It’s time time to get outside again! We have gathered some suggestions here on packing for both scouts and adults. While we have some specific guides in The Old Man News archives, let’s start with Troop 70’s recommended Packing List. There are also other Troop 70 packing lists that you can find for summer and winter camps.

Clothing For Travel

Field Uniform: Scouts will need to be wearing a Field Uniform while traveling to and from our campout or any other event. Please refer to our Uniform page for more information.

Clothing for Camp

T-Shirts: While at camp, scouts will wear their Class B / Activity Uniform. This includes any scout or troop T-Shirt to replace the Scout Shirt. Everything else is essentially the same as the Field Uniform.

Shoes / Boots: A pair of sturdy shoes or boots is important. No open toes, or Crocs, not even for water activities. A second pair is a good idea depending on the weather and activity.

Rain Gear: We will be outside for our campouts along with the weather. Staying dry and warm is important, especially as it gets colder. Bring a waterproof poncho or rain jacket, along with appropriate mid- and base-layers.

Sleeping Gear: An extra set of clothes for sleeping may be helpful for the scout to stay warm at night.

Cold Weather: Appropriate clothing for cold weather will make every scout’s experience better. Either an under layer with shorts or long pants, along with jackets, gloves, hats, scarves, etc. are important.

Socks and Underwear: They may not change these, but having extras will make a huge difference if they need them.

Health Items

Scouts should pack toothbrush and toothpaste, soap, hand sanitizer, mask, soap, towel and toilet paper. Not every restroom is guaranteed to have toilet paper. — “Be Prepared” certainly applies here!

Every scout should have sunscreen and bug spray. All scouts must bring any medication that they need including rescue inhalers and EpiPens. Please inform a uniformed leader if medication needs to be dispensed.

The troop provides a first aid kit, but your scout should bring their own individual first aid kit as well.

Shelter and Sleep

Scouts will need sleeping bags, pillows, and pads / air mattresses. Remember that everything that goes camping will get dirty and need to be washed. Full-sized pillows, favorite blankets, etc. may not be the best choices. A ground cloth will usually be provided, but bringing your own is useful. Currently we are sleeping 4 per canvas tent, head-to-foot.

Eating

Scouts will need to bring their own mess kit, which should include utensils, plate / bowl, cup and water bottle. This should be stored in a mesh drying bag.

Scouts can be a hungry bunch, and snacks are important. Snacks should be brought in ant-proof and raccoon-proof containers.

Miscellaneous

Chairs are an important part of campout downtime such as sitting around the cooking fire and around fireside skits.

A flashlight / headlamp is important after dark. Practice keeping them away from eyes.

Finally, a sharpie permanent marker is a good idea because the lost and found is not a good place for things.

See the packing list for other miscellaneous items that scouts might like to bring camping.

Carrying / Storage

For one or two night camps, a duffel or small backpack is all that should be needed to carry individual gear. The sleeping bags / pads can be attached to the outside if necessary. We usually do not have to hike-in to our camp spots, so a duffel bag is sufficient until a backpack is truly needed.

Inside your pack / duffel, consider using dry bags, ziplocks, or trash bags to organize and keep things dry.

Final Thoughts

Consider that less-is-more when camping. Less unnecessary gear simplifies packing-up and is less to lose. It also will take less space in the tent.

Label your gear! It’s easier to make sure that it goes home with you if it is labeled.