Camping Essentials 

Table of Contents

Sleeping Bag

The troop camps year-round so you’ll need a lightweight sleeping bag rated for 20 degrees. You can find a good sleeping bag for around $50 – $75. There is no need to purchase a down sleeping bag – they’re too expensive and will not keep you warm if they get wet. You want a bag with synthetic fill. It is ok to get a bag that is a little too long for them right now. There are rectangular and mummy style bags. Rectangular bags offer the most room to move but they tend to be more bulky when rolled up. Mummy style bags are snug to the body, light to carry, and have a hood for your head that will conserve your body heat. You will need a stuff sack for the bag. Check to make sure that you (the scout) can stuff the sleeping bag into the stuff sack. You may have to purchase a larger stuff sack. A small camp pillow is a nice comfort to have. I don’t recommend that you use one of the pillows off your bed because the size of the pillow will take up too much room in your pack. 

Sleeping Pad

A pad makes life in the outdoors more comfortable and serves as insulation when it is cold. There are closed cell pads, foam pads, air beds, and self inflating mattresses. The closed cell pads are the best (brand names like RidgeRest) because they are lightweight, durable, shed water and are affordable ($15 – $25). I don’t recommend foam pads because they act like a sponge when they get wet. I also don’t recommend air beds because they are too heavy and bulky for scout camping. Self-inflating mattresses are comfortable but too expensive ($60 and up). Cots are not necessary. 

Footwear

Lightweight boots with ankle support will serve you well for hiking and camping. The boots must fit well. Your heels should not slip when walking and there should be room for your toes to wiggle. HiTec makes a boot for about $50. You can also pack a pair of sneakers for walking around the campsite. Shoes must be closed toe to protect you from injury. Purchase hiking socks that are made of wool or wool nylon blend. Wigwam and SmartWool are a couple good brands of hiking socks. The Scout Shop also sells official Scouting America hiking socks. See pages 275 – 276 in your Scout handbook for information on boots and socks.

Clothing

Pack for the season and dress in layers so that you can adjust your clothing to the changing weather conditions. Pack your clothes in 2 gallon Ziploc freezer bags. ∙ Warm-weather clothing includes the following: long-sleeved shirt, T-shirt, shorts, long pants, sweater or warm jacket (avoid cotton), rain gear, extra socks, and extra underwear. Pack an extra set of clothes. ∙ Cold-weather clothing includes the following: long-sleeved shirt, warm shirt (wool or fleece), long pants, long underwear, extra socks, insulated parka or coat with hood, warm hat, gloves, rain gear, and extra underwear. Pack an extra set of clothes. Clothing should be made of wool or warm synthetic fabric and avoid cotton clothing when the weather is cool, cold or wet. 

Backpack

You will need a backpack to carry all of your gear. There are internal and external frame backpacks. I recommend that you purchase an external frame pack that has an adjustable frame. Kelty makes a few packs that have an adjustable frame that expands as the scout grows. It costs around $100 – $130 but will last the scout from the age of 11 through 18+.

Rain gear

The troop camps in all types of weather so you will want to invest in rain gear. A coated nylon rain suit works best. Vinyl ponchos and vinyl suits are not durable and will probably only last for one trip. You don’t have to invest in gore-tex or a breathable fabric suit in the beginning of your camping career. They cost much more than the nylon suits. Pack the rain suit in a Ziploc bag at the top of your pack. Campmor sells light coated nylon rain suits in youth sizes. 

Eating utensils

Each scout must provide her own eating utensils and mess kit. You will need an unbreakable bowl and unbreakable plate, fork, spoon, knife, plastic mug for cold and hot drinks and a mess bag to carry it all. GSI makes a 7 piece mess kit that costs about $12. 

Water bottle

A sturdy bottle that can easily be refilled is a must. You can use a sports bottle, Camelbak or Nalgene bottle. 

Personal First Aid Kit

Pack a first aid kit for treatment of minor cuts, scrapes, blisters, etc. The kit should be packed in a Ziploc bag and include adhesive bandages, gauze pads, adhesive tape, moleskin, sterilizer, ointment, and disposable gloves. See page 127 in your Scout handbook. The troop has a large first aid kit for more serious injuries. 

Flashlight

A compact LED flashlight or headlight that uses AA or AAA batteries is the best choice. Flashlights that take D size batteries and spotlights are not recommended because of the size. You will want a light that fits in your pocket or can be carried on your belt. Pack extra batteries. 

Pocket Knife

A folding pocket knife with a blade 4 inches or less is all you need. The official Scouting America pocket knife is a great knife for new scouts. Knives that do not fold are prohibited. Swiss army knives and multi-tools are great but can be costly. Knives tend to get lost therefore you may not want to invest in an expensive knife. Please note that a scout can not carry a pocket knife without a permit called “Totin Chip” (it can be earned at summer camp or a troop campout). 

Compass

Scouts will need a compass on most hikes. Purchase one that has a clear base and the needle floats in liquid. Don’t spend a lot but don’t buy a cheap one. The Silva Polaris BSA compass sells for $15. Do not purchase the kind with fold-up sights or mirrors. 

Personal Care Products

even though you are out in the woods you should pack some items to keep yourself clean. In a Ziploc bag you can pack soap, toothbrush, toothpaste, floss, comb, washcloth and towel. You can buy “pack towels” which look like a piece of felt but are absorbent and take up very little space in your pack. 

Trail food

A small bag of granola, raisins, nuts, or a couple energy bars will give you a boost when you are hungry on the trail. 

Sun protection and insect repellent

Pack a small tube of sunscreen SPF 30 or higher and a pump spray insect repellent. A hat and lip balm will give added protection from the sun. The sunscreen and insect repellent should be packed in a Ziploc bag. 

Firestarters

A box of waterproof matches and some fire starters should be packed in a Ziploc bag and carried in your backpack. Lint from your dryer makes a great fire starter. You can also purchase fire sticks or magnesium starters from any camping store. 

Tents

Tents have the shape of an A-frame or a dome and are roomy enough for 2 to 3 scouts. Each style of tent has its advantages/disadvantages. If you have not purchased a tent then I recommend that you wait to see what type of tent you would like best. The troop has tents that scouts can use on campouts. The scouts will be trained how to set-up and take-down the troop tent. 

What do I leave at home?

  • Radios, iPods, iPads, DVD players, TVs
  • Cell phones
  • Nintendo DS / PSP
  • Clothing that features products, symbols, or language that is inconsistent with the scouting values. 
  • Anything that can not be replaced if you lose it

Where can I purchase equipment? 

  • Monmouth Council Scout Shop, Morganville 
  • Campmor, Paramus NJ www.campmor.com 
  • Amazon 
  • REI, Marlton NJ www.rei.com 
  • Walmart
  • Dick’s Sporting Goods