Personal Equipment
Each Scout is responsible for his own personal equipment. To help those who are purchasing equipment, we have the following recommendations for specific equipment.
We do not recommend going out and purchasing all the equipment at one time.The list is intended to provide Scouts and parents with our views about specific types of equipment that we have found to work well for our camping trips.
Sleeping Bags
Sleeping bags are required for all camping trips.We recommend a three-season mummy bag rated for 15 degrees. weather. Sleeping bags can be expensive. The warmer the rating on the bag, the more expensive.You can get a mummy bag for $50 (Target or Meijer) to $100 or a little more (Dicks or Campmor).You can also use 2-3 blankets for campouts in warmer weather.If you have an adequate sleeping bag, don't purchase a new one: consider purchasing a better quality bag later if your son really enjoys camping.
A good foam sleeping pad is just as important as a sleeping bag for a good nights sleep.Closed cell pads are inexpensive ($15), light, durable, and work very well.Air mattresses are heavy, get holes in them, and won't keep you warm in winter weather.
On winter campouts, put your mummy bag inside another sleeping bag, or bring a couple of blankets.An extra sleeping pad or a blanket under your bag will keep you a lot warmer.
Carrying
You are strongly encouraged to have a backpack.Backpacks range in price from $75 to $125, and are a good way to carry and store your personal gear.You can use an internal frame or external frame pack, depending on your personal preference.Fit is most important: if the pack fits badly, you won't be able to use it. Capacity and the ability to grow with your son are also important.Talk to other campers, borrow different types of backpacks, listen to people who have bought and used them.If you buy a backpack, have a knowledgeable sales person fit it carefully.
However, on most Troop campouts where we don't hike into a campsite, a good duffle bag will work just as well.When we plan a backpacking trip, we'll talk about backpacks in plenty of time to let you buy one or find one to borrow.
Walking
Hiking boots are necessary for all outdoor Scouting activities. Inexpensive hiking boots are fine for the average growing Scout.As you stop growing, you may want to purchase better quality boots.Hiking boots come in a wide variety of styles and costs.Talk to adult leaders and older Scouts, especially those that have been to Philmont or Woods & Water, and listen to what boots they've found that work well.
All boots require cleaning, waterproofing and good, regular care.Find out what care your boots require and do it regularly.
On long hikes, a light, strong walking stick can be helpful.You can buy one or you can make one from wood, a stick you found, a piece of bamboo, etc.Making and using your own stick can be a lot of fun.Some people buy a pair of hiking sticks that can make a long hike with a heavy pack easier.Don't spend money until you talk to other Scouts and leaders who've used them and you know what you will need.Again, talk to Scout's who've been to Philmont to find out what works.
Rain protection
Rain gear is required on all outdoor activities. Ponchos and two-piece rain suits work best.They cost anywhere from $30 to $300 for Gore-Tex.You can get an inexpensive poncho that will last for several outings.Good gear will last for years.
Pocket knives
Pocket knives are used by all Scouts when they earn their Totin' Chip. This shows they have been trained to use knives and other ax yard equipment.Most useful pocket knife are under $20 and will do everything you need to do on a campout.A lock blade knife is safer to use.See what other Scouts are using before you buy one. Do not bring fixed-blade knives to campouts.
Flashlights
Each Scout should carry at least one flashlight.The best buy on a flashlight is a Mini‑Maglite. They cost $9-$10 at Galyan's's, Meijer, etc.They are lightweight, almost Scout-proof, and give a lot of light.You can get a headband to use one as a headlamp.There are other small flashlights that work as well as a Mini-Maglite. Headlamps (Petzl or PrincetonTec) are more expensive but are very useful for camp chores and reading after dark.Start with a small flashlight and try a headlamp later if you wish.
Compass
You do not need an expensive compass.Silva makes an excellent compass that costs around $12.The Scout Shop sells good-quality compasses.A simple base-plate compass will work for all Scout activities.
Water bottle
Water bottles are necessary on all outdoor activities.We recommend that you carry two 1-quart water bottles.The best deal are the 1 liter Lexan bottles by Nalgene at Galyan's's and other stores.They are easy to clean, almost indestructible, and cost about $8.Get one now and one later when you need it.
Personal hygiene
Each Scout should have a small toiletry kit containing travel size toothpaste, toothbrush, deodorant, soap, and small towel. All toiletries can be kept in a small zip‑lock bag.
Personal first aid kit
Each Scout must carry a small first aid kit. Requirement 6b for Second Class requires that all Scouts make a personal First Aid kit.Page 289 in the Boy Scout Handbook describes items that should be included in your first aid kit.You can put it in a zip‑lock bag, a Band‑Aid can or a Nestlé's Quick container.You can also buy a high quality ready-made kit at Galyan's's for about $15.If you will need a pain reliever or other medication on a campout, carry it in your first aid kit.
Eating
Each Scout must bring a mess kit made up of an insulated cup, plastic bowl, plastic plate (optional), and plastic eating utensils in a mesh bag.
The above list represents specific, suggested equipment for camping trips. While you should eventually have the equipment, please do not go out and purchase all the equipment at one time.Ask around the Troop.You would be surprised at how many people might have some of the equipment you could borrow.Borrowing lets you try out equipment as you decide what you want to buy.