Backpacking List

Items in italics are essential (except for cold weather items when summer camping).

*Depends on weather.

  • Carry in pocket or in accessible location in pack

  • Matches in waterproof case

  • Pocket knife

  • Compass

  • Whistle

  • Signed permission slip

    • Map of area (troop provided)

    • Pen

    • Sunglasses

    • Wallet

    • Personal prescription medicines

    • Chapstick

  • Basic Camping Equipment

  • Pack (internal or external; hipbelt; good fit, comfortable)

  • Waterproof pack cover (or large garbage bag)

  • Warm sleeping bag in stuff sack (20F rated; lightweight)

  • Foam sleeping pad

  • Tent, with ground cloth (troop provided)

  • Flashlight (with extra batteries and bulb)

  • Water bottles (At least 2: 1-2 Liter bottles)

  • Eating bowl, drinking cup, spoon & fork

  • Personal first aid kit

  • Plastic garbage bags (at least 2)

    • Plastic zip bags for gear (to hold small items)

    • Assorted rope & twine

    • Insect repellent*

    • Sunscreen*

    • Small notebook & pen

    • Small change (for emergency calls)

    • Small sewing repair kit

    • Small amount of duct tape

Clothing

  • Rain jacket

  • Rain pants

  • Hiking boots

  • Wool sweater or fleece*

  • Jacket/parka*

  • Warm hat*

  • Warm gloves*

  • Long polypro underwear*

  • Wool (or other hiking) socks

    • Shirt

    • Long trousers

    • Hiking shorts*

    • Swimsuit*

    • Undershorts

    • Undershirt

    • Lightweight shoes (sneakers, Tevas)

    • Baseball cap

Toilet Articles

    • Soap

    • Small towel

    • Washcloth

    • Toothbrush & toothpaste

    • Comb

    • Toilet paper (in plastic bag)

    • Metal mirror

Other Ideas

    • Boy Scout Handbook

    • Trail snacks (dried fruit, granola bar, etc.)

    • Camera and film

    • Fishing gear

Patrol/Troop Equipment (troop provided)

    • Troop first aid kit

    • Food

    • Pots and pans

    • Water ("Jerry") cans

    • Cooking utensils

    • Dishwashing liquid

    • Wash pans

    • Sponge/scrub pads

    • SOS pads

    • Paper towels

    • Small saw

    • Plastic garbage bags

    • Dining fly

    • Stoves and fuel

    • Duty roster

    • Patrol flag

    • Coleman lantern (with extra mantles)

    • Tarp for firewood

    • Fire grate

    • Weather report