Camping & Supply List
Everything you need for a successful camping adventure.
Important Reminders
- Cub Scouts 6 Essentials
- Scouts BSA 10 Essentials
- Review the itinerary for the trip for any specific gear needed.
- Check with your unit leader for any trip-specific requirements.
- Label all items with your name using permanent marker or labels.
- Check the weather forecast before packing and adjust clothing accordingly.
- Be prepared for rain, even if the forecast is clear.
- Pack clothing in waterproof bags.
- Turn in medications to the Scoutmaster
- Leave prohibited items at home (fireworks, weapons, alcohol, etc.)
Hiking
Essential Gear
- Day pack
- Reusable Water bottle
- Trail snacks
- Map and compass
- First aid kit
- Whistle (for safety)
- Sunscreen
- Insect repellent
- Personal toilet paper / tissues (in ziplock)
Clothing
- Hiking boots
- Class B Uniform
- Rain jacket
- Hat for sun protection
- Extra socks
Camping
Essential Gear
- Backpack (appropriate size)
- Sleeping bag (temperature-rated)
- Blanket or sheet
- Sleeping pad or air mattress
- Pillow
- Headlamp or flashlight with extra batteries
- Whistle (safety)
- Scout handbook
- Pen/pencil and small notebook
- Camping chair
- Lantern
Clothing
- Class B Uniforms
- Rain jacket or poncho
- Extra socks and underwear
- Hiking boots
- Sneakers
- Hat or cap (sun protection)
- Sleepwear
- Warm jacket or fleece
- Hat and gloves (for cold nights)
Mess Kit
- Plate and bowl
- Fork, knife, spoon
- Water bottle (reusable)
Health & Hygiene
- Toothbrush and toothpaste
- Comb or brush
- Hair ties (for long hair)
- Sunscreen
- Insect repellent
- Toilet paper / tissues (in ziplock)
- Deodorant
- Hand sanitizer
- Prescription medications (turn in to Scoutmaster)
- Personal first aid kit
Scouts BSA Summer Camp
Essential Gear
- Footlocker
- Sleeping bag
- Sleeping pad
- Light blanket / sheet
- Pillow
- Headlamp + extra batteries
- Scout handbook
- Merit Badge prerequisites
- Notebook and pen/pencil
- Camping chair
Clothing
- Enough Class B uniforms for the week
- Class A uniform (labeled, on hanger)
- Activity-specific clothing
- Swimsuit and towel
- Rain gear
- Plenty of socks and underwear
- Sturdy shoes for hiking
- Closed-toe water shoes (no Crocs)
- Warm layers for evenings
Mess Kit
- Plate, bowl, and cup
- Utensils
- Reusable water bottle
Health & Hygiene
- Toothbrush and toothpaste
- Deodorant
- Soap and shampoo
- Quick-dry towel
- Sunscreen, insect repellent
- Personal hygiene items
- Shower shoes
- Prescription medications (turn in to Scoutmaster)
- Personal first aid kit
Scouts BSA Backpacking
Backpacking Essentials
- Backpacking pack (35–60L)
- Sleeping bag
- Sleeping pad
- Trekking poles (optional)
Clothing
- Moisture-wicking base layers
- Insulating mid-layers
- Waterproof/windproof outer layer
- Multiple pairs of hiking socks
- Hiking boots
- Hat and gloves (for cold nights)
- Camp shoes (lightweight)
Food & Cooking
- Utensils (spork recommended)
- Dehydrated meals and snacks (2500–3000 cal/day)
- Zip-top bag for trash
- Reusable water bottle
- Mess kit
Health & Hygiene
- Toothbrush and toothpaste
- Deodorant
- Sunscreen, insect repellent
- Personal hygiene items
- Prescription medications (turn in to Scoutmaster)
- Personal first aid kit
Backpacking Packing Tips
Distribute weight across your patrol: For items that you can be shared like tents and stoves, coordinate how to distribute weight.
Hiking Accessibility: Items you’ll need during the day (water, snacks, rain jacket) should be easily accessible in outer pockets or near the top of your pack.
Adjust Your Straps: Before the trip, pack everything and try it on. Ideally 80% of the weight should be carried by your hips, and 20% carried by your shoulders.
Weight Distribution: Place heavy items close to your back and centered between your shoulder blades. Keep lighter items at the top and bottom of your pack.
Waterproofing: Even if your pack is water-resistant, use plastic bags or dry sacks for clothing and sleeping bags. A wet sleeping bag can ruin your camping experience.
Cotton Kills: Cotton fabrics absorb moisture (sweat or rain) and dry very slowly. Choose wool or synthetics to stay dry.
Rule of 20%: Your loaded pack, including food and water, should generally not exceed 20% of your body weight.
What NOT to Bring
- A tent from home Our troop provides tents.
- Anything requiring plug-in electricity Most of our campsites do not have power.
- Electronics (iPads, tablets) Discuss with the Scoutmaster if accommodations are needed.
- No cots for scouts. Bring a foam mat or air mattress
- Air mattresses in cold weather Not recommended unless R-value 5+.
- No food in personal gear Tell us at drop-off so we can keep all camp food together.
