This list summarizes the minimum equipment necessary for a typical 3 day (Fri/Sat/Sun) warm-weather weekend backpacking campout from April to October. All packing should be in a backpack that fits and is in good repair. With respect to all your equipment, when you have a choice, take the smaller or lighter item. In packing the backpack, try to keep heavier items higher, closer to the frame and centrally balanced. Remember, you also need to leave some room for shared gear (stove, tent, etc.). It is a good idea to keep everything in small stuff-sacks or large, clear plastic bags; this helps you keep things organized and weatherproof. Check off each item as you actually pack it.
Shelter:
_____ Tents (2-man best)
_____ Ground Cloths (3 mil poly cut 1-2” smaller than tent)
Tents should be split between two Scouts – First Scout takes the actual tent, while the Second takes the poles, rain-fly, tent-stakes and ground cloth.
Sleeping Gear:
_____ A sleeping bag, less than 3 lbs and rated to about 20 degrees.
_____ A foam pad (Sunny’s –Texsport blue pad $10 – 7oz.!)
Do not bring large, heavyweight sleeping bags; if your sleeping bag is not rated low enough for the expected weather conditions, bring an extra light blanket or flannel liner. Do not bring pillows.
Eating Gear:
_____ A medium sized bowl, plastic, with name plainly marked.
_____ A heavy-duty plastic soup spoon (lexan), with name plainly marked.
_____ A medium sized plastic cup, with name plainly marked.
Do not bring cheap (breakable) plastic, metal, glass or other heavyweight items!
Clothing and Equipment: You should hike wearing a pair of shorts a T-shirt(in summer), hiking boots or a good, sturdy pair of trail running sneakers (boots are much preferred) with thick socks (see gear guide). Make sure the shoelaces are in good condition; if not, install new before departure. Additional clothing and personal gear, packed:
_____ 1 pair underwear (synthetic, if possible)
_____ 2 pair socks(1 hiking, 1 liner (not white gym socks)
_____ 1 T-Shirt (synthetic or at least 50/50)
_____ 1 pair long pants w/zip off legs(synthetic[nylon] – not jeans-check target )
_____ 1 light fleece (or sweatshirt or sweater)
_____ A light belt
_____ A medium wt. wind/rain resistant jacket
_____ A hat (Baseball Cap OK)
_____ A small towel (tiny)
_____ A toothbrush
_____ A small “dirty clothes” bag, preferably cloth (doubles as pillow/stuff-sack)
_____ A 1-quart water bottle (not squirt kind), full
_____ 1 – 2 large, plastic trash-bags
_____ Any Required Medications (always notify tour leader!)
_____ Scout Uniform (left in cars!)
_____ A poncho or rain-coat(light weight), nylon rain pants
_____ A pack-cover
_____ A small/medium sized flashlight with fresh batteries.(see gear guide)
_____ A second 1-quart water bottle, full
_____ A medium weight jacket(fleece or polyfill or a down vest)
_____ A knit, pullover cap or balaclava
Optional Equipment:
_____ Good Sunglasses
_____ A very light pair of sneakers (only if hiking wearing boots)
_____ Personal Kit, including small tube of sunscreen, lip-balm and insect repellent, and your personal clean-up gear. Keep it very small and very lightweight!