Backpacking Information

This page is under construction. As a first cut, we've included our 3-day backpacking trek equipment list. This is a good guide for what each scout will need on a short backpacking trek, such as one of our mini-treks.

Over time we plan to add information about backpacking -- suggestions for where to go, recommended equipment, recipes, and so forth. For now, we suggest you visit our Links pages for pointers to other sites that have backpacking information.

PACKING

• Backpack (internal or external frame)
• Straps to fasten items to pack (no bungee cords)
• Plastic garbage bags
• Plastic zip lock bags

SLEEPING

• Sleeping bag (rated to +20 F at least)
• Sleeping back cover (waterproof plastic bag OK)
• Tent -- Nylon (optional, should be shared, both to sleep and to carry)
• Ground cloth for under tent

WEARING

• Hiking boots (well broken-in)
• 1 pair of camp shoes
• 1 pair heavy socks and 1 pair of lighter inner socks
• 1 pair nylon shorts (suggest with liner versus carrying cotton underwear – can also be used for swimming)
• 1 pair of long pants (polyester or nylon is lighter/sweat pants might be useful for sleeping/cotton jeans not the most desirable)
• Extra tee shirt
• Long sleeve shirt
• Sweat shirt or jacket
• Hat or cap (sun protection)
• Rain suit or poncho (plastic not recommended)

EATING

• Deep bowl or small plate (optional)
• Sierra cup
• Spoon (fork and knife not needed)
• 2 water bottles (1 quart capacity -- screw on cap preferred)

PERSONAL AND MISCELLANEOUS

• Small pocket knife (no sheath knives, Leatherman tool is OK)
• Matches in waterproof container
• Small flashlight (extra batteries & bulb)
• Compass
• Duct tape (10' - 15', not a whole roll)
• Whistle (good idea if you are lost to contact others -- use only when lost)
• Personal first aid kit, carry with you at all times (moleskin, lip balm, 30 SPF sunscreen, bandaids, insect repellant, iodine water tablets)
• Biodegradable soap
• Toothbrush/Toothpaste
• Toilet paper & digging trowel
• Small towel
• Paper and pencil

OPTIONAL EQUIPMENT

• Sunglasses
• Thermarest or foam pad (Thermarest pads are nice since they are light and lift you off the ground, thereby insulating better)
• Small camera
• Watch
• Fanny pack
• Fishing equipment
• Change of clothes for ride home (leave in the vehicles)
• $20.00 for travel food

PATROL EQUIPMENT

• 1 camp stove
• 2 fuel cylinders
• 1 bottle of camp suds and brush or sponge
• 1 wash basin
• 1 rain fly
• 1 large first aid kit for the entire group (an adult should carry)
• Maps
• 1 two-quart water container (collapsible)
• 2 coffee cans (1 pound)
• Cup (with measurement markings)
• 2 bear bags & 50' nylon rope
• 1 group pack repair kit
• 1 large spoon and/or spatula