STANDARD INDIVIDUAL EQUIPMENT CHECK LIST

TROOP OVERNIGHT TRIPS (one or two nights)

 

THE 10 ESSENTIALS

Always carry these 10 essentials, whether on a day hike or a 50-miler

Pocketknife (No sheath knives!)

Water bottle

First Aid kit (small one for personal use)

Flashlight (even if you don’t plan to be out overnight. Small AA with fresh and extra batteries)

Extra Clothing (layers work best, avoid cotton)

Trail food

Rain Gear

Matches and Fire Starter

Map (of the area you are in) and Compass

Sun protection (including sunglasses, hat, sun block, chapstick)

 

TO CARRY GEAR:

Use a Backpack (properly sized and adjusted to carry your gear. A duffel bag is OK for car camping. Use straps to attach sleeping bag to pack (do not use bungee cords: they are ineffective!).

You are expected to carry your own gear. All gear should be labeled with your name.

 

Required Gear

SHELTER

Sleeping bag and stuff sack (do not use a plastic garbage bag for your stuff sack)

Ground cloth (minimum 3’ x 7’, suggest 3 mil plastic drop cloth sized to tent bottom)

Sleeping Pad (closed cell foam, 1/2” thick, more for winter - no inflatable pads or mattresses)

Tent (Usually provided by the troop. Two scouts per troop tent)

CLOTHING:

Sturdy boots or shoes

Sweater, sweatshirt or vest

Socks (A complete change for every day. Heavy wool or polypro outer socks and light polypro liner socks work best)

Parka or light coat

Underwear (A complete change for each day)

Rain suit with hood or rain hat or poncho and rain pants

Troop T-shirt

Toothbrush, toothpaste and comb

Undershirt (T-shirt)

Small washcloth or bandanna and soap

Long pants

Bug repellent (10-20% DEET - avoid high strength)

Shorts (optional, depending on weather)

Long sleeve shirt

Hiking hat or cap (to provide shade from sun)

Water bottle (1 quart or liter, wide mouth)

Mess Kit (Fork, spoon, cup and plate, and bowl or two cups)

Change of clothes for car ride home (This change should be left in the car)

 

OTHER GEAR

Sack lunch or dinner (required for the first meal on most trip)

Small roll of toilet paper in plastic bag, and trowel (for backpacking or in wilderness areas)

Two, large plastic, garbage bags (for wet gear. Garbage bag also works well as a pack cover at night)

Rope (50’ of 1/8’ nylon line)

Uniform (if required)

Money (for snacks or lunch or extra activities on the way home)

   
DO NOT BRING: Sheath knives, firearms, airguns, bows & arrows, fireworks, weapons, electronic devices of any kind (iPod, iPodTouch, cell phone, smart phone, DS, PSP, radios, walkman, electronic games), comic books, or un-scout-like printed material. THESE WILL BE CONFISCATED.

 

General Rule: If you don’t know if you’ll need it, leave it home!