Campout Checklist

All Campouts

• water bottle

• sleeping bag

• pillow (if you need it)

• spare clothes (always bring extra socks)

• something warm (You'd be surprised how chilly it can get in the morning, even in May)

• tent or camping hammock (the troop can supply tents)  Don't forget the footprint (under-tent tarp) and pegs.

• spare shoes (Crocs are fine for "just in case" but not good for most activities)

• raincoat (if weather looks like it might be wet)

• sleeping pad

• mess kit

• knife if you have your totin' chit

• flashlight or headlamp

• deodorant, toothbrush/toothpaste (remember, "a scout is clean")

• paracord or some rope might always be useful.

• your daypack

• scout spirit!

The Troop will always supply meal prep equipment (a stove, pots, pans, cookware, matches/lighter), water, and fun. We have several tents that the scouts can borrow.  Scouts' food will be determined the meeting before and one scout will be selected to buy food for their patrol.  A good rule of thumb is $5 per meal per scout - Scouts [parents] should get reimbersed after or even during the campout.

Winter Campouts

Winter camping can add some fun and challenge to camping.  But you have to make sure you are ready for what Nature can throw at you.  IF we are not cabin camping, you'll need a sleeping bag rated for AT LEAST 20°F.  Remember - that rating is survivability, not comfort so if you want to camp in 20° weather, and be comfortable, get at least a 0° bag or a sleeping bag insert that adds 20°.

• Good Skiing type Gloves (knit often won't cut it)

• Good Hat

• Layers - base layer (long johns), normal cloths, fleece, coat.  Remember, when snow is involved "Cotton is Rotten".  Cotton will just absorb the cold snow and leave you colder than if you didn't have it.

• Hot hands/foot warmer

• Insulated water bottle (don't want your water to freeze on you)

• extra snacks - you'll need to burn more calories to stay warm

• even more socks

• Appropriate boots - sneakers aren't great for a long time outside in winter. Crocs are out completely.

Backpacking Hikes (Applacian Trail)

Backpacking adds the challenge of balancing gear weight and usefulness.  You'll be carrying everything you have for the entire trip on your back for several miles.  Don't take too much or too little.

• A backpack - at least 30 liters for smaller scouts, larger for older scouts.  It should be fitted for the scout - REI does this as a service when you buy from them.

• A bear canister is not necessary.  We will only camp where bear boxes exist.  They also add a lot of packing complexity.

• lightweight tent (1/2 person tent) or a hammock unless you're planning on tenting with others that will share your load.

• 2 quarts of water in lightweight plastic (like Nalegene) - insulated containers are great, but they are heavy.

• A water filtration system (and knowlege to use it) is good idea, but the troop should supply one.

• Food that doesn't need a lot of equipment to prepare or fragile/heavy/perishable ingredients.

• Snacks - keep up that energy!

• Hiking boots or shoes.

• Moleskin - nothing ruins a hike like a bad blister.