Below is a suggested pack list for a weekend backpacking trip. This was written with a two-day trip in mind (leaving Saturday morning, for example).

Necessary

  • Backpack (not a book bag unless it's REALLY big)
  • Sleeping bag
  • Sleeping pad
  • Hiking shorts (wear them out) (suggest nylon short with built-in briefs -- no need to pack underwear)
  • Underwear, 2 pair if you don't use shorts noted above (wear one Sat morn, pack one to wear Sunday)
  • Hiking t-shirt (wear Sat morn)
  • One long sleeve t-shirt . it may get a little chilly Sat nite and a sleeve might feel good
  • Socks -- 2 pair (wear one Sat morn, carry one for Sun morn)
  • Shoes -- boots are good, running/athletic shoes should do fine
  • TP -- not a big, bulky full roll -- find a half to one third roll already in use at home, pull out the cardboard tube, flatten, and put in a Zip-Lok bag
  • Cup and spoon -- suggest a metal cup and Lexan (durable) spoon, a small bowl would work too but cup is best
  • Water bottle -- Nalgene is nice but a couple of nice sized Dasani or Deer Park empties will work fine
  • Bug spray
  • Flashlight
  • Toothbrush and paste
  • Personal first aid kit
  • Daily medications -- please alert leaders to what the Scout takes if this applies
  • Pocket knife/multi-tool -- no fixed blade/scabbard knives
  • Compass -- if you have one
  • One large garbage bag
  • Poncho or some sort of rain jacket -- a light nylon jacket will do since we will not go on the trip if major rain is forecast

Optional

  • Trowel (you can scratch a poop hole with your boot or a stick)
  • Boxers and clean t-shirt to sleep in
  • Camera
  • Sunscreen -- we'll be under the forest canopy most of the time so sun won't be a major issue
  • Camp chair
  • Cap

Do NOT bring

  • Electronic devices -- no Gameboys, iPods, etc.
  • Deodorant (unless it gets left at the cars with our Sunday/ride home Class B uniform)

For Sunday / return trip

Bring your Class B/Troop t-shirt, Scout shorts and socks and a clean pair of underwear to leave in the cars for the ride home (do not carry these on the backpacking part of the trip). Bring $5-6 for lunch on the way home Sunday.

Patrol Gear.

Be ready to carry your portion of:
  • Tent
  • Dining fly/tarp
  • Bear bag
  • Rope
  • Food
  • Stove
  • Pots