Backpack List

Ten Essentials

  1. Rain gear, poncho or three trash bags (for body, legs, and pack) and waterproof hat
  2. Clothing (minimum, remember to layer with lightweight clothes for warmth)
  3. Extra food/snacks
  4. Small flashlight (head lamp for hiking/backpacking
  5. Fire starter (matches, small candle, etc.)
  6. Personal first aid kit in Ziploc bag
  7. Sun protection, hat and small tube of sunscreen
  8. Pocket knife
  9. Compass and Map (see leaders)
  10. Canteen or water bottle

Clothing to Wear

  • Socks – Thorlon, wool or other heavy, man made fiber – NOT COTTON! Keep in a sealed bag to prevent getting wet.
  • One pair for each day of hiking or plan on doing laundry.
  • Boots – well broken in, DO NOT USE NEW BOOTS ON A BACKPACK
  • Long Pants – loose fitting and either man made fiber or wool – avoid cotton
  • Hiking shorts
  • Jacket (wind and water resistant)
  • Sweater
  • Two tee shirts and a long sleeve turtleneck
  • Underwear for each day
  • Ski cap
  • Dress in layers so you can take on and put back on as needed.

Additional Items

  • Day pack for day hikes or optional peak hike during backpack.
  • Drinking cup
  • Plastic bowl and spoon
  • Toilet paper in Ziploc bag (works best if kept dry…)
  • In-camp closed toe sandles (optional for comfort)
  • Water shoes (optional, for when getting wet is expected)
  • Additional Equipment for Overnight Trips
    • Shelter or ground cloth (old shower curtain works as ground cloth)
    • Sleeping bag – ask for “good to 15 F”, look into a women’s bag, these have extra insulation on the upper body
    • Toothbrush and small travel toothpaste
    • Biodegradable soap or Ivory soap
    • Wash basin – One gal plastic milk bottle, cut out the top half and use the bottom
    • Face cloth to use as a towel

Beyond the items listed above, there will be the Troop equipment added to their pack (food, pots, pans, tent, etc. of about 7 to 15 lbs depending on boys size). The scout’s total pack weight cannot exceed 25% of their body weight. When weighing the pack at home, be sure to add for the Troop equipment and keep the total weight under the 25% weight limit. Please remember to fill two water bottles before weighing at home.

As an example, Joe Scout weighs 100 lbs. and his pack weight limit is 25 lbs. When packing at home his pack should not weigh more than 15 lbs so that 10 lbs of food and Troop equipment can be added. His total pack weight will then be 25 lbs.