove liners or mittens |
1 |
optional – synthetic or wool |
| Hat |
1 |
Baseball cap or wide brim hat |
Footwear
| Item |
Qty |
Description |
| Hiking boots, over the ankle |
1 |
Break-in before hike. |
| Socks |
2 |
synthetic or wool (thin inner sock and heavy outer sock) |
| Camp shoes |
1 |
lightweight sneakers, close toed sandals, or crocks |
Equipment
| Item |
Qty |
Description |
| Backpack |
1 |
Needs to be sized to fit the scout. Rental packs are available. |
| Pack Cover |
1 |
Waterproof. |
| Gallon Ziplock Bags |
5 – 10 |
For packing clothes. |
| Sleeping Bag – Light weight |
1 |
30 degree or less in a compression sack lined with trash bag. |
| Sleeping Pad |
1 |
Recommend closed-cell foam. If blow up, patch kit required. |
| Water bottles/1 QT |
2 |
Neoprene. One for powered drinks. One for water only. |
| Bladder bag in pack |
1 |
Optional – but recommended. |
| Flashlight/headlamp |
1 |
Replace batteries before campout |
| Matches/Lighter |
1 |
|
| Bowl |
1 |
Lightweight material – don’t bring full mess kits |
| Mug/cup |
1 |
Lightweight – measuring cup style recommended. |
| Spoon/Spork |
1 |
Lightweight. Plastic all in one (spoon on one side, fork on the other) are popular. |
| Compass |
1 |
|
| Pocket Knife |
1 |
|
| Small first aid kit |
1 |
|
| Sunscreen | 1 small bottle | |
| Insect Repellent | 1 small bottle or 3-4 wipes | |
| Bandana/tubular headgear |
1 |
|
| Lip Balm |
1 |
|
| Toothbrush and tooth paste |
1 |
Travel or trial size work great |
| Small amount of toilet paper |
1 |
In ziplock bag. Take out cardboard center. |
| Whistle |
1 |
|
| Camp Towel – (optional) |
1 |
Quick dry and small |
Provided to Crew
This is equipment provided by the troop and/or adults on the trip. Scouts will be required to carry some of this equipment.
| Item |
Qty |
Description |
| Backpacking Tent | 2-3 person tents divided among scouts | |
| Backpacking Stoves | 1 per 4-8 campers (at least two per campout) | |
| Extra stove fuel | ||
| Cooking/boiling pot |
1 |
1 per camping stove |
| Large spoon |
1 |
1 per camping stove |
| First Aid Kit |
1 |
Wilderness first aid kit |
| Duct Tape |
1 |
|
| Nylon Cord |
1 |
100′ x 1/4 inch for bear line |
| Nylon Cord |
3 |
50′ x 1/8″ |
| Trowel/Shovel |
1 |
|
| Water filters | At least 2 per campout. | |
| Carabiner |
1 |
For bear bag |
| Dishwashing soap |
1 |
|
| Hand sanitizer |
1 |
|
| Scrub pad |
1 |
|
| Bear bag |
1 |
|
| Nylon dining fly |
1 |