Packing Lists

Everything you need for a successful outdoor 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 questions.
  • 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.
  • We prefer pump style sunscreen and insect repellant, not aerosol sprays. Kids often overspray aerosols, which are very flammable. Aerosol insect repellant containing DEET can damage tent waterproofing.
  • Turn in medications to the unit leader.
  • Leave prohibited items at home (fireworks, weapons, alcohol, etc.)

Weekend Camping

Essential Gear

  • Day bag with headlamp, water, money for meals if needed, and anything needed for the drive (this will stay with the scout on the way to camp)
  • Backpack or duffel bag with all other gear (this will be packed in a trailer on the way to camp)
  • Sleeping bag (appropriate temperature)
  • Blanket or sheet
  • Sleeping pad or air mattress
  • Pillow
  • Headlamp with extra batteries
  • Whistle (for safety)
  • Pen/pencil and small notebook
  • Camping chair
  • Lantern

Clothing

  • Class B Uniforms
  • Rain jacket or poncho
  • Extra socks and underwear
  • Hiking boots
  • Sneakers (backup pair to hiking boots)
  • Hat for sun protection
  • Sleepwear
  • Warm jacket or fleece
  • Hat and gloves (for cold nights)

Mess Kit

  • Plate and bowl
  • Fork, knife, spoon
  • Reusable water bottle (1 liter recommended)

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

Overnight Summer Camp

Essential Gear

  • Day bag with headlamp, water, money for meals if needed, and anything needed for the drive (this will stay with the scout on the way to camp)
  • Footlocker packed with all other gear (this will be packed in a trailer on the way to camp)
  • Sleeping bag (appropriate temperature)
  • Sleeping pad
  • Light blanket / sheet
  • Pillow
  • Headlamp + extra batteries
  • Merit Badge prerequisites
  • Notebook and pen/pencil
  • Camping chair
  • Reusable water bottle (1 liter recommended)

Clothing

  • Enough Class B uniforms for the week
  • Class A uniform (labeled, on hanger)
  • Activity-specific clothing (long pants are required for some activities, check with your unit leader)
  • Swimsuit and towel
  • Rain gear
  • Plenty of socks and underwear
  • Sturdy shoes for hiking
  • Closed-toe water shoes (no Crocs)
  • Warm layers for evenings

Health & Hygiene

  • Shower caddy or bag to hold hygiene supplies
  • 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

Overnight Summer Camp Packing Tips

Label Everything: We have a lot of the same gear, so label everything. If you bring zip off convertible pants label each pant leg.

Bug Tents: Bug tents are not required and most scouts prefer not to use them because they take up a lot of room in the tent. If you are purchasing a bug tent, look for a smaller width (about 30″ wide) and height (about 22″ tall) tent so they fit better on the cot and inside the tent. Do make sure your scout can fit in the bug tent before leaving for camp!

Day Hikes

Essential Gear

  • Day pack
  • Reusable water bottle (1 liter recommended)
  • Trail snacks
  • Map and compass (check with unit leader)
  • First aid kit
  • Whistle (for safety)
  • Sunscreen
  • Insect repellent (pump style, not aerosol)
  • Personal toilet paper / tissues (in ziplock)

Clothing

  • Hiking boots
  • Class B Uniform
  • Rain jacket
  • Hat for sun protection
  • Extra socks

Scouts BSA Backpacking

Backpacking Essentials

  • Backpacking pack (35–60L)
  • Sleeping bag (appropriate temperature)
  • 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
  • 2 Reusable water bottles (1 liter bottles)
  • 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.

Reviews: Backpacking gear comes in all price ranges. For reviews of budget to high end gear check out Miranda Goes Outside.

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
  • Aerosol Insect Repellant or Sunscreen We prefer pump style sprays for safety and protecting waterproof linings of our tents
  • 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.

Prepared. For Life.