Checklist for Backpacking Trips

Basic Equipment

• Medical consent form and permission slip

• Backpack with padded waist belt (Pack must be fit tested)

• Sleeping bag in waterproof stuff sack (Sleeping bag must be rated 30F or lower)

• Backpacking Tent (share with another scout) with rainfly and stakes

• Plastic ground sheet

• Foam insulation pad

Clothing (including what you’re wearing)

• Hiking boots (not new but used)

• Three pairs of socks (one pair thin, one pair medium, one pair thick)

• Base layer clothing (class B T-shirt, extra underwear)

• Mid layer clothing (scout zip off pants, lite jacket or wool vest)

• Outer layer clothing (rain suit or poncho, waterproof heavy jacket)

• Extra clothing

• Warm hat (wool, fleece or down)

• Sun hat (scout hat or full brimmed hat)

• Bandanna (for sun protection)

Small Equipment

• Pocket knife

• Fork and spoon or spork

• Cup (large enough for cereal or soup)

• Plate or bowl (optional)

• Water bottle (1 Qt minimum)

• Small first aid kit (include Band-Aids and Moleskin)

• Medicines (leader must be informed)

• Lip balm

• Mosquito repellent or head-net

• Map and compass (leader will supply map in plastic bag)

• Flashlight or headlamp with extra batteries

Personal Equipment

• Toilet kit (toothbrush, toothpaste, small biodegradable soap bar or squeeze bottle, toilet paper in a plastic zip lock bag, small package of wet wipes, etc.

• Small towel or washcloth

• Small repair kit (safety pins, paper clips, rubber bands, small tie warps, tape)

• Sun protection (SPF 15)

• Sunglasses

• 2 large plastic bags and 2 small ziplock bags

• Watch

• Emergency blanket

For the car trip

• Bring scout handbook in the car

• Bag with clean clothing

• Large towel

• Spare shoes in a large plastic bag

Optional Equipment

• Water shoes, sandals or lite comfortable shoes

• Fanny pack or daypack

• Camera or phone

• Notebook and pencil

• Cards

• Small frisbee

• Para cord (clothes line or Camp gadget)

• Trekking rods

• Communal Equipment

• Water filter and iodine tablets

• Large first aid kit (including snake bite kit and accident report forms)

• Maps, permits in sealed plastic bags

• Cook stoves, fuel, cleaning gear

• Collapsible water carrying bag

• Large tarp and para cord